rough oak bench finish

I can tell you not to use polyurethane. I used a supposedly Helmsman outside poly and a couple of years later, I have serious black areas, almost like a mildew. Oak has deep open grain and can attractive and be problematic. One other aspect of oak… it has tannin in it so if you drive or screw metal fasteners into it, they will bleed black streaks.

I’ll be watching this post to learn about protecting this beautiful wood from the weather. Sorry I wasn’t much help, but thanks for the post. I’m sure some LJ have the answer for us!

-- Bernie: It never gets hot or cold in New Hampshire, just seasonal!

Bernie, thanks for the heads up!! I thought about using boiled linseed oil. Just not sure it will dry properly.

-- Woodstuff Houston Texas

I also think that a marine spar varnish would be the way to go.

-- Wood-Mizer LT15