Don't Use the Wrong Outdoor Wood and Finish for Your Project

[@731Woodworks]

▼EXPAND FOR LINKS TO THE TOOLS▼ 🎥 Watch Next - 99% of Beginners Don't Know These 5 Mistakes Ruin Wood - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnKbpZaGfqh_n6c 🛠Tools and Products in this Video: Cabot Australian Timber Oil - amzn.to/3L7U6uV Osmo UV Protection - amzn.to/3ZJ1GQY General Finishes Outdoor Oil - amzn.to/3SWdU6x Cabot Clear Finish - amzn.to/3ZVemnT Spar Urethane - amzn.to/3F7oB05 Homeright Finish Max Sprayer - amzn.to/3L6oC8s Titebond 3 Wood Glue for Exterior Use - amzn.to/3YC7bj3 Epoxy for Feet Bottoms - amzn.to/41QRfN3 Other Tools/Equipment I'm Asked About Often: Table Saw - amzn.to/3IoKqsZ Table Saw Blade I'm Using - shrsl.com/3xv5i Miter Saw - amzn.to/41hbJy4 Tripod for Phone - amzn.to/3E3kWA9 Phone Holder for Tripod - amzn.to/3E1E6GG The shirt I'm Wearing - www.shieldsofstrength.com/1-corinthians-13-shirt/ Boots I'm Wear - amzn.to/3HkUl3y Toolbox in Background - homedepot.sjv.io/x9B2xy Tool Wall over Miter Station - amzn.to/3ZgWq7B Digital KZbin Sign - amzn.to/3GL2a2e Camera Gear I Use - kit.co/731Woodworks/camera-gear-i-use Computer Equipment I Use for Editing - kit.co/731Woodworks/731-woodworks-computer-equipment Other useful links: Daily Tool Deals on my website: www.731woodworks.com/tool-deals Subscribe the 731 Newsletter: mailchi.mp/7e44c16eefdc/731-woodworks-email-newsletter Check out our easy-to-follow woodworking plans: www.731woodworks.com/store Outlaw's Board Butter - www.731woodworks.com/store/boardbutter

[@WalterRiggs]

Number one thing to do is to keep it out of the sun. Any finish, any wood will get gray and start rotting with enough sunshine if you don’t stay on top if it every year, maybe two. As they said at a Woodcraft class I went to on the subject: “Sunshine always wins”. It’s hard to beat a nuclear fireball only 93 million miles away.

[@chuck0080]

93 million miles.

[@daviddickerson3422]

Spar Urethane does not hold up under days of 95 degree hot summer days!

[@starsINSPACE]

But I thought sunshine was good to prevent algae growing up on it?

[@coppulor6500]

​@@starsINSPACE yes, direct sunlight is too strong for mold and algae. Indirect sunlight causes algae to grow since algae photosynthesises so it likes sunlight as long as its not too strong

[@dougmanter8002]

Epoxy sealing the end grain. GENIUS TIP!!!

[@edwardsmith3817]

I am a huge fan of 731! And I really like how he goes out of his way and takes the time to get shots that may have been inconvenient that really help a visual learner. The editing is top notch! Thank you Matt

[@billhawke9312]

I’m working on some outdoor furniture and trellises and these are some great points. I like the trick with using epoxy on the feet to prevent moisture from soaking into the end grain. I’m looking forward to some outdoor projects as we head into spring. Keep up the great work.

[@j.d.1488]

Cast iron bench with IPE slats used Penofin oil finish (brown label). Looks great in a sunny spot. Hit it with oil once a year. So far so good.

[@mishellekochel4510]

Thanks for taking the time to share Matt.

[@rdmjone]

Such a helpful video! You should have your own television show.

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks!

[@treggmichelleliebler399]

Great tips, thankyou!

[@TheKidFromYTown]

Thank you for all the great tips! I never even thought of putting epoxy on the end grain of outdoor projects.

[@cuebj]

It's a good idea. I've done OK over decades by soaking end grain in wood preservative and adding adjustable feet, best ones come from theatrical chandlers.

