How to protect reclaimed hardwood timbers for exterior use

**simbo** · 4th October 2019, 06:46 PM

Howdy,

My question is how best to protect reclaimed hardwood with defects (nail holes including some with nails) for exterior usage.

This is my first time using reclaimed timber. I'm using some reclaimed hardwood 2x4's to make a garden trellis. I've removed nails from the three dress sides. The non dress / non face sides have plenty of nails which I've not removed.

I've dressed the timbers myself with a planer and a sander. I was planning to use decking oil to protect the whole timber. I've punched the nails down on the non dress sides so that I can give it a light sand to take the oil.

Before processing any more, I was wondering if I need to remove the nails in the non-dress sides. Do I need to take any extra measures to protect the defects (nail holes, splits etc)? For example, should I fill the nail holes with / without the nails in them?

These timbers aren't very structural. They will be supporting a metal trellis for vines to grow on.

BTW, the timbers look beautiful after planing and sanding. The photos don't really do them justice. According to the dude at the demo yard where I got them, reclaimed residential timber is harder to source as the demo companies don't get the time to go through a place and reclaim materials. Makes me sad....

**orraloon** · 5th October 2019, 05:07 PM

I think decking oil is a good way to go. I would just give it some time like a week or so before introducing the plants in case it burns them. As to the nails and holes it all depends on how rustic a look you want. Me I could live with it for that application.
Regards
John

**yoboseyo** · 5th October 2019, 10:05 PM

Sorry, can't offer any advice other than decking oil, but just wondering - what type of timber is it?

**simbo** · 6th October 2019, 10:29 AM

I'm more than happy with the rustic look, so I'll probably go with the decking oil approach.

I've got no idea what species the wood is. I'm in Brisbane QLD, so it's probably whatever they used for building houses post-war here. I'd love to know because it comes up great with a bit of dressing. Bloody solid and heavy to boot.

Any recommendations on a decking oil? From what I read, Sikken's is the best and Flood's Spa-n-Deck is also recommended. I don't think I can justify $200ish on Sikkens for this project. I've read that Spa-n-Deck is somewhat opaque and has colour. I suspect that I've seen Spa-n-Deck as the treatment on some civic structures in parks and it was a caramel fake looking. If it's the same, I didn't really like it.

**orraloon** · 6th October 2019, 11:11 AM

I would go for an oil based one. The water based(deck oils ?) are horrible. Wishing I had never used it. Next time round out with the sander and start again. Another option is outdoor furniture oil as it comes in small cans to keep the cost down. Dont think you need 4L for a small trellis.
Regards
John

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