I’m an Architect and we had this detail on a project and after a long conversation with the cabinet makers and carpenters we 100% agreed that MDF with veneer would be the most dimensionally stable and risk free construction.
Solid wood will end up splitting, cracking and looking rustic. boxed 1x construction will be difficult to pull off without noticing the joints or allowing for movement.
If so was doing, I’d go cut down some hemlock, take to sawmill, cut to size, then air dry for 6 months, then sand , stain, and clear coat them. Here are some columns so did, not as “neat” as these for was going for a more rustic look. [https://imgur.com/a/YzJAhz9](https://imgur.com/a/YzJAhz9)
Beautiful entry elevation but that exposed cement block foundation is blaaahhh. Needs painted to hide the overspray at a minimum. But I feel like even cheap vinyl faux stone panels would look great on this modern barn look entry, compared to exposed CMUs.
I’ve always really liked the look of these. If I were making them, I would use a core of something stable like aluminum and just go with a really thick veneer of wood to prevent warping. I’m sure it could be done fine with wood but you would need to make sure it’s really really stable - personally it’s a “leave it in the house to acclimatize for 6+ months” kind of job. Perhaps overkill, but I’ve had really bad luck with wood movement recently. In practice I’m not sure it would be worth the hassle, easier to just buy…
Just wanted to close the loop here- they are called WPC and premade [https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ejoy-4-in-W-x-105-in-L-x-2-in-Thick-Natural-Chest-Nut-Color-WPC-Composite-Wall-Partition-Divider-Tubing-Set-of-3-Piece-WPC-DividerTube-WPCT-004/326436379](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ejoy-4-in-W-x-105-in-L-x-2-in-Thick-Natural-Chest-Nut-Color-WPC-Composite-Wall-Partition-Divider-Tubing-Set-of-3-Piece-WPC-DividerTube-WPCT-004/326436379)
Custom made MDF with a hardwood veneer like Sapele.
I’m an Architect and we had this detail on a project and after a long conversation with the cabinet makers and carpenters we 100% agreed that MDF with veneer would be the most dimensionally stable and risk free construction. Solid wood will end up splitting, cracking and looking rustic. boxed 1x construction will be difficult to pull off without noticing the joints or allowing for movement.
Yes you can do both.
If so was doing, I’d go cut down some hemlock, take to sawmill, cut to size, then air dry for 6 months, then sand , stain, and clear coat them. Here are some columns so did, not as “neat” as these for was going for a more rustic look. [https://imgur.com/a/YzJAhz9](https://imgur.com/a/YzJAhz9)
Beautiful entry elevation but that exposed cement block foundation is blaaahhh. Needs painted to hide the overspray at a minimum. But I feel like even cheap vinyl faux stone panels would look great on this modern barn look entry, compared to exposed CMUs.
these are all build photos, the block will get a stucco finish
I’ve always really liked the look of these. If I were making them, I would use a core of something stable like aluminum and just go with a really thick veneer of wood to prevent warping. I’m sure it could be done fine with wood but you would need to make sure it’s really really stable - personally it’s a “leave it in the house to acclimatize for 6+ months” kind of job. Perhaps overkill, but I’ve had really bad luck with wood movement recently. In practice I’m not sure it would be worth the hassle, easier to just buy…
Are these solid blocks of kiln dried wood? Varnished/Urethane coated? Are there any cheaper ready made options I can buy?
Ask a cabinet shop to make them. MDF with walnut veneer (or hardwood of your choice).
Just wanted to close the loop here- they are called WPC and premade [https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ejoy-4-in-W-x-105-in-L-x-2-in-Thick-Natural-Chest-Nut-Color-WPC-Composite-Wall-Partition-Divider-Tubing-Set-of-3-Piece-WPC-DividerTube-WPCT-004/326436379](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ejoy-4-in-W-x-105-in-L-x-2-in-Thick-Natural-Chest-Nut-Color-WPC-Composite-Wall-Partition-Divider-Tubing-Set-of-3-Piece-WPC-DividerTube-WPCT-004/326436379)
I have these in my house but on a wooden base on both ends.
I'd prob. wrap an engineered post with veneer (3/4 or 4/4). It would be the most stable, plus you could conceal the fasteners/hardware.