HOW TO TREAT WOOD YOURSELF | Protecting it against ROT

#treatedlumber #woodwork #homestead
This is how we treat our own wood on the homestead! We discuss a wood preserving technique called shou Sugi ban that we use all around our homestead. We cut down some trees that we will be using to make a 20 foot tall tower to support our new Starlink satellite. We show you the hand tools and ways of using those tools so that you can try this method yourself on the projects you may be working on. We get questions on why we burned the wood all the time and we really hope this video helps you.
We greatly appreciate your time and interest. Please help to support the channel by subscribing and sharing the content that appeals to you and commenting and liking the video. We use the material to improve and bring you a better viewing experience.
Check out our MAIN CHANNEL : Smoky Mountain Outpost
/ smokymountainoutpost
Instagram: / smokymountainoutpost
Facebook: / smokymountainoutpost
Website: www.smokymount...
Email: [e-mail]
We have a variety of gear and tools that we use on and around our homestead. If you feel so inclined to check them out the links are below.
Main Camera: amzn.to/2WvDOm9
Main Lens: amzn.to/2wsTJar
Microphone: amzn.to/2QxGZ9g
Second Camera: amzn.to/2IZxUSy
Drone: amzn.to/398oWNt
Canon Creator Kit: amzn.to/33ybIs4
20" Axe: amzn.to/2xaRXe0
13" Hatchet: amzn.to/2U7hYDX

[@johnvalencia7488]

Man, that is a lot of work to preserve your timbers. Guess you can say that it is a life time project. Beautiful workmanship. 👍

[@OutpostReview]

I don’t even actually think about the work involved. It’s just a lot of fun doing it.

[@DFthepolarbear]

This video was calming. The birds in the background and watching the wood work. Peeling the bark reminded me of peeling a potato also satisfying 😄

[@OutpostReview]

You can hear the birds in most of my videos and I do an off a lot of peeling bark that’s for sure. We’re glad you enjoyed the video and hope you have a great weekend

[@clarencesmith9882]

Short and sweet. Very helpful information. I bought that Australian timber oil after watching you use it last year. Good stuff- I love it! Thanks for sharing that with us. 🪵🌲🐔🌺🌻🤗

[@Curmudgeon1]

Good morning Richard, you've done your homework. Your wood preservation will work a lot better and last longer than what is commericaly available ie; pressure treated. Thanks for sharing this. Be well.

[@ronniekeates3349]

Id love to see updates on how the posts are doing year after year

[@OutpostReview]

I’ll be checking on him and if I can remember I’ll try to let people know

[@jvon4475]

Really appreciate the tips. Thank you, Richard.

[@markhudspeth8503]

Watched this morning, great chat tonight! Good night.

[@DanKlein_1]

been watching your live feed and came back to catch this. can't wait to see how you build the satellite tower and if you build it like the old step post.

[@k.d.8924]

If possible you should strip the sap wood from the section of the log that will be in the ground. The heart wood is far more rot resistant.

[@samsulfaro5109]

Great way to preserve wood in the ground

[@OutpostReview]

thanks Sam!

[@reggieswanson3234]

Great show just commenting for the drawing for the drill Thank You

[@irenel.m.3238]

Great video and very informative 👍

[@brianw1441]

Always enjoy your content.

[@bryansmith246]

Like the content. Keep up the good work! More Smokey!

[@susanthornton5371]

We enjoy both channels so much and look forward each and every video. Thanks for all your hard work!

[@jchihat]

Enjoy both channels 😃

[@MrMichaeldsullivan]

I always wondered about what side to use on a drawknife. I guess burning is better than diesel and motor oil in the old days.

[@commercialconcepts2198]

Fantastic video, very inspiring

[@OutpostReview]

that's super kind of you to say that!

[@chamandorarwanda12]

Thank you for the valuable info and tips

[@OutpostReview]

My pleasure!

[@MissionaryForMexico]

Also the bottom of hole dump about two pounds of river bed gravel rock, that will help drain water free.

[@carolinafirewood]

Good information, Thanks!

[@franks4973]

Nice, it also helps make the wood fire retardant. I would also spray with boric acid (borax and water) after flame treating.

[@Saul_T_Knutz]

I do bevel side up. Never seen anyone do it your way. Whatever works! Helps that your posts are cedar to start with in terms of rot resistance. I wish we had it where I live!

