question about wood to use on porch railings

[Alexander]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone had advice on what type of wood to use for my porch railings. The balusters are old and sanded down ready to paint, but I need to replace the tops and bottoms as they were too weathered to salvage. I had thought of using white pine as they would be painted white, but I thought I would ask if there was a better suggestion.

Thanks...........Alexander

[Sombreuil_Mongrel]

In our local climate, all we ever use for exterior millwork is Spanish cedar or mahogany. Anything other than a tropical will rot out in 5-7 years. Spanish cedar is durable like old white pine (protected w/lead paint) once was.
If it's a labor-intensive job, no sense skimping on mat'l because it's harder to come back in a few years to replace a rotten section. Better to elongate your maintenance sched's wherever possible.
Casey

[Alexander]

Thanks Casey,

I will check here in Rural PA to see if I can find Spanish Cedar. The balusters are white pine and were protected in lead paint
and when stripped and sanded are very solid and firm. I have too many other projects in the hopper to return to these in a few years to replace rotting parts. Thank you for the advice.

Thank you ...........Alexander