Wood for furniture benches etc

[woodhog73]

Ok so not a firewood question but still a wood question.

Not to long ago I came across some box elder which I split and it's drying in my stacks.

I've got more of it on my property. I love those red streaks in the center. I've seen online some beautiful benches and stuff made from it and when dried and finished with whatever sealer is used it's beautiful.

I'm thinking of taking a box elder down and rip cutting a slab piece to use for a bench. Any tips on what to use for sealer ? To make it shine ? Anyone ever done this ? Never done it before.

 

[Fanatical1]

I'm a fan of flamed boxelder also, the best examples can be stunning.

I have a live edge table with a boxelder top, has some red accents and is curly. My table has a two part catalyzed lacquer finish, typical of a good furniture grade coating. If you intend to leave it outside, as with all coatings, it will eventually peel no matter what coating you choose. The other thing to be aware of is the red streaks in boxelder are UV sensitive and will fade and become discolored quite quickly if exposed to direct sunlight.

i would choose the finish based on how much exposure it will be getting being outside. Don't stain it. Medium to low gloss would be my choice.

 

[HisTreeNut]

That is a gorgeous table. Color me jealous...

 

[Montanalocal]

A few years ago I discovered this old Swedish firm's line of linseed oil based paints and coatings. They say they can last up to 100 years. I have used them on some projects and they look good.

http://www.solventfreepaint.com/linseed_varnish.htm