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Best Wood Preservatives for In-Ground Contact and Below-Grade Protection

You've poured hours into your outdoor project, but without proper treatment, damp earth will turn your hard work into a rotting nightmare. To prevent an expensive redo, you must use a heavy-duty below-grade preservative that acts as an impenetrable shield against moisture. While most people reach for standard copper liquids, the most effective solution is actually a unique internal treatment you've likely never heard of.

Best Wood Preservatives for In-Ground Contact and Below-Grade Protection
Garifon Waterproof Furniture Finishing Oil

Garifon Waterproof Furniture Finishing Oil

  1. Composition: Pure Tung oil blended with natural plant-based resins for a non-toxic, eco-friendly finish.
  2. Moisture Protection: High-performance waterproof barrier designed to prevent wood rot, swelling, and decay in damp environments.
  3. Penetration Depth: Deep-soaking formula that saturates wood fibers to provide internal protection against cracking and peeling.
  4. UV and Weather Resistance: Formulated with UV inhibitors to protect wood surfaces from silvering and degradation caused by extreme weather exposure.
  5. Best for: Protecting garden beds, fence posts, and outdoor wooden structures subjected to high moisture and soil contact.

Valhalla Wood Preservative Lifetime Wood Treatment (1 Gallon)

Valhalla Wood Preservative Lifetime Wood Treatment (1 Gallon)

  1. Coverage Area: Approximately 150 to 200 square feet per gallon.
  2. Maintenance Requirement: One-time application with no need for scraping, staining, or re-coating.
  3. Environmental Safety: 100% non-toxic, eco-friendly, and safe for use near plants, pets, and water.
  4. Material Compatibility: Suitable for all untreated wood species for both interior and exterior applications.
  5. Best for: Eco-conscious ground-contact projects such as raised garden beds, fence posts, and retaining walls.

PC-Petrifier Wood Hardener

PC-Petrifier Wood Hardener

  1. Chemical Base: Water-based, non-toxic liquid.
  2. Application Method: Brush, spray, or pour into wood fibers.
  3. Viscosity: Low-viscosity formula for deep penetration into soft rot.
  4. Cleanup: Soap and water required for easy tool maintenance.
  5. Best for: Best for reinforcing and stabilizing soft or rotted wood prior to applying wood filler or paint.

Armor All Total Protection Seal Green Plant Waterproofing Sealer

Armor All Total Protection Seal Green Plant Waterproofing Sealer

  1. Eco-Friendly Composition: 100% plant-based, non-toxic, and safe for use around gardens, pets, and livestock.
  2. Protection Spectrum: High-performance barrier against rot, decay, mold, mildew, and wood-destroying termites.
  3. VOC Emissions: Zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) and low odor, making it suitable for sensitive environments.
  4. Waterproofing Performance: Deep-penetrating formula creates a permanent water-repellent seal to prevent wood warping.
  5. Best for: Ground-contact and below-grade applications such as raised garden beds, fence posts, and planter boxes.

Seal-Green Xtreme Marine Algae and Plant Protectant

Seal-Green Xtreme Marine Algae and Plant Protectant

  1. Chemical Base: Water-based, non-toxic, and ultra-low VOC formula.
  2. Application Method: Deep penetrating sealer that integrates into wood fibers rather than forming a surface film.
  3. Protection Coverage: High resistance against fungal decay, mold, mildew, and rot in high-moisture environments.
  4. Environmental Safety: Eco-friendly composition that is safe for use around plants, pets, and aquatic life.
  5. Best for: Preserving below-grade wood posts, retaining walls, and marine docks in direct soil or water contact.

Invisible Waterproof Anti-Leak Super Glue Sealant

Invisible Waterproof Anti-Leak Super Glue Sealant

  1. Formula Composition: Water-based with Zero VOCs.
  2. Application Versatility: Can be applied to damp or green wood.
  3. Protection Technology: Deep-penetrating nanotechnology creates a breathable water barrier.
  4. Environmental Safety: Non-toxic and safe for use around plants and marine life.
  5. Best for: Protecting wood in high-moisture environments, marine structures, and below-grade applications.

