Treating ash for exterior use?

[The_Swede]

Afternoon,

I appreciate it isn't the ideal choice but given how the little farm wood is stocked and prospect of die back I'm considering planking up a few larger examples with the Alaskan mill to use on some garden projects including a rustic shed / wendy house type thing for the kids. Obviously I'd like this to last a while - can it be given some sensible longevity with a suitable treatment / stain? Would rather not paint or alter colouration too much if I can help it.

Thanks

 

[SilliamWhale]

Linseed oil

 

[Pond digger]

Afternoon,

I appreciate it isn't the ideal choice but given how the little farm wood is stocked and prospect of die back I'm considering planking up a few larger examples with the Alaskan mill to use on some garden projects including a rustic shed / wendy house type thing for the kids. Obviously I'd like this to last a while - can it be given some sensible longevity with a suitable treatment / stain? Would rather not paint or alter colouration too much if I can help it.

Thanks

Other than pressure treatment, all you can do is give it a really could soaking with clear Cuprinol ( or similar ) and then a clear outdoor varnish. Timber needs to dry first.

 

[The_Swede]

So allow to dry (poly-tunnel stack or similar) then treat - realistically anything cut now usable this time next year at the earliest then?

 

[Pond digger]

Linseed oil

No good outdoors really, but there are oil finishes that are designed for the job.

 

[SilliamWhale]

No good outdoors really, but there are oil finishes that are designed for the job.

I think it will be fine wont it? I use linseed oil paint all the time

 

[Pond digger]

So allow to dry (poly-tunnel stack or similar) then treat - realistically anything cut now usable this time next year at the earliest then?

Depends how thick the wood is I suppose, but a year would be fine for 1-2” boards.

 

[Pond digger]

I think it will be fine wont it? I use linseed oil paint all the time

I wouldn’t expect a pure linseed oil finish to last long outside. As said, there are oil finishes that are specifically formulated for exterior use.