Don't Use the Wrong Outdoor Wood and Finish for Your Project

Don't Use the Wrong Outdoor Wood and Finish for Your Project

You want your outdoor woodworking projects to last as long as possible. Using the right wood and finish for outdoor projects is important. I’ll share with you what has worked well for me to keep my outdoor woodworking projects looking great for years.

*Videos To Watch Next*
99% of Beginners Don’t Know These 5 Mistakes Ruin Wood – https://youtu.be/xA8tcPICLiE
HomeRight Finish Max Sprayer – https://youtu.be/NRFxMDOvlQ0

PLANS: https://www.731woodworks.com/store (use code OUTDOOR to save 20% off any order)
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*Products in Video*
Cabot Australian Timber Oil – https://amzn.to/3L7U6uV
Osmo UV Protection – https://amzn.to/3ZJ1GQY
General Finishes Outdoor Oil – https://amzn.to/3SWdU6x
Cabot Clear Finish – https://amzn.to/3ZVemnT
Spar Urethane – https://amzn.to/3F7oB05
Homeright Finish Max Sprayer – https://amzn.to/3L6oC8s
Titebond 3 Wood Glue for Exterior Use – https://amzn.to/3YC7bj3
Epoxy for Feet Bottoms – https://amzn.to/41QRfN3

Other Tools/Equipment I’m Asked About Often:
Table Saw – https://amzn.to/3IoKqsZ
Table Saw Blade I’m Using – https://shrsl.com/3xv5i
Miter Saw – https://amzn.to/41hbJy4
The shirt I’m Wearing – https://www.shieldsofstrength.com/1-corinthians-13-shirt/
Boots I Wear – https://amzn.to/3HkUl3y
Toolbox in Background – https://homedepot.sjv.io/x9B2xy
Tool Wall over Miter Station – https://amzn.to/3ZgWq7B
Digital YouTube Sign – https://amzn.to/3GL2a2e
Camera Gear I Use – https://kit.co/731Woodworks/camera-gear-i-use
Computer Equipment I Use for Editing – https://kit.co/731Woodworks/731-woodworks-computer-equipment

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0:00 How to Make Outdoor Projects Last
0:20 What’s the Best Outdoor Finish
3:00 How to Apply Outdoor Finish
3:27 Food Safe Outdoor Finish
4:07 Best Selling Woodworking Projects
4:38 Prevent Cedar from Turning Gray
5:11 Using Pressure Treated Wood for Outdoor Furniture
6:06 How Often do Outdoor Wood Finishes Require Maintenance?
6:53 Best Clear Finish for Outdoor Wood Projects?
7:15 Best Wood for Outdoor Projects
7:57 Worst Wood for Outdoor Projects
8:22 Best Screws for Outdoor Wood Projects
9:00 Should You Space Boards Apart on Outdoor Projects?
9:51 Best Wood Glue for Outdoor Woodworking Projects
10:27 How to Make Outdoor Projects Last Longer

#diy #woodworking #woodworkingprojects #outdoorliving

50 Comments

  1. rockymntain on August 9, 2023 at 4:38 pm

    8:40 "Zinc coated" screws and nails are meant for outdoor usage. As opposed to the common silver colored fasteners which have a thin nickel coating that will not hold up to outdoor weather.



  2. Scott Bionic Nerf on August 9, 2023 at 4:40 pm

    Can’t remember the name of the product cause the paper label came off the can before I finished using it up. But it was some spray-rubber. I sprayed on the pick nick legs bottom that touched the ground/concrete (though, concrete will sand/scrub it off after enough movement.)deck surface.



  3. Kelvin Goliday on August 9, 2023 at 4:41 pm

    Great video! Great advice. A couple more things I do for furniture on concrete patios are: Use Furniture feet to keep it slightly off the ground. Also, I use a cover in the winter months. In places where you get a fair amount of snow, this will save a little work throughout the years.



  4. CenTex Home & Ranch on August 9, 2023 at 4:41 pm

    I am getting ready to clean and seal outdoor cedar posts on my deck. I built a new house and have great cedar posts that I want to protect but first I need to clean and degrease. I will get some of that cabot clear coat but would you have any recommendations on an outdoor wood cleaner / degreaser that I can use to scrub these large posts and get them ready for clear coat?? Thank you



  5. Blia Xiong on August 9, 2023 at 4:42 pm

    thanks for explaining and going into detail, i like that about your videos!



