Pergola / Verandah / Outdoor Timbers?

Whenever I've built a verandah / pergola / roof I've always used Seasoned TP F7 now F5.
Driving around and looking at front porches and the like I notice alot of smooth timbers being used. I ask the above question because I want to know what timber I can use in outdoor app's to get around the lasercut ribbed look. The lasercut stuff also doesn't look nice sitting on a housed out post because of the radius from the laser cut.
I know Oregon / Douglas Fir is commonly used but have seen some bad things with it especially when not adequately protected.
And there is the new pre-primed laminated stuff.

1. What timbers are being used out there in outdoor applications?
and -
2. What species of timber is a fascia board made from?

Thanks guys,
Dr - 307.

1. What timbers are being used out there in outdoor applications?

I've been using OB (rough sawn) hardwood in exposed situations. Recycled seasoned hardwood too when I can get it and it suits the purpose

2. What species of timber is a fascia board made from?

The facia I've just bought is some sort of pine from NZ that has been pre-primed & LOSP treated. I don't think it is radiata (weight isn't right) which led me to think it might be rimu (but I'd be guessing).

Thanks SBD,
Doesn't the hardwood give you problems later on.

And what of a smooth finish? Iis everyone using Douglas Fir / Oregon, painting it and then worrying about it later?

Doc.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dr - 307

Thanks SBD,
Doesn't the hardwood give you problems later on.

And what of a smooth finish? Iis everyone using Douglas Fir / Oregon, painting it and then worrying about it later?

Doc.

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Hey Doc,
What sort of 'problems' are you suggesting? Once the hardwood has been oiled it is fairly resistant to the elements in the long term as long as you don't do anything silly like provide places for moisture to collect or grow timber grabbing climbers up it (eg ivy) - normal climbers are genrally OK but need regular management.

I've used Oregon in our new roof & rear verandah and given the fact that it is totally protected from the elements overhead and we have a semi arid environment here.....I've left it raw

SBD,
With Oregon I've seen it swell and decay when it's in the outdoors of course. And it's been painted.
You say 'oil it'. How does it come up?
Oregon / Douglas Fir is structually rated F7....yeah?

Doc.

Usually F7 or F8

outdoor decks/pergolas etc we generally use treated pine, if client wants something nice use merbau a bit $$ though

fascia is made from finger jointed treated pine

Thanks guys,
Driving around on the weekend I was again looking at different verandahs and things and I could see that new verandahs built from oregon looked nice and smooth but older ones where the weather got to them started to swell and look almost 'brittle'.
I reckon with the new pre-primed laminated Design -Pine I would use that for any exposed fascias or beams and then use oregon for the members that were completely under roof line.
I still like the old F7 (now F5) TP Dry stuff though.

Thanks,
Dr - 307.