If you have just bought a new wooden table and chairs to place in your outdoor area, or if you are about to build an outdoor space and want to use wood as the primary material, then it is likely that you are looking for tips on how to treat Untreated Wood for Outdoor Use. Untreated wood is not recommended for use outdoors as it will not last long, especially if exposed directly to moisture and sunlight. Even after several treatments and sealing processes, untreated wood will deteriorate faster than if it had been treated. Untreated wood can be used outdoors with care and caution. It is important to know what kind of untreated wood you have before using it outdoors because some woods cannot withstand the elements at all. The following article provides information on how to treat Untreated Wood for Outdoor Use so that you can enjoy your outdoor space or furniture without worrying about them deteriorating too soon.
How To Treat Untreated Wood For Outdoor Use?
Seal the wood
The first and most important step in treating untreated wood is to seal it. Unfinished lumber will begin to rot as soon as it comes into contact with water. This will weaken the wood and cause it to break down much faster than it otherwise would. To seal the wood, you’ll want to apply a weatherproof sealer. There are many different brands available, so you’ll want to choose one that’s designed specifically for outdoor use. Make sure to use a sealer that’s designed for woods like cedar, cypress, and redwood. These types of wood are very porous and will soak up sealers meant for maple or oak. There are two main ways to apply the sealer. Coat the wood with a sealer designed for outdoor use using a paint roller. This will be much faster, but you won’t be able to achieve the same level of precision as with a brush. A brush, on the other hand, will give you better control over the application.
Install protective coating
Once you’ve sealed the wood, you can also apply an exterior protectant. These materials are designed to both seals and protect the wood from the inside out. As such, you’ll want to apply the coating in two stages. First, you’ll want to apply a solvent-based sealer. This will work alongside the sealer that you’ve already applied to the wood’s exterior to create an even stronger coating. Once the solvent-based sealer has dried, you can then apply a polyurethane topcoat.
Build a structure around it
If you want to build a structure using untreated wood, you’ll want to build a foundation that surrounds the wood. This can be as simple as building a frame out of pressure-treated lumber. The frame will protect the wood from outside elements and keep the wood away from the ground. Wooden decks are a project commonly made with untreated wood. Once you’ve built the frame, you can then seal the wood. Alternatively, you can build a structure out of concrete. This will provide a much stronger foundation that can protect the wood from outside damage. You’ll want to make sure to apply a sealer to the wood before you pour the concrete to prevent the concrete from soaking into the wood.
Paint or stain it
If you don’t want to seal the wood, you can paint or stain it instead. This will protect the wood and keep it from absorbing water. If you’re using water-based paints, you can also use them as a sealer. Use an oil-based paint or stain if you don’t want to seal the wood. One important note about painting or staining untreated wood: you’ll want to do it as soon as possible. The sooner you apply the paint or stain, the better it will protect the wood.
Re-treat it regularly
Even if you seal the wood and apply a protective coating, it may still begin to rot. The sealer and coating will slow down the process, but it will still happen over time. If, after about a year, you notice that the wood is beginning to break down, it’s a sign that you need to re-treat it. First, remove the old sealer and protective coating. Once you’ve done that, you can then re-apply the same sealer and protective coating. This will extend the life of the wood and prevent rot from setting in.
What Types Of Wood Are Not Recommended For Outdoor Use?
There are some types of wood that are not recommended for outdoor use and should be treated before being used outdoors. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Ash – Ash is an inexpensive type of wood that is easy to work with, making it a common choice for indoor projects such as furniture. But similar to maple, ash is extremely porous, meaning that it has many tiny holes that can trap water, rot, and pests. Ash is not recommended for outdoor use because it will deteriorate faster than other types of wood.
- Cedar – Cedar is an extremely rot-resistant type of wood, making it a common choice for outdoor projects such as decking. Cedar is a very hard wood, making it difficult to work with.
- Pine – Pine is a soft wood that is often used for indoor projects such as building a bookshelf, but it is not recommended for outdoor use.
- Maple – Maple is a very porous type of wood, and is therefore not recommended for outdoor use.
- Oak – Oak is a very hard type of wood, making it difficult to work with. It is not recommended for outdoor use because it is difficult to seal.
How To Seal Untreated Wood?
- The best way to seal untreated wood is to first determine what type of wood it is. You can do this by feeling the wood and analyzing its smell and color.
- Some woods need special sealing techniques, so it is important to identify the type of wood before you seal it.
- When treating a wood type that is naturally rot-resistant, follow the recommendation of the sealant manufacturer. For porous woods, you will need to first treat the wood with a sealant before applying a finish.
- When sealing untreated wood, you should sand your wood down, then wipe or brush on the sealant to protect the wood from rot and pests, and to help the finish adhere better.
Pros And Cons Of Using Untreated Wood For Outdoor Use
- Pros – There are many advantages to using untreated wood for outdoor use. Untreated wood is very affordable and can be used in many different projects. It is also easy to work with and can be shaped easily with hand tools.
- Cons – There are also some disadvantages to using untreated wood for outdoor use. It will not last as long as treated wood, and it is more likely to rot or be eaten by pests.
Maintenance – When using untreated wood for outdoor use, you must be more vigilant about maintenance. You will need to clean and seal your wood more often than if you were using treated wood.
Types of wood – There are different types of wood that are better for outdoor use than others. Certain types of wood are naturally rot resistant, while others need to be treated with a sealant before using outdoors.
Wrapping Up
When used outdoors, untreated wood needs to be treated regularly with sealants or other protective treatments to last longer. Poorly treated wood will deteriorate faster, not only because it is untreated, but also because it is exposed to different elements, such as rain, snow, sunlight, and moisture. To make untreated wood last longer outdoors, you should use the right type of wood and seal it with a fungicide. Good choices for untreated wood for outdoor use include redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated wood.