  6. Bill Hawke on August 9, 2023 at 4:43 pm

    I’m working on some outdoor furniture and trellises and these are some great points. I like the trick with using epoxy on the feet to prevent moisture from soaking into the end grain.
    I’m looking forward to some outdoor projects as we head into spring.
    Keep up the great work.



  7. michael branstutter on August 9, 2023 at 4:43 pm

    For those using a paint finish good primer and acrylic paint will outlast just about everything



  8. 731 Woodworks on August 9, 2023 at 4:46 pm

    ▼EXPAND FOR LINKS TO THE TOOLS▼
    🎥 Watch Next – 99% of Beginners Don’t Know These 5 Mistakes Ruin Wood – https://youtu.be/xA8tcPICLiE
    🛠Tools and Products in this Video:
    Cabot Australian Timber Oil – https://amzn.to/3L7U6uV
    Osmo UV Protection – https://amzn.to/3ZJ1GQY
    General Finishes Outdoor Oil – https://amzn.to/3SWdU6x
    Cabot Clear Finish – https://amzn.to/3ZVemnT
    Spar Urethane – https://amzn.to/3F7oB05
    Homeright Finish Max Sprayer – https://amzn.to/3L6oC8s
    Titebond 3 Wood Glue for Exterior Use – https://amzn.to/3YC7bj3
    Epoxy for Feet Bottoms – https://amzn.to/41QRfN3

    Other Tools/Equipment I’m Asked About Often:
    Table Saw – https://amzn.to/3IoKqsZ
    Table Saw Blade I’m Using – https://shrsl.com/3xv5i
    Miter Saw – https://amzn.to/41hbJy4
    Tripod for Phone – https://amzn.to/3E3kWA9
    Phone Holder for Tripod – https://amzn.to/3E1E6GG
    The shirt I’m Wearing – https://www.shieldsofstrength.com/1-corinthians-13-shirt/
    Boots I’m Wear – https://amzn.to/3HkUl3y
    Toolbox in Background – https://homedepot.sjv.io/x9B2xy
    Tool Wall over Miter Station – https://amzn.to/3ZgWq7B
    Digital YouTube Sign – https://amzn.to/3GL2a2e
    Camera Gear I Use – https://kit.co/731Woodworks/camera-gear-i-use
    Computer Equipment I Use for Editing – https://kit.co/731Woodworks/731-woodworks-computer-equipment

    Other useful links:
    Daily Tool Deals on my website: https://www.731woodworks.com/tool-deals
    Subscribe the 731 Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/7e44c16eefdc/731-woodworks-email-newsletter
    Check out our easy-to-follow woodworking plans: https://www.731woodworks.com/store
    Outlaw’s Board Butter – https://www.731woodworks.com/store/boardbutter



  9. SouthPaw on August 9, 2023 at 4:46 pm

    Great information in this video! What is your opinion on outdoor finishes for pieces which may come into contact with heat? Such as a built in table/stand for a kamado style grill? Thinking about any radiant heat from the grill, or direct heat from placing a hot pan onto the surface?



  10. bigJ7678 on August 9, 2023 at 4:47 pm

    What about the common whitewood boards that are at the big box stores? I’m in the PNW and have been told it’s pine but i have no idea what it is. If treated with Cabot will that be good enough?



  11. Chad Garner on August 9, 2023 at 4:51 pm

    Another good (and cost effective!) outdoor wood is sassafras. Weather and bug resistant!



  12. Frank Rueckert on August 9, 2023 at 4:51 pm

    I like your shirt.



  13. Scott Bionic Nerf on August 9, 2023 at 4:53 pm

    Hey Brother. I thought I might want to give you video ideas. How a video comparing the ease of application, and final results of finished product on these finishes that you mentioned in this video (I wouldn’t bother with afore mentioned, inferior product, because if you didn’t like it, I don’t see anyone else would, unless, of course, they can get it for almost free.)
    I’m talking your simple, down sized night stand/drink-holding table you’d see placed beside chairs or loveseats on a deck.
    1 for each of those finishes would be great.
    I personally, really like the Cabot Finishes for door use. They look awesome on pick nick tables and any pool side furniture pieces.



