a three part question about a patio table top?

Question

i'm makeing a top and would like suggestions on what wood to use.
can redwood be sealed against weathering?
if i use white pine can i both seal and paint/stain/varnish to withstand the weather?which is put on first?
any other suggestions?

Answer 1

Your best bet is to choose the wood you want and seal it with polyurethane.
There is no water proof wood although some are more resiliant than others (such as cedar).
Wood that's made to withstand water/weather is either chemically treated, pressure treated or both. They don't really look too great and don't take stain well but if you are going to paint, it might be the best option.

If you decide to stain the wood, you stain it first then put on polyurethane after the stain dries. Use MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) to thin the polyurethane and put several thin layers (on the top, sides and bottom) to preserve the table for years.

Answer 2

You can seal redwood or any other wood. I prefer Polyurethane. I am really impressed with the Minwax Polyshades stain/sealer. Stains and seals in one step. I still use two or three coats though for better protection. Be sure to get the cut ends of the wood sealed well. This is where the most moisture will gain entrance. Good luck.

Answer 3

You can use any wood you want. Depending on thickness and width will determine the amount of normal warping and twisting and expansion and contraction in the wood. White Pine is known for a lot of this occurring in a board. I bought a board one day and painted it and it was bowed and twisted like a pretzel the next. You will want to look at varieties more suitable for outdoors. Woods of choice for outdoors is cedar, redwood, teak and cypress. You want to sand smooth and be sure that the end grains are particularly sanded smooth. End grain will be your first point of rot. Thoroughly cover all surfaces with paint or stain that you choose to use. After this dries thoroughly, then thoroughly cover all the surfaces with several coats of Spar Urethane. Spar Urethane is recommended for outdoor use, this has the best UV protection needed and resists and repels water the best.