Using Non Treated Pine For Siding

Wood for indoor projects should be left as is.

Using non treated pine for siding.

Wider boards 1 2 x 6 and larger have a habit of checking and cupping when exposed to prolonged heat and moisture. The easiest way how to treat untreated wood for outdoor use is to apply a wood sealer. Use the putty knife to flatten out any bumps bubbles or thick areas as you even the first coat. Yes you can use untreated pine outdoors but you shouldn t make it your first choice.

Wood for any outdoor project should be pressure treated. Pressure treated pine is going to hold up against the elements much better. This is due to chemical preservatives. Over the counter wood preservatives are available in clear versions or with stain containing pigment or dye to color the wood.

Where to use pressure treated wood. The sawdust from pressure treated wood is an irritant to the eyes skin and nose. There are different wood sealing options for outdoor use but the best choice is often related to the specific project. Pine is a poor choose for siding in the northeast and it is far more expensive than spec grade vinyl siding.

But even pressure treated wood isn t entirely immune because the chemicals don t penetrate completely leaving the interior of the lumber unprotected. The only way to properly use untreated wood of any type outside is with the addition of water repellent preservatives sealer or paint that contain uv protection. Use a spoon to fill in holes any holes or uneven areas as you go smoothing it over with the putty knife. Unfortunately when woodworkers try to duplicate that color on new pine by using stain the results are usually disappointing.

Treated wood also known as pressure treated wood or pt is widely available to consumers for home and garden projects. Even though pine is used often for trim when it is used to side an entire building expect the following problems. Some options to treat untreated wood are wood oils top coatings sealers and stain sealant combo products. Treated pine however can be a great solution for other outdoor projects including decks or even fences.

Dip your putty knife in an epoxy container and spread it along the pine s surface. It s easy to end up with megablotches and it s hard to avoid grain reversal a peculiar effect that makes stained pine look unnatural. Antique pine often has a dark mellow color. This is particularly true of the hem fir material we use in the west but can also be a problem with southern yellow pine though it accepts pressure treatment more readily.