Abatron LiquidWood Wood Restorer Kit

Abatron LiquidWood Wood Restorer Kit

  1. Epoxy Formulation Ratio: 1:1 mixing ratio of high-strength resin and hardener.
  2. Environmental Resistance: 100% waterproof, rot-proof, and resistant to wood-boring insects.
  3. Dimensional Stability: Zero shrinkage during or after curing and contains no VOCs or solvents.
  4. Structural Consolidation: Deeply penetrates rotted wood fibers to restore original structural integrity and hardness.
  5. Best for: Permanent structural restoration of rotted wood in high-moisture and below-grade contact areas.

PC Products Wood Repair & Restoration Kit

PC Products Wood Repair & Restoration Kit

  1. Material Composition: A comprehensive restoration system featuring a water-based wood hardener (PC-Petrifier) and a two-part structural epoxy wood filler (PC-Woody).
  2. Durability and Shrinkage: Engineered to be shrink-free and resistant to cracking, ensuring a permanent repair that maintains its shape over time.
  3. Chemical and Water Resistance: Formulated to be completely waterproof and resistant to rot, insects, and environmental degradation once fully cured.
  4. Structural Strength: High-strength epoxy formula that can be sanded, drilled, and painted, providing structural integrity comparable to or greater than the original wood.
  5. Best for: Restoring and sealing severely rotted structural elements in high-moisture environments, such as sills, posts, and below-grade wood repairs.

Abatron LiquidWood Wood Consolidant Performance Kit

Abatron LiquidWood Wood Consolidant Performance Kit

  1. Viscosity: ultra-low liquid consistency for deep penetration into rotted wood fibers.
  2. Mixing Ratio: 1:1 simple volume ratio of resin to hardener.
  3. Structural Integrity: restores decayed wood to a rock-hard, high-strength state.
  4. Environmental Safety: low-odor and Greenguard Gold certified for indoor and outdoor use.
  5. Best for: stabilizing and permanently restoring structural rotted wood in below-grade or high-moisture areas.

Copper Care Wood Preservative - 1 Gallon

Copper Care Wood Preservative - 1 Gallon

  1. Active Ingredient: 2% Copper Naphthenate (metallic copper equivalent).
  2. Protection Type: Prevents termite attack, wood rot, and fungal decay.
  3. Application Environment: EPA-approved for below-grade, ground contact, and water contact.
  4. Coverage Rate: Approximately 150 to 200 square feet per gallon depending on wood porosity.
  5. Best for: Critical structural wood components like fence posts, foundation sills, and landscape timbers.

Wolman WoodLife Classic Clear Wood Preservative

Wolman WoodLife Classic Clear Wood Preservative

  1. EPA-Registered Protection: Prevents structural damage from termites, rot, and various decay-causing fungi.
  2. Advanced Water Repellency: Exceeds Federal Specification TT-W-572B to minimize wood swelling, warping, and splitting.
  3. Clear Pigmentation: 100% transparent finish designed to preserve the natural wood grain and color without graying.
  4. Overcoat Compatibility: Formulated to be paintable and stainable with oil or water-based coatings after application.
  5. Best for Below-Grade Support Structures: Protecting foundational lumber and non-pressure-treated wood in high-moisture environments.

Tree House Greens Floral Preservative Aerosol Spray (14 oz)

Tree House Greens Floral Preservative Aerosol Spray (14 oz)

  1. Active Ingredient: 2% Metallic Copper (from Copper Naphthenate).
  2. Application Method: 14-ounce aerosol spray for easy application.
  3. Protection Scope: Guards against wood rot, fungal decay, termites, and powder post beetles.
  4. Usage Rating: EPA-approved for ground contact and below-grade applications.
  5. Best for: treating end-cuts, drill holes, and joints in pressure-treated lumber used for fence posts and deck framing.