[@OutpostReview]

Just an observation, if you hold the bell side down, you can actually Otate the knife up and down about 30°. If you hold it bevel up, there’s no way to really rotate the blade down to be able to pull out of the wood if that makes sense. But like you said, whatever works. We appreciate the comment and the view and hope you enjoy other videos that we have.

[@billaiken2269]

Love the videos love the drills

[@nathanbowersox1234]

Did my whole timber frame on my house and brushed it off and oiled. I did notice on some of my porch timbers if you don’t get oil on quickly the sun, wind and rain will remove the burnt layer in months compared to years with the oil. If you can oil Spring and Fall it will last longer. I have also done touch ups with a small torch and it worked great where my children beat up my timbers in the home. For fence posts into the ground I have seen people drill 45 degree angles with 1” bits half way into the material accessible above ground and fill with oil and plug. Supposedly if you refill annually it will preserve the material to prevent rot. Would love to hear if it has worked for anyone.

[@OutpostReview]

Your cabin sounds wonderful. I don’t think there’s any better look than Brentwood because it makes the grain just jump out and the oil I think probably is better for the wood than stain is. Regardless of what you use, you have to maintain it so putting some on at different intervals, just helps to prolong the life of the material. I kinda like the idea about drilling. The holes never tried that never even heard of it before, but it may be something that I Incorporate up here. Thanks for the comment. Have a great week.

[@fionntainmacb]

very helpful info, thank you for your concise nobs clear presentation. I like your curvy posts on your cabin. I got some on my cabin... however i did put a concrete tile roof on mine and sometimes when i look at the posts because their curvy i dont know if theyre bending/fatiqued or not!!

[@OutpostReview]

They can fool you that’s for sure. I like mine too because it’s one of a kind and no one else has one like it.

[@jcmdaf]

Good work

[@couchyrick6300]

Long story short set it on fire but not too on fire 🎉 youve treated your 🪓 wood

[@charlesmerritt4403]

I started using the same timber oil you use and I love the stuff...so thanks for showing it to me!

[@OutpostReview]

You are welcome!

[@slowfinger2]

Can mix used oil and diesel 50/50. Farmers say that makes fence posts last 80 years. Diesel carries the oil into the wood and when it dries it polymerizes the wood. Very water resistant. I use it over the burn as well. Get a nice walnut brown. The older the oil, the darker the stain, up to black. Used transmission oil gives redder tones. Super easy to slop on fresh coats every few years. It doesn't kill plants, and when it's dry in a couple of days, it's inert. I soaked my sawhorse leg bottoms in it and they've sat on the ground for 5 years. The bottom is still hard. Not a speck of decay.

[@OutpostReview]

Cool. We used diesel fuel on trailer boards to make them last longer when I was a kid.

[@jamesgill5517]

Does this technique work with pine??? I know cedar is more rot resistant than pine for sure.

[@historygradstu]

Peel the bark off of the pine, you can burn it if you like, ground contact area, or simply paint it with tar

[@madsxaeaii9373]

Lol 🎉carpenter 💪 look what I did🎉sorry jealous ty for tips

[@OutpostReview]

😂

[@windyventure]

I'm trying to turn a small section of my crate and Myrtle into an indoor cat tree! I wish I wasn't the first but can't find any info on preserving their wood start to finish but hopefully this works!

[@OutpostReview]

It should help. Remove all bark to wood.

[@liawatson5789]

Thanks for sharing ❤

[@elhuertodechale]

Hello friends of Outpost review. I hope to be one of the winners of Patrick's gift. God bless you all. Greetings.

[@richardshumate7257]

Can you do the same process on popular trees as you do on cedar? Enjoyed watching Richard.

[@OutpostReview]

Yes!

[@richardshumate7257]

@@OutpostReview Just wondering, because here at my property I have a lot and I mean a lot of popular tree’s. Thanks Richard. You and your family mean a lot to me. Hope you have a blessed day.

[@OutpostReview]

@@richardshumate7257 HEY Richard! You were the second winner for the Milwaukee 2401 Screwdriver. Please email us at [e-mail]

[@critical-thought]

Nice video. How do you make framing timber oil?

[@donwilkins9771]

Now I live in Florida so cedar I don’t see or get any of that , but now pine I’ve got a ton of that from 10 ft to 40 ft logs and got any suggestions about treating that

[@patriotbarber7282]

I'd be interest to know about pine, as well

[@rickyroten2410]

Do you use only cedar?

