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Drying Split Catalpa Logs for Benches
Question
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From contributor X: Catalpa lends itself to thick benches like that very well. It doesn't take as long for a thick flitch like that to dry as most other species, and because the wood is so stable end checking isn't nearly as bad as most species. I agree with going ahead and building the bench, as the wood shrinks it'll tighten up around the leg tenons. But I don't think I'd seal it right away. You probably could but I'd let it sit in the shade for the summer around your fire pit and air dry - not close enough to the pit to get any extra heat. Then in the late fall or maybe even next spring finish it. Maybe try it both ways and which turns out best.
From the original questioner: That all makes perfect sense to me, and you've really filled in the blanks between all the botanical info and the finished product pics. The pit is in a cypress grove, so perfect location for the summer-dry plan.  Click here for higher quality, full size image From contributor K: I wouldn't bother with any finish if it were mine. If you do, you will need to maintain it every year. For a crude bench like this, no finish looks better. Like teak, it may turn black down in the pores during long wet periods, but wetting it with bleach water will kill all the mold and mildew. After a rinse and dry, a light sanding will make it look like new for another year.
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