Outdoor materials question

[Steve-O]

Good morning all

I've got a question regarding timber for a couple of outdoor projects I have planned.

First off, I'm going to make a bird table but would it be ok to use untreated 'carcassing' for the post and legs etc and untreated ship lap boards for the roof and the stain/paint them. I cant seem to find anywhere that sells the treated PSE carcassing in the sizes I would need.

Pretty much the same idea regarding treated/untreated timber for a rabbit hutch I have planned but I would be using felt for the roof on that...

A lot of bird tables and rabbit hutches I've looked at in garden centres and pets shops I've been to, for ideas, seem to be a reddish brown colour, is this just actual wood colour? if so what could it be? or will they be stained? I appreciate its hard to say without actually seeing them...

Thanks

Stephen

 

[AndyT]

Yes it's perfectly ok. It won't last for ever, but a bird table is not the sort of project you would expect to last long. A bit of paint / fence / shed treatment will help it last a few more years.

On the other hand if you are planning something more elaborate - an octagonal pyramid with gothic turrets and flying buttresses, for example - it would be worth while matching the extra time and effort with a naturally durable timber such as oak, chestnut, larch or cedar.

 

[Grahamshed]

Be careful what you paint the inside of the rabbit hutch with though. They WILL chew it.

 

[mind_the_goat]

Could you get some Larch from a local fencing supplier for the bird table? Maybe some marine ply for the platform.
The Rabbit hutch might need something else though, Fencing Larch is usually treated

 

[MMUK]

If you are building a rabbit hutch, PLEASE make sure it is at least 6'x2'x2' as per RWAF guidelines.

www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk


On the finishing side, Cuprinol Garden Shades are certified animal safe. However, I would leave the insides untreated. When I build hutches, I avoid using anything like chipboard, hardboard or MDF and I fit linoleum on the floor with a 2" plastic skirting around the back and sides (bedded onto a clear silicone so no surface sealant is visible). The rabbits very rarely like to chew uPVC trims.

If you need any ideas or advice on hutches, please drop me a PM - I've build hundreds of them :mrgreen:

 

[Steve-O]

Thank you soo much for the replies, it is much appreciated.

Sorry to sound daft but is larch just general fencing boards/rails/posts etc? I've just not heard or larch before...

I had already thought about the sizes for the rabbits but thanks for the link and advice mate.

Thanks

Stephen

 

[Phil Pascoe]

:lol: No.1 The larch.


I'll get my coat....

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

oooooooooooh. I'm a lumberjack and I'm OK, I sleep all night...

 

[Steve-O]

Am I missing something here?...

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Monty Python

 

[Steve-O]

I think I'm a little bit to young for month python... Haha

 

[mind_the_goat]

Your penance for not recognising a Monty Python reference is to cut down the mightiest tree in the forest... with... a herring.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

STOP THAT....it's getting silly! Now then!

 

[Mark A]

:lol:

 

[Steve-O]

Ha ha

Anyway....... :roll: Larch, is that just fence rail/post?

Also, does anyone have any ideas about the timber that many of the pet shop/garden centre hutches are made of?...

Stephen