Replies

1. 
   ponytl | Oct 13, 2008 01:48am | #1

   as far as rust.. you can powder coat it but that takes away from "metal as art"  if you are use'n solid stock... you can oil it and let it rust... when they charge extra for this it's called "patina"  any wood that will stand up untreated outdoors will be high in oils and shouldn't hurt metal... 

   or you could just do your "art" in stainless... ;)

   painted just never has the feel or weathered

   p

1. 
   barntimber | Oct 13, 2008 07:47am | #5

   Hey thanks for the response.  I'm brainstorming and this helps!  Thanks a lot everyone.

2. 
   RedfordHenry | Oct 13, 2008 04:16am | #2

    

   Bright steel adjacent to woods that are high in tanic acid (e.g. oak, cedar) will show black streaks very quickly, although steel will stain most wood eventually

1. 
   barntimber | Oct 13, 2008 07:50am | #7

   Thanks for your response!

3. 
   shtrum | Oct 13, 2008 05:30am | #3

   i second powdercoating, if function is your thing.  Your wood will most likely be in several pieces.  A rustoleum-like solution will be a headache.

   Or use aluminum stock if you're allowed.  Did that last year for a portable computer kiosk for the city.  Had an aluminum tube frame on casters fabricated, then attached plywood and polycarb panels for 4 computer stations.  The whole unit went to various summer festivals for citizens to type in suggestions for city improvements.  Modern design, looked and weathered well.

   If you have to do steel and want a more sculptural look, i'd second natural.  A way-cool design could integrate both.  Use redwood/cedar to stand up to the elements, and keep your steel away so water doesn't drip to the wood.

    

1. 
   barntimber | Oct 13, 2008 07:50am | #8

   Thanks for your post man!

4. 
   IdahoDon | Oct 13, 2008 05:47am | #4

   Also keep in mind powder coating can be clear as well as a number of colors.

   There is also galvanizing and other plating of various kinds.

   Industrial paints used for everything from subway cars to airplanes are also much more durable than a normal enamel.

    

   Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.

1. 
   barntimber | Oct 13, 2008 07:48am | #6

   Thanks man.

5. 
   MikeHennessy | Oct 13, 2008 02:33pm | #9

   Don't try to avoid the rust -- embrace the rust! Use Cor-Ten.

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

1. 
   barntimber | Oct 13, 2008 05:46pm | #10

   What is Cor-ten?

1. 
   Philter | Oct 13, 2008 06:17pm | #11

   I made some log furniture years ago,with Titanium spare lengths from the "iron" shop next door....chair set, adjustable reclining loungers....the client's home was on the Nicklaus course in Whistler, and...... never mind the furniture and the craftsmanship," these babies have got titanium in them just like my irons!"

    

   I'll post pic.s if I can find/load them..Cheers,Phil.

    "If 'tis to be,'twil be done by me."

2. 
   MikeHennessy | Oct 13, 2008 06:20pm | #12

   It's a steel that forms a tightly bonded oxidation layer on the surface when it rusts, so it just looks like brown steel instead of flaking away. It's used for exposed architectural elements (like roofing, etc.). It's also often used for metal sculpture that will be exposed the the elements.

   It was invented by US Steel. Their headquarters building here in Pittsburgh is made out of the stuff. Here's a sculpture made of Corten from Wikipedia:

   View Image

   Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

6. 
   woodandiron | Oct 13, 2008 06:38pm | #13

   Where wood meets bare steel the wood will rot as the steel rusts.  I don't know what would happen with corten but I assume the same thing.  Try seperating the steel from the wood with plastic washers.  If you can cut and weld aluminium, think about using that instead of steel.  I have never used Ipe combined with bare wood in an outdoor application.  Maybe it would resist the rot from rusty steel.  If you use bolts to join the wood to the steel for sure use stainless bolts.  McFeely's is a good source.    woodandiron

1. 
   barntimber | Oct 14, 2008 12:02am | #14

   Thanks everyone for the information.  I've got some great leads to follow!

7. 
   Luka | Oct 14, 2008 01:27am | #15

   Use grace Ice and water Sheild, or Vycor, as a membrane between the steel and the wood.

   

8. 
   popawheelie | Oct 14, 2008 02:28am | #16

   You can put on a clear powder coat if you like the color of the steel. I've seen welded steel that was clear coated and it looked good. The steel was different colors depending on how close it was to the weld.