I volunteered to fix a friends bench. Another friend volunteered to provide the wood. I was provided with a stash of mostly red oak. Understand that I will not be compensated for what I spend, I am doing this to help a friend and I will not ask for money from this person.
If it were my bench, I would not paint it and I would not use red oak since I understand that it soaks up water and rots faster. I would use white oak.
So, since the bench will be unprotected outside, will a paint job suffice to protect red oak, or, should I just suck it up and purchase white oak?
Any thoughts on what paint I should use? Their desire is the least maintenance possible. I repainted the iron portions of the bench using black Rustoleum.