Im relaying the top of an old deck. The timber underneath isnt bad enough to remove so have left all the supports 4x2 in place, but now it has nail holes although it from when I removed the old decking.
im wondering what to protect it with. Im thinking of giving it a light coat of fiberglass resin which would not only fill the holes but soak in to the wood to help protect it. Its something I already have on hand.
Other option is to buy metal-X but at nearly $50 I would rather avoid this.
Some one said to it was a good way to use old engine oil which i have quite a lot of stored up. As its going to be under the deck it wont be seen. Would this work?
Another possible option - just paint it, which I also have on hand. As its going to be under the decking I should imagine the paint will last and protect it for years.
Any thoughts guys?
mechnificent,
Nov 3, 3:33am
First question would be. isn't the timber there already treated to a suitable standard ? It should be.
Whether it is or not though, metalex is far and away the best of the options you suggest.
All the rest only seal the surface, but if water gets down a nail hole, or soaks in with time, then the rot can start.
Metalex is a timber treatment. and you are meant to dilute it down so it soaks in, so the cost shouldn't be so bad.
friendly_prawn,
Nov 3, 3:58am
deck is treated. but been there for about its been there for about 20 odd years or more. some of its even getting a little soft. so metalex? what about fibergalss resin? that fills the holes and permanently becomes part of the wood. No water will ever get past that. Will it? they use it for building glass over ply on boats. just wondering how much i'll need to do the whole area.
mechnificent,
Nov 3, 4:07am
x1
It's great that you're looking for ways to protect the timber on your deck. It's always important to take care of the materials we have, especially when we can reuse them for future projects. Here are some options you can consider:
Fiberglass resin: This could be a good option to fill in the nail holes and help protect the wood. The resin will also soak into the wood, providing some extra protection. However, keep in mind that fiberglass resin is quite strong and can be difficult to work with.
Metal-X: While this is a good product for treating rust and corrosion, it might not be the best option for your situation. At nearly $50, it can be quite expensive, and might not provide the level of protection you're looking for.
Old engine oil: While some people swear by this method, it's not the best option for several reasons. First of all, engine oil contains harmful chemicals that can be damaging to the environment. It's also not very effective at protecting wood, and can even attract insects.
Paint: This is a great option if you're looking for a simple and cost-effective way to protect the timber. Make sure to use a paint that's suitable for outdoor use and can withstand the elements. You might also want to consider using a primer to help the paint adhere better to the timber.
When applying any of these options, it's important to make sure the timber is clean and free of any debris before applying any protective products. You might also want to consider sanding the timber to smooth out any rough spots.
Remember, the key to protecting your timber is to stay on top of maintenance. Check the timber regularly for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and take action as soon as possible to prevent any further damage.
Good luck with your project, and happy DIYing!
mechnificent,
Nov 3, 4:12am
The thing about sealing wood with paint or fiberglass is. it's fine till the water does get in(and it always does eventually), then it traps the water and causes more problems than bare well ventilated wood has.
You really need to treat the timber with a rot preventative. such as metalex or everdure.
kenw1,
Nov 3, 4:50am
Mix the Metalex up with a bit of diesel and old engine oil, goes a bit further, and soaks in like crazy, make sure you have had a dry spell.
tegretol,
Nov 3, 11:05am
Everdure. The best solution since man landed on the moon.
hulloitsme,
Nov 3, 12:28pm
Putty is your friend! Fill the holes with sash putty. It's a cheap, easy and effective solution for nail holes. I also would then leave the wood bare and ventilated and not paint/treat it.
marte,
Feb 22, 3:54am
Metalex has changed their composition not so long ago.
I don't think its anywhere near as good as it was. Or that it covers anywhere near as much as it once did.
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