Best wood preserver for shed made from untreated rough sawn pallet wood?

[Dunwaters]

Old sump oil, preferably from a Land Rover, nice dark stain and lasts at least 5 years. I hear that you get even more protection and a nicer finish if the oil is scavenged from a Defender.

 

[EMcC]

Another vote for old engine oil, although I mix mine 50/50 with paraffin.

 

[User00035]

Old sump oil, preferably from a Land Rover, nice dark stain and lasts at least 5 years. I hear that you get even more protection and a nicer finish if the oil is scavenged from a Defender.

And a nice sparkly finish from all the metal fragments.

 

[paul dillon]

I use this on my Cabin

 

[BigPat]

Ronseal “Shed and Fence Preserver” is my go to for all of my sheds and high seats. I normally spray it on and a couple of coats lasts for years. I was told that if you want a proper preserver and waterproofer then look for something in a metal container

 

[aquarius11]

Creocoat is probably your best bet if its in a domestic environment all the stuff from diy stores seems to be a plastic and stays on the surface of the wood then peels off after a couple of years, otherwise use the waste motor oil thinned with some white spirit to help it soak into the wood.
ATB

 

[Heym SR20]

Main thing for any wood is to make sure it sheds water and has plenty of fresh air. For wood to rot its needs to be damp and warm. Lots of airflow and dry prevents a lot of problems.

And rot cannot live in salt. That’s why wooden boats last on the sea. And its why unused wooden boats rot from the top down.

 

[enfieldspares]

Thanks all. I can get creosote locally but as this is going to have a bench built into it for people to sit on...the thing will look like an open wooden bus shelter...I am most grateful for the other suggestions.

 

[Mountain Bug]

I don't know what is available in the UK, but copper based wood preservatives have worked well for me (I know, I know, not more BS about copper ). Copper napthenate is one that I've used with good success. Here it is marketed as an end cut solution for treated wood, posts, etc. Sometimes leaves wood with a slight green or blue tint, is very thin and penetrates well on dry wood. A little pricey at $30/gallon though. I follow this with Thompson's Water Seal with a UV blocker which keeps the wood from weathering to gray.

Scott

 

[ion]

If you add at least 10% black bituminous paint to creosote you will end up with a dry finish. When making them I give my timber high seats a couple of coats of creosote and or the mixture, and follow it with whatever fence treatment is on offer in B and Q and similar. Creocoat and bituminous tends to leave a slightly sooty finish but the fence treatment still seals it well. Lidl / Aldi often sell 'ethical' wood treatments at a good price.
I'm only starting to scrap the seats I made during F & M layoff, so treatment pays .

 

[paul o']

Sadolin Extra Durable done my summer house once from new its still sealed and looks well .

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Can you not pre treat the wood with a blowtorch to scorch the surface? Hunters here do this to their high seats and it seems to help them last.

 

[Heym SR20]

I wouldn’t use creosote or old engine oil on anything that you want to sit in, be around etc. It stinks for a long time.