using iroko for a garden bench............

[duncan]

planning to replace the softwood on a wood/casting garden bench that SWMBO particularily likes.

the seat slats are currently 68 x 20mm with 2mm gaps between each slat. I have 70 x 25mm lengths to work with and the option of creating a single smooth curved seat or leaving gaps ............

any advice as to whether you would expect iroko to handle the weather without expansion/contraction or should I leave gaps............?

 

[boatbuilder]

Use gaps so that it drains, make sure that the wood is very smooth as iroko is an irritant, and splinters can turn sceptic.

 

[Strathglass]

Definately leave gaps. Like every timber iroko expands and contracts with humidity.
You will also find that the grain is seldom straight and you will need to secure each piece well.
I would have no quams in using iroko for your intended task.
I made an iroko grating for the boat shower last week.

Iain

 

[srp]

Did the very same last year with two benches that sound identical to yours. Boatbuilder and Iain are right about the splinters, and the gaps. I even got some M6 stainless coach bolts to fix the slats on with. I haven't bothered with a finish of any sort, though I suppose you could use some clear wood preservative if you really wanted to.

 

[Drascomber]

With gaps you will also use a lot less wood - which is why commercial garden furniture has such big gaps.

 

[duncan]

thanks all - I am expecting the lengths to have a fair bit of twist from the 'mixed grain' in the wood and yes, great care in finishing! final coat will probably be danish oil.

thanks again

 

[damo]

Iroko was commonly used for outdoor use, and still is if you can get hold of some from a sustainable source.
I used to be a cabinet maker and worked with iroko a fair bit, so a word of warning - the dust from machining it is like inhaling pepper: toxic and irritant. So get someone else to do it or make sure you use good protection. It is difficult to plane without tearing the grain, so very keen tool edges and some patience is needed.

It takes a superb finish with Danish Oil, but I don't know how that would last outdoors.

 

[duncan]

thanks for the warning - will take all the precausions i can