Which wood?

[Bentham Andy]

Hello to all. I have been asked to make a memorial bench and I am not sure about the best wood for the job so any suggestions would be appreciated. The bench is to be sited outside and I am looking for something that can withstand the following climatic conditions: Winters can be cold and frosty with some snow but often cold and wet. Summers can be warm, damp and humid but sometimes hot with lots of direct sunlight.

cheers

Andy

 

[HandyTim]

Hi Andy

I think oak is the best wood. If you make the bench fairly chunky it will last for decades without treatment. Have a look at benches used by the National Trust etc.

Cheers

Tim

 

[Karl]

Hi Andy

Welcome to UKW.

I have just built a small oak notice cabinet for my daughters school - it is to be placed outside. I have given it a good protective coat of varnish. But if you don't mind the faded (silvery) look, then there would be no need to treat the oak.

HTH.

Cheers

Karl

 

[Argus]

.

English Oak is ideal for England.

I'd suggest that it's best to select air dried Oak and try to get quarter sawn stock if possible to avoid shrinkage or movement, then use draw-bore pegs in mortise and tenons in favour of glues.

No need to oil or varnish - in a couple of years it will go a nice silver-grey all over.

Done well, it will last for decades, but don't forget a method of fixing it down (steel brackets and security bolts) - some toe-rags will steal anything of value.

.

 

[OPJ]

If you want a darker timber then sapele's a good choice. Iroko should be durable without any finish (due to its oily nature, quite like teak) - but, the grain can be difficult to work and the dust can make you seriously ill if you're not careful.

Ash is one to avoid, it won't stand up against the elements for very long compared to oak and others.

 

[Bentham Andy]

Many thanks for the replies. Oak is the message that I am receiving but as the bench is going in a small mountain village in northern Spain Spanish Oak may be the answer. I am hoping to make the bench and source the timber their anyway.

Cheers

Andy

 

[Argus]

.


I must have misunderstood the location - as I said English Oak for England, though I can't speak about how Spanish Oak behaves outside because I have never used it.

One thing that you may consider, is to look at the local churches; what are the doors and other external wooden bits made of?

That should be your timber of choice - again air dried and quater-sawn.

Good luck.


.

 

[wizer]

To be honest, I think I'd try to find what the locals use for outside furniture. Then you'll be sure it will last in the climate

 

[AndyT]

I can remember seeing some wonderful wooden buildings in N Spain which I am pretty sure were in sweet chestnut - they'd lasted a few hundred years perfectly happily.

Andy