Unfinished Tongue & Groove Pine

[Crossfire Arms LLC]

Good Evening Folks,

We are in the process of turning our garage into an office/Rec Room and went with T&G Pine for the walls and ceiling. Unfortunately, given time and space constraints, the T&G is going up unfinished at least until Spring or warmer temps. The space will be heated after install.

It's a relatively low ceiling. How concerned should I be about leaving it unfinished for a few months or perhaps even indefinitely on the ceiling?

Thanks!

Bobby

 

[turbowoodworker]

What is your intended finish?
The problem with not finishing as it goes up, or ideally before it goes up, is that the edges around the tongue will not get stain. So with expansion/contraction, there will be a light color line visible. This will be very visible if you choose a stain color that is very different from the unstinted, natural color.
That said, I think your question suggest more about a concern for stability and deterioration. Frankly, if properly climate controlled, that shouldn't be such a big problem.

 

[Crossfire Arms LLC]

Thanks for the response. I intend to do a relatively light finish on the walls and perhaps just poly on the ceiling. The room will have heat and A/C vis mini split, so I was wondering how long I could get away without putting the poly on the ceiling before any yellowing etc...occurred.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I don't think a few months will make any difference. I put a tongue and groove ceiling up in my back porch, which is open to the elements, and I never got around to putting any finish on it. That was 30 years ago and it still looks pretty much the same, maybe a little darker.

 

[Crossfire Arms LLC]

That makes me feel better!

 

[Cyberbear]

Yes, pine darkens over time when exposed to air and some light, even with a sealer and top coat clear finish. Stain is used to hurry the process, but will continue to darken depending on circumstances.