Finish for a wine barrel

Hi

Just bought a couple of half wine barrels for growing herbs etc. I know some use a marine grade varnish and some leave it as it is but I would like it to give it some protection but with a more natural finish like an oil. What would you suggest? I would be exposed to the elements.

Thanks
Chris

I would use decking oil as it is for outside use. If you want it to last use a plastic or ceramic pot inside the barrel and have holes in the bottom so water does not pool inside and rot out the wood. Many wears ago I got 2 barrel halves. Put a lemon tree strait in one and the other half was to hold firewood by the fire. The barrel with the plant rotted out in about 18 months. Another tip is drill and screw the metal hoops to every stave or the thing will not hold together.
Regards
John

Thanks John

Decking oil makes sense. I have had one outside for about 5 years and still going strong so sorry to hear yours rotted out early. I am intending to place some galv screws through the hoop and three castors on the bottom ( I have read that three is better than 4 as it works better that way for uneven ground).

Also I need to correct my last message where I said "I would be exposed to the elements" instead of " it [the barrel] would be exposed to the elements!

Cheers

Yes 3 legs is stable on uneven ground.
By the way I still have the other half more than 30 years on. Thinking perhaps the base of a coffee table for it's next life.
Regards
John

I suggest placing nails or screws UNDER the hoops rather than through them. This achieves exactly the same result with advantage of not having to drill through the hoop (the hoop at the end will need to be drilled, but the others don’t).

The barrels will continue to shrink for a number of years and you can just tap the hoop up until it’s tight again and reposition the nails or screws. I use galvanised clouts and pre-drill the holes.

I also use decking oil.