Like asking Jeffery Dahmer for a recipe. ...............................

[deller]

At my wife's insistence I'm in the process of restoring two wooden and metal benches. The wood is rotten and has too be replaced. ( these are really nice benches given too me by a neighbor )

As the heading says I know little about doing this. My question? What type wood should I use and what finish for the wood would be durable?

 

[crippen]

Ipe and Messmer’s get my vote.

 

[deller]

Is Ipe a brand readily available say through Lowes or Home Depot?

 

[crippen]

No sir. Timber Town is fairly close to you.

I am assuming you are replacing 3/4 slate of some kind. Is that correct?

This is Ipe. It is a Brazilian Hardwood

 

[boneboy96]

Is Ipe a brand readily available say through Lowes or Home Depot?

Not likely. Woodcraaft used to have some. Check with them and see if they can order some in for you to pick and choose through. That Ipe is super hard...wears saw blades and lathe tools dull real quick like.

 

[crippen]

You can also get it at Brazilian Wood Depot on Buford Hwy

 

[deller]

Yes sir slats with the exception of a curved section on each of the benches. ( not sure how I'll make that cut but where theres a will theres a way)

 

[crippen]

Save the curved piece you remove for a template. Send me a pic if you want. I can have one of the fellas In the shop cut out the curve for ya if it gets tricky

 

[Freshly Minted Georgian!]

If it's gonna sit outside Ipe is outstanding! Other types that are good in exposed areas, Teak (hard to find these days), Cypress, White Oak (does OK and it's easy to find round here).

Post a couple pics. There are several great woodworkers here on ODT and some guys that "do it for a living" that can lend advice and probably help ya in a pinch.

 

[Freshly Minted Georgian!]

Redwood also does pretty good exposed but it's a much lighter wood, just won't hold up on a bench that's gonna have traffic quite as well as something denser (like Ipe).