Which timber panels would be suitable for outdoor use?

Question

I'm building an outdoor bench seat with a hinged lid for internal storage and am looking for advice on what I can use for the lid / seat. The seat will be exposed to the elements and need to survive in the rain. Dimensions are roughly 2000 x 440.

I'm currently considering a single timber panel but am not sure which products would be suitable for outdoor use. I'm currently looking at this

https://www.bunnings.com.au/2400-x-600-x-33mm-hardwood-laminated-panel_p0618957

. It is advertised for internal use, but I'm wondering whether it would survive outdoors or whether there a product that can be applied to protect it from water damage while retaining the wood grain look?

I've also considered the

https://www.bunnings.com.au/2400-x-900-x-33mm-merbau-multi-use-panel_p0421659

but am concerned about the tanin run off staining my decking.

Any general help or advice would be appreciated!

EricL · Answer

Hello @Mitchg

Let me amend that step. Only the Merbau would need to be seasoned, the beech laminated panel does not, and it can be prepared and sealed straight away as soon as you remove the protective cover.

Yes, the

https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabot-s-500ml-clear-satin-exterior-timber-finish-500ml_p1520265

will be sufficient to cover and seal the Beech panel. I suggest a minimum of two coats and make sure to sand between coats for a nice finish.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Mitchg · Answer

Thanks so much @EricL, really helpful. That Beech laminated panel looks great.

In the post you have linked you mention that the panel will need to acclimate for a time to settle into its final size. Should I wait for this to occur before attaching the hinges to the panel? How long would you suggest if so?

Thanks for the advice to seal it straight away after opening. I'll open just before cutting to size and then use three coats of marine grade polyurethane finish (Cabot's Clear Satin Exterior Timber Finish

https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabot-s-500ml-clear-satin-exterior-timber-finish-500ml_p1520265?store=5024&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21119565770&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB9Uv_6LIOstlLa_y788_ck1F&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_7PRBhDcARIsAMjV7jnVRes1QQu2ndfWvEpONJXmq1_e0ZdnrYk4SkvRGgrgpT8tsUf0UqkaArMfEALw_wcB

) to seal it, which I can see is suggested in some other discussions. Do you think this will be sufficient?

Cheers!

EricL · Answer

Hello @Mitchg

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's wonderful to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about timber panels.

We had a similar discussion a while back about this exact topic - What is suitable for an outdoor dining tabletop? by @Ry. The only thing I would add to it is that if you did use the

https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-2200-x-600-x-26mm-multi-use-merbau-panel_p8330163

, I suggest seasoning it first for at least six weeks so that any tannins or sap will drain out of it. Once seasoned you can then seal it with your choice of oil or furniture sealer.

However, with the

https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-2200-x-600-x-26mm-beech-laminated-panel_p8330041

, I suggest preparing it and sealing it as soon as you remove its protective covering. If you are not yet ready to seal it, it would be best to keep the plastic seal on until you are ready.

As to the

https://www.bunnings.com.au/2400-x-600-x-33mm-hardwood-laminated-panel_p0618957

, I don't recommend using it for otudoor use.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How To Apply Hardwax Oil To Benchtops (the techniques used are applicable to your project)

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric