Protecting Hardwood Outdoors

[Hammer5573]

I constructed a privacy screen made of white ash for my patio. I intend to keep it covered during the winter months and expose it in warmer weather. I was told that I should use polyurethane followed by a weather protectant such as Thompson’s. Does this make sense? Does anybody have a better solution?

[Coop]

There are a lot of people on here smarter in this regard than me, but I would think the poly would prevent the Thompson’s from penetrating the wood. I have in the past used Cabot’s Australian Timber Oil and am about to use, for the first time, Teak Oil by Starbrite.

[wtnhighlander]

I agree with @Coop. Thompson's needs to penetrate for best effect. Also, poly is more likely to peel and flake. The 'spar' variety is better, but still looks like a plastic layer when coated thick enough for outdoor protection.