[@kelvingoliday9245]

Great video! Great advice. A couple more things I do for furniture on concrete patios are: Use Furniture feet to keep it slightly off the ground. Also, I use a cover in the winter months. In places where you get a fair amount of snow, this will save a little work throughout the years.

[@ThayaPlayaZ]

Perfect timing on this! I’m working on 2 outdoor projects right now. This is excellent to know!

[@MarshallLoveday]

GREAT TIPS here. I'll be using a lot of them.

[@Jackson-T23]

For larger projects cedar, redwood, cypress are good choices depending on where you live in the U.S. White oak is also an excellent choice. For higher end options, black locust, teak, and most of the brazilian hardwoods (ipe, jatoba, cumaru, massaranduba) work great.

[@FixItFrench]

I build outdoor wedding entryways. I have stained and painted many. The ones that have turned out the best were all stained with a spray gun. Also, I like to make an 85° cut on the top of the furniture for water run off 👍🏼👍🏼

[@JiandiP]

Wow, that's great. I'd love to find time to do some volunteer work. Just the other day I saw a golden retriever, he had like a gimp, ya know I just wish I could have done something

[@Behindthecatchlights]

Great power tip! I hadn’t even considered the epoxy solution and it was sitting right in front of me the whole time!

[@SammyHelsper]

I'm a deck builder stain is your friend... Paint is just glue with pigment. I always use Penofin. Easy to use with one or two coats repeat every two years as necessary.

[@josephconsuegra6420]

I’ve used Thomason’s Water Seal for years with great success. Living in South Florida, with all the rains, its always held up great.

[@coppulor6500]

That's shocking. Shocking because everyone seems to trash that product. Do you reapply religiously? What's your secret? Tell us!!! 🙏. 😊😊

[@davedennis6042]

I love the power tip. Brilliant!

[@petemelendez710]

Thanks for the advice I thinking about doing some home projects

[@edemyre8993]

Really great video, very informative, I 'specially liked the epoxy idea for table/chair legs.

[@AshLongie]

Nice touch with the epoxy on the open ends this is where it starts to rot doesn't matter what treatment is used but epoxy I will try on next project

[@WarrenDrakeVRN]

Excellent information. Planning on a couple outdoors projects and your video was very informative!

[@MR-si1eq]

I just used Helmsman for the 1st time. Your right 5 coats and bubbles (fish eyes) Never had a issue in all my 50 yrs of using polly or a clear coat. I dont think i will ever use it again. I sanded between coats as usual. Got tired of it and used one coat of quick dry polly and woo lah. Perfect. I put it on thick, thin and even mixed it with mineral spirits. I don't understand why it wouldn't cover. I even call Minwax. Ok im done venting. 😅

[@manuelsousa5507]

What I did for my Normal Abrams Adirondack chair was was cut, fit and assemble the entire chair. Take it completely apart, paint it, one oil primer and two acrylic latex paint. Then put it together. It's been in New England weather for several years...no problems

[@douglasanderson7260]

Awesome video, I just built a small patio table, mostly to keep a glass or two on it. I used White Oak, and I used total boat marine finish figuring that if it can protect a boat from the elements it can protect my table. I wanted the project to be quick so I used hairpin legs just so I did not have to think of the joinery too much and even if the wood moves all of the legs are attached to only 1 board each. But I am thinking of replacing my construction lumber table that I built a couple of years ago, since the top of it is starting to rot. Or has developed enough rot to be concerned. I will probably replicate my smaller table since it seems to be okay. It just went through it's first shower and it seemed like the top was pretty water resistant. Though I will have to check out the timber oil.

[@TheEssentials623]

Mr. Matt Outlaw, Sir I've been following you for about 3 years now. It's been awesome to see you evolve the channel. I love how your wife is so involved as well. your not shy to proclaim your faith in christ and you reflect his character in the way you conduct yourself. So just know 731 is a household name in my home lol. from out here in san diego we wish you all the best from my family to yours. Praise God always!

