Wood species, ranked by value
- Pressure-treated southern yellow pine — the budget standard. Always specify "ground contact" rated for any post that goes into concrete.
- Western red cedar — the DIY default for visible parts. Naturally rot- and insect-resistant, lightweight, and finishes beautifully.
- Douglas fir — a high-strength workhorse for beams and rafters in larger spans, but always finish it for outdoor use.
- Cypress — a regionally affordable cedar alternative across the Gulf states.
- Redwood — premium and gorgeous, but increasingly expensive. Best reserved for showcase pavilions.
- White oak, black locust, mahogany — heritage choices that outlast everything else; expect to pay 2-4× cedar pricing.
- Composite framing (Trex/Azek) — zero maintenance, but heavy and roughly 2.4× cedar pricing. Justified only on shoreline or harsh-climate builds.
Fasteners — what to never economize on
Every outdoor connection lives in a corrosive environment of moisture, tannic acid (cedar is acidic), and the chemicals in pressure-treated lumber. Use only of the following:
- Hot-dip galvanized framing nails, joist hangers, post brackets, and lag bolts (G185 minimum).
- Stainless steel (316) for any coastal or marine environment, and always for shade-sail hardware.
- Structural exterior wood screws (GRK, Spax, Simpson SDWS, etc.) for rafter-to-beam attachment — avoid drywall screws or interior decking screws.
Concrete & footings
Two 60-lb bags of standard mix produce roughly one cubic foot of cured concrete, which is enough for a 12-inch-diameter footing about 18 inches deep. Most plans in this library specify 36-inch-deep footings, which means ~2 bags per hole on average. For larger pavilion posts, bump to 16-inch diameter and 4 bags per hole. Always use a fast-setting mix if you're working on a tight schedule and need to set posts the same day.
Finishes
The single best finish for outdoor cedar is a penetrating oil — Cabot Australian Timber Oil, Penofin Brazilian Rosewood, and Olympic Maximum semi-transparent are all proven options. Apply two coats with a natural-bristle brush, allowing 24 hours between coats. Plan to refresh the finish every 2-3 years on horizontal surfaces and every 4-5 years on vertical surfaces.