Saved from the crusher this Mercury Tailgate once rattled around on the back of a 1957-58 M100
pickup. Over the years that tailgate held back cargo, was a lunch time resting place and only got
to see where the rest of the truck had gone but never where it was going. Rough cut
timbers and planks now support and surround the old chunk of metal giving it a new life. Perhaps
the well used tailgate can stick around for another 60 years getting to rest and offering rest.
The fir timbers were burnt, cleaned then soaked with Tung Oil. A process to preserve
wood based on Shou Sugi Ban, a Japanese way of finishing cedar from the 1700's. This
beautiful blackened finish is resilient to weather. The wood fibers seal up from the burning
process and the Tung Oil offers another level of water repellency. The bench will do fine
outdoors but will look even better on your veranda, covered porch or even in the foyer.