Replies

1. 
   jackplane | Sep 22, 2004 04:24pm | #1

   If water can get at it, marine plywood would prevent delamination.

   A latex finish coat offers more flexibility for wood movement.

2. 
   Alan | Sep 23, 2004 12:28am | #2

   mhefner,

   You might consider rolling on a coat or two of epoxy before you paint.  Completely encapsulating the wood with epoxy will prevent any moisture getting to the wood, and that prevents all wood movement from changes in its moisture content.  Sealing the wood prevents most of the problems associated with outdoor structures; and keeping the wood dry will make it last much longer.

   N.B., the wood has to be completely covered by epoxy for this to work.  Each and every tiny bit has to be coated.  This isn't very difficult, but it does require close attention to what you're doing.

   Alan

1. 
   WayneL5 | Sep 23, 2004 04:59am | #3

   The abbreviation "N.B." isn't seen much in the States.  Are you by any chance from across the pond?

1. 
   Alan | Sep 23, 2004 11:49pm | #4

   Waynel5,

   Nope.  Home born and bred in the USofA.

   N.B. is used quite a bit in academia--or it was in my field.  It's too bad such a useful abbreviation is used so little elsewhere.

   Alan

3. 
   Raehm | Sep 24, 2004 12:45am | #5

   I've built outdoor cabinets out of MDO edged in ipe that have held up outdoors directly exposed to the weather.