Thread: Radiata pine outside

So long as its not in direct sun light and covered from rain it will be ok for a few years...

If it gets wet - Bad IDEA!

The problem with timber furniture outdoors is that water penetrates the joints. The joints stay damp for some time and end grain soaks this up.

This is a real problem for timbers which don't have natural resistance to rot, and Radiata Pine is a very common example. It is only a matter of time before the joints soften and become weak. If a weighty person sits on a chair in this condition, there is a chance that it will break (no mother-in-law jokes )

Some resinous timbers such as Teak are much more durable outdoors.

You might be wiser to sell or give away the pine setting, and buy something more suitable for outdoors.

Rob

PINUS CRAPIATAR.

Is pretty much good for nothing.

But as Harry, has said, your units will last a few years at least.

Time enough for you to build something in real wood.

Paul.

About 5 years ago I built a garden bench out of crappy pine from Bunnings. It was painted with (I think) Wattle Fence finish - the green stuff. It has been outside ever since, sometimes on pavers, mostly on grass. By Outside, I mean rain wind and sun - no protection.

The bottoms of the legs have started to rot. I cut about 10mm off them about 12 months ago to even them up. Some of the timber is beginning to split. The seat slats and the back slats are OK. It could do with another coat of paint.

It ain't pretty but I reckon I'll get another 2 years out of it.

I guess what I'm saying is , pine is not ideal, but your furniture is not going to fall apart the moment it goes outside - especially if it is under cover.

Since the climate changes are much more extreme outside, timber outdoor furniture needs to allow for that in the way it is constructed. Depending on how the table is build it will last a few years or not. As long as it is out of the direct weather the fact that it is pine is not such an issue as the way it might be build for interior use.

Expect cracks! Also glue might not be moisture proof.

Hi Avery,
That bench is standing up pretty well for untreated pine. I wonder if you were sold LOSP treated timer by mistake? Its easy to pick CCA but LOSP is not as obvious due to its clear colour. LOSP is the treatment of choice for above ground applications. More dimensionaly stable, less surface checking and paints well. This would explain the need to cut a bit off the legs every so often.

Originally Posted by rustynail

Hi Avery,
That bench is standing up pretty well for untreated pine. I wonder if you were sold LOSP treated timer by mistake? Its easy to pick CCA but LOSP is not as obvious due to its clear colour. LOSP is the treatment of choice for above ground applications. More dimensionaly stable, less surface checking and paints well. This would explain the need to cut a bit off the legs every so often.

If it was treated, it came very cheap. It came from the bin that holds the crappy construction grade pine at Bunnies Nth. Parramatta.

It was the first thing that I ever constructed in timber and I really did not know what I was doing , let alone what to look for in timber. I remember at the time , thinking to myself that "there just has to be better timber than this". Every second piece I picked up was bent, twisted and/or cracked. I guess I knew enough not to buy those.

Does Bunnings stock LOSP treated pine?

Yes, they would have both CCA and LOSP. As losp often has no colour you can only be guided by smell if the end stamp has been removed or cut off. Sounds like you might have got lucky.