[Greenbuilding] protecting outdoor wooden structure from future decay (or at least delaying it)

[John Salmen]

I’m still convinced the best treatment for exterior wood is no treatment -
considering that untreated wood degrades from atmosphere at most about ¼”
per century – and the natural grey is nice. 

 

Next on the list is treatments that oxidize the surface uniformly and
‘naturally’. Off the shelf products include Lifetime Wood Treatment. I’ve
also torched wood and then brushed/polished the surface (old Japanese
treatment). 

 

For finishes I’ve found nothing better than raw tung oil (ordered wholesale)
cut with pure turpentine. For off the shelf I’ve had good success on planed
smooth wood with Pennofin Verde (a Brazilian oil derivative). I’ve been told
that it does not work as well on rough wood surfaces.

 

Do not use linseed or any oil that may simply be a food (be careful of
‘tung’ oil recipes)

 

Make sure there is a good air path to all surfaces and good separation from
soil (use gravel where possible as a base)

 

 

From: Greenbuilding [mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org]
On Behalf Of Reuben Deumling
Sent: February-17-14 8:04 AM
To: Greenbuilding
Subject: [Greenbuilding] protecting outdoor wooden structure from future
decay (or at least delaying it)

 

I'm in the process of building a large outdoor structure (porch, timber
frame bridge, stairs, etc.) out of Douglas fir we milled ourselves. The
decking is cedar which I'm not worried about, but the rest I'm realizing
could probably benefit from some attempt at prolonging its useful life. I
despise pressure treated wood, and am not interested in noxious chemicals.
Are there any other methods? 

Thanks very much.

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