Wow those are really nice. I'm about to build the exact same thing. (Getting married on the beach and my fiance wants one) Others I've seen have the top pieces notched into the "tie beams". How are yours attached?

Carlos

Hi Carlos,

I try to minimize end grain exposure and so do not notch the lower structural elements. All rafters and purlins are pegged directly into the structural element below.

Hi Zach,

Thank you for the info on Dolphinite. I am familure with Fisheries Supply. I will contact them.

I don't think I will try the heavy oil recipe, as you said, it would be a problem with the finish.

I have considered Yellow Cedar. Do you know of a source in Oregon or Washington?

thanks,

Hi Jonathan,

I don't have a source for yellow cedar in Washington or Oregon, but I do have a couple in Southeast Alaska. I can pass those on if you like. Shipping is only a week barge away from Seattle. I've paid between $1.25 for smaller dimensions and $1.75 for larger.
Is it sustainable? Not exactly, but as someone who cares, the folks you would buy from are small enough that they're just cleaning up the scraps left behind when big timber left over a dozen years ago, with the exception of a couple medium sized mills. I like dealing with the family-run outfits.
Let me know if you I can pass those names on.

Zach