Hardwood Bar

[helton]

HELP! We have a beautiful piece of hardwood slab which our friend (an apprentice carpenter) has made into a 4m outdoor breakfast/bar (2 x 2m slabs). He has mounted it along one side of our deck between the three supporting metal posts. He has belt sanded it, however we don't know what to use on it next. Do we protect it/polish it/bees wax it/glass coat it???? It is in full sun and is starting to get cracks on it the longer we leave it unprotected. HELP!!!!

[Tex B]

Lots of options here.

Decking oil gives a softer look, and will need to be repeated every couple of years or so.

There is also exterior varnish that can be glossy or satin depending on what you buy. After a few years you'll probably need to sand down and reapply.

Personally, I would not use polish or wax as they are generally not meant for outdoors.

Hope this helps.

Tex

[Afro Boy]

Another vote for the oil from me. Got a photo of the piece?

[artme]

The oil is a good idea but you tend to lose some of the grain pattern.

Feast Watson Weathershield is excellent as it is loaded with UV inhibitors, dries clear and seems to be pretty durable.

[dr4g0nfly]

I also vote for oil but coming from a slightly wetter part of the world would use Teak Oil, it's what we use on our wooden garden furniture here in Blighty.
I also second a vote for a picture of the piece.