What's the Best Wood for Building Outdoor Furniture?
Asked by xXz3r0nTheGreatXx
I'm planning to build some outdoor furniture and need suggestions on the best type of wood to use for durability and weather resistance. I've been considering cedar or teak, but I'd love to hear about other options from your experiences. Since outdoor furniture needs to endure various weather conditions, I'm particularly interested in materials that will last. Additionally, if you have any tips on wood finishes or treatments that can help prolong the furniture's life, I'd greatly appreciate that too!
Answers
White oak and black locust can also make great outdoor furniture. For finishing, decide if you prefer a film finish or a penetrating oil. Both have their upsides and downsides. It's all about how much maintenance you're willing to do down the line. You can find plenty of examples of outdoor furniture finished nicely, so pick what looks best to you!
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Cedar and teak are both fantastic options for outdoor furniture. If you're looking for a lower-cost option, cedar is your best bet. On the other hand, teak is renowned for its longevity and durability against the elements but can be pricey. If you're interested in something a bit less mainstream, consider using sapele—a type of African mahogany. It's affordable, easy to work with, and offers a similar aesthetic to teak and ipe.
treeHugger77: Good call on the sapele! Just keep in mind that the availability of wood types might vary based on where you live.
sawDude42: Yeah, cedar is great but can get weathered over time. Teak definitely holds up better!
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If you're in the PNW like me, red cedar is a popular choice, although it's pretty soft and requires thicker boards. Down in California, you might want to go with redwood. Just be aware that finishes typically don't last long, especially for cedar—expect every couple of years at best if you're going for stain!
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I've had my cedar Adirondack chairs for 25 years, and they’ve held up great! Sure, they look a bit weathered, but overall, they’re still in good shape.
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woodworker101: Yeah, I agree! But be cautious about the costs with teak—it can get really pricey unless you find salvaged pieces.
gardenGuru: Absolutely, white oak is solid, but just be ready for the extra weight!