Can a heartwood pine bench be kept outside?

[Deanna]

I'm considering buying a primitive heartwood church pew. I wanted to put it in my garden, but am concerned about keeping it outside in the rain etc. since it's pine. I've heard that heartwood is stronger and more resilient. Would treating it with an oil base polyurethane protect it enough? It has been suggested to use a marine varnish or simply paint it. 

 

I do not want to paint it. If I buy it, I will strip it and seal it with whatever product will protect it best. 

 

Thanks for the advice.

 

Deanna

 

 

[G S Haydon]

Hello Deanna

 

The big issue with outside wood is water getting traped in areas or behind finishes and festering. Thing is, this Pew was never meant to go outside. The best you can do is to treat it with appropriate preservative and apply a durable external finish and maintain that finish. It'll last for a while.

[Deanna]

Thanks Graham.