Specialty Wood

September 21 2020

8 Most Effective Wood Sealers According To Experts

From houses to furniture and even decorations, humans had been using wood to build stuff for centuries. Not only is it durable, but wood is also one of the most flexible materials you can work with. Plus it adds a classic appeal to any building.

Yet despite its advantages, it has one major drawback. Unlike concrete, plastic, or metal, it’s not impervious to the elements. Changing weather, humidity, and temperature can cause it to shrink or expand. As a result, it loses its shape and may even get warped or twisted. Outdoor furniture, doors, sheds, or any type of wooden stuff that’s constantly exposed to the elements are especially prone to it.

This is where wood sealers enter the picture. They seal up the wood’s surface preventing it from soaking up water and moisture from the environment. This preserves the internal structure of the wood which, in turn, prevents it from losing its original shape – no matter the season.

But with so many wood sealer brands in the market right now, choosing one can be difficult. Especially if you have no background in woodworking. To make matters easier for you, we’ve scoured the web for recommendations from woodworking experts. According to them, these are the nine most effective wood sealers:

1. Thompson’s Water Seal

Thompson’s has been a trusted brand for wood and concrete waterproofing products for decades. This is why in most woodworking blogs, their water seal always tops the list of recommended wood sealers.

Aside from resisting most types of mold and mildew, it’s also long-lasting. So you won’t have to worry about reapplying a sealer every couple of years. It also applies to both dry and damp wood and can be used on outdoor furniture, decks, doors, and fences.

2. Rainguard Premium Wood Sealer

Another highly-rated brand, Rainguard’s premium wood sealer is formulated with water-based silane and siloxane blend. So it leaves an almost invisible finish that does not create a slippery surface like most sealants. This makes it perfect if you want a natural-looking wood surface. Aside from mold, mildew, water, oil, and gas, it also protects the wood from thaw damage and freezing. So if you live in colder regions, this is the ideal sealer for you.

3. DEFY Crystal Clear Sealer

Composite lumber can be difficult to seal since it’s a mixture of various materials. But no worries. This outdoor wood sealer can protect your composite wood from mold, mildew, and the ever-annoying algae stains. It’s formulated with zinc-nano particles that act as a sunblock for your wood. This not only prevents graying, but it also helps preserve the wood’s natural color for a long time.

4. Anchorseal 2

A combination of plant-based polymers and wax, Anchorseal 2 is specially formulated for exotic hardwoods. But its more commonly used for protecting the ends of green logs and lumbers from checking and splitting. It also has a winter formula that protects the wood from freeze and thaw damage.

5. Roxil Wood Protection Cream

Like Rainguard, Roxil’s Wood Protection Cream is also formulated with a semi-silicon material. This allows it to penetrate the wood and leave an invisible finish. It also provides an instant waterproofing effect with just one application. Though it can be applied to most types of wood, experts deem it more suitable for softwood timbers.

6. Eco-Advance Exterior Wood Waterproofer

Just like what its name suggests, this spray-on wood sealer is safe to use around people, plants, and animals. It also has a milder odor than most wood sealers. So it’s safe to walk on even just a couple of hours after application. Since the formula is water-based, it’s non-flammable and can be used even in freezing temperatures.

7. Ready Seal Stain and Sealer for Wood

Combining wood stain and sealer in one product, Ready Seal is an economical choice since it also needs no primer. Its oil-based formula penetrates into the wood protecting it from water, mold, and mildew. One drawback, however, is that you need to recoat the wood every two years.

8. Pure Tung Oil Natural Wood Sealer

Since the time of Confucius, tung oil had been used to both preserve and enhance the appearance of wood. It’s all-natural so you don’t have to worry about toxic chemical fumes. When exposed to air, the tung oil dries and creates a transparent film with a deep color. This gives the appearance of a perpetually-wet look. It was commonly applied on boat decks but is now also used in floorings.