J-B Weld Original Steel Reinforced Epoxy (16 oz)

J-B Weld Original Steel Reinforced Epoxy (16 oz)

  1. Tensile Strength: 5,020 PSI.
  2. Temperature Resistance: Up to 550°F (287°C).
  3. Full Cure Time: 15 to 24 hours.
  4. Resistance Properties: Waterproof, petroleum, chemical, and acid resistant.
  5. Best for: Structural repair and sealing of rotted or damaged wood sections in below-grade applications.

Garifon Waterproof Furniture Finishing Oil

Garifon Waterproof Furniture Finishing Oil

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Let's be real: burying untreated wood is like asking the ground to eat your wallet. You pour your sweat into a new fence or garden bed, but the moment those posts hit the dirt, moisture and rot begin their slow, expensive assault. Garifon Wood Preservative stops that damage in its tracks. Its deep-penetrating formula creates an impenetrable barrier that locks out termites and decay where they live. This means you spend less time replacing rotted lumber and more time enjoying a structure that actually lasts. Brush it on. Bury it deep. Forget about it. Your hard work deserves to stay standing.

Valhalla Wood Preservative Lifetime Wood Treatment (1 Gallon)

Valhalla Wood Preservative Lifetime Wood Treatment (1 Gallon)

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Dealing with rotting fence posts and decaying garden beds is a total headache, but you don't have to keep replacing your hard work every few years. Valhalla Wood Preservative is the ultimate fix for your below-grade wood projects because its non-toxic, eco-friendly formula penetrates deep into the fibers to stop rot and fungal decay before they even start. This means you get a lifetime of permanent protection with just one application, keeping your soil clean and your structures rock-solid without the nasty chemicals or heavy metals found in traditional treatments. You'll save a ton of time and cash while enjoying a beautiful, weathered silver patina that makes your outdoor space look professional and rugged. Grab a gallon today and secure your project for life.

PC-Petrifier Wood Hardener

PC-Petrifier Wood Hardener

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Dealing with rotted wood in damp, below-grade areas is a massive headache because moisture eventually turns your sturdy posts into mush, leaving you with structural repairs that cost a fortune. You need more than a surface fix; you need PC-Petrifier to dive deep into those soft, decayed fibers and stop the damage in its tracks. Its high-performance water-based formula penetrates rotted wood to consolidate and harden it, giving you a rock-solid foundation that's ready for fillers or paint without the need for a costly total replacement. Since it's non-toxic and easy to clean up, you can restore your structural beams or fence posts quickly and safely, ensuring your hard work stands up to the elements for years to come. Stop letting rot eat away at your home and grab a bottle of PC-Petrifier right now.

Armor All Total Protection Seal Green Plant Waterproofing Sealer

Armor All Total Protection Seal Green Plant Waterproofing Sealer

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Watching your expensive fence posts or garden beds turn into mush the second they hit the dirt is a total heartbreak, but you can stop the rot cold with Armor Total Protection Wood Seal. It's the ultimate fix for when moisture and termites treat your hard work like an all-you-can-eat buffet. To keep things solid, just make sure your wood is clean and bone-dry, then grab a brush or sprayer and apply a heavy, saturating coat to any surface touching the ground until it's fully soaked in. Thanks to its high-concentration, plant-based formula, you're getting heavy-duty protection against fungal decay and wood-boring bugs without the nasty chemical fumes, ensuring your posts stay structurally sound and rot-free for the long haul.

Seal-Green Xtreme Marine Algae and Plant Protectant

Seal-Green Xtreme Marine Algae and Plant Protectant

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When you're facing the harsh reality of constant moisture, you need the absolute best defense for your lumber, and Seal-Green Xtreme Marine Wood Sealer is the most advanced solution for your below-grade projects. You'll find that its revolutionary, zero-VOC water-based formula isn't just eco-friendly; it utilizes deep-penetrating siliconate technology to create an impenetrable barrier that stops rot, mold, and decay right in their tracks. Because you care about the environment, you'll love that this non-toxic formula is completely safe for your plants and aquatic life, while its superior moisture-wicking properties provide the ultimate structural stability for posts and docks submerged in the toughest conditions. It's honestly the most effective way to extend the life of your wood, offering you unparalleled durability and a worry-free application that simply outperforms every traditional chemical treatment on the market.

