My ex-husband built a large pergola over our patio with untreated (pine?) wood. He was about to finish it and then we divorced. I got the house, so he refused to help or share his plan. 2 years later, the wood is that gray color (I think mildew?) and is splitting just a little at the edges. I see a couple boards have black spots on them and I've sanded down into them and it's definitely rotten in just those areas. I was thinkig of using an outdoor mold & mildew solution to clear it off so I can treat the wood with a weather proof sealer. I'll cut out the rotten parts and use wood filler. I'd like to stain it but don't know if paint would give better protection. How would you do this from start to finish? I'm in a humid, sometimes rainy climate (Nashville) so it's hard to find a few days in a row without rain to dry it out. Thanks!
untreated pergola needs quick save!
Sep 05, 2019
Last reply: 3 years ago
4 Replies
You've asked for help on a newsgroup called free.uk.diy.home.
The UK stands for United Kingdom.
Our weather may be damp, but this isn't like Nashville.
You'd be better off finding a local newsgroup - and accessing it in a better way than through that website. Look up usenet on google. Usenet is free and has no adverts, unlike that website you are using.
Andy
I would paint it with Cuprinol Gardens Shades, it?s water based, co vers well, looks great and water based, I?ve used it on four sheds very successfully,
I wonder if you can buy it in Nashville Tennessee?
Andy
Here is the general process for saving your untreated pergola:
- Clean the surface with a solution to remove mildew and any other dirt and grime.
- Sand down the affected areas, removing any split or rotten wood.
- Fill the holes with wood filler and let dry.
- Sand the filled areas to even out the surface.
- Choose between staining or painting the pergola. If you want a more natural look, stain is a better choice, while paint will provide better protection.
- Apply the chosen product following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Allow the surface to dry completely, taking into account the weather conditions in Nashville.
- Repeat the process if needed.
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