non-pressure treated wood fence outside

Wood that has undergone a pressure treatment is more than durable and less susceptible to decaying, infestation, mold, and even water damage. Non-pressure treated wood, still, is susceptible to all of these things and, therefore, will not last as long outside. That'due south being said, you tin still utilize non-pressure treated wood outside, but yous will need to use some special measures to keep the wood protected.

Let's go over the many different options available to keep non-pressure treated wood safe from the elements.

Threats to Not-Pressure level Treated Wood

While there are several threats to untreated wood, the main two are the sunday and water. All of these threats can reduce the lifespan of your wood or make it weaker, which can exist a real problem, specially for a construction similar a deck or a pergola.

The Sun

Ultraviolet rays tin drain all the oil from wood, causing it to dry out and crevice. Over time, the wood will beginning to fade in color equally the oil comes out. To gainsay the lord's day, identify untreated wood in shady areas away from the sun. Y'all can as well comprehend the wood when it's not in use. Besides, you tin stain or treat the forest, which we will go over below.

Water

Whether from rain, snow, or water from a hose, water can cause wood to grow mold, decay, or rot in a short amount of time. Stain will not assistance to prevent water damage, but a sealer can. You tin besides apply a waterproof cover sealed downwards against wind.

Mold

When woods becomes wet and information technology'south untreated, it can easily grow mold. Non only will mold cause the table to decay quicker, simply it can also poisonous substance y'all, your family, and your pets. Stain tin slightly reduce mold, only sealer works improve.

Other Elements

Air current, insects, dirt, dust, and use can also cause untreated woods to die faster. Using stain and sealer can help to eliminate these problems as well as mold, water damage, and sun impairment.

The lifespan of Non-Pressure Treated Wood Outside

At nearly, untreated wood can last about ii years outside before irreparable damages occurs. Some wood tin final up to five years but just in balmy weather conditions. Depending on the type of forest, you could run into it beyond damaged in a few short months. Meanwhile, pressure-treated forest can last for up to 15 years or longer.

Difference Between Treated and Untreated Wood

It's easy to spot untreated woods outside as it oft has a green tint from years of exposure. You can also look for a marker, which is used for treated wood. Finally, smell the forest, if information technology smells like chemicals, then it has probably been treated, while wood smells indicate untreated wood.

Types of Non-Pressure Treated Wood

Several species of woodwork better outside when not pressure treated than other wood. Some wood has natural chemicals that help to protect them from the elements. Softwoods include cedar, cypress, Douglas fur, pine, redwood, and bandbox. You get more options with hardwoods, including teak, oak, mahogany, walnut, alder, beech, white oak, and maple.

Some forest will rot and weaken faster when constantly battling the elements. Pine should not be your kickoff pick equally information technology's not capable of handling the weather without handling. Softwood costs less, and it's lighter in color and weight just only lasts ups to 10 years. Hardwood costs more than, it's darker and heavier just can final for several years and is naturally weather-resistant.

How to Weatherproof Non-Pressure Treated Forest

Yous have a few options available to weatherproof non-treated forest. Starting time, you can use an oil like linseed or tung oil to serve as a protective coating, and information technology volition help to make the wood look gorgeous too. Second, you lot can use varnish, polyurethane, or lacquer to finish the wood and substantially seal information technology from damage. Third, you can use semi-transparent deck stain. Fourth, you always accept the option to paint wood, too, or even use epoxy. Finally, you tin use a sealer.

Wood oils protect from rot, sunlight, and natural weathering. However, it will non concluding long and volition demand to be reapplied regularly.

Polyurethane or lacquer is ultra-durable and waterproof, making it an ideal option for untreated wood. You will demand protective gear equally polyurethane has VOCs, and the scent tin can last for a while. Also, it tin can take a while for polyurethane to dry and cure, up to a calendar month!

Semi-transparent deck stain helps to preserve the beauty of your wood, and it dries apace without VOCs or smell. It's easy to clean besides and tin can cover large areas hands. However, it does not last as long as polyurethane.

Pigment lasts for several years, and then long as y'all choose a high-gloss exterior paint. Look for an pick that is waterproof, and you tin can paint pretty money annihilation with very piffling issue.

Epoxy is a polymer that resists liquid then it can forestall water damage. Use this after stain if you plan to stain. It can be messy, but y'all tin utilise multiple layers. It will take several days for epoxy to cure before you can use the wood.

Sealers are the all-time selection because information technology locks the woods in a protective blanket. Brand sure the wood is clean and dry. And then employ an outside wood stain and sealer or just a sealer if you adopt. Use multiple coats for a better smooth and longer-lasting finish.

Stain is not a sealer, it'southward merely a treatment to change the appearance of wood. Meanwhile, sealers are usually clear and protect the wood without changing the colour. If you want to modify the colour of your wood, employ the stain first before using a protective coating.

Final Thoughts

You can utilise untreated wood outside; yet, you lot need to take several factors into consideration. If you lot are non using treated wood, then you will desire to protect the woods and keep it out of direct sunlight or areas susceptible to bad atmospheric condition. Remember besides that untreated wood will not last as long and will crave more maintenance than treated wood.