Exterior Wood in the South: Selection, Applications, and Finishes

摘要

The abundance and versatility of wood have generated the extensive use of wood products in North America. The unique characteristics of wood make it suitable for many applications. A variety of finishes can be applied to wood. These finishes include clear finishes, which reveal and accentuate the natural beauty of wood; stains, which impart a rustic appearance; and paint, which can be obtained in a multitude of colors. The availability of wood species varies somewhat by regions within the United States. Climatic conditions also vary tremendously-hot, humid climates cause the most rapid deterioration of wood products and finishing systems. Consequently, construction practices, finish formulations, and durabilities also vary. The report has been prepared with special consideration for the southeastern region of the United States. The report describes the characteristics of wood finishes and their proper application to solid and reconstituted wood products. It describes how manufacturing and construction practices affect the surfaces of wood products, how various types of finishes interact with the surface, and how weathering affects the finished surfaces. Methods for selecting and applying various exterior wood finishes are presented. Finally, the failure and discoloration of wood finishes are discussed, and methods are given for preventing these problems.