Choosing the best wood for outdoor furniture

Last Updated on June 7, 2022

As anyone who has ever tried to keep furniture clean knows, outdoor furniture sees a lot of abuse. Not only do they have to deal with the wind, rain, and sun, but they also suffer from the occasional spill or stain. As a result, it’s important to choose patio furniture materials that can withstand the elements and continue looking great year after year. Here you will get insights for choosing the best wood for outdoor furniture.

Wood is a natural material that has been used for furniture for centuries. Wood outdoor furniture is one of the most after-sought options for many people because of its amazing features. There are many different types of wood, and each has its benefits and drawbacks. Hence each type of wood could provide different user experiences. Choosing the best wood for outdoor furniture is the first step to achieving your goal, either a stylish look or long-lasting usage.

How do you select the best type of wood for your needs?

There are several factors to consider when selecting the best type of wood for your outdoor furniture. Some of the most important factors include:

• Climate: The climate you live in will play a role in the type of wood you choose. For example, if you live in a hot climate, you will want to choose a type of wood that can withstand high temperatures.
• Usage: How often your furniture will be used should also be considered when selecting the best type of wood. If you plan to use your furniture often, you will want to choose a type of wood that is durable and resistant to decay.
• Aesthetic: The aesthetic of your furniture is also important, and you will want to choose a type of wood that matches your style.
• Durability: Wood is a durable material that can withstand the elements better than other materials. It makes it a perfect choice for furniture that will be used outdoors.
• Appearance: Wood has a natural beauty that other materials cannot match. It can also be stained or painted to match your needs and preferences.
• FSC® certification: When selecting wood for outdoor furniture, choosing a sustainably harvested type is important. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an organization that certifies wood that is sourced from sustainable forests.

The nine best wood for outdoor furniture

Selecting a weather-resistant and moisture-resistant type is important when choosing wood for outdoor furniture. The following nine types of wood are some of the best options for outdoor furniture:

Cedar

• Pro: A soft and lightweight wood, having a malleable property and naturally rot-resistant.
• Con: As a softwood, it is not long-lasting as teak. It dents and scratches very easily.

Teak:

• Pro: One of the most durable hardwoods and doesn’t require much maintenance.
• Con: Teak is a slow-growing tree that ends up in the market at a very expensive cost.

Chic Teak Conversation Set

Hayneedle

Acacia:

• Pro: Naturally water-resistant and scratch-resistant hardwood. Durable and beautiful with natural grain.
• Con: It requires some maintenance to show its straight grain.

Zalika 5-seater corner sofa and solid acacia coffee table set

Kavehome

Redwood:

• Pro: High density and very durable, with a distinctive reddish hue.
• Con: Redwood is an endangered species. It is rarely available in the market. Besides its expensive price, it requires care and maintenance for its reddish hue appearance.

Cypress:

• Pro: It contains natural oils for weather resistance and resistance to fungal and insect attacks.
• Con:  It weathers to a silver-gray over time when left unprotective.

Eucalyptus:

• Pro: A beautiful redwood and durable with natural moisture-resistant characteristics. Affordability and eco-friendly make it very popular in almost every industry.
• Con: Eucalyptus furniture does not handle the extreme cold well and is susceptible to some pests. Proper sealants are required to prevent color change during the natural aging process.

Amazonia Indiana Oval Eucalyptus Patio Dining Set

Hayneedle

Ipe:

• Pro: It’s known for being the densest wood globally, making it very durable and decay-resistant.
• Con: As a dense wood, it’s very heavy.

Mahogany:

• Pro: It is very durable and decay-resistant. And it has amazing red-brown grains with variant color shades.
• Con: It’s a rare wood species with a very expensive price. And it will change to a darker color over time.

White Oak:

• Pro: It is a very versatile and resilient wood. And it is durable and performs well in moisture.
• Con: It can’t stand high temperatures and is suggested to put under a shade as direct sunlight and heat can cause fading and ruin the surface textures.

Choosing the right type of wood for your outdoor furniture will ensure that you can enjoy your furniture for years to come.

It would be best to keep in mind that natural wood has its aging process regardless of its anti-weathering property, even for the treated woods. Proper care and maintenance could sustain your wood furniture for many years.

How to protect outdoor wood furniture

Once you have selected the perfect type of wood for your outdoor furniture, it is important to take steps to protect it from the elements. A good coat of sealant will help keep moisture out and prevent the wood from rotting.

You can also purchase protective covers to put over your furniture when not used. It will help keep the rain and snow off your furniture and protect it from UV rays.

Other non-wood materials for the outdoor furniture

Wood outdoor furniture has prominent status because of its natural color, grain, and other unique features. But it needs extra care and maintenance yearly, such as reseal, to prevent moisture and rot.

The good news is that there are many other materials on the market. Outdoor furniture using these materials can be the same stylish and charming as its wooden counterpart and has its durability, sturdiness, low maintenance, sustainability, fade resistance, etc.

Here are mostly used non-wood materials for the outdoor furniture.

Aluminum: 

• Lightweight
• It doesn’t rust or fade
• Low maintenance
• Available in a variety of colors
• Powder-coat finish provides durability
• Use car wax or mineral oil to protect the surface

Synthetic Materials (Plastic, PVC, and Resin)

• Lightweight
• Often stackable 
• sustainable material (as most of them are recycled material)
• Apply cleaners that prevent mildew
• Rinse with water

Wicker and Rattan: 

• Lightweight and flexible
• Durable and comfortable
• Available in a variety of colors
• Use all-weather fabrics for cushions and pillows unless the furniture is protected
• Wash with mild detergent and rinse

Steel:

• Sturdy and durable
• no assembly
• Apply a protective finish to prevent rust
• Wash with mild soap and rinse

Wrought Iron: 

• Sturdy and durable but heavy, many mounted on wheels
• mostly upholstered
• Available in a wide range of designs
• Use paint to touch up cracks
• Apply for rust protection

Conclusion | Best Wood for Your Outdoor Furniture :

There are many outdoor furniture options in materials, each with its own set of pros and cons. As explained above, wood, for example, is sturdy and easy to work with, but it can rot if exposed to the elements. Metal is durable and low-maintenance, but it can rust. And plastic is lightweight and inexpensive, but it can fade in the sun.

As a result, many accent furniture manufacturers have begun using multi-material construction to create stylish and functional pieces. Combining different materials can create products resistant to the elements and built to last. So whether you’re looking for a cozy lounge chair or a sturdy dining table, be sure to consider all of your options before making your final decision.

Outdoor Dining Set with Wood-Top Trestle Table and Woven Rope Armchair

Homary