I'm planning to build a patio furniture set for the upcoming summer, and since I live in the Pacific Northwest, it will need to withstand some rain. While the furniture will be under a gazebo, it will still be exposed to moisture. I'm debating whether to go with cedar, Douglas fir, or even pine. Cedar is the go-to choice, but it's significantly pricier where I am—three times the cost of the others! Additionally, I'm curious about using kiln-dried (KD) versus green lumber since I've seen some local suppliers offering green options on Facebook Marketplace. What's the best approach for my outdoor furniture project?
1 Answer
Both cedar and Doug fir are decent choices for outdoor furniture, but the key is to avoid letting them stay wet for too long. It's fine if your furniture gets wet because it can dry out afterward. If your patio surface is concrete, consider using some kind of feet under the legs to prevent water from seeping up through the end grain. Just watch out for any nooks that might hold moisture. You'll also want to protect the wood from sun damage, so using stains or sealants might be a good idea.
Got it! Is it fine to use green lumber as well? I'm seeing some cedar green options that seem to be a steal.