Front Porch

Welcome aboard Steve, and let me say that this is a one of kind project here as I do beleive it is the first example of taking new finishes outside the home and into the elements.
We are all curious to read your research for a finish and what your prediction is for it in your harsh climate.
p.s. it’s just beautiful.

Bob

-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner

That is a beautiful porch! The color is great and the details are wonderful!

-- "Preach the gospel always. If necessary use words" -St Francis of Assisi

Great looking porch. Beautiful finish. Where are the stairs?

-- Jerry--A man can never have enough tools or clamps

Now thats a porch done right! Sure did add some value and appeal, good job Steve

-- James, Bluffton, IN

Fantastic! That’s something I’d be proud to call my own!

-- Finding satisfaction in creation

fantastic porch really cool.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

Thanks for the comments :)
Bob, re: finish…

Research on finish options left me a little discourage I must say.
Bottom line from digging through articles and posts over at woodweb and other sites was that NOTHING lasts long term in the area of clear outdoor finishes. More often than not the arrows pointed to a product from Chemcraft International called “D-DUR”. It’s made to be an oudoor finish for the likes of exterior wood doors and is widely used. MLC also makes a new product in thier Euro-X line that you use a toudh up coat of UV inhibitor annually but it was VERY expensive and only availible in full case lots (4gal minimum plus 4L of catalyst). D-DUR was costly enough at a little under $100 per gallon with hardner. It’s nasty stuff, Isocyanates in the hardner mean it must be handled carefully but I’m hoping for the best.

As for projections for durability in Canadian climate (this is an easterly exposure so morning sun then shade by 11am) I’m expecting 3-5 years before having much ‘touch up’ and HOPING for a total lifespan of close to 10 years. At that time I’ll decide whether to refinish it or just start the paint cycle. It will look good in white I’m sure, just not as rich. The brown tone stain really stands out nicely with the light grey stone on the house. one thing I have going for me I HOPE is that it’s somewhat shaded by the roof overhang so it won’t see full sun rain or snow etc like a deck would. That with luck, will buy me a few years more on the finish.

Still want to go back and caulk all the miters where there are tiny gaps to keep water out of the end grain, likewise for places where water can get in between trim and backer boards etc. A little dilligence here should also help.

Cheers
Steve

-- Steve in Kemptville On. Canada

WOW, when are you enclosing the porch and making it indoor built-in funiture. I’d be happy as a lark with your porch as finished furniture in my home. Looks great, hope the finish does it’s job of protecting your fine work. BTKS

No way will I be enclosing this one;) I have another covered pato about the same size on the back of the house (yet to be tackled…another year;)) and if anything it would be the screen’d in candidate.
Technically, the finish on the front porch is no different than I would do for an interior piece of furniture except I would never spray wet on wet coats in that case I would cut it with 320 between coats for a silky smooth feel. Only other difference would be an interior lacquer versus the exterior product. Coincidentally, all of my interior trim is or will be in an very similar color to the porch… I think I’m seeing a trend;0

-- Steve in Kemptville On. Canada

Steve … This is really a terrific looking porch … love the color! It sounds like you properly prepared the lumber, which is really critical for a long-lasting finish.

-- The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary. -- Vincent T. Lombardi

fantastic looking porch…. great job now all you need is some furniture and a bunch of us enjoying it… will be there soon enjoy shinju

Very nice! No doubt this will also improve the value of the home. Its eye catching.

-- Rusty