does exterior plywood need waterproofing?


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Old 03-26-19, 07:38 AM
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does exterior plywood need waterproofing?

I have made some steps from exterior grade plywood to be used outside for a balcony.
Does this need to be waterproofed or painted or stained or will it be okay as is?
If it does, what is best to use? I would ideally like to keep it plywood coloured, maybe a slightly darker stain if really necessary.
 
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Old 03-26-19, 07:56 AM
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Although true exterior plywood can be exposed to elements, with time it can swell and de-laminate.

If it were me, I would use decking material, cedar, red wood or composite and not worry about it!
 
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Old 03-26-19, 08:29 AM
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The steps are already made
What would be best then, a waterproofing stain?
 
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Old 03-26-19, 09:08 AM
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Assuming you didn't use pressure treated plywood it would best to coat them with an exterior oil base primer and then top coat with your choice of exterior deck paint. If it is treated plywood, I'd use a deck stain.
 
 

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