Posted: Sun Nov 15, 20 8:02 pm Post subject: Using plywood outside
I am planning on making a bird table and an owl nestbox using plywood. My local merchant doesn't stock exterior quality ply and has suggested that hardwood ply would be fine outside if I treat it with waterproofing. Any advice? Thanks in advance.
Does it have to be plywood? As Dpack says, you may be able to get offcuts of timber from odd places that would do the job. We have used our own western red cedar for bird boxes in the past. They were popular with purchasers and also with the birds as one couple came back for another one a month later as the first one was already inhabited.
Nick
Joined: 02 Nov 2004 Posts: 34535 Location: Hereford
Posted: Mon Nov 16, 20 10:53 am Post subject:
I’ve done some reading around this. To make an proper house for a decent owl it needs a sign, so everyone knows.
Plywood will look tatty after a while, I'd definitely go for solid timber if possible. Plywood will probably be usable for 10 years or so just won't look nice.
Plywood will look tatty after a while, I'd definitely go for solid timber if possible. Plywood will probably be usable for 10 years or so just won't look nice.
Oh, and remember Nick is a tit
This seems harsh.
Shan
Joined: 13 Jan 2009 Posts: 9075 Location: South Wales
Plywood will look tatty after a while, I'd definitely go for solid timber if possible. Plywood will probably be usable for 10 years or so just won't look nice.
Nick, it does, but even WOL couldn't spell, so not much chance of the real ones being able to either.
Rusticwood
Joined: 01 Dec 2009 Posts: 2154 Location: All over the South West
Posted: Tue Nov 17, 20 10:32 pm Post subject:
I agree with the others even painted or varnished ply will start separating after a few years if you dont keep refreshing it. Timber would be better.
If you do have to use ply a good WBP ply would be as good as a marine ply ( marine is more resistant to marine borers )
Shan
Joined: 13 Jan 2009 Posts: 9075 Location: South Wales
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