I was commissioned to make a sign that will be outdoors. It would be a post that sits in the ground with a piece of plywood on top with a frame around the top part to hide the plywood edges. I was thinking of using pressure treated lumber because it will be outdoors.
Can I use other woods, like oak and then just use a spar urethane or marine varnish? I would like to make this out of material other than PT and cypress or cedar are too pricey.
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I have a sign that is probably 25 years old. It's about 3'x4', cedar. Routed letters, painted with white or black enamel. The sign is preserved/colored with a stain that is renewed every 2-3 years, as is the enamel on the letters. I prefer Inwood stain, but also have used Penofin. The sign looks as good or better today than it did 25 years ago.
Alan & Lynette Mikkelsen, Mountain View Farm, est. 1934, Gardens & Fine Woodworking, St. Ignatius, MT
I just wonder if I could use a wood that is not traditionally known as rot resistant, such as oak if I put on a good protective coating?
White oak is a traditional outdoor furniture wood, so should work. Gary
White oak or cypress... the price differential is utterly insignificant. The best wood will be the cheapest one too... no matter what the board foot price is.
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