Suggestions on Cross for front of church

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Y

YouthMinisterDan

Member
Joined
Apr 27, 2009
Messages
422
Location
Forney, Texas
We just replaced the siding on the front of the church. A hail storm several months back took care of the 30 year old siding on the front of the building. We replaced that and now want to put a cross on the front of the building. I was thinking of trying to make a 3 x 4 or 3x5 cross out of cedar or other durable wood. After the cross is made what do you suggest that I treat it with so that it can withstand the weather?

Any suggestions on wood, construction or anything else are grateful.

Thanks,
YMD
 
Last edited:
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
My Mother would tell you to make the cross from dogwood. The pour-on epoxy seems to weather pretty well, although it does yellow in sunlight.
 
YMD,

Recently a church that I pass on my way to church fitted on their A Frame Church on the Nth facing tiled very steep roof a cross of large proportions made from Solar Cells. I consider this as a wholly practical solution. It creates a giant cross. We get about 4 times more back into the grid than we pay for the useage units.

Do you use Western Red Cedar in your area it weathers really well where I live and our temperature variations are great. You know the tarry shingles in common use in the USA well they last only a short time here for example. My Church is based in America and when we built our local Chapel by volunteer labour at that time we fitted the American Malthoid sand covered tarry shingles on top of plywood ( mistake) whereas a mate in Utah did his house forever ago still like new.

How large is your front, how steep is it, does it face the sun, how big would the cross be.????

Have success Peter.
 
locust

Locust fence posts last 40 years. Locust will last a long time with out maintenance and will also give it that "Old Rugged Cross" look.
 
What size material are you lthing of? 4x4 6x6 8x8? I have locust and hedge. I honestly think you could make a fountain out of hedge and it wouldn't be hurt for a few hundred years.
 
Last edited:
Here is another thought you may want to experiment with. Build a small cross 2' to 3' tall and place it several feet from the side of the building then install a flood light in front of the cross and it will cast a cross shadow on the side of the building. A church near me has done this and it does really look nice. If you wanted to experiment you could even use cardboard for the cross until you determine the size needed then build a permanent one. Obviously this would only be seen at night. Just a thought.
 
Last edited:
I just checked, I've got hedge that will square out to 6x6. My wife is a truck broker, and if you want this stuff, we'll send it to you.
 
All good choices in woods there. Just to add one more that alot of people forget and that is Mahagony. It is a good outdoor wood. Like all other woods though it will fade in color. If you choose a wood that needs a finish then use a marine varnish with UV protection in it. Half lap joints are the way to go when constructiong too. Good luck and post a photo.
 
Another "Alternative" is Trex decking . It never rots , bugs don't eat it , don't need a stain , comes in many different wood looks that don't fade , it works just like regular wood and if you have any contractors in your congregation they should be able to get you a couple of pieces for next to nothing from leftovers from a deck project .
 
YouthMinisterDan said:
randywa said:
What size material are you lthing of? 4x4 6x6 8x8?
Click to expand...

Not sure at this point, just trying to get ideas. Whatever size it is, we just need to be able to attach it to the side of the building.
Click to expand...


I would (pun intended!) make it out of 1x6 or 1x8 joined together with pocket screws to make a U shaped channel. DO the pockets on the insides of the channel so no visible fasteners. If you do this, pay attention to the screw placement and order of assembly. You need to be able to get to the pocket screw heads to screw them in! Attach hangars for supports. More to follow by PM.

Maybe you could make it out of the old siding????
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom