Best wood and methods for building a simple shower seat

[Mark]

I want to build a simple shower seat for my folks and was thinking of using either Teak or Ipe to build it. What is the best glue for these kinds of hardwoods? I've read to wipe the joints down with acetone or denatured alcohol to remove the oil and then use either Titebond III or Gorilla Glue. I also want to back up the joints with some kind of mechanical fastener and was thinking of using stainless pocket screws. Sorry, no design yet to show or post but doing my homework on how to join these kinds of materials in the most durable manner. Aloha.

 

[peter halle]

Mark,

I would consider an epoxy instead of glue.  West System, RAS, or System 3.  You should have no problem finding some where you are. Wiping down the oily woods prior to bonding together would also be a good idea.  Acetone or lacquer thinner.  Can't wait to see your design.  I am sure your parents will love it!

Peter

 

[bruegf]

Mark,

I built a pair of stern rail seats out of teak 3-4 years ago that are mounted to the safety railing at the stern of a friend's sailboat.  I have several hundred board feet of 2" wide burmese teak and laid up the seats using 6 strips of 1x2 teak.   Used the domino and west system epoxy.  Wiped the joints with acetone before applying the epoxy.  The seats are exposed to the weather all year and are holding up fine w/ no problems.

Fred

 

[Mark]

Thanks for the tips. My folks were just going to buy the standard plastic and metal stools you get for "old folks". I think I can do better and it will be a nice addition to their remodeled bathroom.

 

[Dane]

Another good option that I have used in exterior ipe tables is to use stainless threaded rod to hold the structure together.  Forget about glue altogether.  Just bore holes in the pieces insert rod and bolt together.  This works especially well since it can be tightened if the wood ever shrinks.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Ipe is a tough wood to glue up.