Hire The Timber Experts For Your Next Build

Here at Vintage & Specialty Wood we take quality seriously. So when it comes to timber framing or selling and installing reclaimed wood we don’t cut corners. Contact our team today to speak to a timber expert about what Vintage & Specialty Wood can do for your next project.

Judy Ponio writer for Vintage & Specialty Wood

About The Author

Judy Ponio is an avid fan of interior design and wood work. Her experience in carpentry and homes design has led her to becoming a writer for Vintage & Specialty Wood. Take a look at more of her posts on our blog.

September 11 2020

Home Remedies to Make Wood Drawers Slide Easier

Seo Team Specialty Wood, Uncategorized, Wood Treatments 0

Published September 11th, 2020

If you’ve ever owned a wooden drawer, then you’ll understand the struggle of opening it when it’s stuck. You’ve probably let out a few curses and engaged in a one-sided shouting match with your drawer.

In that, you’re not alone. Many of us know the frustration of wanting to get something from the drawer only to find that it’s stuck. It’s so annoying that sometimes you just want to yank the whole thing out or set it on fire. Whichever works.

But why do wooden drawers often get stuck?

Unlike metal, wood tends to warp or change shape over time. They expand during the hot summer months and shrinks in winter. Changes in the environment’s humidity and moisture also affects their shape and size. This is why most old drawers are very hard to open.

But before you pull your hair out in frustration, know that sticky drawers can be easily fixed. In fact, the key to fixing it might just be in your pantry!

Here are some tips on how to make wood drawers slide easier.

1. Paraffin Wax

Used in a wide range of products, paraffin wax is readily available in your local grocery store. Just pull the drawer out completely then rub the wax on the sides, edges, and all surfaces where the drawer touches the chest.

If the drawer is really stuck and pulling it out completely is almost impossible, then you have to apply it by phase. Rub the wax on the inside surfaces of the drawer that are visible. Then slowly slide them back and pull it out. The sliding motion will push the wax to the unexposed surfaces making them slide easier. The process will be slow but if it will end your perpetual pulling game with your drawer, then it’s worth it.

Here's how to make wood drawers slide easier.

2. Soap

If you can’t make that trip to the grocery store for a block of paraffin wax, you can always use that bar of soap in your bathroom. Preferably, use unscented ones so it won’t attract ants and insects. If not, make sure it’s the one you wouldn’t mind smelling all the time.

Just like the paraffin wax, rub the soap all over the edges and surfaces of the drawer that touches the chest. Make sure to apply it as evenly as possible and that it’s not too thick so it would still fit when you slide it back in.

3. Candle

Candlesticks and even tea candles work well with stuck drawers too. Just use it like you would a paraffin wax or soap. If you’re using a tea candle, make sure the scent will not attract insects. Using a white candle is also recommended as it won’t leave visible stains on the surfaces.

4. Sanding

Sometimes, the wood will become too bloated that they no longer fit inside the chest. In this case, a simple waxing won’t do. You will have to sand the surface of the drawer to reduce its size. After sanding, you may also apply wax or any other wood coating to keep it from expanding or shrinking again.

5. Wax Paper

If you got no paraffin wax, candle or soap, no worries. You can also use that wax paper lying at the back of your cupboard. As the name suggests, wax paper is coated with paraffin wax. When you rub it on the wood, some of the paraffin wax will transfer to the wood’s surface.

Using wax paper, however, can be labor-intensive. Unlike soap and candles, you will need to rub it many times to get the ideal amount of paraffin wax on your wood. But if you’ve got no other option, this will do.

Just remember that all these fixes are not permanent. Wax tends to rub out over time so you will have to reapply it every few months.

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What is the difference between wood putty and wood filler?

September 11 2020

Wood Putty vs. Wood Filler: Which Should You Use?

Seo Team Specialty Wood, Wood Treatments 0

Published September 11th, 2020

If you’re not a seasoned woodworker, wood putty and wood filler may seem similar. And we wouldn’t fault you for that.

In the world of woodworking, both are used to fill holes and repair damages. But while many use them interchangeably, they are actually different. And distinguishing one from the other will help you avoid the pitfalls that countless others before you have fallen to.