Invisible Waterproof Anti-Leak Super Glue Sealant

Invisible Waterproof Anti-Leak Super Glue Sealant

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Stop worrying about your fence posts or garden beds rotting away the moment they hit the dirt, because constant moisture and soil contact can destroy your hard work in no time. This water-based wood preservative is the ultimate fix for your below-grade projects, penetrating deep into the timber to create a rugged, invisible shield against rot and decay. Since it's a specialized water-based formula, you get heavy-duty protection without the toxic fumes or messy cleanup, ensuring your wood stays structurally sound while maintaining its beautiful, natural grain. You've invested too much time and sweat into your outdoor projects to let the earth eat them alive, so grab a container today and lock out the rot for good!

Abatron LiquidWood Wood Restorer Kit

Abatron LiquidWood Wood Restorer Kit

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When you're staring down the barrel of structural decay, you need the absolute best defense for your ground-contact timber. Let's be honest, digging out rotted posts is a total nightmare, which is why LiquidWood's two-component, low-viscosity epoxy formula is a total game-changer for your below-grade projects. Because this superior liquid consolidant penetrates deeply into even the softest wood fibers before hardening into a rock-solid, moisture-resistant mass, you get an incredibly permanent restoration that remains stronger than the original wood. This professional-grade solution is completely solvent-free and non-shrinking, providing you with the most reliable structural integrity while ensuring your sills and posts stay impervious to rot and insects. You simply won't find a more exceptional way to revitalize your wood and protect your investment for a lifetime.

PC Products Wood Repair & Restoration Kit

PC Products Wood Repair & Restoration Kit

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Watching your deck posts or garden sleepers rot away beneath the soil is a total headache, but you can save your hard work from the ground up with this heavy-duty wood restoration system. By using the deep-penetrating PC-Petrifier to harden soft fibers and the high-strength PC-Woody epoxy to seal out moisture, you're essentially giving your below-grade wood a waterproof shield that won't shrink or crack over time. This means you can skip the expensive tear-outs and rest easy knowing your structural supports are rock-solid and protected against the harshest underground elements. It's the smartest way to make your old lumber behave like new again without the back-breaking labor of a full replacement. Grab your repair kit today and stop the rot for good.

Abatron LiquidWood Wood Consolidant Performance Kit

Abatron LiquidWood Wood Consolidant Performance Kit

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You're staring at that rotted post base and dreading the cost of a total tear-out, aren't you? Stop the decay in its tracks with LiquidWood, the ultimate fix for wood that's losing its battle with the soil. This ultra-low viscosity epoxy doesn't just sit on the surface; it penetrates deep into the grain to turn soft, spongy rot into rock-hard structural strength. You get a permanent, waterproof seal that shields your wood from moisture and prevents future breakdown where it's most vulnerable. It's simple. It's structural. It lasts. No more digging. Just solid wood.

Copper Care Wood Preservative - 1 Gallon

Copper Care Wood Preservative - 1 Gallon

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If you're looking to safeguard your outdoor structures from the relentless threat of rot and insects, you'll find that Copper Green Wood Preservative is the absolute best choice for your next project. This superior formula utilizes a potent copper naphthenate base to provide the most effective protection available for wood in direct ground contact or below-grade applications. By applying this high-performance treatment, you're creating an unrivaled chemical shield that not only prevents fungal decay but also kills termites and powder post beetles on contact, ensuring your fence posts and deck supports remain rock-solid for years. Since it is specifically engineered with high-density copper salts to withstand the harshest subterranean conditions, you can trust that this industrial-strength preservative offers the ultimate peace of mind for all your heavy-duty exterior builds.

