Life expectancy of softwood timber bench

[Greenfinch]

Hello.

I recently undertook my first woodworking project: a simple garden bench.

Unfortunately, not knowing any better, I made it with untreated softwood timber. To protect and colour it I applied several coats of Cuprinol fence treatment as that's what I had available.

My question is this: if I leave it outside all year-round will it be rotten in just a few years?

Scott

 

[nathandavies]

Take it to someone local with a preservative tank, see if they will dip or pressurise it for you.

 

[Bluekingfisher]

The simple answer to your question is yes.

It will last around 4 -5 years before the obvious signs of decay and rot set in. Not only will the constant exposure to getting wet then drying out effect the bench so will the effects of UV from sun light, which will make the wood brittle.

I had a garden dining set (table & chairs), which was treated every year with preservative, made from similiar material taken to the dump after 5 years. I would have thought 5 years from softwood used out doors is a fair return?

Covering the bench with a tarp during the winter may lenghten its life a little as will removal from direct sun light.

David

 

[Greenfinch]

To Nathan and David: thanks for the replies.

I'm thinking of giving the bench to some relatives so wanted a rough idea of how long it will last. If it lasts several years, then that sounds okay.

Scott

 

[ColeyS1]

give it a few licks of Thompsons water seal. I was gobsmacked after trying it on some wood then watching the beads of rain sit on top. it should stop the getting soaked then drying out problem. I bought a similar sounding product (after reading the application instructions) and it cost 10 quid for 5 litres. goes on like water, splash it everywhere and you wont get runs. It might be a better option for your situation

 

[rafezetter]

If you do cover with a tarp though don't seal it in - allow air to move inside the tarp or it will accellerate the rot effect. When I was a kid my dad sealed up a wood trestle table for winter.... come spring it was black with mould and completely unusable.