A 3-Step Guide to Waterproofing Structural Wood

Wood as a building material comes with many benefits. High tensile strength, heat and electrical assistance, sound absorption, low emission of volatile organic compounds and beauty are some of the many benefits of using wood as a building material. However, one of the notable drawbacks of untreated wood is its susceptibility to rotting, cracking or warping. Therefore, the most practical and effective way to protect the wood is to waterproof it. This is particularly essential if you plan to build a wooden deck, patio or other outdoor structure. There are several ways to do this. Here is a 3-step guide to help you waterproof your wooden structures.

Know Your Options

You can waterproof your wooden structures by staining or sealing them. Usually, stains penetrate deeper into the wood to form a protective barrier. Since they absorb into the wood, they enhance the material's natural beauty. In addition, they take longer to start fading and offer better UV protection. On the other hand, sealers don't absorb into the wood. Instead, they create a protective layer on the outside that keeps moisture from penetrating the wood and damaging it over time. Generally, sealers are clear, which can also help highlight the natural grains of wood.

When choosing sealers or stains, you will need to decide whether to go for water or oil-based products. Water-based products are easy to clean. Moreover, they are not affected by damp conditions. However, if you are looking for something long-lasting with deeper penetration into the wood, go for oil-based products.

Consider Sealants for The Best Results

Sealants tend to offer better waterproofing protection than other methods. That's because most sealants usually have superior waterproofing properties. Varnish, lacquer and polyurethane sealants are some popular options to consider. Lacquer and polyurethane are the go-to solutions if you are looking for a sealant that comes in several sheens to give you the versatility in selecting different gloss levels. The major difference is that polyurethane doesn't yellow over time while lacquer. Therefore, the latter may not be ideal for light-coloured woods.

On the other hand, varnish is perfect if you are looking for a scratch-resistant option. It contains drying oils that give it a thick and scratch-resistant finish. For the best results, consider marine varnish that has additional UV protection properties, making it a perfect choice for outdoor use.

Always Prepare the Surface First

Whether you use stains or sealants, preparing the surface is crucial. That's because dirt and grime will affect the efficiency of your stains or sealers. Therefore, clean the wood thoroughly and sand it afterward because sealants or stains will easily adhere to a smoother surface.

For more information on structural timber, contact a company near you.