Subject: Glue or Screws for outdoors project?

From: Russ Evans <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 10 Feb 1997 18:59:46 -0500

Excuse me if this is FAQ material, but I am new to the NG and new to the
hobby. I have built a couple of small projects for the house (a step
stool and a magazine rack) using hand tools. These projects use mortise
and tenon, and dovetail joints but no screws. I would like to build a
potting/display stand for my Bonsai plants outside. It will be about
five feet high and have three shelves and a roof. I intend to use
pressure treated pine since it will be in the weather. Now... My
question (finally) is; will glued joints hold up out in the weather? Or
will the environmental conditions destroy them? Should I use screws in
this project to keep things together? Any advice will be appreciated.

Russ

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From: "David Yoho" <[email-masked]>
Date: 11 Feb 1997 01:56:34 GMT

I would recommend the use of exterior deck screws to hold this project
together. Pressure treated lumber has a way of twisting and/or bowing as it
dries and can pop apart some glue joints. Outdoor projects lend themselves
to the use of screws in most cases.

David

Russ Evans <[email-masked]> wrote in article
<[email-masked]>...

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From: Paul <[email-masked]>
Date: Tue, 11 Feb 1997 05:26:03 -0600

If your joinery is sound, just use a good water proof glue such as
Titebonds II or a polyurathane type glue like Gorilla or Excel.  The
need for screws again depends on the joinery.  Most of my outdoor
furniture is screwed and glued and I have had no problems for 5 years
now.  

Good luck.

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From: [email-masked] (Trevor Galvin)
Date: Tue, 11 Feb 1997 09:17:08 GMT

I'd use stainless screws and weather tite glue that's water resistant.

Trevor.

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From: [email-masked] (GEORGII1)
Date: 13 Feb 1997 05:57:40 GMT

I use deck screws and I've have used glue on a number of project - the
newer water resistant glues.  One table, about 5 years old, has been
outside all year long with no problems yet.

If I could only find a natual looking finish that holds up for a few years
years longer - I'd have it made.

Jolyn