  14. Andrew J on August 9, 2023 at 4:55 pm

    Wood outdoor furniture simply requires some maintenance. throughout the year. We always bring our patio furniture up closer to the house for the winter so it won’t get as badly hammered by the sun and snow. I don’t like covering outdoor furniture because I think it’s a recipe for mildew. I always wonder if this is a problem for people who have their furniture shrink wrapped. In the Spring, the furniture has to get thoroughly washed down – especially if matted leaves sat on it. I use a outdoor furniture cleaning concentrate, a garden hose sprayer, and a soft non-scratching brush designed to wash cars. And like you said, the finish may need to be touched up every two or three years.



  15. imsowright90 on August 9, 2023 at 4:55 pm

    Thanks for the info. God bless.



  16. Tim Barry on August 9, 2023 at 4:56 pm

    Nice outdoor sitting area



  17. Patrick Michaels on August 9, 2023 at 5:01 pm

    What exactly is "oll"? I don’t think we have that here in Minnesota… 😆



  18. A W on August 9, 2023 at 5:03 pm

    pine tar, heat it up, heat the wood and "burn" it in with a torch( make sure not to actually burn it). Leaves a lovely reddish brown finish and a sweet smell(unless you use bad tar)

    we use it on skis, cabins, boats, tool handles basically anything that needs next level protection.



  19. Gary Sheppard on August 9, 2023 at 5:04 pm

    How ironic.
    Cabot’s Australian timber oil isn’t available in Australia.
    Yes, you can import it from the US but I’ve never seen it here and it’s not mentioned on the Cabot’s Australian site.
    Maybe calling it "Australian" in the US makes people think it’s somehow tough?
    Dunno.
    Looks good though.
    Wish we could get it here.



  20. Edward Smith on August 9, 2023 at 5:05 pm

    I am a huge fan of 731! And I really like how he goes out of his way and takes the time to get shots that may have been inconvenient that really help a visual learner. The editing is top notch! Thank you Matt



  21. Timothy Leiby on August 9, 2023 at 5:06 pm

    What about finishing with epoxy?



  22. Eldon Beyea on August 9, 2023 at 5:07 pm

    Hey Matt what do you think about using that coating you used on your channel locks and hammer handle on the end grain.



  23. Foolish Beast on August 9, 2023 at 5:08 pm

    I just wanted to say thanks for all of your videos. I have watched them all. just started wood working and have learned a ton watching your videos. The way you explain things makes sense. and I’m more of a visual learner. So thanks again for all the great videos keep up the fantastic work.



  24. Treggmichelle Liebler on August 9, 2023 at 5:08 pm

    Great tips, thankyou!



  25. JS75 on August 9, 2023 at 5:09 pm

    Great info, other places have it all over the place. I just wanted something simple and not so airborne where I need a full respirator to apply.



  26. Tony Armstrong on August 9, 2023 at 5:10 pm

    Love the T shirt bro



  27. Dave Horn on August 9, 2023 at 5:13 pm

    Very interesting, the pressure treated wood for outside furniture, is something I been using.. I won’t any longer. Thank you!



  28. MomanSLM on August 9, 2023 at 5:13 pm

    Not a big fan of paint. Maybe I’ve not used the right product but paint doesn’t seem to weather well. It can look and feel chalky and then it seems to hold moisture which promotes insect infestation and rot.
    Oil may not be perfect but it does shed the water pretty well and it is easy to touch up when you decide to do it.



  29. Manuel Sousa on August 9, 2023 at 5:16 pm

    What I did for my Normal Abrams Adirondack chair was was cut, fit and assemble the entire chair. Take it completely apart, paint it, one oil primer and two acrylic latex paint. Then put it together. It’s been in New England weather for several years…no problems



  30. TJ Porter on August 9, 2023 at 5:16 pm

    What sprayer do you use with bleach?



  31. Gary Zellner on August 9, 2023 at 5:17 pm

    Like your videos …. I’m a little hard of hearing, so for me, I would like to have you slow down your speech speed 🥰 Just saves me from rewinding to catch all you say….



