DanDare
journeyman
Reged: 09/15/05
Posts: 65
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So I just cut down a dead maple tree and I have 4 pieces (about 18 inches long, 20 inches in diameter) I'd like to save as chairs to sit on around a fire pit. How do I help preserve these pieces so they don't rot too fast??
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Dufresne11
Machismo and Fries
Reged: 01/06/02
Posts: 1393
Loc: Sunny Taxachusetts,
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Hmm... I would think you would like to get them dry and then seal them up with something weather proof. I would imagine their is no chance at using a kiln so I would guess you are going to need them to dry for some time... like 12 - 18 months. There is a lot of moisture in them already that is going to have to work its way out to be stable.
This is just my two cents, I have never done this kind of thing before.
If you want to build the chairs sooner than that you will at least need to put a coating on the feet where they contact the ground. Perhaps someone a lot smarter than me is lurking out there???
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bozodog
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/19/07
Posts: 7771
Loc: SW Michigan
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We use "stumps" for many things... (tables, seats...) I've found if you keep them up off the ground, they last quite long. The end grain is the wick for water, so we use big lag bolts as feet on a hard surface, like a deck of patio. For use on the ground around a fire pit, I would consider adding some pressure-treated 2x4"s, attached flat for ground contact. The bark will not stay on, no matter what you do.
Wood outside cannot be forever, without constant, seasonal maintenance. That said, a nice big log with it's feet off the ground will last a very long time.
You could go the route of a preservative. Be very careful of the toxic ones for human contact.
Quote:
Borate Oxide (SBX) - Boron compounds are well known, non-toxic preservatives, but are water soluble. Wood products treated with SBX are not recommended for direct ground contact, but can effectively preserve wood for other applications like deck surfaces or furniture. Brand name products include AdvanceGuard lumber by Osmose, Inc.and SmartGuard products from Louisiana Pacific.
www.timberprocoatings.com/wood-finishes/wood-stabilizer.html (A Non Toxic Alternative for
Waterproofing Wood)
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DanDare
journeyman
Reged: 09/15/05
Posts: 65
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Thanks very much - I like the idea of the treated 2x4s under them, that should help them last longer. I'll put them in the garage for the winter and look into the preservatives. Thanks again.
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bozodog
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/19/07
Posts: 7771
Loc: SW Michigan
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You're very welcome...
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Bob_Fleming
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/28/01
Posts: 23255
Loc: Eagle, CO USA
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I'm no expert here but I'd bet that the logs will split as they dry out. Check into Ethylene Glycol soaking. I read that it will replace the moisture and will keep the logs from splitting. It may also protect them from other damage. I saw this product listed at www.rockler.com a while back, and they may be able to tell you more about it. It is one form of auto coolant, but I believe it is toxic in the liquid form.
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bozodog
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/19/07
Posts: 7771
Loc: SW Michigan
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We've not had them split, without using anything... Just the bark comes off.
The "safe" glycol it PEG, it's used in make-up and people stuff. (don't ask...)
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Bob_Fleming
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/28/01
Posts: 23255
Loc: Eagle, CO USA
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That may be what I'm thinking of; sounds familiar. You're right; it is safe. Used in some foods.
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bozodog
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/19/07
Posts: 7771
Loc: SW Michigan
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Polyethylene glycol
PEG... 
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DeckMan77
newbie
Reged: 11/02/09
Posts: 3
Loc: Crestview, FL
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Rather than sealing wood, PEG works by displacing water so that the cells dry without shrinking.
PEG does have some drawbacks, though. To use it, you melt the waxy PEG in water, and then submerse the wood for several weeks. This makes the process suitable only for smaller pieces, such as turning blanks. Plus, PEG leaves a residue that limits glue and finish options.
Instead, I'd recommend a wood stabilizer called Pentacryl. It brushes on and penetrates quickly, making it suitable for both large and small pieces. And it doesn't leave a residue, so you can use any glue and finish after the wood dries.
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"For fixing things around the house, nothing is handier than a man with a checkbook" - my wife-
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