[@empress7222]

First video I have watched of yours and am here to stay, thank you very much for this information. Can this be done to teak logs?

[@DeeDeecampbellmusic]

Great video !!

[@OutpostReview]

Thanks!

[@ZombiePilot420]

Where did you get that draw knife? I've been looking for a good one, but they are hard to find except from the internet. And I find it quite hard to judge build and material quality through a screen

[@OutpostReview]

I did order it from Amazon. It was around $35. So no loss if it wasn’t as expected

[@sarahborealis8680]

Where do you get the bench vise dog? I only see regular vices!

[@OutpostReview]

We ordered it from Amazon. Workbench hold fast

[@CoolSwordGuy27]

this guys just living life good on him thats my dream one day

[@OutpostReview]

Thank you for the nice complement.

[@CoolSwordGuy27]

@@OutpostReview no problem bro keep up the good work. love your videos

[@nandingpanelo]

Thanks

[@12vLife]

Thanks. Any drying time before you start your process?

[@OutpostReview]

I used all of mine green. It would be best if they had 6 mo or so to dry out since they a not to big.

[@malerielindsey8816]

Can you do this with pine?

[@OutpostReview]

I do it with mine.

[@td3365]

Are those cedars? Not a lot of bugs like those right?

[@OutpostReview]

Yes they are and you are correct

[@antoniiocaluso1071]

a shovel or two of gravel in the posthole helps keep the post bottom dry. nice video! sub'd/liked.

[@OutpostReview]

You’re absolutely correct about two inches is what I usually do.

[@cottagejimmys]

I don't have good trees like cedar, oak etc. The trees that I have are mostly balsam fir, white pine, basswood. Do you know whether I can char them and make some posts, beams, joists, etc.?

[@OutpostReview]

Not sure. A lot of my building were made with pine. Mostly yellow pine but some white pine. We don’t have the fir and basswood here. I’m sure you could research local buildings to see if the old timers used that type in their building

[@justinmichaelfilms]

What kind of timber oil do you use? Also, I don't have any access to cedar on my property, but I do have shagbark hickory, and hophornbeam. Do you think these types of hardwoods would be worth using with this method for some deck posts? Or would they rot out too fast in comparison to the cedar.

[@OutpostReview]

If your hornbeam is the “ironwood” that some call, yes it’s used because of its properties as well as the hickory. I would use them

[@justinmichaelfilms]

@@OutpostReview wow very fast reply! I've been working on my little homestead the last 4 years! So glad I found your channel, I'm trying to do everything myself (the right way, & typically the old fashioned way seems to be the best way) and your channel is full of great information! Thank you!

[@cchemmes-seeseeart3948]

charred (esp for below ground portion) or timber frame oil. Good to know. Thanks. Just wondering exactly what oil you use for 'timber frame oil.' Your own mix? or a ready mix? Is it toxic? Could I use it for sculpture pieces? What would you recommend for wood used on indoor sculpture pieces?

[@OutpostReview]

I use charred plus roofing cement (tar) on bottom and Cabot Timber Oil for the rest.

[@GINMOONLIGHT]

What are you using to strip the bark? The only reason I ask is I could not hear the name. Thank you appreciate your videos

[@OutpostReview]

A draw knife

[@GINMOONLIGHT]

@@OutpostReview thank you very much. I appreciate you taking the time.

[@alexfilippidis]

Do you let it dry before using it and for how long? thnx for the vid

[@OutpostReview]

I pretty much just use mine as I go. It seems to have work so far.

[@rwest6389]

Amen..🔥⚒️🍀

[@DFthepolarbear]

I bet that smells good when you did the burning.

[@OutpostReview]

Just like a big campfire, LOL

[@DanielLoiacono-i6y]

I'm building a fence and have a lot of cedar wood, the logs i have are anywhere from 5"-1" diameter if I do this how long would you expect those post to last? If i just sharpen an end and drive it into the ground bark and all, how long do you think that would last? trying to make the most out of the entire property and bring the fences out to the property line to give the animals as much space as possible and some woodland area, hoping they'll get some more food from that and also eat up all the aggressive underbrush growing in there.

