On 1 Mar 2006 18:15:33 -0800, wrote:


Best stuff I've found is a 50/50 mix of engine oil and either paraffin
or diesel. New oil for clear, or controversially, used oil for dark.

This is a VERY bad idea IMO as the detergents in engine oil will
guarantee that carcinogens in used oil will leach out into the soil.
Someone may be growing veggies in that soil in years to come.

I'm not sure that new oil on it's own would stop rot either, unless
the wood was completely soaked in it.

Used this on a softwood construction used to hold damp soil, and the
wood was still perfect years later.

Cuprinol Green or similar is good for this as the copper in it locks
onto the wood quite nicely and isn't too toxic, google for copper
napthanate for more info.

cheers,
Pete.