Composites for Keezer Collar?

[SoFlaBrewer]

My keezer sits outside on my patio year-round(I live in Florida). Due to excessive moisture problems I am going to need to rebuild my keezer collar. The existing collar is made of oak and has distorted due to the moisture. I put multiple coats of urethane on the wood and what I thought was enough insulation inside. Mildew has become a problem especially on super-humid days.
I really don't want to use another wood product on the rebuild so I am considering a composite wood product like Trex. I've read that Trex will not have the moisture issues real wood has so that holds alot of appeal. My concern is that Trex installation typically requires gaps for the material to expand or contract. Should this be of concern?

Has anyone used a composite with success??? What size was used?Can anyone offer any insights to the best way to use this stuff or should I not use it?

Thanks.

 

[Renoun]

I'd give serious consideration to using a cellular PVC trimboard product like Azek or Kleer rather than composite decking if a white plastic product is acceptable. Be sure to use a compatible glue to assemble it. Joining it with butt joints and pocket screws would be better than mitered corners.

 

[Stealthcruiser]

Watching this thread!

In another "composite" vein, I have a bunch of "drops" of aircraft floor panel, "wet area" material that I am going to use for my collar.

Fiberglass faced, .020 on one face, .012 on the other face, some with aluminum honeycomb core, and some with Kevlar core.

Lightweight, and hell for stout!

About the only thing that will kill it is a Ladies high heel shoe, were it not for the carpet in the aircraft!

 

[Thedutchtouch]

why not use a moisture tolerant wood like cedar or teak (there's plenty others if you cant find them locally, cypress comes to mind)? either one would be fine as-is, for extra protection from the elements you could encapsulate the wood in epoxy/fiberglass. just use a UV inhibiting paint to protect the epoxy and it should last for years

 

[b-boy]

I second the closed-cell PVC. It's easy to work with, will not rot, and looks good. Plus, to paraphrase Henry ford, you can get it in any color - as long as it's white.

I used it for my fermentation chamber.