In this video, I am going to address a popular question that many DIY enthusiasts have: how long can untreated wood survive outdoors? A couple of years ago, I built several timber planters out of non-treated timber, despite concerns from viewers that they wouldn’t last. Today, I am going to refurbish one of these planters and assess how the non-treated wood has held up after two years of exposure to the elements.
But before we dive into the refurbishment process, let’s take a closer look at these planters and the precautions I took to help the wood survive. When I made these planters a couple of years ago, timber prices were soaring due to the pandemic. To save money, I opted for plain three by two CLS timber instead of treated timber. I figured that after a couple of years, we might want to upgrade our outdoor decor, and these planters would end up on the bonfire. However, we grew fond of them and decided to keep them around.
To enhance the durability of the non-treated wood, I took a few extra steps. Firstly, I lined the planters with plastic material to ensure that the soil wouldn’t stay in constant contact with the wood. This prevented any water damage to the timber. Additionally, I added plastic feet to elevate the planters. This prevented the wood from coming into direct contact with any water that accumulated at the bottom of the planter. The painted exterior of the wood looked promising, but I was more curious about the interior, which remained unpainted.
As I began disassembling the planter, I was surprised to find that after two years, the non-treated wood looked almost identical to the day I put it together. There were a few damp areas in the corners and along the joints, but they were not significant enough to cause any concern. Upon closer inspection, the wood felt slightly damp but not soft or rotten. To get a better understanding of the moisture content, I decided to use a moisture meter.
Comparing the moisture content of the non-treated wood with general timber in my workshop, I found that the non-treated wood had a moisture content ranging from 22.3 to 24 percent, while the timber in my workshop had a lower moisture content of 15 to 18 percent. Although the non-treated wood had a higher moisture content, it was still in excellent condition after two years. This convinced me that protecting the wood with plastic lining and elevating it with plastic feet significantly contributed to its longevity.
After assessing the condition of the non-treated wood, I reassembled the planter, gave it a thorough clean, and repainted it. The finished planter looked as good as new. I decided to relocate it to a slightly more protected area to ensure its longevity and admired the vibrant colors my wife had chosen for the plants.
In conclusion, the experiment with the non-treated wood planters proved that, with proper precautions, untreated wood can survive outdoors for an extended period. By lining the planters with plastic and elevating them with plastic feet, I successfully protected the wood from excessive moisture and decay. After two years, the non-treated wood showed no signs of decay or deterioration.
For those considering building similar wooden structures, it is essential to understand that with the right protective measures, non-treated wood can last more than one season. I will continue monitoring and maintaining these planters, and I am confident that they will maintain their durability in the coming years.
I hope you found this article informative and inspiring for your DIY projects. Remember, with the proper care and precautions, untreated wood can withstand the test of time in outdoor conditions. Stay tuned for future updates on the longevity of these non-treated wood planters.
