On Jul 27, 11:03*am, Smitty Two wrote:
*"Robert11" wrote:

Contractor used some good size wooden beams to span an outside Deck to help
support it.

Wood was the "Outdoor" type, so all O.K. there.

But, the ends where it was trimmed to look good are of course bare.

Is this a potential problem ?

Should I coat them with "something", or just forget about it *?

If so, with what ?
Linseed Oil perhaps, or... ?

Thanks,
Bob

We seem to have a large contingent of AR's in here who just love to
spend time and money refinishing decks every year. I'm not among them,
and I'm perfectly happy with weathered wood.

You must search deep within your own soul to ascertain to which camp you
belong. To me, treating the ends is sillier than treating the surfaces.
I say f'getaboutit.

Wood rot starts much more easily from the end grain. Preservative
treatment doesn't necessarily impregnate the entire cross section of
wood, particularly in large beams. Manufacturers almost always advise
applying preservative to cut ends.

The 2006 IRC, Section 319, requires cut ends of treated wood to be
coated with preservative.

R