Suggestions for Finishing Bed Wood

All bed wood is made of hard, durable wood, pre-sanded and ready for your finishing.

You can order bed wood and complete bed wood kits online at:
www.dodgeconnection.com

Quality Materials & Craftsmanship

Our experienced wood cutters follow strict guidelines for selecting, checking, sorting, and machining boards to manufacture an excellent product. We select and machine oak bed wood from the finest quality red oak lumber. Oak boards are sanded, grooved, drilled, and cut to size. 

Why Proper Finishing Matters

The finish is critical for long-term enjoyment of your bed wood floor. A quality finish, properly maintained, will protect the wood for many years. Applying a durable and attractive finish takes time and effort, but the process is straightforward and does not require expensive equipment.

Choosing the Right Finish

There is no single "best" finish. Preferences, climate, and usage all play a role. Consult local professionals familiar with outdoor wood products in your area. Always choose a high-quality product designed for outdoor use with UV (ultraviolet) protection.

Exterior urethane varnishes can be applied directly to bare wood and provide a natural appearance. Products such as Epifanes, Minwax Helmsman or McCluskey's Man-O-War are easy to apply, dry overnight, and require multiple coats. These finishes are well suited for bed wood that is not frequently exposed to extreme weather or direct sunlight.

For maximum durability, a two-stage coating system may be used. An epoxy primer or seal coat seals the wood and promotes adhesion. A compatible topcoat then provides strength, impact resistance, and UV protection. Clear coatings with UV protection require periodic recoating, as UV resistance degrades over time. Inspect surfaces regularly and repair damage at the first sign of wear.

Penetrating oil finishes intended for outdoor or marine use are another option. These typically provide a non-gloss appearance but are easy to maintain by cleaning and reapplying. Oil furniture finishes are not recommended, as they offer minimal protection and poor UV resistance.

Finishing Guidelines & Best Practices

1. Keep boards clean. Ensure hands, tools, and work surfaces are free of grease and dirt.
2. Drill all bed-to-frame and bedside bolt holes before finishing. Finish wood before installation so all surfaces are coated.
3. Sand with 120 grit, then 180 or 220 grit sandpaper. Remove all planer marks on pine. Use a flat sanding block to avoid uneven grain removal. Clean all dust before finishing.
4. Finish failures often start at sharp edges or board ends:
   • Round all sharp edges to at least a 1/16" radius.
   • Saturate board ends with extra coats until absorption stops. Apply approximately twice as many coats to the ends.
5. Do not use finish directly from the can. Strain what you need into a clean container and seal the original can tightly.
6. Apply thin coats using a high-quality brush or spray gun. Coat all surfaces, edges, ends, and inside drilled holes.
7. Clean brushes thoroughly between coats to prevent dried finish from roughening the next coat.
8. After each coat dries, lightly sand with 220 grit to remove brush marks or orange peel. Remove all dust before recoating.
9. Apply at least three full coats on all surfaces. Do not sand after the final coat.
10. Inspect wood regularly after installation and repair or refinish any damage as needed.