Get your feet wet to keep them dry
End-grain legs or feet resting on the ground soak up moisture like sponges. Give your feet some extra protection by setting them in small cups of penetrating oil while you finish the rest of the project. The penetrating oil wicks into the end grain, creating a barrier to ground moisture.
Another option is to coat with epoxy the bottoms of feet or legs. Before applying your chosen finish, flip the project upside down and create a dam around the leg or foot with masking tape. Pour epoxy onto the masked-off area [Photo H]. After the epoxy cures, remove the tape and sand smooth to blend the transition.