We have a garden bench that has cast something for the ends (with
legs). The back and seat were wood. The wood, whatever it was, is
completely rotted.
I'd like to replace the wood slats and use the cast ends.
But what kind of wood will survive sun, rain. etc.
I'd like to avoid pressure-treated preserved wood.
And of course, the finish; I've not had much luck with urethane even
if it says it's made for exterior work.
The bench can be put into a gazebo for the winter.
You folks seem to know different woods very well; what you suggest?
Joe
Ontario
On Tue, 17 Feb 2004 23:40:03 -0500, Joe <[email protected]> scribbled:
>We have a garden bench that has cast something for the ends (with
>legs). The back and seat were wood. The wood, whatever it was, is
>completely rotted.
>I'd like to replace the wood slats and use the cast ends.
>But what kind of wood will survive sun, rain. etc.
>I'd like to avoid pressure-treated preserved wood.
Western red cedar and redwood, cypress if you're in the southern US.
Ipe, a tropical hardwood seems to be gaining favour. Those woods are
know for their resistance to rot. Cedar is probably what is most
readily available to you in Ontario.
>And of course, the finish; I've not had much luck with urethane even
>if it says it's made for exterior work.
Paint is best. But if you want a transparent finish, IME, polyurethane
flakes off. I've had success with Behr Super Rawhide, used on the best
log cabins in the Yukon (which the Yankees can't get anymore 'cause of
some stupid lawsuit) and Cetol TGL, but both those finishes might be
too soft for using on benches.
http://www.nam.sikkens.com/product-category.cfm?product_category=exterior
You could also try an exterior oil finish with UV protectants, but you
would have to reapply every year. Anyway, don't expect a clear finish
to last more than 3 years or so. You could also let the wood weather
to a nice silvery grey.
Luigi
Replace "nonet" with "yukonomics" for real email address
White Oak (not Red) is also a candidate.
"Joe" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> We have a garden bench that has cast something for the ends (with
> legs). The back and seat were wood. The wood, whatever it was, is
> completely rotted.
> I'd like to replace the wood slats and use the cast ends.
> But what kind of wood will survive sun, rain. etc.
> I'd like to avoid pressure-treated preserved wood.
> And of course, the finish; I've not had much luck with urethane even
> if it says it's made for exterior work.
>
> The bench can be put into a gazebo for the winter.
>
> You folks seem to know different woods very well; what you suggest?
>
> Joe
> Ontario
Joe <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> We have a garden bench that has cast something for the ends (with
> legs). The back and seat were wood. The wood, whatever it was, is
> completely rotted.
> I'd like to replace the wood slats and use the cast ends.
> But what kind of wood will survive sun, rain. etc.
> I'd like to avoid pressure-treated preserved wood.
> And of course, the finish; I've not had much luck with urethane even
> if it says it's made for exterior work.
>
> The bench can be put into a gazebo for the winter.
>
> You folks seem to know different woods very well; what you suggest?
>
> Joe
> Ontario
Personally I would go with Ipe.
Just be aware however that there is a new formulation for pressure
treated lumber that is slowly making its way into stores now. Look
for a small plastic tag on the end of the piece. The old formulation
will be marked CCA for something that I can't remember but the A is
for ARSENIC - nasty stuff. The new stuff will be marked ACQ for
A-something?Carboquat, carboquat being the active ingredient and MUCH
less nasty than the arsenic.
-Chris
Joe wrote:
> And of course, the finish; I've not had much luck with urethane even
> if it says it's made for exterior work.
Yeah, I say forget finish unless it's paint. My bench similar to yours
looks incredibly nasty now. Instead of weathered gray wood, I have some
nice looking wood here and there, big yellow sheets of stuff flaking off
here and there, and all kinds of black mildewy looking patches all over the
place.
I might paint it green.
--
Michael McIntyre ---- Silvan <[email protected]>
Linux fanatic, and certified Geek; registered Linux user #243621
http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Rue/5407/
White oak is wonderful for outdoor furniture, and usually much less costly
than cedar/redwood/etc. It weathers to a nice gray.
Mike
"Joe" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> We have a garden bench that has cast something for the ends (with
> legs). The back and seat were wood. The wood, whatever it was, is
> completely rotted.
> I'd like to replace the wood slats and use the cast ends.
> But what kind of wood will survive sun, rain. etc.
> I'd like to avoid pressure-treated preserved wood.
> And of course, the finish; I've not had much luck with urethane even
> if it says it's made for exterior work.
>
> The bench can be put into a gazebo for the winter.
>
> You folks seem to know different woods very well; what you suggest?
>
> Joe
> Ontario
On Tue, 17 Feb 2004 23:40:03 -0500, Joe <[email protected]> wrote:
>We have a garden bench that has cast something for the ends (with
>legs). The back and seat were wood. The wood, whatever it was, is
>completely rotted.
>I'd like to replace the wood slats and use the cast ends.
>But what kind of wood will survive sun, rain. etc.
>I'd like to avoid pressure-treated preserved wood.
>And of course, the finish; I've not had much luck with urethane even
>if it says it's made for exterior work.
>
>The bench can be put into a gazebo for the winter.
>
>You folks seem to know different woods very well; what you suggest?
>
>Joe
>Ontario
It may be tough in Ontario but teak is the best choice for outdoor
funiture. Aside from that, red cedar will do just fine.
Ipe has does well out doors with about a 50 year life expectancy.
"Joe" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> We have a garden bench that has cast something for the ends (with
> legs). The back and seat were wood. The wood, whatever it was, is
> completely rotted.
> I'd like to replace the wood slats and use the cast ends.
> But what kind of wood will survive sun, rain. etc.
> I'd like to avoid pressure-treated preserved wood.
> And of course, the finish; I've not had much luck with urethane even
> if it says it's made for exterior work.
>
> The bench can be put into a gazebo for the winter.
>
> You folks seem to know different woods very well; what you suggest?
>
> Joe
> Ontario
> Joe <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > I'd like to replace the wood slats and use the cast ends.
> > But what kind of wood will survive sun, rain. etc.
> > I'd like to avoid pressure-treated preserved wood.
> > And of course, the finish; I've not had much luck with urethane even
> > if it says it's made for exterior work.
Chris suggested Ipe, but I've not worked with it so I don't know the
benefits of it. It is getting popular for decks though.
Other good woods for outdoor use are cypress, white oak, redwood. With no
finish these will take on a gray patina over time. Personal choice comes
into play also. My last bench was cypress, but my next will probably be
oak.
Ed