Hey everyone! I have a bit of a dilemma. I just moved into a new house and had a contractor build a wooden gate at the top of a steep staircase for my older parents, who are prone to falls. The gate looks amazing, but the contractor mentioned that the wood needs to dry for about three months before it can be painted. Since my homeowners association (HOA) requires that the gate matches the white railing on the deck, I can't install it until it's painted. The contractor suggested that I could paint just the front half of the gate and leave the back half unpainted to allow the wood to continue drying out. Do you think this is a good idea considering my situation? Thanks for your advice!
3 Answers
While it's technically okay to leave part of the gate unpainted, be cautious. If you only paint the front, you risk issues like cupping or warping as it dries. But if you wait until it's ready, you'll save yourself from future problems. Just keep an eye on the wood's moisture level as it cures.
You should definitely let your HOA know that the gate is a necessary safety feature for your parents. Since the wood needs time to dry, it’s crucial to make that clear. Plus, if you paint too soon, it’ll peel off later, which isn't good for anyone. It's best to get everything documented, like through email, to have a record of your communication with them.
Exactly! Just avoid the hassle, and let them know what’s medically needed.
For future projects, consider using kiln-dried lumber. It’s slightly more expensive, but you can paint it right away. If that's not an option now, test the wood periodically—if water beads up on it, it’s too wet; if it soaks in, you’re good to go!
Totally agree! Keeping an eye on that moisture will really help in the long run.