  32. Research and Build on August 9, 2023 at 5:21 pm

    shouldn’t it be "Cypress"



  33. Scott Bionic Nerf on August 9, 2023 at 5:22 pm

    TiteBond III is Baptist, TiteBond II is Methodist.😇



  34. Samuel Adams on August 9, 2023 at 5:22 pm

    So Spar urethane is not good for outdoor wood work



  35. Richard Formano on August 9, 2023 at 5:24 pm

    Mr. Matt Outlaw, Sir I’ve been following you for about 3 years now. It’s been awesome to see you evolve the channel. I love how your wife is so involved as well. your not shy to proclaim your faith in christ and you reflect his character in the way you conduct yourself. So just know 731 is a household name in my home lol. from out here in san diego we wish you all the best from my family to yours. Praise God always!



  36. steve steve on August 9, 2023 at 5:24 pm

    Great video as always question on the sprayer I bought one I’m just about positive it’s the same one and while staining our deck last summer I kept experiencing the deck stain clogging the small tip I believe it’s the blue tip or whatever color tip is required and had to keep stopping to clean it out I don’t believe temperature was an issue it was very high 90s maybe like 97 degrees in full sun thanks for any advice also I did not use anything but the stain



  37. Jesse C on August 9, 2023 at 5:25 pm

    The power tip on this video is very important that most people don’t think of.



  38. Mike on August 9, 2023 at 5:25 pm

    Howdy Mr. 731…

    I just watched this video again. Noticed that you didn’t used to have a patio cover. Did you build that yourself? Where’s the video?

    As for the Spar Urethane….Don’t use a brush unless it’s just a small project. Use some thinner and that Home Max. Works great.

    I’d like to see ya do a more in depth video on using the outdoor stains and finish.

    Good video Sir.



  39. Thomas G on August 9, 2023 at 5:25 pm

    The question about food safe…. i would like to know for growing food in a planter . What do you recommend as a food safe wood finish?



  40. MassGradingTeacher on August 9, 2023 at 5:25 pm

    Very awesome and informative video.



  41. TheKidFromYTown on August 9, 2023 at 5:26 pm

    Thank you for all the great tips! I never even thought of putting epoxy on the end grain of outdoor projects.



  42. M R on August 9, 2023 at 5:28 pm

    I just used Helmsman for the 1st time. Your right 5 coats and bubbles (fish eyes) Never had a issue in all my 50 yrs of using polly or a clear coat. I dont think i will ever use it again. I sanded between coats as usual. Got tired of it and used one coat of quick dry polly and woo lah.
    Perfect. I put it on thick, thin and even mixed it with mineral spirits. I don’t understand why it wouldn’t cover. I even call Minwax.
    Ok im done venting. 😅



  43. joseph harper on August 9, 2023 at 5:31 pm

    The pressure treated I used to build a deck for a customer in the fall of 2020 I had to go back this past summer and replace 5 boards that warped so badly I couldn’t beleave it!



  44. Rob Townsend on August 9, 2023 at 5:31 pm

    Huge fan of the channel and you have really motivated me to pursue wood working more Matt. Question for you, I know that you often use a pre-stain prior to staining your projects. Do you use that same product on your outdoor furniture as well?



  45. Einor dots com vlogs channel on August 9, 2023 at 5:31 pm

    Ang ganda ng Videos na ito maraming tips matutunan ko good Evening



  46. EG Bluesuede on August 9, 2023 at 5:33 pm

    I’ll second that endorsement for Cabot penetrating oils. I used them on a built-in bench and a patio table set here in Ohio. Ouside and uncovered for two years so far, and they look great. I thought I would have to touch up this spring, but they still look like the day I finished them. Plus you can choose a ton of colors, and further customize the look with various levels of opacity. I’ll use these from now on.



  47. 2011studies on August 9, 2023 at 5:35 pm

    Thanks! Really nice outdoor furniture. Subscribed. (Daniel 12:12)



  48. Dave Dennis on August 9, 2023 at 5:36 pm

    I love the power tip. Brilliant!



  49. Dan Cascino on August 9, 2023 at 5:36 pm

    Another well done , informative video.. i am considering building some inexpensive storage cabinets to be used along one of our fence lines, ( for garden tools etc) ,so it will be exposed to the elements. what do you think would be the best woods for this kind of project. Thanks



  50. Fire Wolf Creative on August 9, 2023 at 5:36 pm

    Great video! Thanks for answering my question!! I really appreciate what you’re doing here, keep up the great work 👊