So what is the difference between wood putty and wood filler?

Ther are many actually. But one major difference between wood putty and wood filler is its composition. The former is made of plastic chemicals and oil-based compounds. While the latter consists of wood particles and fibers mixed with a binding agent. This is why wood filler hardens while wood putty doesn’t.

Wood filler is applied to repair the wood from the inside. Because it hardens, it helps the wood maintain its integrity. While wood putty is usually applied only after the finishings are done since it contains chemicals that may damage the wood.

Most manufacturers also produce wood putty in various colors that match different wood stains. So it usually just blends in with the wood. The same cannot be said for wood filters which usually come in a single color.

What really is the difference between wood putty and wood filler?

When to Use Wood Putty

Because it doesn’t harden, it contracts and expands along with the wood. This makes it ideal for outdoor wood projects.

We all know that changes in temperature and humidity can make wood expand and contract. Since they are exposed to all kinds of weather, outdoor wood structures are much more prone to such. If you use wood filler, it will break when the wood expands or contract. Wood putty, on the other hand, will remain in place even if the wood gets twisted.

Most woodworkers also use wood putty for minor repairs and cover minor imperfections. This includes nail holes, small blemishes, and minor joint mismatches.

When to Use Wood Filler

If you are looking to cover major damage on an indoor wooden structure, then a wood filler would be perfect.

Since indoor structures are protected from the elements, they don’t expand or contract dramatically. Plus, the wood filler dries faster than wood putty. It also contains mostly organic materials so applying them in large quantities won’t cause harm to your wood.

Unlike wood putty though, you might have a hard time matching it with a particular wood stain. So it’s better to take a small portion of the filler first then apply some wood stain on it until it matches the color of your wood. Use that filler-stain proportion to determine how much wood stain you should put on it.

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September 11 2020

5 Innovative Reclaimed Wood Table Ideas

Seo Team Specialty Wood, Wood Treatments 0

Published September 11th, 2020

Reclaimed wood tables are getting a lot of buzz lately. And why not? Repurposing woods will not only give mother nature a break. It will also save you a lot of money. Plus, reclaimed woods have that sort of charm in them that just gives personality to a room.

Like most woodworking projects, there are no hard and fast rules for designing reclaimed wood tables. Your imagination is the limit. If you’re wanting of inspirations, here are innovative reclaimed wood table ideas you should check out:

1. Blue River Dining Table

by: WoodworksbyJared

Who isn’t dreaming of dining by the riverside while the water gushes forth and you hear the birds’ song in the air? It would be wonderful, wouldn’t it? Well with this innovative dining table idea, you can always dine while looking at the river – or at least a replica of it.

Made of reclaimed walnut and resin, the gorgeous Maui blue pigment poured at the center creates a watery illusion. The whole look is wrapped up with U-shaped steel legs painted with modern vintage gold.

2. Cogwheels Coffee Table Nest

by: EloiseOdetta

These pairs of tables might be small but it can draw all eyes in the room with its rustic charm.

As the name suggests, these coffee tables take inspiration from (you guessed it) cogwheels! Talk about vintage, right? Assembled from different pieces of reclaimed woods, the table’s rugged appearance further cemented its retro vibe. This is perfect for repurposing wood scraps of varying sizes.

3. Bohemian Coffee Table

by: WoodcraftedbyAnton

One of the great things about reclaimed woods is that it can be full of surprises. Some of them are sourced from exquisite buildings of bygone eras. And sometimes, the carvings and paintings still remain.

If you happen to chance upon these types of ancient woods, why not turn it into something like this bohemian coffee table? You’ll not only preserve a piece of history, but you’ll also have a coffee table that will surely be the envy of every guest.

4. Claro Walnut Dining Table

by: Hudson Furniture

If you want a reclaimed wood table that can also double as an art display, this piece won’t disappoint. The haphazard and eclectic use of different pieces for sitting adds to the vintage rustic charm of the split log that serves as the long table. Pair it with a vintage-style chandelier and you can have your very own medieval banquet every single day.

