Old Boggy Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 (edited) I am in the process of replacing the timber slats of an old cast iron sided garden bench and would like some guidance as to how to protect the wood from the elements. It was given to me by my son some twenty five years ago and the end pieces being cast iron can be easily wire brushed and given a dark green Hammerite finish, so well worth refurbishing and of course has some sentimental value. Now I know ideally that I should be using hardwood, but the cost of this, assuming that I can even procure it in the dimensions required, would make this economically unviable, I think. The approximate size of the slats (8 No.) in old money is 4 foot long x 3 inches wide x 1/2 inch thick. I've looked at pressure treated timber, that say, roof battens are made from, but cannot seem to get anything of the required dimensions even with a bit of planing/sanding that would obviously be required. The only available option seems to be planed softwood, unless there are other options available. My question therefore is, what would be the best treatment to extend the life of the wood ? If using softwood, I would prefer to use some form of stain/preservative to darken the wood quite a bit. Perhaps there is a hardwood alternative that wouldn't break the bank, but I've yet to find it and am open to suggestions. I was thinking old fashioned creosote (if still available) but concerned that this might 'leech' out on hot days and not be too popular when sitting on in light coloured clothing ! I would therefore be grateful of any suggestions on any suitable preservatives/stains on the market. Many thanks for any replies. OB Edited August 15, 2018 by Old Boggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manthing Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 Have you thought about using some decent pressure treated decking timber and reducing it down to your required dimensions. I have a few sets of old irons from the car boot and when I get time I think that's what I'll use, unless something else comes to mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pegasus bridge Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 Stain and the give it a few coats of yacht varnish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Boggy Posted August 15, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 13 minutes ago, manthing said: Have you thought about using some decent pressure treated decking timber and reducing it down to your required dimensions. Not thought of that. Seems like a good idea. Thanks for that. OB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strimmer_13 Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 Go up the tip and get the slats out of a old bed frame. Planed all around ready and usually quite strong. Some might be wide enough to do the 3" you need. Failing that I've used a old pallet denailed and sawn to size. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old man Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 TBH. From recent experience you can't use soft wood for any durability. Decking slats cut down as said by managing. All wood treatment now as effective as water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
figgy Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 Look on charity shops for old unwanted hardwood furniture as re use, or if your lucky one of the wood butchers on the forum may have some you could buy at reasonable cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walker570 Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 Yes, source some Tanalised pressure treated timber, decking timber is an idea. You can get it ready planed. Make sure it is pressure treated as some has not been, just painted on the outside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
team tractor Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 If you cut into tanilised timber it’s no longer treated sorry. The colour goes in 3-4 mm but the treatment is about 1-2mm. Softwood slats £4 each sapele slats £6 each both plus vat unfortunately but the government always want their share. im in Tamworth Staffordshire if it’s any help. softwood might last a few years but it’s the shakes, pith, knots that make it weak and the weather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medic1281 Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 11 minutes ago, team tractor said: If you cut into tanilised timber it’s no longer treated sorry. The colour goes in 3-4 mm but the treatment is about 1-2mm. Softwood slats £4 each sapele slats £6 each both plus vat unfortunately but the government always want their share. im in Tamworth Staffordshire if it’s any help. softwood might last a few years but it’s the shakes, pith, knots that make it weak and the weather. After the research I’ve done into this recently then Team Tractors’ prices are some of the cheapest I could find. I found some locally that was more expensive but I could collect easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
team tractor Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 3 minutes ago, Medic1281 said: After the research I’ve done into this recently then Team Tractors’ prices are some of the cheapest I could find. I found some locally that was more expensive but I could collect easily. Edit , £25 a slat in hardwood lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old'un Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 The timber that was originally on the bench was more than likely Sapele, to replace with the same timber would (go a little thicker if possible) cost around £60-£70 + delivery, 75mm x 12mm x 1.3mtr, 8 off…..have a look here…https://www.timbersource.co.uk/hardwood/west-african-range/west-african-sapele-timber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
team tractor Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 14 minutes ago, old'un said: The timber that was originally on the bench was more than likely Sapele, to replace with the same timber would (go a little thicker if possible) cost around £60-£70 + delivery, 75mm x 12mm x 1.3mtr, 8 off…..have a look here…https://www.timbersource.co.uk/hardwood/west-african-range/west-african-sapele-timber £6+vat each I stock so much sapele as it’s superb timber. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 For a bench like that I think it’s worth paying for good wood if you want it to last. Anything else is just a false economy. Softwood will expand and contract beyond the capabilities of whatever you treat or paint it with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Boggy Posted August 15, 2018 Author Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 As Scully rightly says, it`s worth spending a bit on it, so I might as well get some decent hardwood and be done with it. But as I`m in no hurry , I will wait until I come across the right stuff either secondhand or new. Thanks again for all your replies. OB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westward Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 1 hour ago, Scully said: For a bench like that I think it’s worth paying for good wood if you want it to last. Anything else is just a false economy. Softwood will expand and contract beyond the capabilities of whatever you treat or paint it with. This.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 Try Jacksons Fencing, they are not far from you. I did the same job a few years ago and used their pressure treated wood, I believe it was the decking, I cut to size. It has a 10 year guarantee.....I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
team tractor Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 1 hour ago, Cranfield said: Try Jacksons Fencing, they are not far from you. I did the same job a few years ago and used their pressure treated wood, I believe it was the decking, I cut to size. It has a 10 year guarantee.....I think. No guarantee once it’s cut as it’s untreated then . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
team tractor Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 2 hours ago, Old Boggy said: As Scully rightly says, it`s worth spending a bit on it, so I might as well get some decent hardwood and be done with it. But as I`m in no hurry , I will wait until I come across the right stuff either secondhand or new. Thanks again for all your replies. OB Just go see a local joinery company. £10 a slat is top side of the money from anyone plus vat of course. Please don’t forget the work that goes into making them. the raw timber is £3 a slat plus cutting , planing , 3mm router after plus wages Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 23 minutes ago, team tractor said: Just go see a local joinery company. £10 a slat is top side of the money from anyone plus vat of course. Please don’t forget the work that goes into making them. the raw timber is £3 a slat plus cutting , planing , 3mm router after plus wages Yep, its always worth paying good money for a good job. A cabinet maker mate of mine always makes his sash windows from Keruing, they don't move warp, split, contract or expand to any noticeable degree, and are a pleasure to paint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 6 hours ago, team tractor said: No guarantee once it’s cut as it’s untreated then . I painted the ends with some blue sealant stuff and am happy that the wood is better protected than it would be if it was basic prepared softwood with some emulsion paint (wood preservative) slapped on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winston72 Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 I have put 3 coats of boiled linseed oil on mine its been outdoors 3 years jetwashed about once a month and looks as good today as it did 3 years ago Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenshank1 Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 Use larch . Cheaper than hardwoods and will last ten times longer than soft wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 33 minutes ago, greenshank1 said: Use larch . Cheaper than hardwoods and will last ten times longer than soft wood. That’s a fair point and an option I’d overlooked. It will weather nicely too. We have clad many buildings in Larch and it always looks good. We are cladding our purpose built permanent hide in larch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haynes Posted August 15, 2018 Report Share Posted August 15, 2018 My preference when making gates etc. Is iroko. Its naturally oily and looks great too. Couple of coats of oil and bobs your mother's brother. Find a joiners workshop close by and im sure theyd be pleased to help. If your near leicester/ notts id be happy to help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.