Wood Preservation

Basics

• For better, or for worse, wood is biodegradable
• on one hand we don't have a crisis like we do with plastic waste
• On the other hand wood products (especially n the construction sector) often get rotten by microrganisms, eaten by pests, or damaged by humidity levels
• This page explores sustainable methods to adress this

Methods

Bifenthrin

• Supposedly effective, not too toxic, not sure on production pathway

Borate compounds

• [1]
• Boric acid, and other compounds

Creosol

• Either the pure chemical(s) or simply Creosote itself
• Works but is carcinogenic, emits smell, and changes color of wood

Iron Sulphate

• Iron Sulphate - this says cost is $0.01/sqft: http://buildingtree.ca/products-page/concrete-finishes/ferrous-sulphate-powder/

Heat

Charring with a gaseous fuel torch

• Essentially A Controlled Manual Form of Yakisugi (charring to make a protective layer, done in japan pre-modern materials)

Thermally modified wood

• Thermally Modified Wood

Paint

• Silicate Paints [2]. Also sol-silicate paints.
• Sodium silicate -waterglass - [3]. FPL work in Madison, with soak then 2.5% phosphoric acid to polymerize water glass.

Useful Links

• The Wikipedia Page on Wood Preservation
• Good info here: https://permies.com/t/42996/Wood-Preservatives
• Another brand/supplier: http://www.valhalco.com/why-use-lifetime-wood-stain.php