[lkl]

I just received a request for a hand carved memorial plaque. It will be placed outside at the base of a tree. What type wood would be best for holding up in the weather? Also which type finish would hold up?
Thanks in advance,
Lance

[Claude]

I've never done a plaque for outside, but from all I've read, the two best choices are redwood, finished with Redwood Rez, or teak, finished with tung oil. Both of these woods tend to be rot and weather-resistant.

Claude

[AlArchie]

Lance, I might be missing the boat on this, but I would think a lot would depend on what type of climate you are going to be placing that memorial in.

Arid southwest? Northern areas of freeze and thaw? Extreme heat or cold?
High humidity and temps? Rain forest type weather?

I'd bet that there are varying finishes for each of these areas. Some will require high UV resistance, some temperature stability, others still moisture and fungi resistance.

For instance; Here in the Western UP of Michigan, we have extremes of temperature, anywhere form -60 F to over 100 F. driving snow falls of up to 300 inches, high humidity in the summer, etc. I made a 4'x8' sign for our local amimal shelter about 12 years ago, and after painting and sealing it thoroughly, I finished it with Minwax Helmsman Spar Varnish, and believe it ot not the sign still looks good. This finish is fairly temperature stable, UV resistant and made for damp and wet environments. I made sure the open grain ends were thorougly sealed and even the drilled mounting holes were selaed and treated before assembly. I'm anticitpating a call from them one of these days for a re-finish, but even so 12 years is a good run!

So.....as far as advice goes, I'd check to find the most stable wood for your climate, and then make another check with a reputable hardware or paint store to find what they would recommend for a durable finish. Just make sure that whatever finish you choose, to make sure the end grain and mounting holes are sealed and finished. Anywhere moisture or fungal spores can enter will greatly diminish the durabilty of the finish.

Al

[pallin]

I agree with Al's ideas about the local environment, choice of wood, and finish. You might also consider designing the plaque so that it sheds water and/or snow as much as possible. The local office of the Forest Service or Interior Dept. may have some ideas on durable woods.
Phil

[mdallensr]

Real mahogany, Alaskan Yellow Cedar and Cypress are also good choices for outdoor applications. Mahogany weathers like teak, turning a dull grey color, or you can put a finish on it to keep it looking like new. Good luck. Mike

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

If I were doing it, I would use redwood or cedar and when finished coat with envirotex.......after a few years the envirotex will get a kind of whitish frosted look, but a coat of car wax will bring it right back.....maybe not the right way, but the way I would do it

[DanBillings]

Bass wood you can find pallets from china that are made of it.for cheep or free from wherehouses

[hobo]

Cypress Is

[vacation212]

I would use yellow cedar and coat it every two years with Thompsons Ultra.