Replies

1. 
   Russell | Feb 11, 2008 04:33am | #1

   I made a memorial garden bench out of spanish cedar about 8 years ago now. It has no finish and is totally unprotected from the elements. I live in Ontario Canada, about 4 hours north of Toronto, so the winters are pretty harsh. The bench is starting to show its age, quite a few cracks and whipper snipper marks on it, I figure I'll have to replace it probably within the next 4-5 years. Next one's going to be made of teak, then I'll pretty much never have to worry about it again. Anyways, to answer your question, it's not too bad, a good alternative to teak.
   Cheers Jimma.

   Russ.

   http://www.jensenfinefurniture.com
1. 
   Jimma | Feb 11, 2008 04:45am | #2

   Ha! Northern Ontario, eh? I know that territory a bit and it ain't a lot like Central Florida (Orlando). However, I've looked into using a Sikkens' deck product as well as outdoor oil, and both of these require at the minimum an annual reapplication which is not likely to be done, and bare wood is supposed to be OK. That's why I asked. Thanks for your response, but I don't know how to translate your experience for this climate. Do you know the Oxbow Lake area? I have a friend with a cottage there. He lives in Kitchener.

1. 
   Russell | Feb 11, 2008 06:14am | #3

   Yeah just a slightly different climate!!! You should also look into Sikkens marine varnish, It's a really good product and I don't think you have to reapply every year. I'm not 100% sure about that, but check into it. Either way I think the spanish cedar will last a pretty long time, even without finish. Cheers.Russ.http://www.jensenfinefurniture.com

1. 
   Jimma | Feb 11, 2008 05:28pm | #4

   I did check the Sikkens website where it recommends annual recoating, but not the marine varnish specifically. Thanks for the reference. Congatulations on your website and really great designs and executions. Being an FLlW enthusiast myself, I admire the interiors shown on your design pages. Very, very nice. Glad I made your contact.

1. 
   Russell | Feb 12, 2008 01:21am | #5

   Thank you very much for the compliments about my work and my website. Slowly but surely it's becoming what I envisioned. Yeah FLW's was great wasn't he, I'm hoping to make a pilgrimage down to Falling Water this summer, very exciting prospect!!! Take care Jimma.Russ.http://www.jensenfinefurniture.com