I need to replace an exterior window sill and was wondering what wood I'd need to replace it with to make sure it didn't rot? Would I be able to buy ready made lengths of window board from local timber merchants?
A local joinery shop should be able to machine up a length of hardwood cill to the correct profile. Although if the damage isn't too serious cutting out and splicing/scarfing new timber would be much more desirable imo than disturbing brickwork etc caused by the renewal of the cill. Wood harder and filler can also work well to arrest rot.
All wood will rot. Hardwood just lasts longer. I would go for European Oak as it is cheaper than English Oak. However, untreated European Oak goes black in damp conditions so it is best painted rather than varnished/sealed.
A customer we had, wanted the cills replaced, got him a price for softweood and hardwood, both to expensive, ended up covering them wih 3/8 plywood so he could sell the house, also chech the rot hasnt spread intot hre internal cill and also the frame/
I had new Sash windows done for the back of my last house and they were softwood but with english oak cills
reclaimed pitch pine, there's bound to be a local joiner who can get you some. where are you?
It was for someone we know and I've just been to look at it. Turns out it was a wooden sill on a roof lantern but the whole thing is so rotten it needs major work. Think I'll be swerving that one. Job for a specialist methinks.