5. 1800s Reclaimed Wood Table

by: Unite Two Design

There’s just no other word to describe this piece but “innovative”. It takes reclaimed wood furniture making to a whole new level.

Made from an extinct American chestnut wood sourced from a mid-1800s schoolhouse, this piece screams vintage. Yet when taken as a whole, it can also come off as futuristic. The natural shape and indentations of the wood are preserved. Yet it looks nothing like how it would have probably looked in the 19th century. This makes it the epitome of contradictions and an intriguing piece that’s definitely worth a second look.

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August 4 2020

How to Preserve Your Teak Wood Furniture

Seo Team Furniture, Specialty Wood, Wood Treatments 0

Published August 4th, 2020

Teak wood is one of the most expensive lumbers out there, but why is it so prized? First, teak wood contains resin that gives it natural resistance against water and rotting, making it the gold standard of decay resistance. Teak wood doesn’t shrink and fares well in different environments. This wood is so durable that it was widely used as material for warships in the Ming Dynasty, and is still being used by shipbuilders today! Furniture made from this wood tends to last decades, some lasting over 100 years.

Second, it has high silica content and natural oils, which make the lumber extremely dense. The silica also makes this material impermeable to insects that bore holes and compromise its strength. Due to the silica and oils, it does not corrode metals with which it comes in contact.

Lastly, the teak tree takes a long time to mature (about 50 years), while demand remains high. Because of the high demand, its prices naturally rise.

Outdoor or Indoor Furniture

Because of its strength and durability, teak wood is particularly suited for outdoor furniture. It’s particularly useful for patio furniture and flooring. But while It’s great for outdoors, it can prove to last a lifetime and more indoors. Teak wood isn’t prized just for its durability but for its beauty too. A touch of its golden brown finish can jazz up any room in an instant.

How do I preserve my teak wood furniture?

Teak wood furniture is usually left unfinished, as its natural properties allow it to withstand many different conditions and environments. However, the one tendency this lumber has is that it discolors over time, turning a light silverish hue. This can be desirable for some, but others would like to keep their furniture a nice, deep brown. Here are some finishes they can apply to preserve their teak wood furniture:

Oil

If you want to maintain the golden-brown shade of your teak wood, you’ll want to finish it with oil. Teak oil treatments contain tung, lemon, walnut, or linseed oil and solvents. These oil treatments will protect your furniture from UV rays and prevent them from turning gray. However, oil treatments draw natural moisture from your teak wood, which could shorten their usable life. You’ll need to treat your furniture with oil about once a year to maintain its effects.

Lacquer

Teak indoors can be used for flooring, handrails, and posts. Wood lacquer is the best finish for indoor teak. You can select different finishes for lacquer in satin, medium, and high gloss.

Varnish

Sometimes, you may use marine varnish for exterior doors and trims, but this is typically applied to teak wood on decks and ships. Varnish gives your wood a hard and shiny finish that protects it from water. It’s quite tedious as you’ll have to coat, strip, and revarnish treated pieces periodically.

Cleaning your teak wood furniture

Cleaning your teak furniture keeps them looking spick and span. There’s a recommended way to clean that won’t harm the teak wood’s natural properties and beauty. The list below starts from the least intense to the most intense methods.

Light dish soap

You’ll need around six drops of dishwashing liquid for every two cups of water. Start by mixing these in a small bucket, then dip a soft-bristled brush into the liquid. After this, you’ll want to scrub down the furniture, targeting the tough spots of gunk. Once you’ve scrubbed the furniture down, you’ll want to hose it down with water and let dry for 24 hours.

Vinegar solution

Vinegar has antimicrobial properties that protect your furniture from bacteria and germs. You start this by mixing one cup of vinegar into one gallon of water. Then, you repeat the process from the previous method.