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@bliaxiong6439]

thanks for explaining and going into detail, i like that about your videos!

[@Jimc4007]

Good video, as they usually are! The thing that caught my attention was your KZbin sign and the number it is showing... I hadn't noticed it until now but you crossed another milestone... 400K subs !!! Congratulations! Well earned and the work you've put in shows.

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you Jim!

[@mommamiap]

Love ur t-shirt! And enjoy ur videos. Great quick info!

[@ColumbiaSCRealEstate]

Amazing video packed with great info. Perfect timing as I'm about to start making outdoor furniture for the first time. ;-)

[@justonbohannan]

Great video! Thank you for all the useful information!

[@foolishbeast4841]

I just wanted to say thanks for all of your videos. I have watched them all. just started wood working and have learned a ton watching your videos. The way you explain things makes sense. and I'm more of a visual learner. So thanks again for all the great videos keep up the fantastic work.

[@scottbionicnerf8727]

I also have people ask me whether or not they need to use pressure treated lumber anything that's primarily going to be outside, and I've always told them 'no', because didn't always paint their barns or smoke houses when they built them.

[@andrewj5998]

Wood outdoor furniture simply requires some maintenance. throughout the year. We always bring our patio furniture up closer to the house for the winter so it won't get as badly hammered by the sun and snow. I don't like covering outdoor furniture because I think it's a recipe for mildew. I always wonder if this is a problem for people who have their furniture shrink wrapped. In the Spring, the furniture has to get thoroughly washed down - especially if matted leaves sat on it. I use a outdoor furniture cleaning concentrate, a garden hose sprayer, and a soft non-scratching brush designed to wash cars. And like you said, the finish may need to be touched up every two or three years.

[@egbluesuede1220]

I'll second that endorsement for Cabot penetrating oils. I used them on a built-in bench and a patio table set here in Ohio. Ouside and uncovered for two years so far, and they look great. I thought I would have to touch up this spring, but they still look like the day I finished them. Plus you can choose a ton of colors, and further customize the look with various levels of opacity. I'll use these from now on.

[@allysonnelson3768]

Did you use a spray or just hand paint?

[@egbluesuede1220]

Just a brush

[@AW-hg3pc]

pine tar, heat it up, heat the wood and "burn" it in with a torch( make sure not to actually burn it). Leaves a lovely reddish brown finish and a sweet smell(unless you use bad tar) we use it on skis, cabins, boats, tool handles basically anything that needs next level protection.

[@AW-hg3pc]

also food safe

[@imsowright90]

Thanks for the info. God bless.

[@scottbionicnerf8727]

Hey Brother. I thought I might want to give you video ideas. How a video comparing the ease of application, and final results of finished product on these finishes that you mentioned in this video (I wouldn't bother with afore mentioned, inferior product, because if you didn't like it, I don't see anyone else would, unless, of course, they can get it for almost free.) I'm talking your simple, down sized night stand/drink-holding table you'd see placed beside chairs or loveseats on a deck. 1 for each of those finishes would be great. I personally, really like the Cabot Finishes for door use. They look awesome on pick nick tables and any pool side furniture pieces.

[@Joeswoodworking21]

The pressure treated I used to build a deck for a customer in the fall of 2020 I had to go back this past summer and replace 5 boards that warped so badly I couldn’t beleave it!

[@hellapellanyc6465]

Hi, I have a boat with white oak and mahogany rub rails. I am taking off the old varnish via heat gun and scraper. I have varnished many times in the past with Pettit Captains Varnish and though beautiful, the flaking in the future drives me nuts. I have used a product called Semco on teak which is a nice sealer but am wondering what else is out there. I know I definitely want to go the sealer route and just re-coat 1-3x a year to keep the wood looking good. The boat is on saltwater. Can you recommend a sealer for marine use? Also the mahogany and white oak have gone grey, can I use oxalic acid to restore to original color without damaging the surrounding paint? Thanks!

