Post #538555 by TikiTres on Wed, Jun 23, 2010 6:16 PM

Hello and welcome!

On 2010-06-23 07:15, thetmaxx wrote:
I know materials like bamboo and stuff are common but can Preasure treated lumber fit in or will it never be quite right? I was even thinking of using the peeler core timbers for the posts and maybe later cover it with, (i guess it can be called this) the tiki totum pole things? or bamboo...

There's a couple of different routes you can go there, one is to frame it with carved posts. That's what I did for the patio cover next to our pool, here's a pic:

The columns were carved by Bosko and are redwood. He offers these as stock items on his site (http://www.tikibosko.com/index.htm). He carved the a-frame beam custom for me based on a sketch I sent him. The cover is framed in cedar 2x6's and sheathed in OSB. I had to do shingles on top per our association requirements. The outer edges of the beams are faced in redwood trim, also from Bosko. This pic is a couple of years old and was just the beginning, I've since done more work under it but still have a lot to do. Eventually the slab will get slate, the underside of the canopy will be clad in reed and there will be wall panels on the brick with woven grass mat covering.

I said there were a couple of options, another is to use 4x4's or even galv. steel pipes for your columns and then clad them in carved wood trim like this (pic from Bosko's site):

Good luck!