I recently built extensions for my truck bed using regular dimensional lumber, which isn't treated. I expect they'll be exposed to rain and snow, and I definitely want to avoid warping. This setup isn't permanent, but I'm curious about how to protect the wood from the elements while retaining that natural wood look. Would staining be a good option? Any advice would be appreciated!
2 Answers
Consider using a penetrating oil finish! Products like Penofin, Messmer’s, or Armstrong Clark work great. They're designed for outdoor use, so they'll protect against the weather without the hassle of stripping or sanding. Just clean the wood, let it dry, and apply a new coat whenever needed, usually every year or two.
Oiling is a fantastic choice if you want to maintain that wood look! Boiled linseed oil, tung oil, or a hard wax oil would do the trick, but keep in mind you'll need to reapply every year or so based on your local weather conditions.
That's the route I'll take, thanks for the suggestion!