I'm considering using roasted ash for some outdoor benches that need to match an acacia table I found at IKEA, but I'm worried about its durability. I've looked for acacia locally, but it's tough to find, and I suspect it might be pricey if I do. I see a lot of roasted woods being marketed as good for outdoor use, but I'm skeptical. I'll be finishing the wood with hard wax oil or something similar. Has anyone had experience with how well roasted wood holds up outdoors, especially in the wet climate here in the Pacific Northwest? We do have a waterproof cover for it during the rainy season, so it won't be exposed to standing water too much.
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I feel like roasted wood is mostly a marketing gimmick. If you're in the PNW, cedar or redwood are solid options for outdoor furniture. I find it surprising that IKEA uses real hardwood, but acacia can work too. If you're on the West Coast, you should be able to find cedar or redwood without much trouble. On the East Coast, white oak might be your best bet since cedar and redwood are harder to find there.
Thanks for the insight! Yeah, I'm honestly exploring wood types more through this process. Acacia is fantastic, but sourcing it is a challenge for me right now. I'll definitely keep cedar or redwood in mind for other projects!