11-09-2012, 06:07 PM
I laugh at people that think wood is a poor building choice in Hawaii.
Just take a look at the the homes in Hilo that have fallen down ... They look like some of first plantation homes built! Tho, I am sure there are homes in Hilo older and still plenty solid. My Parents have a 75 year old ALL WOOD (not red wood) home in waianae. Yes they do tent the home every 8 - 10 years. Yes it does have termite damage. I think it will probably last 100+ years if they keep up with the tenting / Painting. They have a lot of soil and ground termites.
With treated Hi-bor lasting over 15 years I'd say as long as you keep up with painting and monitoring for droppings/trails and treating that area... you could get 100 years out of your wooden structure. But if you let the paint fail and don't keep up the house like anything no maintenance to a home can shorten it's life span. Tho certainly building out of brick and other materials that bugs don't like to eat has it's advantages...
Tho if your handy with wood and can build yourself I don't see any reason why you shouldn't consider it. I think the volcano will eventually win if the termites don't.
Happy building!
Just take a look at the the homes in Hilo that have fallen down ... They look like some of first plantation homes built! Tho, I am sure there are homes in Hilo older and still plenty solid. My Parents have a 75 year old ALL WOOD (not red wood) home in waianae. Yes they do tent the home every 8 - 10 years. Yes it does have termite damage. I think it will probably last 100+ years if they keep up with the tenting / Painting. They have a lot of soil and ground termites.
With treated Hi-bor lasting over 15 years I'd say as long as you keep up with painting and monitoring for droppings/trails and treating that area... you could get 100 years out of your wooden structure. But if you let the paint fail and don't keep up the house like anything no maintenance to a home can shorten it's life span. Tho certainly building out of brick and other materials that bugs don't like to eat has it's advantages...
Tho if your handy with wood and can build yourself I don't see any reason why you shouldn't consider it. I think the volcano will eventually win if the termites don't.
Happy building!