[@hnelg]

Is there anything you can put over top paint on my deck to protect from scratching paint?

[@Damon_Barber]

Great video! Awesome Power Tip!! 👊

[@731Woodworks]

Glad you liked it! 👊

[@smeg8557]

Was wondering if you could help me? I’m building a wood cooler box. I’m sure you’ve seen them, but I am not gonna leave it natural. I’m going to paint it and I was just wondering what kind of finish should I put on it? I’ve seen Thompson water seal. I was gonna spray polyacrylic on it. I just don’t know what to put on it to protect it. It’s not gonna be exposed to sunlight all the time.

[@mariondorsett]

I'm looking forward to your bench build. I plan on making one this summer... and this is the precursor for it :D

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks. Yes sir it is :)

[@rockymntain]

8:40 "Zinc coated" screws and nails are meant for outdoor usage. As opposed to the common silver colored fasteners which have a thin nickel coating that will not hold up to outdoor weather.

[@kryptox666]

I've got a pine bench I finished with clear acrylic years ago for indoor use. Its going to be repurposed for outdoor use, would renewing the clear acrylic/poly work or should I use a different finish?

[@Mike-ou5ps]

Howdy Mr. 731... I just watched this video again. Noticed that you didn't used to have a patio cover. Did you build that yourself? Where's the video? As for the Spar Urethane....Don't use a brush unless it's just a small project. Use some thinner and that Home Max. Works great. I'd like to see ya do a more in depth video on using the outdoor stains and finish. Good video Sir.

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks Mike. It's a DIY kit, we did a video on it a while back kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXTKZ3-Cdpd3pKc

[@Mike-ou5ps]

@@731Woodworks Watched it. Yeap. I somehow totally missed that one. My favorite part was when it was done, you were sitting on the banister and the Mrs was sweeping. Done project behind you and you just look off in the distance and say "Yeap".

[@frankd8180]

Always appreciate your input on wood types, processes etc. Thanks for what you do ! Stay safe !😎

[@scottbionicnerf8727]

Can't remember the name of the product cause the paper label came off the can before I finished using it up. But it was some spray-rubber. I sprayed on the pick nick legs bottom that touched the ground/concrete (though, concrete will sand/scrub it off after enough movement.)deck surface.

[@karenmccoy2120]

Very informative, thank you!

[@731Woodworks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chadgarner230]

Another good (and cost effective!) outdoor wood is sassafras. Weather and bug resistant!

[@elizabethdameron5209]

Great video, but I have a question. Mistakenly, I thought tung oil was appropriate for exterior wood furniture. Evidently, it’s not 😢. I’m going to paint the piece, so should I use a primer first or can I just paint over the tung oil? Any suggestions are appreciated

[@apenza4304]

Redwood and cedar are nicer to work with although teak and Ipe are great for strength and durability. Cyprus is another good choice and I wood 😊use it more often if it was readily available in my area.

[@Tbird761]

If aesthetics aren't a concern, does paint provide the best protection for things like decks, fences, and siding? Do timber oils like that Cabot product work better?

[@southpaw406]

Great information in this video! What is your opinion on outdoor finishes for pieces which may come into contact with heat? Such as a built in table/stand for a kamado style grill? Thinking about any radiant heat from the grill, or direct heat from placing a hot pan onto the surface?

[@N46012]

Ang ganda ng Videos na ito maraming tips matutunan ko good Evening

[@MitchellRoman97]

Thank youuuuu

[@jbman1983]

Marine finished are good for outdoor projects.

[@PostMortem66]

What would you use to protect wood for a planter box for vegetables where the dirt is in contact with the dirt? Worried about the plants absorbing some of the finish and then injecting it.

[@davidsorrell1428]

Do you have a video about your patio cover?

[@builditwithlogs3917]

I have used Cabot stain on my log furniture but have found it to be a dull finish and the wood doesn't seem to absorb it evenly. Am I supposed to apply something over the Cabot finish?

[@bigJport]

What about the common whitewood boards that are at the big box stores? I'm in the PNW and have been told it's pine but i have no idea what it is. If treated with Cabot will that be good enough?

