Choosing the right outdoor furniture can be a daunting task. With so many options to consider, it’s important to understand what makes a wood ideal for outdoor use. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through the pros and cons of various wood types to help you determine the best wood for outdoor furniture.
Introduction
When shopping for outdoor patio sets, tables, chairs, and other furnishings, one of the most important factors to consider is the type of wood. Outdoor furniture is exposed to the elements, so it needs to be made of durable, weather-resistant, and rot-resistant wood.
The perfect outdoor wood will be able to withstand exposure to rain, snow, sun, and temperature fluctuations. It also needs to stand up to insects, fungi, mold, and mildew. Additionally, you’ll want wood that retains its color and looks attractive over time.
With so many wood species to choose from, it can be challenging to select the right one. We’ll outline the characteristics that make woods suitable for outdoor use and provide an in-depth look at the best options. Read on to learn which woods are recommended for deck furniture, patio sets, picnic tables, and more.
What Makes a Good Outdoor Furniture Wood?
Several key factors determine how well a wood performs outside:
- Weather resistance – The wood should be able to withstand moisture, sun, temperature swings, and other outdoor elements without warping, cracking, or deteriorating.
- Rot resistance – Outdoor woods need natural rot and insect resistance to prevent decay and damage over time.
- Attractive appearance – The wood should have an aesthetically pleasing color and grain pattern that holds up outdoors.
- Workability – Outdoor woods should be relatively easy to mill, cut, shape, and fasten using screws, nails, and glue.
- Stability – The wood should resist expansion, contraction, twisting, and movement so furniture stays sturdy.
- Affordability – While premium outdoor woods cost more, there are budget-friendly options too.
Based on these criteria, below are the wood species that make the best outdoor patio furniture.
The Best Woods for Outdoor Furniture
Teak
Teak is often considered the gold standard when it comes to outdoor woods. Originating from Southeast Asia, genuine teak has a stellar reputation for its weather resistance, strength, and richness of color.
Pros
- Extremely weather, insect, and rot resistant
- Attractive golden brown color
- Stays cool to the touch in sunlight
- Ages gracefully to silvery grey patina
Cons
- More expensive than other woods
- Can be difficult to source authentic teak
- Requires periodic sealing and maintenance
Teak has natural oils that help repel water, prevent warping, and block moisture absorption. It’s a dense, durable hardwood that can last 50 years or more with proper care. While premium teak commands higher prices, it’s a worthwhile investment for long-lasting outdoor furniture.
Cedar
For a more affordable and readily available option, cedar is a great choice for outdoor projects. There are two main types used for furniture:
Red Cedar
Pros
- Strong rot and insect resistance
- Pleasant aroma
- Attractive reddish-pink color
- Lightweight and easy to work with
Cons
- Lower stiffness than teak
- Needs refinishing every 2-3 years
White Cedar
Pros
- Extremely weather resistant
- Can last over a decade untreated
- Very stable against checking and warping
Cons
- Less strength than other cedars
- Prone to UV fading to grey
Both types of cedar contain oils that act as natural preservatives. Red cedar is more commonly used for outdoor furniture like benches, chairs, and loungers. It costs less than teak but still provides decent longevity. White cedar is superior in terms of weather resistance. It’s best for tables, chests, and cabinets.
Redwood
Redwood is in the same family as cedar but comes specifically from the towering redwood trees of California. It offers excellent performance for deck furniture, benches, planter boxes, and more.
Pros
- Highly resistant to insects, fungus, and rot
- Retains rich red color well
- Withstands outdoor elements for 20+ years
- Sustainable lumber from fast-growing trees
Cons
- Less dense and hard than teak or cedar
- Needs protective finish applied periodically
Redwood is sustainably harvested and replanted, making it an eco-friendly outdoor wood choice. It’s lightweight, easy to work with, and ages gracefully to a silver patina over time. Redwood is also less expensive than exotic hardwoods.
