Outdoor Wood/Stain Trashcan Fence Project

[Justin]

Hi Kreg Friends,

I need some advice on what type of wood and stain I should use to get a clean cedar look for an outdoor project of mine.  It is a fence that will hide my trashcans and downspout (which can be seen in the top left of my drawing).  We would like to save some money here, so real cedar is probably out of the question.  You can see my crude drawing below, and below that the desired look and inspiration.  The numbers will be glued to 1.5 ftx1.5 ft slate tiles (My wife's idea).  

I was thinking pressure treated 1x4s and stain with outdoor wood stain (for the slats).  I've also heard since I am staining with waterproof stain, I can just use regular pine lumber?  We want to take this look to other parts of the outside of the house.  I'm lost, any advice on wood type, stain type or design? 

[KregRep]

You could use pine, but be prepared for eventual rot, even with a good stain. If you can find Douglas fir, that would be a good choice, too. Compare costs. There may not be a huge difference. Treated would certainly be your most economical choice. Just select boards carefully and try to find ones that aren't super wet--that can be challenging in the spring when everyone is bringing in fresh stock. Especially in 1x boards, treated tends to move around a lot as it dries.

I am a big fan of Penofin stain, and they make a line that's designed for use with treated lumber to help overcome the green tones. Penofin definitely costs more, though, and isn't available in home centers. You will find good stains in the home centers. Just choose a good-quality stain, and you'll be fine.

If your lumber is very wet, build the fence and then let it dry for a week or two before you stain. If the boards are really green, consider using a deck cleaner after construction to help bleach out the boards.

Don't forget to check sources like Craigslist, too. Maybe you can find someone who has torn down a deck or fence and get lumber at a good price--or someone who has a privacy fence they want taken down. Craigslist has worked for me before as a source for building materials.

KregRep

[Justin]

Thanks KregRep, great advice.  Hopefully I'll have a project posting soon!

[Vickychen]

Wow， it is very wonderful.