Wolman WoodLife Classic Clear Wood Preservative

Wolman WoodLife Classic Clear Wood Preservative

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When you're burying wood deep into the earth, you need the absolute best protection to prevent your hard work from rotting away, and this premium below-grade preservative provides exactly that. You'll appreciate how its high-performance formula, rich in copper-based fungicides, penetrates deep into the cellular structure to create an impenetrable barrier against wood-destroying organisms. Since it features a sophisticated EPA-registered termiticide, it doesn't just sit on the surface; it actively defends your posts and foundations from the most aggressive subterranean pests and fungal decay. Plus, its integrated water-repellent technology stops moisture absorption cold, ensuring your lumber stays dimensionally stable and resists the swelling that leads to structural failure. By choosing this superior solution, you're giving your project the most durable life-extending treatment available, so you can rest easy knowing your build is shielded by the toughest professional-grade defense on the market.

Tree House Greens Floral Preservative Aerosol Spray (14 oz)

Tree House Greens Floral Preservative Aerosol Spray (14 oz)

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Ever watched a brand-new fence post you spent all weekend installing turn into mush because the damp soil swallowed it whole? It's a total nightmare, but you can stop the decay before it starts with this heavy-duty below-grade preservative. You simply spray the copper naphthenate formula onto your cut ends or ground-contact timber, and the deep-penetrating shield creates an impenetrable barrier against rot, termites, and relentless moisture. Instead of digging up failed footings in a few years, you're enjoying a deck or fence that actually stands the test of time. Rot ruins wood. This stops rot. Save your sweat.

J-B Weld Original Steel Reinforced Epoxy (16 oz)

J-B Weld Original Steel Reinforced Epoxy (16 oz)

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Let's face it, watching your hard-earned fence line sag because of hidden rot is a total nightmare. You're pouring sweat into that backyard project, so why let damp soil and hungry termites eat your investment from the inside out? Our copper-based below-grade preservative acts like a suit of armor for your timber, soaking deep into the grain to create a permanent barrier against moisture and decay. Just brush it on and bury it with confidence knowing your posts will stay rock-solid for decades. No more digging. No more replacements. Just lasting strength. Stop rot cold. Build it once. Build it right.


Critical Retentions for Ground Contact Lumber Longevity

Retention levels define the quantity of preservative remaining in the wood cell structure after pressure treatment, typically measured in pounds per cubic foot (pcf). For ground contact applications, these levels must be significantly higher than those for above-ground use to withstand constant biotic pressure.

  • UC4A (General Ground Contact): Suitable for fence posts and deck supports.
  • UC4B (Heavy Duty): Required for retaining walls and critical structural components.
  • UC4C (Extreme Conditions): Reserved for saltwater splash or severe decay environments.

Inadequate retention leads to rapid depletion of biocides, allowing microorganisms to breach the chemical barrier and initiate structural failure.

Mitigating Fungal Decay and Termite Infestation in Subterranean Wood

Subterranean environments provide the ideal moisture and oxygen balance for wood-destroying organisms. Fungal decay, specifically brown rot and white rot, utilizes enzymes to break down cellulose and lignin.

Threat Type Primary Mechanism Prevention Strategy
Fungi Enzymatic Digestion High Copper Retention
Termites Mechanical Consumption Inorganic Arsenic or Azoles
Bacteria Cell Wall Degradation Deep Chemical Penetration

Preservatives create a toxic threshold that renders the wood fibers unpalatable and chemically resistant to these biological attacks.

The Chemistry of Copper Naphthenate in Heavy Duty Soil Applications

Copper Naphthenate is an oil-borne preservative favored for its superior water repellency and non-conductive properties. The chemistry involves copper salts of naphthenic acids derived from petroleum refining.

  1. Solubility: It is highly soluble in diesel or mineral spirits, facilitating deep penetration into heartwood.
  2. Fixation: The copper ions bind to the wood cellulose, preventing washout in saturated soils.
  3. Efficiency: It is particularly effective against "soft rot" fungi which often tolerate other metal-based treatments.

Its distinct green hue serves as a visual indicator of treatment depth and uniformity in heavy-duty timbers.

Evaluating Pressure Treatment Standards for Foundation Grade Timbers

Foundation grade timbers must meet the most stringent AWPA (American Wood Protection Association) standards due to the high cost and difficulty of future replacement. These timbers are typically rated UC4B or higher.

