What wood is used for outdoor furniture
Both hardwood and softwood furniture are good for outdoor furniture. It's essential to consider how well they hold when exposed to different elements. Are they rot resistant?If you were wondering what wood is used for outdoor furniture, here are some of the best options and some of the features you should consider when making your choice.
1. Teak
Suitable for most weather conditions, teak is a valuable wood for furniture. It's mostly grown in southeast Asia. Apart from being durable, teak is also relatvely dense, rot ressistant and appealing, thus making it ideal for outdoor furniture.
2. Redwood
Redwood is another exceptional choice when it comes to outdoor furniture. It's quite costly because it takes a while to grow thus making it limited in supply. It's naturally resistant to moisture and insects making it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture. When it comes to aesthetics, redwood goes well with different finishes.
3. Cedar
Known for its light weight, rust resistance and durability, cedar is one of the softwoods used for making outdoor furniture. If properly treated, cedar doesn't crack when exposed to moiture or snow. It also turns silver grey in colour with time and can be polished to match the decor theme of any space.
4. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is yet another hardwood used for making outdoor furniture. With eucalyptus furniture, you don't have to break the bank because the material is fas-growing thus making it easily available. It's naturally pest, moisture, and rot-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor furniture. With the right treatment and maintenance, eucalyptus furniture can be quite durable.
5. Pine
Pine is a perfect alternative for both indoor and outdoor furniture. It's a durable softwood that is also quite lightweight making it a popular solution for making furniture. Pine wood is also easily grown, making it an environmentally friendly solution.
6. Ipe
Also known as Brazillian walnut, ipe is another ideal option for outdoor furniture, especially those exposed to the sun for long. Apart from being rot and pest-resistant, it doesn't fade easily. Its thickness and density can make it tricky to work with especially if you're planning to move your furniture around because it will be bulky.
7. Shorea
An option with similar properties to teak, shorea is another ideal choice for outdoor furniture. The hardwood can be found in more than 200 species and it grows fast making shorea outdoor furniture quite affordable. It's also pretty flexible and can be bent to make unique furniture.
8. White oak
Known for its natural pest and water resistance, white oak is another uitable hardwood for outdoor furniture. It can last longer if treated and oiled properly. Its water resistance makes it perfect for wet environments.
Factors to consider when choosing the best wood for outdoor furniture
When looking to choose the best wood to make outdoor furniture, there are essential features that you need to consider. They include the following:
Durability
It's essential to consider how durable the type of wood is depending on the outdoor furniture you want to get. This also means you won't have to replace your furniture so often. Generally, hardwoods such as teak and ike tend to last longer.
Water resistance
Since most outdoor furniture is meant to be outside where it's in contact with moisture and water, you need to consider the moisture resistance of the type of wood you choose.
Rot resistance
Resistance to pests and rot is one of the things that make different types of wood ideal for outdoor furniture. Properly treating the wood ensures that it doesn't easily rot.
Versatility
Considering there are different types of outdoor furniture to choose from, it's essential to consider the versatility of the wood you choose.
Outdoor furniture maintenance tips
Considering outdoor furniture is exposed to different elements, proper maintenance is crucial to ensure that the furniture lasts longer. Some of the maintenance tips to consider include the following:
- applying proper finish
- using adequate paint and all-weather varnish
- reseal after a while
- proper storage of the furniture
With proper maintenance, outdoor furniture can last longer. You also get a list of different types of wood to use. Knowing what wood is used for outdoor furniture, you can make an informed decision if you want to spruce up your space.