waterproof your patio and make fire starters

The wood is ideal for terraces and for burning! Follow these instructions to keep water away from your precious patio and make convenient fire starters for your outdoor fireplace or barbecue.

1. Water repellent for exposed wood

Try this recipe for a durable waterproof coating for platforms, shutters, and other wooden objects that are exposed to the elements.

• If you plan to stain the wood, do so before applying the waterproofing product.
• If you want to paint or varnish, apply water repellent first and let dry before painting or varnishing.

What you need

• 1 L (4 c) of exterior varnish, either spar (marine) or polyurethane.
• A clean 4 L (1 gal) paint can.
• 225 g (1 t) grated paraffin wax.
• 1 stick for stirring.
• Mineral spirits.
• A brush or a roller.

Procedure

1. Pour the polish into the box. Add the wax and stir slowly until it dissolves.
2. Add mineral spirits until the can is full, stirring to combine all the ingredients, without creating air bubbles.
3. Brush or roll the treatment over raw or stained wood and let dry for four hours before using, painting or varnishing.
4. If you want to paint the wood, apply an oil primer after the water repellent dries, let the primer dry as directed on the package label, then paint.

2. Fire starter

If you use this simple recipe to make your own fire starters, you’ll never have to go to a hardware store at the last minute instead of enjoying your patio fire pit or charcoal grill.

What you need

• Scraps of particles or kindling.
• 500 g (1 pound) of paraffin wax.
• A cake cooling rack.

Procedure

1. Melt paraffin in the top of a double boiler or in a slow cooker over low heat.
2. Dip the pieces of wood in the melted wax to cover them completely, remove them and let them harden on the cooling rack.
3. When the wax has cooled, store the wax pieces in an old coffee can in a cool place.
4. To use, place one or two pieces at the bottom of your fire pit or charcoal grill and stack the logs or charcoal on top.
5. Use a long-handled match to light the waxed fire starters, which will act as slow-burning lighters.

Wood is an ideal material for the patio and for lighting a fire. However, for the best use of wood, follow these tips.