We moved in a house at Dallas area and the wood post at my deck has a big crack in it, I read some post that it is normal, but if I don't treat it, will it keep cracking. Thanks a lot of any suggestions.
Wood – Fix the big crack on wood post
deckwood
Related Solutions
The attached pieces and legs may have exacerbated the effects by not moving with the seat but a piece of pine of that size was probably destined to crack regardless. You can try to weep glue down into it (run a line of yellow glue over the crack then blow it down into the void with an air nozzle) and then clamp out the space but it probably won't be permanent and you could damage your finish with the clamp pressure. Were it me, I'd fill the crack with tinted epoxy and let the piece wear the crack like a badge of honor. Think of a piece reclaimed pine:
- Tape off the crack with painters tape. You don't want epoxy all over the finish, just down in the crack.
- Mix a 5 minute epoxy to the manufactures specs, then add 5% by volume a Van Dyke Brown (or similar) aniline pigment. Most manufacturers will recommend a product compatible with their own on their website, I recommend West System.
- Apply the mix carefully over the crack and then force it down in with a putty knife or shim. Trowel off the excess as neatly as possible and let dry. Repeat this step as necessary (sometimes is sinks in after application) until the epoxy fills the void flush with the surface.
- Remove the tape preferably when the epoxy is still sort of gooey and let dry over night. (yes it's 5 minute epoxy but trust me)
- Sand off the residual epoxy with 220 and a light touch and then scuff sand the entire piece with 280.
- Apply a light fresh coat of your original finish.
Hope this helps, cheers!
Prior to drilling the "through-hole", mark the location on both sides and use a paddle-style wood boring bit slightly larger than the O.D. of your flat washer, to make a large flat-bottomed hole.
Make the holes no deeper than necessary to make the nut, washer, and bolt end sit flush (you would need a shorter bolt).
For more precise creation of a flat-bottomed hole you could also use a Forstner style drill bit, but they are significantly more expensive than a paddle-bit. It depends on how nice and clean you want the hole to be.
Best Answer
It is normal for that type of post in the south. To treat the wood and not affect the color use a linseed based sealer.
The applicator I've linked to is only intended as a reference as there are several manufacturers and styles of rough surface applicators.
Linseed Oil
Linseed Oil
Rough Surface Applicator