Wooden steps and patios located outdoors can quickly absorb rainwater and snow causing the wood to warp erode and eventually rot.
Treat wood for outside use.
You need to evaluate the situation and surroundings that we discussed previously such as uv light weather and application of the project.
Use linseed or tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand rubbed finish.
There are products made specifically for cleaning outdoor wood furniture.
The three most widely available and suitable exterior lumber choices not treated with chemical preservatives include western red cedar redwood and cypress.
Whether it s pressure treated cedar cypress redwood or even a high end exotic hardwood the right care and maintenance will protect exterior wood and keep it in good shape for years.
Seal the wood with coating of polyurethane varnish or lacquer.
Talk to a landscape architect about incorporating wood into your outdoor project.
Redwood for example is widely available and used in the western united.
The key takeaways untreated vs.
Even though natural weather resistant wood is the best choice for outdoor exposure at some point it becomes vulnerable to decay.
Staining and sealing outdoor wood is among the best ways to protect it from the elements.
Then use the furniture cleaner as directed on the packaging.
Treating the word is something you will also need to do on a fairly regular basis.
You can hose it down to begin with removing any debris or cobwebs.
Finish and waterproof wood simultaneously with a.
The only way to properly use untreated wood of any type outside is with the addition of water repellent preservatives sealer or paint that contain uv protection over the counter wood preservatives are available in clear versions or with stain containing pigment or.
Some options to treat untreated wood are wood oils top coatings sealers and stain sealant combo products.
Treat wood to repel water and insects.
Woods for outdoor projects.
By matt weber.
There are different wood sealing options for outdoor use but the best choice is often related to the specific project.
Your geographic location will determine the availability and cost of these materials.
Overall when completing any of these outdoor projects the choice is ultimately yours on if you use untreated or treated wood.
Treating wood with a water seal helps it repel moisture blocks harmful insects and keeps the wood looking its best.
Wood has an undeniable warmth and an association with woodlands and natural landscapes and one type of rot resistant wood can be used in a variety of ways.