In the future I plan to build a tiered bonsai bench. What material do you guys recommend for the top of the table? I like the water resistance of composite wood decking but worry that it carries too much heat compared to natural wood. I have treated cedar planks right now that are holding up well, I just have to treat them every few years. Anyone know what Ryan uses at Mirai? I’m sure he’s researched the heck out of it.
I make benches with slats for good drainage and air circulation. More work, but I feel they work better than solid wood due to the air circulation. I have used both standard 2x stock and pressure treated. I stain with a penetrating oil every 3-4 years and some of them have held up for 20+ years.
I have used composite wood decking(e.g. Trex) and while it can last vurtualy forever and still look new, it can get HOT!
It is also easily damaged and can be surprisingly expensive.
My preference for benches is pressure treated wood for the structure with cedar planks for looks. The pressure treated wood is inexpensive, easy to work with, and will last a long time, but may not have the aesthetics you want, that’s where the cedar planks (fence boards?) comes in.
I have also used cedar posts (4X4 & 6X6), they last a long time and look great as they age, but they can be rather expensive.
This small bench that I made about 2 years ago uses cedar posts, with pressure treated lumber and then cedar fence boards as fascia, to cover up the pressure treated wood.
I hope this is helpful.
I just had to rebuild my shelving and went to recycle if plastic pallets, they come in several sizes, last forever, provide air flow and hold lots of weight. If you want to dress them up wood or any other deco can be easily attached using screws, or glue!