How to build an outdoor screen using treated Pine?

[MDT]

I have recently purchased rough sawn treated pine planks and posts for an outdoor screen project.

The location of the project is fully shaded.

The planks will need cutting to size as unable to purchase exact length required.

Question 1. Should i cut them and construct first before staining, waiting for them to dry out? If so how may weeks before staining? Or given they are lying horizontal in a dry shed with solid floor and gaps for air flow let them dry out before cutting, staining them and then  construction? If so how many weeks before staining?

Question 2. Question 3. What is the best product to use to treat the cut ends, before staining?

Thank you for any assistance.

Mark

[Jason]

Sounds like a terrific project @MDT. We'll be happy to help.

Do you have a sketch of what you are planning or perhaps some photos of the area so our members can better visualise?

What are you using as the screens?

I'm sure our resident Bunnings D.I.Y. expert @EricL will be happy to tackle your questions when he's back on the site. 

Jason

[MDT]

Thanks Jason,

I've got some 150*25 fence grade treated pine with H4 100*100 posts. I am worried about warping as the wood dries

so some advice from Eric would be most welcome. The area is covered from the rain for 95% of the project.

The size is 3800* 3200 in a 90 degrees screen

[EricL]

Hello @MDT 

It sounds like you are building a fence. If you are, its best to construct your screen first before you stain them. I suggest using TWA Woodcare 300g Ecoseal Tanalised Timber Treatment to seal off the cut ends of the timber. The panels and posts will need to season for about 6 to 12 weeks this will allow the tannins and preservatives to dry out and once the wood is dry and has stabilized you can then stain or seal it. 

Please make sure to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when using the spray. Please make sure to follow the safety guidelines printed at the back of the can.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[MDT]

Thank you Eric...hopefully this timber will not warp too much as it is stabilized. I think i will construct it after 12 weeks given i can store it with gaps horizontally on a slab in the shed

Mark