Ipe
Also known as Brazilian walnut, ipe is an extremely dense and durable tropical hardwood. It offers exceptional weather and insect resistance, though at a higher cost.
Pros
- Extremely hard, dense, and resistant to damage
- Naturally slip-resistant surface
- Rich color and minimal upkeep required
- Won’t warp, crack, or splinter when exposed to elements
Cons
- Expensive, often 2-3 times the cost of cedar
- Difficult to work with and cut
- Needs pre-drilling for screws and hardware
Ipe can last 40 years or more untreated, even in harsh coastal climates. It has a Class A fire rating, making it a safer choice for fire pits and outdoor kitchens. Ipe’s hardness does make construction more difficult, so expect higher labor costs. But its unmatched longevity and resilience make it a worthwhile investment.
Pressure-Treated Pine
For a super budget-friendly outdoor wood, pressure-treated pine is a decent option. It undergoes a process to deeply infuse preservative chemicals.
Pros
- Made from inexpensive and ubiquitous pine lumber
- Preservatives prevent rot, fungi, and insects
- Stands up to weather better than untreated pine
Cons
- Prone to splitting, warping, and fading
- Treatments give an unnatural green/brown tint
- Doesn’t last nearly as long as natural hardwoods
Pressure-treated pine allows everyday pine to better withstand the elements. It works well for simple picnic tables, benches, planters, and steps. But don’t expect more than 5-10 years from pine furniture before replacement is needed. It also has an unmistakable chemical odor at first.
Composite Lumber
For a maintenance-free alternative, composite lumber mixes recycled wood fibers and plastic. Brands like Trex are formulated to resist fading, stains, rot, and damage while looking like real wood.
Pros
- No staining, sealing, or painting required
- Mold, mildew, and rot resistant
- Consistent color and appearance over time
- Made from recycled materials
Cons
- Less rigid and prone to sagging over time
- Can get extremely hot in direct sunlight
- Not as natural looking as real wood
Composites are ideal for low-maintenance outdoor living. Decks, benches, tables, and chairs made from composites will maintain their like-new appearance for years. The main downsides are high heat absorption and somewhat artificial wood grain.
Avoid These Woods Outdoors
On the flip side, the following woods are not well-suited to outdoor use:
- Pine – Lacks natural rot resistance
- Spruce – Low moisture and insect resistance
- Maple – Prone to fungus and mold issues
- Poplar – Absorbs water and rots quickly
- MDF – Disintegrates rapidly outdoors
These interior lumber varieties will decay, warp, and degrade rapidly when exposed to the elements. Even with thorough sealing and finishing, they won’t hold up long term outside.
What is the Best Wood for Specific Uses?
Beyond the general wood types above, certain applications call for specific recommendations:
Outdoor Furniture
For chairs, loungers, benches, and tables, teak and cedar deliver the best results. Ipe and redwood also work well but require more caution during construction. Treated pine is fine for basic picnic tables.
Teak should be your first choice if budget allows. Red cedar is less expensive but needs refinishing every 2-3 years. Ipe requires pre-drilled holes but will outlast almost anything.
Decking
For deck boards, railings, and trim, go with cedar, redwood, or composite. Ipe also lasts incredibly long, but is harder to work with. Treated pine is budget-friendly but higher maintenance.
Cedar and redwood offer beauty and longevity for decking. Composites require no staining or sealing, but plastic content can lead to excessive heat absorption. Ipe also performs well but costs significantly more in most cases.
Planters and Plant Boxes
Cedar, redwood, and plastic composites are suitable for planter boxes, raised garden beds, and edging. Their natural rot resistance keeps the wood from premature decay.
For inexpensive, quick-to-build planters, treated pine is an option too. But chemicals may leach into the soil over time. Plastic composites work well, but seal the inside surfaces to prevent moisture issues.
Outdoor Kitchens
For cabinetry, countertops, islands, and bars in outdoor cooking areas, select ipe, teak, cedar, or composite. Ipe is naturally fire-resistant, while composites won’t warp from moisture.
