I just built a picnic table and may have made some mistakes following the advice of some employees at a big box store. This was my first attempt at building something and I should have done some more research first, but now on to fixing the problems!
My first question is about pine. The top of the table and benches are entirely redwood, but the planks I used at the bottom to hold everything together are pine. (I've attached a picture in case that doesn't make sense!) Now that I've read some more about pine, it was probably a poor choice for outdoors. Do I need to replace these planks or supplement them with another type of wood? Or will it be okay as long as it is properly sealed? If the latter, what could I use to seal it? I've read some suggestions to use a clear oil based house paint. Would that do the trick?
My second question is about the finish for the top (since there is no pine on the top). I used a Minwax stain that is intended for indoor use on everything -- top an bottom. I now know that was also a bad idea, but if the only problem is that the stain will fade over time, I am okay with that. But I am wondering if I need to seal the top with anything additional, and if so, what is my best choice? I've seen a lot of suggestions to use spar varnish, but I am concerned that I will create a mess of brush strokes and I also really don't want the table to have a glossy finish. Is there any wipe on suggestion? Or should I just be using some sort of oil? Another thread said that oild would just attract dirt...
I am in Southern California, so other than some days of intense sun and heat, and a few days of rain, there isn't much inclement weather to worry about.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
My first question is about pine. The top of the table and benches are entirely redwood, but the planks I used at the bottom to hold everything together are pine. (I've attached a picture in case that doesn't make sense!) Now that I've read some more about pine, it was probably a poor choice for outdoors. Do I need to replace these planks or supplement them with another type of wood? Or will it be okay as long as it is properly sealed? If the latter, what could I use to seal it? I've read some suggestions to use a clear oil based house paint. Would that do the trick?
My second question is about the finish for the top (since there is no pine on the top). I used a Minwax stain that is intended for indoor use on everything -- top an bottom. I now know that was also a bad idea, but if the only problem is that the stain will fade over time, I am okay with that. But I am wondering if I need to seal the top with anything additional, and if so, what is my best choice? I've seen a lot of suggestions to use spar varnish, but I am concerned that I will create a mess of brush strokes and I also really don't want the table to have a glossy finish. Is there any wipe on suggestion? Or should I just be using some sort of oil? Another thread said that oild would just attract dirt...
I am in Southern California, so other than some days of intense sun and heat, and a few days of rain, there isn't much inclement weather to worry about.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
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