Enjoying your home’s outdoor space is made even better by having the right furniture in place. Whether you spend that leisure time on a patio, deck, porch, or other outside entertainment area, choosing the best type of wood for that furniture will depend on various factors, including where you live, attractiveness, durability, upkeep, and cost.
So, what are the best types of wood for outdoor furniture? Check out the top five below.
1. Teak
For a durable choice with a highly aesthetic appeal, teak is the way to go. This natural hardwood from southern Asia is often in high demand and a popular choice for locations near the ocean or other high-moisture environments.
Teak’s attractive appearance is due to its straight-grain and various gold and tan hued finishes. Its colors will continue to deepen overtime, adding more depth and richness to its look.
It’s no secret that this hardwood is highly durable. The natural oils inherent in this type of wood acts as an efficient water repellant, making it rot-resistant. It is also sun-resistant, leading to less fading.
Teak remains stable, maintaining its shape even during high humidity seasons. With a lower chance of swelling and shrinking, you’re not likely to see surface cracks developing over time. And with less cracking, the wood doesn’t retain excess moisture, which can lead to insect infestation and fungi growth.
While many beautiful pieces can be found, supply is often limited. The source trees take longer to mature and can lead to more demand than supply in many areas. As a result, you’ll often pay higher prices for it.
On the positive side, however, you can expect minimal upkeep requirements, saving you both time and money in the future. Teak can withstand even the harshest of weather and only need a quick rinse in most instances.
2. Mahogany
If you’re looking to create a beautiful outside area, then consider mahogany for your furniture. This straight-grained hardwood is long-lasting and suitable for any outdoor space in any climate.
The wood’s rich red-brown coloring variations and patterned wood grain add depth and beauty to each piece. You can often find pieces carved intricately with appealing designs also.
Very few wood types can match the durability of this hardwood. Its non-porous design accompanied by a tight-grain leads to less chance of denting, warping, splitting. or shrinking. In addition, mahogany can absorb sunlight, making it fade-resistant.
The supply of mahogany is somewhat limited, so you’ll need to seek out reputable suppliers to find what’s right for your space.
Mahogany continues to be one of the highest priced materials on the market today. Part of this is due to limited production and rising shipping costs, and also the demand for it worldwide.
As for upkeep, this dense, compact hardwood requires little maintenance on your part. It remains resistant to decay, termites, and sun or water damage, allowing you to enjoy it for years to come with little effort.
3. Shorea
Shorea is much more readily available to those seeking durable and attractive outdoor wood furniture. Originating from a bountiful supply of southeast Asia trees, shorea may be the best choice for wherever you live, regardless of climate.
This high-quality wood is most commonly found in lighter shades of tan. If you prefer a darker coloring, simply choose a method for staining or sealing the wood to reach your desired shade.
Due to its impressive density and natural oils, you can expect this wood to last for years and years. The natural oils themselves keep insects away and also repel moisture build-up, boosting the wood’s durability.
You’re likely to have easier access to pieces made from shorea than many other types of wood. Costs associated with it are also lower, making it a more affordable option for many.
Shorea requires minimal maintenance. The natural oils and thickness shun moisture build-up, lessening the chances of warping and cracking. You may want to oil it each season for color maintenance, however.
4. Cedar
Rarely can you go wrong with choosing aromatic cedar for your patio furniture. Not only does this type of wood look spectacular, but it lasts a long time. Cedar actually encompasses more than ten different wood species and can vary in range of coloring.
The variety known as red cedar is the most common when it comes to furniture. With its signature dark-reddish and honey hues, this is a highly attractive wood type for decorating your patio or other space.
You can add to the rich coloring by coating it with a glossy sealant. For a more subtle, warm look, simply oil it for additional luster.
As for durability, this wood is naturally resistant to various weather conditions and insects, making it a durable option even for uncovered locations. The wood itself retains moisture, keeping it from drying out and cracking over time.
As a softwood, it is more brittle than other wood types and is susceptible to denting and scratching. While it can last up to 30 years or more, it most likely will not last as long as the hardwoods.
Since cedar grows on both US coasts, as well as around the world, access to it is high. It comes in several different textures, grades, and dimensions and is a popular choice.
While this wood can be affordable, it is often in high demand, which can make it more expensive in some areas.
Maintenance is not excessive, and the wood can last for several years with little or no special treatment. Since it is a softwood, however, you may want to perform at least annual maintenance to maintain its good looks and add to its durability.
5. Acacia
If you’re looking for a strong, sturdy hardwood for your patio furniture, acacia may be your preferred choice. The source trees grow in abundance around the world, making them a more environmentally friendly option than many other materials found today.
The colors and grain vary, depending on which territory it comes from. Its various tan and brownish tones can be further enhanced and preserved by applying a seal. Expect a variation of attractive golden-browns as a result. If not sealed, discoloration can occur, especially if left out in wet grass for long periods of time.
Acacia’s high-density makeup can withstand the harshest weather. With its thickness and natural oil content, it can resist damaging weather elements and insect invasions for longer durability.
Since acacia trees grow in various regions and climates across the world, access to this type of wood is high. Furniture made from acacia is widely available today and usually easy to find. This results in lower cost overall for this wood type.
As for upkeep, schedule regular dust and dirt wipe downs. You’ll need to avoid letting water and moisture sit or build-up on this wood type also. Instead, check it often and wipe it dry whenever possible to avoid excessive cracking.
If you choose to go with this wood type, you may want to keep outdoor pieces covered, such as under an awning or other covering to maintain looks and durability. Many recommend storing it on solid surfaces, such as concrete patios. Leaving it out on the wet ground or grass can allow moisture absorption, which can limit its durability.
No matter which wood you choose, make sure it’s treated and intended for outdoor use. Then shop around, find a great deal on some wood outdoor chat sets, and soak up the outdoor life with friends and loved one! We hope you enjoy your new patio furniture.
