How good is wood at holding water?

[kitt]

Hey guys I have an idea i'd like to test but I cant find a tote long enough. I need it to be 2 feet wide and around 7 feet long.
I was thinking possible using wood but I know how it swells. If I silicone the cracks do you think it would hold water?

 

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[wreckwriter]

Untreated wood will soak up the water and swell. Could you varnish or otherwise treat it? How about large pvc pipe cut in half?

 

[kitt]

Not sure where id get a pipe that big. around where I live materials are scarce.

 

[wreckwriter]

Not sure where id get a pipe that big. around where I live materials are scarce.

Plumbing supply place or even Home Depot maybe? Big pipe would be used for drainage systems but yea, might be too big to easily find.

 

[liftloop]

use a canoe

 

[sqwaby]

Use wood and use woodworkers epoxy or a marine grade poly in the joints. Paint it and it will hold water for a long time.

 

[Kentucky Kache]

Plexiglas and silicone.

 

[uglymailman]

what are you trying to do w/it? Watch any old western & you'll see horse water troughs. Ya know, the thing cowboys always hide behind in the shootouts? They are about the size you are talking about. Those are just boards nailed together w/ pitch or tar to seal the joints. The wood swells after soaking. I've also seen smaller versions used for hogs made from cutting hot water tank in half. Seen them for cattle made from old claw foot bath tubs.

 

[Gold Maven]

what's your idea?
what are you doing?
a little more info, and you will get some great ideas.

 

[TNGUNS]

The common whiskey barrel had nothing but the wood held tightly together by the bands. Will hold the contents for many years. Wooden barrels also used for many other liquids.

 

[smcdmc]

Boats are made of wood. If they can keep water out seems like they could keep water in. Not suggesting you use a boat, just pointing out that wood has been used for that purpose for ages.

 

[Frankn]

Wood boats are caulked with oakum and than placed in the water. They swell and seal up. There is also a DAP product that will seal them, or you could use that spray rubber sold on TV. Frank

 

[mamabear]

The common whiskey barrel had nothing but the wood held tightly together by the bands. Will hold the contents for many years. Wooden barrels also used for many other liquids.

hmm, I think I need of cask of whiskey to see if it leaks. research only of course.

 

[hvacker]

Oak and I think beach are used for barrels. Old pails too. As time passes construction materials change. Frankn mentioned oakum and I realized many people haven't heard of oakum. Oakum looks a lot like rope and another use was plumbers used oakum for caulking joints to be poured with molten lead. Not done much these days. Came in brown and white. Not sure I never knew the difference between them other than there was.
Today it seems silicon caulk is the "do anything" choice in construction except if paint is needed. Then you need a mix.

 

[bigscoop]

"If" this is something you think you will want to maintain (keep around), use 1/4" plywood and simply fiberglass it. It can be a bit messy but it's fairly easy. In your case, just build the box with 2 x 2 external framing and then all you have to do is to fiberglass the inner shell.

 

[TerryC]

Bigscoop is right. If you fiberglass it, inside and out, it will last a hundred years. Or until you die, whichever come first. You can then get buried in it. Just saying..... TTC

 

[Calvin.Coin]

Your intended application is vague, however digging the proper-sized hole and lining with rubber-sheet/tarp/visquine might work. It doesn't sound like you intend for it to be permanent, just to hold water for however long your test lasts...

 

[TimC]

A temporary "trough" can be made by using a tarp like making a simple swimming pool.

 

[TimC]

Sorry Calvin, I posted my sugg. before I read yours.

 

[Calvin.Coin]

No prob...I do that all the time. Looks like we were thinking alike, haha!

peace,
cc