Avoid untreated pine and plywood, as these will swell, delaminate, and degrade rapidly in outdoor kitchens. Ipe requires careful construction but delivers unmatched longevity. Composites need reinforcing for strength but resist moisture well.
What Finish Should I Use?
Outdoor wood furniture needs a protective finish to shield it from moisture, UV rays, and other damage. Here are the top options:
- Oils – Penetrating oils like teak oil protect wood from inside and out. They must be reapplied every year or two as they gradually wear away. Oils enhance the natural look and feel of wood.
- Varnishes – Spar varnish forms a glossy coating while allowing slight wood movement. It resists moisture and lasts 2-4 years on average before needing fresh coats. Varnish provides good protection with moderate upkeep needs.
- Stains – Semi-transparent stains add color while allowing the grain to show through. They protect the surface but don’t penetrate deeply or last as long as other finishes. Stains need reapplying every 1-2 years.
- Paints – Exterior wood paints effectively seal the surface while providing vibrant, opaque colors. They last longer than stains but must be scraped or sanded off later for refinishing. Paint gives a uniform appearance.
- Sealers – Penetrating sealers soak into the wood while allowing a natural appearance. They protect against moisture, mildew, and UV damage for 1-3 years. Sealers fortify wood less than oils or varnishes.
Make sure to apply the finish carefully according to manufacturer directions. Proper preparation and application are key to achieving maximum protection. And always test on an inconspicuous spot first.
How to Care for Outdoor Wood Furniture
To keep outdoor wood furniture looking its best, follow these care tips:
- Inspect periodically for cracks, damage, or wear
- Wash occasionally with mild soap and water
- Refinish fading or worn surfaces as needed
- Check hardware for looseness and tighten as required
- Apply protective covers or bring indoors during harsh weather
- Keep wood free of debris, dirt, or standing water
- Re-oil teak furniture every year to maintain golden color
- Follow reapplication schedule for whatever finish is used
- Adjust, repair, or replace wobbly, broken, or rotten components
With proper construction, finishing, placement, and care, quality outdoor wood furniture can provide many years of reliable performance and enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most weather resistant wood?
Teak has the top reputation for weather resistance among woods used in outdoor furniture. The natural oils, tight grain, and density of teak allow it to withstand sun, rain, and temperature changes better than other species.
Is cedar good for outdoor furniture?
Yes, both red and white cedar make excellent outdoor furniture woods. The natural preservatives in cedar give it good longevity and rot resistance outside. It costs less than teak but does require refinishing every 2-3 years.
Should outdoor furniture be painted or stained?
Paint provides maximum protection outdoors but obstructs the natural wood grain. Stains enhance the grain but don’t last nearly as long before needing fresh coats. Oils, varnishes and sealers strike a balance, protecting the wood while showcasing its natural beauty.
How long does teak furniture last outside?
When properly maintained, genuine teak furniture can easily last 50 years or longer outdoors. Its dense structure, weather resistant properties, and natural oils enable teak to endure years of sun, rain, snow, and temperature swings with grace.
Is pine good for outdoor use?
Untreated pine has very little rot and insect resistance, and will quickly decay when used unprotected outside. However, pine treated with preservatives can last 5-10 years as outdoor furniture. Heartwood pine performs better, but still not nearly as long as naturally durable woods.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal outdoor furniture wood involves balancing beauty, durability, cost, and maintenance requirements. Teak reigns supreme in terms of weather resistance, though availability and price may be limiting. More affordable alternatives like cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine provide decent longevity. Specialty woods like ipe and composites also offer enhanced benefits.
Always inspect potential outdoor furniture woods carefully before purchase. Seek natural durability, stability, and protection from the elements. With proper construction and care, the right outdoor wood can provide many relaxing seasons of use for years to come. Do your homework to pick the ideal wood species and finish that fits your needs and budget.