memorial cross material

[rljohn56]

ok, gang, i have an issue i need help with.  one of my cousins died back in May due to a car accident. I made a cross for him and the family (wooden) that lasted until a few days ago when it rotted at the base. I had painted it with an outside paint and treated it with an outside coating spray.  I'm doing another one so i need some suggestions on how to make this one last. I.e. material, paint, etc. thanks, ray johnson fellow scroller.

[Roberta Moreton]

Cedar or white oak or cypress 

[Ron Johnson]

Hi Ray. I would suggest making the cross out of aluminum and bolting a 3 x 8 bronze plaque (lettered and designed) with persons name, dates, epitaph and design   Wooden  crosses will eventually rot and disappear and sometimes an unmarked grave can be lost for all time. Best option is a granite flat marker, (minimum 3" thick and cemetery quality) lettered and designed. It’ll be there for all time. I am in the monument business so if you have further questions feel free to ask. 

Edited October 16, 2019 by Ron Johnson

[spirithorse]

Hi, Ray,
Sorry to hear of the trouble with the cross and especially sorry for the family loss.
You didn't state any info about the type of wood you used but, in most instances, I would try 
helmsman spar urethane. It will gradually amber most woods but, it is one of the best
finishes or most highly recommended finishes I have heard of.
It may be necessary to try to periodically put another coat of urethane or water sealant
if at all possible since I see this one only lasted about 6 months,. 
Thompson's waterseal comes to mind for that treatment rather than layer after layer of urethane.
Of course, if you can keep the base off the ground to keep it from absorbing moisture would be
a great help but, I realize sometimes that just isn't an option.

Keep us informed about what works best for you so we can benefit from your experience.

God Bless! Spirithorse

[Bill WIlson]

First, I extend my sympathies to you and your family, for your loss.

As Roberta suggests, I would start with a wood suitable for use outside.  Black Locust is another option, dependent upon availability in your area.

You mention the first one rotted at the base.  Was the wood in direct contact with the ground?  If so, try to avoid that, if possible.  If it absolutely must be in ground contact, then you need to use a material that is rated for ground contact.  You could add pressure treated wood to that list or go big and try to find some Ipe.  You may even consider a man-made material, such as a composite decking board.

As for a finish, you just need to be aware that any finish will eventually fail, when subjected to the rigors of weather, UV light and ground contact.  A good exterior paint is the best option.  I would stop there and not bother trying to add anything else on top of that.  Apply several coats and be prepared to repaint every year or two, depending on conditions.  If using any of the natural wood types previously mentioned, a topcoat of paint may be less necessary, but will still help preserve it.  

[fredfret]

Paint on rubber or tar on the in ground part will SLOW rot for some time. 

[Birchbark]

contact a countertop shop and ask to buy a leftover piece of their solid surface material.  (Corian).  It is a little expensive, but can be easily cut and sanded and will last forever.  It comes in a large variety of colors, with the colors even throughout.  It comes in quarter inch, half inch and three quarters of an inch.  the stone look is probably the most popular.

Russell

[daveww1]

you could try Azek plastic lumber

[rljohn56]

Thanks everyone for your kind words regarding my cousin and also for the suggestions regarding the memorial cross.  The wood was a 1" thick pine.  i had drilled a hole in the very bottom and put a long piece of rebar in it. I guess his family hammered it all the way to the ground hence the rotting. Ray

[rash_powder]

There is a wood substitute for decks - it’s a pvc type material.  Very expensive but will last forever.  I also recently saw 4’ x 8’ sheets of 1/2” HDPE at a local home center.  That should cut very nice and will last FOREVER.