[@fidgetshouse]

Altitude is an important consideration as well. Another awesome video!

[@731Woodworks]

Absolutely!

[@firewolfcreative]

Great video! Thanks for answering my question!! I really appreciate what you're doing here, keep up the great work 👊

[@antcommander1367]

My suggestion treatment for any projects that either goes damp/moist space or outdoors. use pine tar, it's a historically proven that it will last, even in underground. and almost maintenance free too, just re-apply every 10-15 years. if you want wood to last even longer burn it (shou sugi ban) before using pine tar. well that is if you can find pine tar.

[@westvirginiaminer3046]

Cedar, Teak and Seqouia(spelling) I think are 3 most common outdoor woods.

[@thomasjent8198]

What about pressure treated pickets for small craft items jock o lanterns, boxes.

[@milkod2001]

Wood finish is very important but what matters more is actual type of wood you use. Cedar or Oak would last much longer then cheappo pine construction wood. Also what matters most is actual design. I live in Ireland where there are more rainy then sunny days through the year and there is ton on moisture in the air. I have build some nice wood planters and cured them with expensive Osmo which is special oil to prevent wood from molds and helps to protect wood. It didn;t. My designs are nice but kept water on wood pieces. What you need to do is to design your pieces under slight angles to make sure rain water quickly slides down and there is nothing what prevents water to stay on the wood. Once you have water droplets on wood it will start rotting soon and create black mold. :( Now i have to re-do all my pieces to give top parts a slight angle to make sure water doesn;t stay on them. Also pressure treated wood while is better than regular wood with no treatment, also needs to get proper finish. In most cases pressure treated wood is left outside for a weeks/months and even you don; see it it's already infected with molds.

[@richardwebb2348]

Ipe wood is a good choice.

[@TheFarmGuy]

Sorry about your yellow bench brother.

[@Casenundra]

I would love to see some photos of the roof of that deck.

[@731Woodworks]

It's a gazebo kit, video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXTKZ3-Cdpd3pKc

[@PaleRider559]

You didn't mention Redwood, as a good outdoor wood. Where I live, Northern Coast of California, we have a lot of it :)

[@RobertPaddock-ek1bm]

Great video. Very informative. However…..Yeah there’s always that guy. I just brush finished an Adirondack Chair I made with Cabots Australian Timber oil that you recommended and I can say it came out terrible. Blotchy, hazed over, impossible to flow out brush strokes and takes at least 5 days or more to dry in ideal conditions. I’m not a finishing expert but I not necessarily a novice either. I’m kicking myself because I didn’t just take a little extra time and spray the pieces. I think that’s what you said you did in the video for your deck furniture. Just emphasize that to people. If you expect to brush finish on more complicated projects with this stuff you will be highly disappointed and frustrated. Thanks Bob

[@franciszepeda]

Which paint did you use???????????

[@bmacaulay18]

IF you want something to last Ipe is king. It's not cheap at all. I built a holder for my Big Green Egg out of Ipe. Based on the fact it is as close to fireproof of a wood as you can buy and it is what they used for the decking at Niagara Falls the need to replace it in my lifetime is zero. You will burn up the bits to counter sink the screw holes and only use stainless steel fasteners.

[@richadent968]

I like oil base stain on virgin lumber. If they don't want the wood grain, use opaque stain. Should outlast paint.

[@moparbaby4592]

What about using teak oil?

[@davehorn1422]

Very interesting, the pressure treated wood for outside furniture, is something I been using.. I won’t any longer. Thank you!

[@ugaladh]

what about putting Flex-seal on the bottom inch of the legs? Is that an option? I've done that on some polebarn corner boards but haven't tried it on furniture. I guess if you move or drag the furniture much, it would wear through.

[@731Woodworks]

Sure, I don't see why you couldn't.

[@2011studies]

Thanks! Really nice outdoor furniture. Subscribed. (Daniel 12:12)

[@MassGradingTeacher]

Very awesome and informative video.

