How To Treat Rough Cut Lumber For Outdoor Use (4 Easy Steps)

Rough-cut lumber is an excellent option for someone looking to cut down on the price when buying lumber in bulk. Of course, with the lower price, this wood has some downsides. It lacks finish and is not as resistant to water and other elements, so you must treat it. Once you apply the necessary treatment, you can use it outdoors, like commercial wood.

If you’re wondering how to treat lumber for outdoor use, we’re here to help! Below, we’ve developed a step-by-step guide for treating rough-cut lumber for outdoor use.

Before you begin

There are some critical factors to consider before you begin. You should use protective gloves, goggles, and a mask when treating rough-cut wood. Also, it’s best to treat the wood in a well-ventilated area or do it outside because the finish produces toxic fumes.

1. Sand the wood

First, since the wood is rough-cut, you will need to sand it. Using an electric sander is best to achieve a good appearance and do the job faster. Use 100-grit or 120-grit sandpaper on a belt sander. Of course, you can use regular sandpaper, but that will take far more time and effort. This step is essential because you can jeopardize the rest of the process if you don’t sand the wood properly. So, take your time with this part of the project, and be as thorough as possible.

2. Clean it up

Once you’ve sanded all your rough-cut lumber, you will need to clean it. Sanding creates a lot of dust; since the lumber is rough-cut, it might have dirt and dust stuck on it. Take a clean, slightly damp cloth to clean the wood. You can also use a pressure washer while doing the job outside. It’s vital to allow the wood to dry properly before you proceed to the next step.

3. Stain the wood

After cleaning, you can now stain the lumber. For this part of the project, it’s best to use a paintbrush and have a cloth nearby to wipe off any excess stain. There are plenty of brands on the market, so you can choose a wood stain of your preference. Still, since you’re treating the wood for outdoor use, it might be best to choose a water-resistant stain for the best effect. Apply one coat of stain, and allow it to dry out, preferably by leaving it for several hours. To be on the safe side, repeat this step and add a second coat.

4. Apply wood varnish

Last but not least, you should apply wood varnish to the lumber. Wood varnish is used to prevent scratches and abrasions. It will also make the wood more water-resistant, which will benefit outdoor usage. Once you finish, allow the varnish to dry and sand the wood again. Apply two more coats of varnish, and you have completed the treatment.

Other Methods of Treating Rough-Cut Lumber for Outdoor Use

Other than the steps we mentioned above, people use several other methods to treat rough-cut wood. These are some of the most common ones:

1. Outdoor Wood Sealers

Outdoor wood sealers are easy to apply and make your rough-cut lumber last much longer when used outside. They are a combination of oils and chemicals that provide the wood with mildew and UV protection. The main goal of using a wood sealer is to keep the wood dry, which will prolong its lifespan and make it more durable. It’s best to use wood sealers on rough-cut lumber for decks, fences, wooden exteriors, or gazebos.

2. Exterior Paint

Another easy way to treat rough-cut wood for outdoor use is to apply exterior paint. However, using exterior paint might not be an option for people who still want to preserve the wooden appearance. It works best for outdoor furniture, but you can also use it for other outdoor wood projects.

3. Wood Oils

If you’re looking for an easy solution to treating rough-cut lumber, consider using wood oil. It’s a natural way to protect the wood and prevent decay and rotting. It will provide you with a natural look and is weather-resistant. Although oil is a good option, it might not be durable enough for outdoor usage, so it’s best to mix this method with wood sealers for the best results. If you just use wood oils, the wood will need regular maintenance to keep everything in shape.

4. Epoxy

If you’re looking for the best option to protect rough-cut lumber from water damage, choose epoxy. It’s a polymer that is exceptionally resistant to liquids. When you apply epoxy to rough-cut lumber, you can be sure it’s water-resistant and will have a longer lifespan. We recommend using a layer of wood oils and then epoxy since epoxy is not UV-resistant. The only downside to using epoxy is that once you apply it to the wood, you must wait several days or longer for everything to set completely.

Which wood is the best for outdoor use?

Depending on the kind of project you have in mind, you can use various types of wood outdoors. Softwoods and hardwoods can be used outside, although hardwoods are more durable. These are our wood recommendations for outdoor usage:

Of course, there are plenty of other options depending on your goal. Make sure to familiarize yourself with all the types of wood and know their pros and cons before you make a purchase.

How long will rough-cut lumber last outside?

Rough-cut lumber is will have a shorter lifespan than commercial wood. Still, rough-cut lumber can last anywhere from 5 to 50 years outside, depending on the conditions. You can always treat the wood using some of the methods we mentioned to prolong its lifespan. When you treat rough-cut lumber, you can expect it to last at least twice as long as usual.

How do you keep your rough-cut lumber from rotting?

To stop rough-cut lumber from rotting, you need to treat it properly. The treatment must be UV and water-resistant; wood vanishes, sealers, oils, and epoxy will work fine.

Can you use rough-cut lumber to build a deck?

You can use rough-cut lumber to build a deck, but you must sand and treat it first. Rough-cut wood should always be treated to get the best out of it and increase its durability.

Is rough-cut lumber expensive?

Rough-cut wood is affordable, so many people use it for outdoor projects. You will have to treat it, but the final price will be lower than buying commercial wood, even with those costs. So, if you haven’t tried using rough-cut lumber for your outdoor projects, it might be an excellent time to begin and save some money.

Conclusion

Rough-cut lumber is a great, inexpensive option for outdoor projects. It has to be treated for outdoor use, but once you read this article, you should have no issues treating it properly. So, take your time, finish the treatment process, and enjoy your new project while spending far less money on materials.

Featured Image Credit: JueWorn, Shutterstock