Deck Chair Finish

[Bobby Hicks]

Fellow Creekers,

In the Design Forum I'm asking for feedback on this chair (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=24263) <http: //www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t="24263"> I've designed for a friend. Here I'm inquiring about potential finishes. I'm planning to make the whole deck set out of White Oak (not quater sawn).

What are some good finishes that will show the grain and require easy maintanence?

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[Bobby Hicks]

I've not gotten a response yet. Maybe I need to clarify what I'm asking for.

After asking the good people at SMC and researching about outdoor suitable wood I had a list of recommendations. Comparing that to what I can get locally (slim pickings) and what was reasonably priced I've picked White Oak (not quarter sawn). Since I haven't started yet, I could be convinced otherwise.

Now, I'm will making this deck furniture for a friend that has no clue about wood. I've searched SMC and read about several outdoor finishes. What I'm looking for is the easiest maintainable outdoor finish. For example, I've seen Teak outdoor furniture that looks like some kind of oil finish, looks like to spiff it up all that would need to be done is apply more oil finish.

Maybe I'm fishing for a pipe dream finish, but, I'm hoping .

[Steve Schoene]

Look at the current Fine Woodworking Magazine which addresses exactly your question. In the article, the author starts with a low viscosity epoxy to seal the wood and then applies multiple coats of high quality marine varnish. Consult the mag for specifics.

Oil is a pipe dream unless you want to reoil about every month. The oil provides very little protection from the UV that is the enemy. Epoxy by itself doesn't protect against UV, its purpose is to seal the wood so that usual strink/swell is reduced, which keeps the varnish intact longer. The varnish has UV protectant additives, but they only work for a period of time and will need to be recoated whenever you begin to see a hazy finish, or fine crazes. If you see yellow patches it means the varnish has lifted and you have to strip it off and start over.

Slip covers--perhaps of a colorful sunbrella would extend the life dramatically as would keeping the chairs in shade.

The best finish, is no finish. Just use epoxy to seal the endgrain on the feet, and let the oak naturally weather. White oak will turn a nice grey.