[@cryptoinstagator4390]

I need to know what kind of outlets those are on your column to your right!

[@731Woodworks]

They came with the Gazebo kit

[@stevewilson6600]

What is your opinion on poplar for outdoor or indoor projects? HD always seems to have it. Would it be an intermediate between pine and pricier woods?

[@731Woodworks]

A lot of people use that for tables and things. It holds up a little better than pine in some cases.

[@TheMomanslm]

Not a big fan of paint. Maybe I've not used the right product but paint doesn't seem to weather well. It can look and feel chalky and then it seems to hold moisture which promotes insect infestation and rot. Oil may not be perfect but it does shed the water pretty well and it is easy to touch up when you decide to do it.

[@thomasg8628]

The question about food safe.... i would like to know for growing food in a planter . What do you recommend as a food safe wood finish?

[@timbarry5080]

Nice outdoor sitting area

[@S1rAdam]

I will now revert to lead based paint to finish my outdoor table tops. Also, what does “most” mean? 3:36

[@sflagg0817]

Great video as always question on the sprayer I bought one I’m just about positive it’s the same one and while staining our deck last summer I kept experiencing the deck stain clogging the small tip I believe it’s the blue tip or whatever color tip is required and had to keep stopping to clean it out I don’t believe temperature was an issue it was very high 90s maybe like 97 degrees in full sun thanks for any advice also I did not use anything but the stain

[@nathanlipscomb4671]

I'm confused. I'm brand new to wood working and want to build some outdoor furniture. I am building extras to sell so that my furniture will be paid for. Everyone is telling me to use treated wood for outdoor furniture, but it has to sit for 6 months before I can do anything with it. You say not to use treated wood, which would be far simpler and cheaper. So, I'm confused. I'm afraid the benches I just made are going turn into a mangled mess once they dry out... any help "wood" be appreciated! Thanks!

[@731Woodworks]

In my experience treated wood tends to split/twist a bit more than normal pine that you put an outdoor finish on. Not saying it 100% will do it, just more likely. And treated wood has chemicals that could irritate some people's skin.

[@nathanlipscomb4671]

@731Woodworks Have you found that some people would turn their noses up to outdoor furniture that isn't treated wood.

[@JSS75]

Great info, other places have it all over the place. I just wanted something simple and not so airborne where I need a full respirator to apply.

[@rtowns7999]

Huge fan of the channel and you have really motivated me to pursue wood working more Matt. Question for you, I know that you often use a pre-stain prior to staining your projects. Do you use that same product on your outdoor furniture as well?

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you Rob! Yes I do pre-stain on outdoor furniture.

[@mjstutter12]

For those using a paint finish good primer and acrylic paint will outlast just about everything

[@dancascino701]

Another well done , informative video.. i am considering building some inexpensive storage cabinets to be used along one of our fence lines, ( for garden tools etc) ,so it will be exposed to the elements. what do you think would be the best woods for this kind of project. Thanks

[@ITBubba1]

Why would you want to keep it from graying ? Gray is all the rage right now ! LOL

[@jessec8562]

The power tip on this video is very important that most people don’t think of.

[@TKcustomWoodworks]

Odie‘s oil Is a food safe finish that they claim can be used outdoors

[@centexhomeranch7821]

I am getting ready to clean and seal outdoor cedar posts on my deck. I built a new house and have great cedar posts that I want to protect but first I need to clean and degrease. I will get some of that cabot clear coat but would you have any recommendations on an outdoor wood cleaner / degreaser that I can use to scrub these large posts and get them ready for clear coat?? Thank you

[@tonyarmstrong7141]

Love the T shirt bro

[@garyzellner9938]

Like your videos .... I'm a little hard of hearing, so for me, I would like to have you slow down your speech speed 🥰 Just saves me from rewinding to catch all you say....

[@caseyhoke2362]

Just a friendly FYI, in the settings of the KZbin player you can raise or lower the playback speed of the video, maybe that will help you hear it better.