Hey everyone! I'm looking for advice on using untreated pine boards for some shed doors I want to build. I've encountered a lot of mixed opinions online, so I decided to turn to you all. I'm planning to make ledge and brace doors that will sit about a foot off the ground, so there won't be any direct contact with the ground. I'm also thinking about treating them with a mix of teak or linseed oil, or possibly clear urethane. I live at a high elevation with lower humidity, which I hope will help prolong their life. I'm aiming for them to last at least five years. Any thoughts or experiences on this? Thanks!
3 Answers
The main issue is the soil fungi that can rot wood. If you treat your doors with a good exterior-grade finish, they should last more than five years. Just remember to reapply the finish if they start looking rough!
I think five years should be totally doable! They might not look perfect by then, but they should still work fine. Just keep an eye on them after a while.
Don't forget, painting them (and priming first) can really help your pine hold up against the elements!

Thanks for the insight! Sounds like this might actually be a fun weekend project. I was worried after hearing so many people say untreated pine would rot in no time.