Just wondering what others have used when it comes to timber for natatoriums. We are currently using inland red cedar timber decking on doug fir (or possibly alaskan yellow cedar) glulams. I have gotten conflicting information from timber suppliers.
Biggest conflict is in regards to wood species. One supplier feels that because it is a commercial bldg with dedicated dehumidification and mechanical equipment that it will not matter what species of wood the glulams or decking is chosen(cedar, s. pine, or doug fir). Their thought is that since red cedar is preferred for aesthetics that the interior lamination be red cedar and remaining doug fir.
Another supplier recommends an inland red cedar for decking (preferably all laminates) and alaskan cedar for glulam but that doug fir might suffice untreated due to closed cell nature and dehumidification.
My thought was that the decking should be red cedar (all laminations) due to its decay resistance over doug fir and its more constant exposure and transferring of humidity. Im a little indifferent on the glulam species in that doug fir seems as if it would likely suffice but that alaskan yellow cedar would be optimum but more costly.
Other conflict is in regards to deflection limits. The one supplier is really pushing l/180 or even l/120. We have 5" deck spanning 14' with some snow drifting at the building perimeter. At first thought l/120 (or even 180) seems to heed on the light side.
Anyone have any experience good or bad?
Biggest conflict is in regards to wood species. One supplier feels that because it is a commercial bldg with dedicated dehumidification and mechanical equipment that it will not matter what species of wood the glulams or decking is chosen(cedar, s. pine, or doug fir). Their thought is that since red cedar is preferred for aesthetics that the interior lamination be red cedar and remaining doug fir.
Another supplier recommends an inland red cedar for decking (preferably all laminates) and alaskan cedar for glulam but that doug fir might suffice untreated due to closed cell nature and dehumidification.
My thought was that the decking should be red cedar (all laminations) due to its decay resistance over doug fir and its more constant exposure and transferring of humidity. Im a little indifferent on the glulam species in that doug fir seems as if it would likely suffice but that alaskan yellow cedar would be optimum but more costly.
Other conflict is in regards to deflection limits. The one supplier is really pushing l/180 or even l/120. We have 5" deck spanning 14' with some snow drifting at the building perimeter. At first thought l/120 (or even 180) seems to heed on the light side.
Anyone have any experience good or bad?