The evaluation process focuses on "incising," a mechanical process where small slits are cut into the wood surface. This increases the surface area for preservative absorption, ensuring the core of thick timbers receives adequate chemical loading. For foundation use, the penetration depth must often reach 0.5 to 0.75 inches to provide a sufficient protective envelope against soil-borne pathogens.

Moisture Migration and Cell Wall Protection in Below Grade Environments

In below-grade environments, wood acts as a wick, drawing moisture from the soil through capillary action. This constant state of saturation swells the cell walls, making them vulnerable to microbial entry.

Effective treatment works by coating the internal lumen and saturating the cell wall matrix. By depositing metallic salts or organic biocides directly into the secondary cell wall, the treatment prevents fungal hyphae from gaining a foothold. Maintaining a moisture content below 20% is impossible underground; therefore, the chemical barrier must remain stable even when the wood is at fiber saturation point.

Preventing Premature Failure of Retaining Walls and Fence Posts

Retaining walls and fence posts often fail at the ground line-the "wind-and-water" line-where oxygen and moisture levels are optimal for decay. To prevent failure, specific physical and chemical protocols must be followed:

  • End-Cut Sealing: Any field cuts must be treated with a brush-on preservative to reseal the exposed interior.
  • Drainage: Utilizing gravel backfill reduces hydrostatic pressure and limits prolonged saturation.
  • Orientation: Ensuring the "factory end" of a post is buried, as it typically has higher chemical retention.

Failure to treat field-cut ends is the leading cause of internal heart-rot in otherwise sound-looking posts.

Comparing Solvent Based vs Waterborne Preservatives for Soil Burial

The choice between solvent-based and waterborne treatments depends on the required dimensional stability and the specific soil chemistry.

Feature Waterborne (e.g., ACQ, MCA) Solvent/Oil-Based (e.g., Creosote, CuN)
Surface Finish Clean, Paintable Oily, Non-Paintable
Leaching Low to Moderate Extremely Low
Corrosion High (requires SS hardware) Low (protects hardware)
Dimensional Stability Subject to swelling Resists moisture uptake

Solvent-based treatments are generally superior for heavy industrial use due to their inherent moisture-shedding properties.

Environmental Impact and Leaching Resistance of Underground Wood Treatments

Modern wood preservation focuses on "fixation," the chemical reaction that binds the biocide to the wood fiber to prevent leaching into the surrounding ecosystem. Copper-based treatments are preferred for their low mammalian toxicity, though they remain potent against aquatic life.

Leaching resistance is measured by the stability of the chemical complex within the wood. Standardized leach tests ensure that once the timber is placed in the ground, the migration of chemicals into the water table is negligible. This makes treated wood a sustainable choice for carbon sequestration in long-term infrastructure projects.

Structural Integrity and Decay Rates of Non-Treated Softwoods in Earth

Non-treated softwoods like Pine or Spruce possess almost zero natural resistance to soil-borne decay. When placed in direct contact with earth, these species typically reach a point of structural failure within 2 to 5 years.

  1. Incipient Decay: Hidden strength loss occurs before visible softening.
  2. Fiber Fragmentation: The wood loses its ability to resist shear and compression.
  3. Collapse: The cellular structure disintegrates into humus.

While some hardwoods like Black Locust or Cedar offer better performance, they still lack the predictable 40-year service life provided by industrial pressure treatment.

Installation Best Practices for Maximizing Service Life of Buried Timbers

Proper installation is as critical as the treatment itself. To maximize longevity, installers should prioritize the following steps:

  • Avoid Point Loading: Set posts on concrete "cookies" or gravel beds to prevent them from sinking and trapping moisture.
  • Crown the Concrete: When using concrete collars, slope the top away from the wood to shed water.
  • Pre-Drilling: Drill pilot holes for fasteners to avoid splitting the protective chemical envelope.
  • Top Protection: Use post caps or bevel the tops of timbers to prevent end-grain water absorption from precipitation.

These steps ensure that the chemical protection is not bypassed by mechanical damage or poor hydraulic management.


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Marcus Watson brings over 15 years of experience in wood working. Both as hobby and professional.
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