sealing a table

HSPS

I just got finished with my table made out of red oak and would like to seal it, what is the best stuff to use on it. I do have a cutting board made in the center of it.
Thanks Larry

Spring Chicken

I just Googled your question and got 367,000 hits. I'm pretty sure the answer is in there among them somewhere. But if you are in a hurry to seal it before it gets stains on it I think I would talk to a professional to see what he has to say.

You might remind him that it will likely be exposed to the weather, sunlight and heat on a frequent basis.

My first attempt to seal my cedar table failed miserably after only a couple of weeks. The expert didn't know why. So I covered the top with ceramic tile. It worked well for years.

Good luck.

Spring "Daily Googler" Chicken
Spring Texas USA

Cpt'n Cook

I used Minwax Spar Polyurathane and it has worked pritty well. Make sure it is SPAR.Give it three or four coats on the top. I cover mine.

Rascal

Any clear sealer will break dwon from the sun in a hurry if your don't keep it covered. Depending on your circumstances, an oil-based product that you can easily re-apply might work. Good luck!

Rascal

bayouegger

I used marine grade spar urethane from West Marine. I just finished my table so I can't really say if it's going to hold up or not, but is sure looks nice

Unknown

Thanks for the info. Our table will be kept indoors at our store. we will only take it out when we are ready to cook, otherwise it will be on our showroom floor for display nad to sell other tables that we make.

Thanks Larry

Frank from Houma

I used Marine Varnish - 3 coats. It stays outside all the time. Only four months old though.

WileECoyote

I have stained a lot of outdoor wood including decks, railings, fences, porches, furniture, and other misc. structures. I have found that when kept out in the open exposed to sun and rain, 90% of all wood products will need cleaned and re-treated within 2-3 years regardless of what stain, sealer, water-proofer, or other product is used. If you wait any longer than that then the wood begins to look pretty bad and it will start to break down. You can get much better life between treatments if you cover it, limit exposure to indirect elements, keep it inside during the winter, etc. but then what is the use of having it?

The best combination I found for longevity was to use top quality cedar with very few knots or cracks, apply several coats of an oil-based stain with 24 hours of warm dry weather and a light sanding between each coat, then apply 1-2 coats of Thomsons water sealer. The last fence I did like this was still looking almost as good as new 4 years later despite 100% exposure and significant climate variance.