Caroline writes
We have a 40-year-old home with redwood plywood siding. The siding has worn & we are about to cover it with a new layer. Redwood isn't available; we'll use 11/32 " Breckenridge siding plywood, over builder's paper. Trim is heart redwood & will be replaced as needed. We plan to use a transparent stain, to "even out" old & new wood color. We've had many drywood termite attacks; entry has been through beam ends & trim. Professional Tim-bor treatment has controlled them. Should we spray the new plywood with Timbor or Boracare? Before or after staining?
Anytime you are treating exterior wood you should always use Bora-Care. It will last longer in the wood than Timbor. Also, when treating new wood with timbor it can leave a powdery residue because it is a powder. Bora-Care dries clear and will look better after finishing the wood with the stain. Since you have a rare opportunity to treat your new siding you should treat with the best, and Bora-care is the best. When treating plywood that is close to 3/4" thick, you should apply at a rate of one gallon of Bora-Care to one gallon of water. This will make two finished gallons. These two finished gallons should treat 1066 square feet of siding. Once you have applied the Bora-Care you should wait at least 48 hours for it to dry before applying any type of stain or sealant.
Answer last updated on: 04/02/2010
