I am dealing with a white tile shower floor that has been badly stained/corroded over the years by some very hard water. As an alternative to replacing the tile I am considering an insert made of redwood, similar to the ones you see these days in utility room floor sinks – 3″ wide strips on sleepers. Note: I will notch the sleepers to allow the water to drain.
My question: What should I use to finish the wood? I was originally planning on a sealant but have had that idea scoffed at and spar varnish suggested. The slip factor is probably also an issue.
Replies
If you settle on using spar varnish, would suggest decreasing the board size and using a substantial gap size--both efforts to increase traction. After two decades still remember the header I took after trying to balance on the spar varnished coaming of my sailboat--when wet it can be treacherous.
Regards,
Rework
I'd use Sikkens Cetol Marine. It's not brittle like spar varnish and recoats are a breeze.
Discovered it years ago when we had a sail boat and now routinely use it on exterior wood. At $30/qt it makes you gulp, but it works well.
Shelley in NM
Thanks Shelley and Rework,
The Cetol is something I should have thought of - I've used it many times on our own sailboat. Brain fade is a wonderful thing!
I had figured on 1/4 " between the boards for good drainage anyway but I may lay them out and try standing on it in my bare feet to work out how far apart they can be before they're uncomfortable.
This is the first time I've used Breaktime. Thanks for the interest and the help!
Cathy
I went to college in redwood country and worked with it quite a bit after I graduated in the early eighties. What comes to mind is the fact that redwood hot tubs were very popular then and they had no finish. Part of the appeal of redwood is that it weathers so well. You are probably better off leaving it alone. Tubs back then were made with beautiful all heart, old growth, tight vertical grained stock. It's been so long since I looked for that grade of redwood I can only pray that it is still available. If a lesser grade is used maybe a penatrating oil would help but I would stay away from a finish that builds up on the surface.
Speaking of sailboats, how about using teak, no finish.
Ken Hill