Bleach

You can clean your teak patio furniture using this method. Bleach can be somewhat corrosive, causing discoloration in some wood. You’ll want to mix in 1/4 cup liquid dish soap, 2 quarts of chlorine bleach, and 2 gallons of water. This is a more aggressive method to the previous two, so you’ll want to test the solution on a portion of the furniture before proceeding. You’ll want to first move your furniture to a concrete surface for this method. Gloves and aprons are also recommended since the solution can be harsh on the skin and discolor clothes.

You’ll want to apply this solution similar to the previous two methods, washing the furniture down thoroughly with water to prevent discoloration or fading.

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About The Author

Terrence Tan Ting is an industrial engineer by profession but a full time writer by passion. He loves to write about a wide range of topics from many different industries thanks to his undying curiosity.

July 30 2020

Benefits of a Permanent Wood Foundation

Seo Team Specialty Wood 0

Published July 30th, 2020

The foundation of any building could literally make or break it. After all, this is the primary building block of any structure. The foundation is the lowest part of a building that comes into direct contact with the soil surrounding it. This contact is essential, as this is where the structure transfers its load to the ground around it.

Permanent wood foundations (PWF) refer to wood treated to bear heavy loads and high pressures. When engineered correctly, these foundations have proven to be extremely durable and long-lasting. But why do many people still doubt its benefits?

Several people remain reluctant to wood foundations, believing that they do not fair as well as masonry ones. That isn’t quite the case, though. Permanent wood foundations have undergone extensive research and testing by many reputable organizations within the field. Let’s discuss the findings of those studies and the accounts of experts.

Wood foundations are long-lasting.

One reason most people are reluctant toward wood foundation is rotting and degradation. “Foundation-grade” wood undergoes a deep chemical treatment that fortifies it against different things. It’s treated to protect against moisture-related problems and wood-eating pests. With the right drainage system in suitable environments, wood foundations can last for years without rotting.

Wood foundations are durable.

When constructed with the right engineering, PWF can be just as structurally sound as concrete. If you simply follow guidelines and manuals laid out by the experts, you won’t have any durability issues.

Wood foundations provide better insulation.

Wood is known for its ability to store and keep warmth. PWF is ideal for crawl spaces and basements. In this way, it is energy-efficient, as you’d be able to save a lot of money on utility bills and heating. Finishing a basement is also much easier to do with wood; you can add insulation between wall studs, where you would attach the drywall.

Wood foundations can give you a nice, dry basement.

A common problem people have with concrete foundations is moisture. Concrete foundations are prone to mildew, dampness, and leakage. You can be assured that with wood, your basement will be dry and mildew-free. Additionally, basements from wood foundations usually have more living space.

Wood foundations are cheaper.

PWF can also be a cost-efficient alternative to traditional masonry foundations. Constructing wood foundations is considerably simpler, quicker, and cheaper. You’d generally see yourself spending half of what you would with masonry foundations.

Wood foundations are easy to alter.

Concrete foundations are almost entirely permanent. What you see is what you get with them. But wood foundation gives you a unique sense of flexibility. Because they’re simple wood construction, you can easily alter them even when the basement’s complete. On one handyman’s account on PWF, he was able to add windows and a door to his walkout basement three years after completion.

It should go without saying that wood foundations are not outright inferior to masonry ones. Each of these foundations has its pros and cons, and it’s up to you to decide which one is most suited for your home. With the right engineering and construction, you will surely be satisfied with either option.

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July 17 2020

The Pros and Cons of Using Rubberwood for Furniture

Seo Team Specialty Wood, Furniture, Wood Treatments 0

Published July 17th, 2020

I know what you might be thinking; rubberwood is some type of elastic wood hybrid. It isn’t quite that. Rubberwood is actually the product of harvesting the Pará rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Most of these trees grow in parts of Asia, Africa, and South America.

Pará rubber trees are tapped for latex, and at the end of their useful life are harvested to become rubberwood lumber. Because of that, rubberwood is referred to as an “environmentally friendly” wood.

