New wood stalls, polyeurathane and bad timing..... advice?

[Libby2563]

[QUOTE=gumtree;8955769]
What?? Not trying to be snarky but I would like to know the name of the “lots of manufacturers” and see this statement in writing and the reasons for…[/QUOTE]

The only one I remember off the top of my head is TWP. Here’s what they recommend: “It is important to understand that new smooth wood is not absorbent enough for the TWP Stains. New wood contains a higher moisture content and a “mill glaze”…TWP wants the wood to weather and dry out for 4-12 months after installation. This will allow the moisture content to drop and the exposed wood cells will oxidize from the sun’s UV, turning slightly gray.” (http://www.twpstainhelp.com/prepping-new-wood-for-twp-stains/ and more here: http://www.twpstain.com/twp-stain-waiting-period-for-new-wood)

I did a lot of research around the time when I built my barn and came across that recommendation more than once. I also had a handyman install new stairs off the deck of the house recently and he said to wait a year to paint or stain them. I think it’s more important for pressure treated wood. Maybe it’s total BS but I don’t see how stain manufacturers would benefit from telling people to wait to buy their product, if there isn’t any truth in it.

[QUOTE=gumtree;8955769]“The only problem is that you will then have to clean off the dust, caked-on manure, bird crap, and other filth before you can do it. For that reason alone, I would probably not wait if I had to do it again”

Exactly my point. The rule of diminishing returns kicks in. As I am sure you found out by following the manufacturers recommendations. Recommendations that were self serving.[/QUOTE]

How is the manufacturer benefiting itself by recommending that people NOT buy their product right now, but wait a year? That makes no sense to me. I must be misunderstanding you.

[Pennywell_Bay]

[QUOTE=Ruth0552;8956094]
Uh, if the barn is already there, is there a reason you can’t use the existing stall fronts until spring? Just store the stall fronts?[/QUOTE]

Good question. And way obvious- eh? The existing stall fronts and doors were not constructed well. The people prior had minis, I don’t know if that has to do with the durability by my horses literally can break out of the doors. This was not a problem at my old farm so I am leaning towards poorly constructed (nails instead of screws etc). Boards get popped off etc. But yes- that would be the logical thing to do- wait…

I have a contractor scheduled to come and take the fronts off, dig out the stalls, put stone and lime and mats down, then the Amish add the fronts. I separated it because of the odd measurements for the posts for the hay loft, the stalls had to be fabricated. The Amish are putting them in, since they measured etc so that way it is on them if something is wrong.

I can’t physically dig them out myself (and I am a strong person with a tractor). Some of the stalls had 3 inches of crap in them. I was able to dig a few out by hand but it is in no way ideal so I am currently only using 3 of the stalls for a lay-up, Cushing pony and swing stall. We wanted to have it done before winter, as some of my horses are now aged and the past 2 Midwest winters have been brutal.

It was extremely poor planning on my part. At least my fencing is complete.

[RedRyderKy]

Look into the product Waterlox. It is tintable with any stain you choose. I applied it to all my exposed wood in my barn and it turned plain old yellow pine boards into a gorgeous barn. Waterlox will not peel like polyurethane can and does when exposed to the elements. I’m not sure of the temps it must be applied at though.