[@OutpostReview]

You need to treat them. If you burn the bottom black and add some roofing cement or another word tar, I’m assuming they’ll go 10, 15 or maybe 20 years. They will rock quick if you just drive them in the ground and may only last a couple.

[@robertkazimoto1477]

Hello,I like this from Tanzania, can you apply the same method on grivellia tree poles?

[@OutpostReview]

Hello, the silky oak grevillea tree is a good wood to use since it is mediums density and often used for furniture and window sills since it resists rot

[@jessicag630]

3:25 Won't green wood crack with burning? How do you deal with green log cracking and insects eating it?

[@OutpostReview]

I generally don’t worry about the cracking too much because even the seasoned material will crack. Most post and beam or timber frame structures you can go in and see the checking in the wood. If I had the ability to let the material dry, it would be better. Some people coat the end of the logs. Once they’re cut, they stack them let them lay for a couple of years and go back and cut them. When you cut the ends of the logs with a sealant, it allows the log to drive from the inside out, naturally, instead of drawing from the ends Inward which helps to cause the cracking. All in all most of the material that I have cut hasn’t cracked too bad. As far as the insects go, I have to use a pest control like everybody else for bugs on a semi annual basis.

[@otpyrcralphpierre1742]

Does this also work on Pine trees?

[@OutpostReview]

Yes

[@gwp1ohio]

Im considering using red pine as i have quite a bit of it... a little worried about it rotting

[@OutpostReview]

I think that if you burn it then treat it with oil then I would use creosote tar putting it thick wherever you’re going in the ground. Hopefully there won’t be any earth it would make contact through that thick tar.

[@gwp1ohio]

@@OutpostReview I am willing to try, I love the look of it. Thanks

[@Revelation22-13]

Matthew 7:11 King James Version 11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

[@Ccb516lira]

Man this is freshly cuted wood?

[@TravisMcKnight-lk7gg]

It's similar to fire 🔥 Harding your knocks on arrow shafts, it strengthen the shaft and keeps it from splitting , fire Harding does preserve your wood 🪵🪓

[@OutpostReview]

We have used this method on most of the buildings

[@fayee8986]

First time I seen your video love it love it love it are you married? LOL

[@zardiw]

Heat the original type of green Anti Freeze, Add Roach Away (Boric Acid) and Borax........preserves wood very well...........Z

[@LMBee00]

Hopefully you don't have dogs and treat any wood with antifreeze!

[@zardiw]

@@LMBee00 Yeah.....cause dogs love to eat wood so much........lol.........Z

[@LMBee00]

@@zardiw Because you're poisoning any animal coming in contact with your wood. And yes dogs cats and other animals gnaw on wood!

[@meta2016]

There's always got to be that guy

[@MrSTUCKINTHEWOODS]

@@LMBee00 Beavers. They should be worried if they have a woodchuck. Never heard of puppers dying from treated lumber. Sheeeesh

[@agroforestryconsultancyroz210]

What about not destroying forest?

[@PokeFit3]

Wtf? Where do you think commercial lumber comes from?

[@HuyenRozendale-mo1mz]

I build with bricks dude, not with lumber

[@LitoGeorge]

That drawknife is a chinesium piece of garbage. Once you get your hands on a proper drawknife (made in USA/ England or even in Canada) you will understand the joys you have been missing out. Readily available second hand for cheap, they are worlds better than the garbage you're (unfortunately been) using. And your bench dog is officially known as a hold fast but I am sure you know that by now. Cheers

[@jvon4475]

Appreciate all the tips. Thank you, Richard.

[@peterlynchchannel]

5:30 The bevel's in the details. Got it.

[@floridaprepper598]

I have been taught by quite a few old timers on building log cabins The bevel on your draw knife goes up you can still angle the knife to take off the amounts of material you want bubble facing down will dig into the wood

[@OutpostReview]

Thanks for the comment. Although others may use it in that manner, I would have to say that all of the buildings here at the homestead were debarked by hand with the drawknife bevel facing downward because it is much easier. I have tried it both ways and have been self taught having done it all alone.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Thanks for sharing with us Richard, enjoyed the wood preserving method you shared with us. Stay safe, Fred.

[@majcorbin]

This post is for Jennifer [Q] When does a JOKE, become a DAD JOKE? [A] When it becomes, apparent you've just been IOWA DAD JOKED ( you're welcome)

[@mscharylee]

Thanks Richard. I want to make some raised bed gardens with legs, but I was worried about them rotting from the ground moisture. I will use this method on the base of each leg.

