How can I reuse old horse stall wood for an exterior deck?
by
ChrisMcqueen
+1
I have old wood from 40-yr-old horse stalls - so subject to years of horse sweat, urine, etc. But the wood is solid oak, 2 x 12 x 10-12' long, and hard as a rock - can't hardly cut it with table saw. Hoping to reuse as floor boards for an exterior deck - but how will wood this old and nearly petrified respond to rain, snow, etc.? Any advice would be helpful!
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This article may have some helpful tips for you. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/replace-odd-size-interior-doors-old-house-31007.html
It won’t last as long as cedar, redwood or treated lumber, but I would buy a used table planet and then treat the wood with a penetrating exterior grade “marine urethane”. It will require re-treating probably every 2 years. Buy coated deck screws.
Structurally, you’re going to need Plans, aka “blueprints”. Check and see what your local Building Dept has for Deck Handouts. You’ll then learn about what the Codes require. You’ll have to get a Building Permit, typically if it’s >24” above the ground. The City’s handout should answer that detail.
There’s handrails, guardrails, fasteners and structural spans that I’m not going to explain here, as it takes a lot of time.
It should work well, especially if coated with a wood preservative (bottom and top). I might have someone run the boards through a thickness planer to remove surface cracks and splinters, but renting a floor sander can also solve some surface problems.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gardner-4-75-Gal-Black-Beauty-Asphalt-Fence-Paint-9005-GA/202057689
Plane the wood to get an even thickness than paint both sides with this product. It is a preservative to keep livestock from chewing wooden fence or stalls but works wonderfully to give a rich blackish color and also soaks into the wood, preserving it longer than other wood preservers. Thin with mineral spirits or paint thinner as it is oil-based. How thick you want to apply is up to you - I like having it look nearly black. Doesn't get slick when wet, and wears like iron.