It seems unlikely that your merbau columns would contain enough natural moisture after 15 years for liquid to emanate when holes are drilled into the wood. We feel there must be some external source of moisture. Even if the columns were installed 'green' (unseasoned), moisture would have evaporated by now as the timber reached equilibrium with local climatic conditions. That is the basis of the air drying process where freshly cut timber is placed in covered stacks to season naturally. Perhaps your columns have taken up moisture from adjacent roof gutters or a garden watering system. Corrosion of the bolts is most likely due to the acidity of the wood, although acid attack is only serious in the presence of moisture. Merbau reportedly has a pH value of 4.3, ie. to the acidic side of neutral (pH 7). In moist wood acetic acid is produced which can corrode metal fasteners under prolonged exposure. Rusting metal in turn degrades adjacent wood, so the process needs to be controlled. If you are unable to find a source of moisture perhaps replacing the bolts with stainless steel would be advisable.
Acidity of woodMy 13-15 yr old balcony has solid merbau columns that have galvanised bolts securing them to galvanised stirrups. I have severe degradation of the galvanising at mid way along the bolt shanks - some bolts have been reduced to approximately 80% diameter. I find there is still a liquid emanating from the centre of the columns when I drill new holes into them -even after possibly 15 yrs in situ - I live in the north of WA where we rarely have rain except in June or when cyclones bring it so I doubt if the liquid is water. I suspect the liquid is corroding the zinc - have you knowledge of this problem?
I have a DIY question. i want to change the colour of my old Jarrah wood bookshelf, which is 2.8 m wide and 3.9m high. It has currently dark red tones and shades in it. I would like it to be a lighter shade. Is there a way I can strip off the colour? The other option I was thinking was to paint it white with a chalk paint. I have timber flooring which is a dark brown shade. The jarrah red toned bookshelf does not go with the decor. Please can you advise how i can change the colour at home.
The natural colour of jarrah is dark red and the colour goes right through the wood so it's not just a matter of stripping off the colour. It is possible to bleach wood so if you write 'bleaching wood' or similar wording in your browser you will see how to do it. However, your suggestion of painting it white would be a lot simpler!
Jarrah colourI would like some help to clarify the availability of timber veneer with a real timber edge. I have a 45 degree edging detail that will be made from solid timber that directly abuts timber veneer. I am told the Vic ash is my only readily available option although I am not wrapped with the finish once it is stained. I prefer the american Walnut look/colouring. What veneers and matching solid timbers are readily available in Melbourne, Victoria?
If stained Vic ash has not produced an acceptable result we suggest specifying American walnut veneer with solid walnut edging. This has the advantage over a stain finish that if the timber is scratched it's easier to touch up than a stain finish. Walnut veneer should be readily available in the Melbourne market and specialty timber merchants such as Mathews Timber can supply solid walnut - refer their range here: https://www.mathewstimber.com.au/timber-species.
Walnut
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