[reddhaus]

What are the best types of wood to use for a DIY canopy?

Maybe i should ask what kinds of wood should i stay away from.

I was thinking of using pine for the front, back, and sides. There is something called MDF and i was thinking of using that for the top. It will all be painted with a couple of coats of paint but i am just not sure how this MDF stuff holds up to the heat and humidity.

[icemark]

Your hardwoods or marine grade plywoods are the best. You can use pine (and many people do), but unless it is very dry when you build with it and sealed very well it tends to warp easy, from both heat and moisture.

I usually use zero void Birch plywood, Oak ply, or solid oak myself. If I need the finish to be Pine, a good marine grade plywood is the best choice over solid pine plank.

[icemark]

Oh yeah and you asked about MDF. MDF has the same problems as particle board, in that unless it is really well sealed, it will disolve when it takes on any moisture. Also it is very heavy, and should not be used on tanks that can not support the extra weight.

[Reefland]

Like icemark, I like the Oak ply. It is very easy to work with and very sturdy. Just my personal preference and it is what I will build by stand of.

Scott Z.

[reddhaus]

Thanks for the insight guys!