Nope...it warped pretty badly after just one rainy spring. Lesson learned for sure.
I've actually done the old window frame thing—hung one up on my porch wall as a decorative piece. Didn't seal it or anything, just gave it a quick sanding and left the chipped paint for character. It looked great for a while, but after about a year outdoors, the wood started to rot around the edges. I'd definitely recommend sealing or at least giving it some protection if you want it to last longer than a season or two.
I'd definitely recommend sealing or at least giving it some protection if you want it to last longer than a season or two.
Definitely agree with this. Wood outdoors—especially anything vintage or reclaimed—is gonna soak up moisture like crazy if you don't seal it. A quick coat of exterior-grade polyurethane or even spar varnish goes a long way. I've flipped several older homes and whenever we repurpose old wood pieces for outdoor decor, prep is key. Sanding lightly is good, but adding a couple layers of sealant really helps keep that charming weathered look intact without the actual rot.
If you're worried about maintaining the distressed paint look, just use a matte finish poly—it's less noticeable and keeps the character you're after. Learned this the hard way myself when an antique wooden bench turned into a crumbly mess by fall...never again, lol.
Yeah, sealing is usually the right call, but honestly sometimes I skip the poly altogether and just go with a good outdoor wood oil. Easier touch-ups each season, and it still keeps the moisture out pretty well—plus less prep work, which I'm always down for...
Totally get where you're coming from with the wood oil—it's a solid choice, especially if you're short on time. Just make sure you're checking for any mildew spots each season... moisture can sneak in easier than you'd think with oils. But yeah, less prep is always a win.
Totally agree about the mildew checks—learned that one the hard way last spring when I skipped it and ended up scrubbing way more than planned. Another quick tip I've found helpful: swapping out porch cushions or adding a colorful outdoor rug each season can instantly freshen things up without much effort. Plus, it's budget-friendly if you shop end-of-season sales. Small changes like that have made my porch feel brand new each time.