Hi everyone, I am a newbie and want to start with the simple outdoor bench tomorrow. What type of wood would you recommend for outdoor pieces? Is there a section on the website that talks about how to finish outdoor pieces to protect them from the elements?
Carrie and 3Chicks
Mon, 09/06/2010 - 09:01
Hi erica. Welcome!
You have options for outdoor wood. Cedar is naturally resistant to the elements and bugs. It is pricier though that say, construction lumbar or Choice Pine. You can still use pine but you need to take care how you finish it. Using outdoor house paint is the best. Outdoor primer would be a must. It also is important to prime and paint every surface even undersides and edges that dont' show. You may also need to re-paint depending on the wear. Remember that houses are vertical and the water naturally beads to the ground. Any surface that is horizontal has the ability to hold water longer and wear the paint faster. Optionally you could simply lay a side table on it's edge when you go inside, but that is not practical for every instance.
A neat but expensive Idea I had was using the new TREX style deck boards. I think It would be cool for a bench or table.