Edensaw Woods is the Evergreen State's leading supplier of high-quality
marine woods for the construction of boats, docks, and other marine structures. We have experienced and knowledgeable staff who can assist you and answer any questions you may have regarding whether a particular marine wood is appropriate for your woodworking project. Edensaw carries a wide range of high-quality marine wood, including boule - air dried and timbers.
Marine woods are specially selected to survive the severe conditions of marine settings while offering unparalleled beauty and durability. This category includes a wide range of wood species that have been specifically treated or processed to enhance their resistance to moisture, rot, and decay. These woods are meticulously air dried to remove excess moisture, ensuring stability and preventing warping or splitting. As a result, the material can withstand constant contact with water and salt, making it perfect for marine applications.
Boule - Air Dried - An air-dried boule is a large section of wood that has been cut horizontally across the trunk and kept in order as a stack of sequential boards. In the context of wood processing, the term "boule" refers to a log or part of a tree trunk that has been sliced into wide, thick slabs. This form maximizes yield while utilizing the inherent grain patterns of the wood, often keeping the unique "live edge" intact.
Air-dried boules are generally preferred by woodworkers and craftspeople over green or newly cut wood for their improved stability and lower chance of distortion. The prolonged, natural drying process helps the wood acclimatize and attain a moisture equilibrium, resulting in a more durable and workable material for boat-building, dock-building, and building any other marine structure.
Marine wood timbers are wood species that have been specifically developed and processed for structural use in marine environments. These timbers are utilized in a variety of applications that require exposure to water, moisture, and harsh circumstances, such as boat building, dock construction, and marine pilings.
Teak, mahogany, and oak are common hardwood species used to make marine wood timbers because of their natural resistance to deterioration and rot. Some species have high oil or silica content, which provides natural qualities that make them resistant to water and ideal for prolonged exposure.
Maritime wood timbers are subjected to specific treatments to improve their performance and resilience to dampness, rot, and marine borers. To provide added protection against the elements, these treatments may involve pressure-treating the wood with preservatives or utilizing specialized coating techniques.
Choosing Species for Specific Marine Components - The best marine wood depends on the specific part and its exposure level:
- Boat Decking (High Exposure): Teak remains the gold standard due to its natural silica content (providing non-slip grip) and dimensional stability in extreme weather. It requires minimal sealing because of its inherent oils.
- Hull Planking (Structural): Traditionally requires strong, stable woods like White Oak (often steamed and bent) or various types of Mahogany (such as Khaya or Honduras Mahogany) due to their good strength-to-weight ratio and sealant retention.
- Interior Joinery (Below Deck): Species like Spanish Cedar or Mahogany are popular because they are naturally aromatic (deterring insects) and offer beautiful finishing characteristics while maintaining stability in a confined, sometimes humid, cabin environment.
- Dock/Pier Pilings (Continuous Water Contact): For permanent, unprotected immersion, only pressure-treated timbers (often Douglas Fir or Pine treated to AWPA specifications) or tropical hardwoods with extremely high natural durability, like Ipe or Greenheart, should be used.
Essential Preservation and Maintenance - Proper preparation and maintenance extend the life of all marine woods:
- Preservative Treatments: For woods used in docks and pilings, look for timbers treated with CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate) or ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary). These chemicals are pressure-forced deep into the wood fibers, providing the maximum possible protection against decay, fungi, and marine borers.
- Fastener Selection: Since many marine woods contain corrosive natural oils (like Teak) or are treated with copper-based preservatives, always use stainless steel (316 grade) or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners. Standard steel will quickly corrode and stain the wood.
- Finishing: Exterior marine structures typically benefit from penetrating marine oils or varnishes designed specifically to withstand UV radiation and saltwater spray, which prevent checking and graying.
Do you require
marine wood for any of your projects? We deliver high-quality marine wood that meets your specifications. Edensaw Woods offers marine woods with unrivaled beauty and durability, whether you're building a boat, dock, or any other marine project. As your local domestic & exotic supplier, local marine & cabinet grade plywood supplier, and local rough sawn & surfaced lumber supplier, we serve Seattle-Port Townsend-Tacoma and the neighboring Pacific Northwest regions. Please
contact us for expert assistance.
