Timber Research

Timber - Pine Wood

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Inexpensive

Because it is easily and readily available, pine wood is typically an inexpensive wood to purchase. Pine wood tables are often more affordable than tables constructed of more expensive or exotic woods, such as rosewood. Pine wood tables are an excellent choice if you're on a tight budget. However, craftmanship also factors into price and some pieces of pine furniture can be expensive. For an inexpensive table, look to big box furniture stores but carefully examine the quality.

Durable
Although pine is classified as a soft wood, it is a favorite of furniture makers because of its durability. Pine resists shrinking or swelling, though it can easily dent and become scratched, which some people believe only adds to its rustic appeal. Examine an antique piece of pine furniture to determine how your pine table will wear and if you like the look. Keep in mind that the quality of pine tables will vary according to the manufacturer.

Customisable

Pine furniture is commonly sold unfinished. This is a desirable for do-it-yourself enthusiasts who prefer to stain, paint or even pickle pine furniture for a custom look. Pine furniture also looks good with a simple clear coat of varnish or wax for a natural-looking finish that can suit a variety of decorating styles.

Stylish
Pine wood offers many aesthetic benefits which, although highly subjective, are important to consider. Pine typically has many knots and lines, which results in a piece of furniture that can truly be one of a kind. However, it is possible to purchase pine furniture that does not have knots, although you can expect to pay more. Pine is also a light coloured wood and, when left unstained, can easily fit into both traditional and contemporary decorating styles.

Outdoor Timber finishes

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Paint

Paints are common coatings used on wood and provide the most protection. Latex-based paints and stains are water borne, and oil or alkyd paints are solvent borne. Paints are used for aesthetic purposes, to protect the wood surface from weathering and to conceal certain defects. 

Paints are applied to the wood surface and do not penetrate it deeply. The wood grain is completely obscured, and a surface film is formed. This surface film can blister or peel if the wood is wetted or if inside water vapor moves through the house wall and wood siding because of the absence of a vapor barrier. 

Latex paints are generally easier to use since water is used in clean-up. They are also porous and, thus, will allow some moisture movement. In comparison, oil-based paints require organic solvents for clean-up, and some are resistant to moisture movement. Paints are the only way to achieve a bright white finish. However, they are subject to peeling where moisture is a problem.

Solid Colour Stains 

Solid colour stains, also called heavy bodied stains, are opaque finishes which come in a wide range of colours and are defined as stains. Solid colour stains are made with a much higher concentration of pigment than the semitransparent penetrating stains. As a result they will obscure the natural wood colour and grain. Oil-based solid colour stains tend to form a film much like paint and as a result can also peel loose from the substrate. Latex- based solid colour stains are also available and form a film as do the oil-based solid colour stains. These stains are similar to thinned paints. 

Semitransparent Penetrating Stains

They are moderately pigmented and, thus, do not totally hide the wood grain. These stains penetrate the wood surface, are porous, and do not form a surface film like paints. As a result, they will not blister or peel even if moisture gets into the wood. Penetrating stains are alkyd or oil-based, and some may contain a fungicide or water repellent. Latex-based (water borne) stains are also available, but they do not penetrate the wood surface as do the oil-based stains. 

Stains are most effective on rough lumber or plywood surfaces. They are available in a variety of colours and are especially popular in the brown tones since they give a "natural or rustic wood appearance." They are not available in white. They are also an excellent finish for weathered wood. They are not effective when applied over a solid colour stain or over old paint. 

Water-Repellent Preservatives 

A water-repellent preservative may be used as a natural finish for wood surfaces. It contains a wood preservative, a small amount of wax as a water repellent, a resin or drying oil, and a solvent such as turpentine or mineral spirits. Water-repellent preservatives do not contain any colouring pigments. Therefore, the resulting finish will vary in colour depending upon the kind of wood. The preservative prevents wood from graying by inhibiting mildew. 

Water-repellent preservatives may also be used as a treatment for bare wood before priming and painting or in areas where old paint has peeled, exposing bare wood. This treatment keeps rain or dew from penetrating into the wood, especially at joints and end grain, and thus decreases the shrinking and swelling of wood. As a result, less stress is placed on the paint film, and its service life is extended. This stability is achieved by the small amount of wax present in water-repellent preservatives. The fungicide inhibits surface decay. 

Any type of water-repellent preservative can be used as a natural exterior finish by itself, but only some are paintable. Manufacturers have also developed water-repellent preservatives specifically for exterior finishes. Water repellents are also available. These are simply water-repellent preservatives with the preservative left out. Water repellents are not good natural finishes but can be used as a stabilising treatment before priming and painting. 

Varnishes

Varnishes, synthetic resins and other clear film- forming finishes provide an attractive finish for wood since they allow the natural wood colour and grain to show through. Unfortunately, the durability of these finishes on wood under the action of sunlight and moisture is limited. Regardless of the number of coats applied, the film will begin to crack and peel, and the finish will have to be completely removed by sanding or with a varnish remover before a new coat is added. Alternate finishes such as semitransparent stains and water- repellent preservatives will give a longer service life and are easier to refinish. Exterior marine or spar varnishes may be used with some success on exterior doors and other areas if adequate protection from the weather is provided.

Preservatives 

Wood preservatives are not considered to be finishes. However, wood properly treated with a preservative can withstand years of exposure to severe decay and insect attack without being affected. The common wood preservatives are creosote, penta-chlorophenol in oil, and the newer water-borne salt treatments---all of which are restricted-use pesticides. Creosote and pentachlorophenol in oil result in a dark and oily surface. Odor with creosote is a problem. Wood treated with creosote or pentachlorophenol in oil is not recommended for use around the home where people will come in contact with it. However, wood treated with water-borne salts is suggested for use as patio decks, outside steps, privacy fences and other home uses. This material is generally light to bright green or brown in colour. It can be used outdoors without finishing and will go practically unchanged or weather to a light gray.

Decision Making

For the decking area in our design, we have decided to use a Semitransparent Penetrating Stain over the Pine. This method will retain the appearance and texture of the wood grain, while also protecting the timber from peeling when moisture comes into contact with it- an ideal approach for outdoor decking.