bathing platform

[Guest]

hi chaps
i am about to replace the timber on my bathing platform, and would like advice on what sort to use, and what treatment or finish to give it. i would like it to look nice,but also to be non slip and durable.

any help most appreciated

thanks steve.

 

[tyger]

Teak is the traditional, and best, timber to use. It meets all your criteria; being stable, resistant to rot, and naturally non-slip. Teak is relatively easy to work although it contains silica which rapidly takes the edge off your tools. If you use power tools use tungsten carbide blades and bits.

However, teak is very expensive, and is regarded by some as non PC. If this worries you why not see if you can get some as reclaimed timber (e.g. from old school chemistry lab benches)? Look at the classifieds in magazines such as Practical Woodworker and Woodworking which often have job lots of timber on offer.

All teak needs in the way of care is regular swabbing (not scubbing) with sea water (fresh water encourages rot).

If you use any other timber then it needs to be varnished regularly. You can make varnish non-slip by scattering silver sand on it while it is still tacky.
HTH

 

[Rich_S]

Chippy told me that hardwood these days is more of a soft hardwood (if that makes sense) as it doesn't get the chance to mature before being felled. So if you can get reclaimed timber it should be better quality I guess?