Outdoor White Oak

[Prashun Patel]

Here's a white oak bench I made 10 years ago. I finished it initially with something - I can't remember. That lasted 2 seasons, and started flaking off over the following 3 seasons.

Most of it is still sound, but you will notice that the edge has some rotting. Sapwood on red and white oak is prone to decay. The top was intentionally split down its length, but there is some splitting/peeling from weather at one end.

IMHO, you are best off investing in covers. Nothing lasts forever. Also, while the bench is sound, it's not particularly clean at this point. So, if you want your furniture to remain inviting, just cover it (as much as is practical) when not in use.


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