Question on simple finish for outdoor wood fence gate

SittingElf

SittingElf

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On Friday, I'm heading up to the house we rent in Georgia, where my wife is currently stationed (USAF) to spend a few weeks with my wife and son.  The house has a large 1/2 acre backyard that is surrounded by a picket-style fence. There are two gates that are falling apart from rot and rusted hinges and I will be building new ones in the coming week. (Great opportunity to use my TSC55 cordless tracksaw for the first time!! [tongue])

My question is what to use as a SIMPLE protective finish...and cheap!  The owner of the house is also a military officer currently overseas, so I'm doing a lot of the repair and handy work for him while we rent. He is not overly concerned about having a fancy, or super-looking fence...just a functional one, so an expensive finish is not required, but I would like to give SOME protection to the wood after building it.  Would a simple deck protectant work? Or, is there something even more simple?

Thanks in advance,

Frank

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I use Sherwin Williams Woodscapes on fencing with great results.  Looking at maybe 30-40 bucks a gallon.  I'm sure Behr probably has something similar if there is a Home Depot around you that may be a few bucks cheaper.  If it's treated you'll want to wait to stain it until at least mid summer to be safe if not a little longer.  If its just regular pine make sure to soak the heck out of the end cuts to prevent water penetration.  Good luck!

Brad
 
Check to see if they have Cedar Tone treated lumber, it saves the finishing step.

If not use the Flood or Behr finish/stain.

Tom
 
Thanks guys!

I have a pretty good stock of Pressure Treated 2X4's, but I guess I should pick up some PT 1X4's as all I have is raw. I'll wait until mid-summer to use your suggestions then.

Also....another question. My wife wants me to build her a small raised bed garden. Is it safe to use Pressure Treated wood for the perimeter if the purpose is to grow edible veggies?  I seem to remember something about arsenic leaching or similar on treated wood. Comments?

Cheers,

Frank
 
Frank - when you're looking for PT 1x take a look at the pre cut fence boards. They seem to go on sale a lot. Can be cheaper than regular boards if you don't need long lengths.
 
I would not use PT for raised gardens.  Too much leeching of stuff you don't want to be eating.  On the short term I use cypress.  Have to replace every couple of years, but pretty good for what I do.  Bill
 
Thanks again y'all for the advice.

I ordered a bag of 8X50 Sipo dominos and will use them for building the primary frame (2X4's) for the gates.  It'll be the first use of my 500, so using it on something that is not critical for esthetics will be a good learning experience!  MAN those Sipo's are expensive!! [scared]

Cheers,

Frank
 
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