Despite my best efforts to prevent them (end sealers, controlled humidity, etc) I know that checks in timbers *WILL* happen.
Fom a structural standpoint it's not the end of the world when it happens and if I stand back and look at the some of the patterns of the checking, there's a certain beauty in it. However, my preference would be to have little or no checking.
So, when checking *DOES* happen is there anything I can to live with it?
Should I spray a Timbor/Borax solution in there to keep insects from nesting?
As part of the finish, should I fill it in with a wax based compound?
To control the checking, should I cut a kerf into the face of the timber that doesn't show? (Similar to what's done with a slab of concrete)
If I see that my timbers are drying out too fast, is there any value in spraying the timbers with water to reverse/minimize the checking? (of course being careful to make sure that I'm not encouraging mold growth)
Other things I can do?
Thanks in advance,
-srj
