I am replacing the decking on my 1914 house porch and have a stack of beautiful T&G CVG Fir waiting to be finished and installed, but I am having problems deciding on the best course forward. The information out there reguarding exterior wood finishing seems to be mostly opinon and every paint store employee I talk to has another opinion to add to the mix. Here are my parameters:
It is a small porch about 14ft L and 6’4″W with the intention of the T&G running perpendicular to the house on the 6′ dimension.
The porch is north facing and covered – is is open in the north and west sides.
I would like the end result to resemble the finished fir floors in my house which are very warm (almost orange) and have a satin polyurethane finish. (possibly ambered from being so old – but I like the color)
Advice given so far:
My first interaction wtih a paint store employee ended in him suggesting that I leave the fir untreated for 6 months installed then apply a sikkens SRD – I did not really like this option since cats like to spray in our area and the SRD doesn’t really give the finish that “hardwood” look I am trying to replicate.
My second attempt to explore my options ended with me buying a clear satin from deft that is rated for both interior and exterior. This gave me the finish I was lookiing for but it is simply clear and doen’t give the fir the more orangey look. (I tried it on a scrap piece)
My third attempt had me purchasing a cedar Cetol DEK finish, which seems to have that color, but upon further investigation is not really recommended for covered porches because it requires UV rays to cure the product (considering it is a north facing porch in Oregon I am hesitant to move forward with this product.)
I swear I am not the first person to want this look on their porch – I have seen it done in home tours around the city. Please advise me on a viable way forward – I would love to get this project rolling again.
Thanks
Replies
Since you have seen what you like on house tours why don't you ask them what was used? I would guess Penofin.
It was several years ago that I saw this, and I just remember how it looked I didn't think to ask at the time - I had no idea it would be something difficult to replicate. Thanks for the tip - I will go looking for penofin and see if that will work.
jpelster
Whatever you find, seal ALL sides, ends, and cuts b/4 you put down the wood.
The days where old growth fir would hold up to all conditions are sadly over.
Keep a keen eye on the ends of the boards, just the slightest exposure of the end grain will quickly degrade the finish.
Best of luck.