But how does it fare against other types of wood as the material for furniture? Is it worth spending good money on rubberwood items? Let’s look at the pros and cons of using rubberwood for furniture.

Pros:

Sustainability

According to WWF, approximately 10% of the world’s forests get cut down yearly to become fast-wood forests. Cutting down more trees than the rate they’re growing can have a severely negative impact on the environment. It can lead to soil erosions, landslides, and floods. Additionally, it can also hasten the effects of global warming. Harvesting rubberwood can reduce those effects since you’re using trees that would have otherwise been burned.

Durable

Contrary to most Western beliefs, rubberwood is not as flexible as you think. It’s quite a durable hardwood, belonging to the maple family. It has a strength of about 9500 psi, stiffness of 1.3 million psi, and hardness of 500 pounds.

Cost-effective

Since rubberwood is often thought of as a byproduct, it sells for lower prices than most wood. There’s this notion that rubberwood is not a durable product, so most people opt for other timber like oak, maple, or cherry.

Ideal for furniture

Processed rubberwood is very stable, with shrinkage and cracking kept to a minimum, making them great for furniture. Moreover, rubberwood has an awesome blonde to medium tan color.

Takes stains well

Rubberwood takes stains and finishes very well. This is especially great if you want to change its appearance to suit your tastes and its setting.

Cons:

Perishable

Rubberwood is perishable and has a strong tendency to decay. Moreover, it is susceptible to fungal staining and insect attacks. To curb these effects, it has to undergo a lot of harsh chemical treatments, which can be a turnoff to some.

May trigger latex allergies

If you have allergies to latex, rubberwood may not be for you. There have been accounts of people having some sort of allergic reaction while working with rubberwood.

Warping and twisting

While drying, rubberwood tends to warp and twist, causing it to distort before thoroughly drying. Though after it’s seasoned, it can turn out to be quite durable and sturdy.

Isn’t great for outdoor use

Rubberwood is very moisture absorbent. This causes it to deteriorate more quickly when you place it outdoors. For this reason, you’ll want to keep your rubberwood furniture indoors or in a less humid environment.

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July 6 2020

The 7 Best Hardwood Floor Polish According to Experts

Seo Team Flooring, Home Living, Specialty Wood, Wood Treatments 0

Published July 6th, 2020

You simply can’t go wrong with wood flooring. All types of hardwood have this classic, earthy aesthetic to them and can certainly fit in any setting. Whatever type of hardwood you have, be it solid, engineered, or reclaimed, you should be maintaining it to keep it in top shape.

Polishes are a great way to remove scratch marks and other abrasions while giving your hardwood a glossy finish. Here are the seven best hardwood floor polishes, according to experts.

Bona Hardwood Floor Polish – High Gloss

Bona’s reputation precedes itself in the hardwood floor care industry. This company has been around since 1919, so you could say it’s more than a well-established brand. Their high gloss hardwood floor polish is no joke either.

This product is a formula that protects your hardwood floor from the regular wear and traffic of daily life. It does this by filling out the micro-scratches and scruffs on your floors while bringing your them back to life with a beautiful glossy finish.

One 32-oz bottle of this floor polish will cover an area of about 500 square feet (roughly 46.45 square meters). It is a GREENGUARD certified product. GREENGUARD accredited products meet their standards for low chemical emissions.

It’s recommended to apply and reapply this product every 2-4 months. Before use, you should always read the instructions for every product on this list.

You can check the product page out here.

Howard Products FW0016 Wood Polish & Conditioner

Howard Products’ Feed-N-Wax is the product on this list with the most customer reviews on Amazon. With over 10,000 reviews, this product garnered an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. Talk about an all-star.

Feed-N-Wax polishes all wood surfaces with a protective coating of Carnauba Wax and Beeswax. This product greatly enhances the natural beauty and depth of grain found in finished and unfinished wood. Additionally, a blend of conditioning oil can “feed” the wood, which keeps it from drying and fading.

This product can be used every month to keep wood in prime condition. Like every product on this list, you should also perform a spot test before applying it to large surfaces.