I am building a Veritas design folding Adirondack chair out of redwood with cedar arms (no 1×8 redwood available). Good wood, no knots. This is my first time working with redwood. I live in New England and my uncovered deck faces south.
Should I put a finish on it, and if so, what? If I don’t, does the redwood turn gray?
Thanks
PS – The redwood was a bargain (40% less than cedar) and I really love the look. I will almost undoubtedly take the chair inside during the snow months but it’s still a hostile environment for wood.
Doug
The Wood Loon
Acton, MA
The Wood Loon
Acton, MA
Replies
Redwood and cedar will handle most weather conditions very well. Look at the weather in their native regions! Regardless of the weather, these woods will eventually turn gray. Some people realy prefer this look. Others want to preserve the colors found in redwood. If your joinery is done properly and you used a high rated outdoor glue or epoxy, then joint failure won't be a problem.
A good marine varnish (West Systems) or thinned spar varnish (thinned for wiping so multiple coats will be needed) will help preserve the look and add further protection from the elements.
Hope this helps!
Fine Furniture and Antique Restoration
The sun is the real enemy. If you like the grey look, leave them in the sun; clear redwood should weather nicely. If not, make some covers for them using a fabric called Sunbrella. Varnish will look terrific, but will require annual sanding and re-coating to keep looking nice.
Whatever you decide to do, remember that a water-based finish will not work with redwood.
Hopefully, your wood is all red. If any of it is white, that's the sapwood and it isn't rot or termite resistant.
Redwood is definitely pretty, but it's soft and the straight grain means that it splits easily. It isn't all that strong under bending or shear loading, so make sure that your seat slats are well supported and try to avoid any joinery in the end grain such as dowels, nails, screws, etc. I've had very good luck using Gorilla glue on outdoor projects.
Redwood will turn dark gray over time unless it's treated - and the treatment is renewed periodically.
I built this arbor in '02, and it's a very dark gray now - which is the look I prefer. Right after I built it, SWMBO wanted it treated and I told her that I would treat it once but that she was responsible for it after that. She decided that gray would be just fine. - lol
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