[@richardbrace7998]

Would not let me comment on the live video. I would love to see some of the bloopers and thank you for the jokes Jennifer. Real glad Smokey is better.

[@philnorthernhorizon9869]

Another awesome video Richard. You always make my day special. God bless you all.

[@dalebraun9919]

I like how you explained how treated your wood. Easy and cheaper. Keep up the good videos.

[@OutpostReview]

HEY DALE! You were the first winner for the Milwaukee 2401 Screwdriver. Please email us at [e-mail]

[@Varnathin]

Oh hey, those yard dogs you use are something I've been looking into making in my forge! They're also called "holdfasts," if you didn't know that already. You can make them to slot into hardy/pritchel holes in anvils, workbench holes, really anywhere that you have a surface where you need material securely held down. Might be one of my first projects once I get my anvil in place - I'm actually watching this video because I have an oak log to mount it to, I just need to treat the thing now that I've stripped the bark off of it.

[@OutpostReview]

You’re absolutely right they are called holdfast. They work very well on just about everything. We hope that you enjoyed The video and have many more related to that same subject with all of the buildings we have built here on the Homestead.

[@MrRDJEEP]

I'm double watching, just for good measure haha. Enjoy PS: Great live.

[@brenttrozelle2224]

Just a plain ol comment... lok

[@tomas5650]

Is this for a post and beam / roundwood timberframe structure? How do you back fill the hole you bury this in? Gravel? Concrete?

[@trevscott93]

Bevel down with the draw knife? I’ve never tried bevel down

[@brianwright3499]

Always inspired by you and your projects. Hope smokey feels better. Looking forward to seeing you and the kids .

[@rodplath9777]

Loved the live feed on SMO tonight...Looking forward to seeing progress of the sat tower

[@dannyjackson5132]

Good morning SMO making a green house with the plastic pallets I'd a great idea I've seen fence built out of the wooden ones and covered with stucco God bless and stay safe and healthy

[@dannyjackson5132]

Is instead of I'd

[@billkersey8749]

Thanks for the live show. It was fun. Also love the informational video today. Would love to see more!!!

[@josefreck1103]

🙋‍♂️😊🤗

[@donwilkins9771]

I’ve been told to use oil and diesel fuel because of the difference kinds of termites here in Florida

[@MrRDJEEP]

👍👊

[@judithwright5084]

Love you channels. Keep them coming. ❤️

[@charlieaustin2818]

Looking forward to the tower build.

[@silvercreekrange9942]

How long do you recommend letting it dry before you burn it? Pine tree specifically.

[@OutpostReview]

I have used all of mine green. I would say about six months

[@ronw9848]

Enjoy watching this channel!!!

[@brixttonscrazyadventures8497]

What do u do after you burn it

[@OutpostReview]

I thought I showed or mentioned the “Australian Timber Oil” by Cabot.

[@maximizer1346]

I enjoyed the teaching and respect your ambition, what wood is best to use when treating wood? 1st 2nd 3rd tree categories please?

[@OutpostReview]

Locust I believe is best. The Oak family would be my next choice, then Hickory. Hickory can be hard to work with because of its properties.

[@randolphroark1463]

I like using a mixture of oils.

[@PatriciaRollins-h1d]

I know this video is old but I had some red pine milled and want to use it to make a 300 feet of board walk, will this procedure work for me. Mostly just for the decking? Thanks

[@OutpostReview]

It will not hurt any project. It will definitely help.

[@TheShift_OfEnergy]

SIR, how many liters or gallons of oil do you use for one log? at what wood humidity you oil / and build? And what finish do you use at the end? Thank you.

[@OutpostReview]

One gallon could do several. Mostly 6 months drying or straight from the woods. Cabot Australian Timber Oil

[@gloriabutler4734]

This video was very helpful love all your videos

[@OutpostReview]

Thank You Gloria

[@TheShift_OfEnergy]

SIR, how many liters or gallons of oil do you use for one log? at what wood humidity you oil / and build? And what finish do you use at the end? Thank you

[@OutpostReview]

It goes on very well and doesn’t take much. One gallon will do several. Most of my build has been 6 months dry or straight from the woods. Cabot Australian Timber Oil