To glue or not to glue

[Deano_Online]

I've been asked to help make a pair of replacment garage doors for my father in law. He has suggested that they be made from a 6x2 mortised frame with the centre sections filled with vertical T&G floor boards. One question I have is whether to glue the boards together or just rely on screwing them to the cross rails. I've no doubt that glue will lead to a generally more sturdy construction but will it just split if the wood swells?

My father in law is also planning to paint with the same general fence paint/preservative used on his adjoining garden fence. Any thoughts on whether this will give an appropriate seal to the doors would be welcomed.

 

[Jasonb]

I would not glue the T&G joints, this will allow the boards some movement without risk of splitting.

If the joints are tight then there should be little risk of water penitration.

It is worth giving the boards a coat of preservative/stain befor fixing as if they shrink you will see the uncoated tongues.

Jason

 

[CamperPete]

I'd agree with Jason but re the fence paint stuff you're thinking of using. This stuff weathers down too quickly (how many times do you see people re-painting their fences every 12 months or 2 years).

I'd use something like the Ronseal wood stainer stuff that's guarantee'd 5 years (allegedly ), gives a much nicer/professional finish.