Weather-worthy Trellis question

[ScottinMich]

My sister was impressed with some trellis examples she and her husband saw at a small shop in Stratford, Ont. She plans to have the gentleman build a couple for her and was asked whether she wanted them made of pine or spruce. She had no idea so came to me... and I was a bit confused by this. I would have been OK if he had asked cedar or redwood, as they weather so well. Currently she plans to paint them but they will be outside and buried 6-10". She lives near Lansing, Michigan.

Can the spruce or pine be adequately sealed, then painted, and still expected to last a decent length of time outside/in the ground?

Any recommendations on how to proceed here would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Scott

[arkayassoc]

I would have been OK if he had asked cedar or redwood, as they weather so well. Currently she plans to paint them but they will be outside and buried 6-10". She lives near Lansing, Michigan.

Can the spruce or pine be adequately sealed, then painted, and still expected to last a decent length of time outside/in the ground?


Thanks,
Scott

Scott, Follow your instincts. No, spruce or pine is not going to last more than a few years. If she does not want to use cedar, redwood, or cypress, why not pressure treated?