In combination with aesthetics, it’s important to keep materials in mind when choosing wooden outdoor furniture pieces for your porch, patio, deck or poolside area. Each type offers a certain style and requires a specific level of care so you want to be sure those qualities align with your taste and lifestyle before committing.
Teak
Teak is the most highly recommended material for wooden outdoor furniture. Not only is it resilient in any season, but it also offers style and a soft, grained finish. This miraculous material produces its own oils, making it unique from other natural woods. Teak also requires little to no maintenance, which is a plus—we recommend just an annual cleaning to keep it in tip-top condition!
Rattan
Rattan’s lightweight, flexible and durable qualities, along with its aesthetic appeal, make it an ideal material for wooden outdoor furniture. Often confused with the wicker weaving method, it is a strong and fibrous plant, much like bamboo.
Cane
Cane adds an undeniable essence of tropical warmth. Made from the stems of the rattan plant, this type of wood is a long-lasting material perfectly suited for outdoor furniture and has the ability to resist any climate change. Cane is also water-resistant and rustproof.
Eucalyptus
The high oil content in eucalyptus allows it to stand up easily to moisture and resist rotting and decay. Eucalyptus, if properly cared for, is a great alternative to teak with the added advantage of being less expensive.
Cypress
Despite Cypress being a softer wood, it’s still a great option for wooden outdoor furniture. Because it’s a light wood with a gorgeous grain, it has great visual impact. Cypress weathers a silver-gray color over time if left unfinished, similar to cedar, and has enough oil content to resist water and rotting.
Redwood
Redwood is commonly used in outdoor furniture due to its natural insect and moisture-resistant qualities. This extravagant wood choice is structured with little pitch and resin, creating a stunning finish.
Acacia
Acacia is a thick, strong hardwood with high oil content. This rich and reddish-brown wood is a popular pick for outdoor furniture for its natural water resistance and durability, and given acacia is very abundant, it’s also one of the more affordable options for wooden outdoor furniture.
Cedar
Cedar is durable as well as naturally resistant to rot, insects and warping, and it presents a rich red color to add warmth to your outdoor space. Cedar may not last as long as teak, but it can still last a couple of decades if cared for properly.
Scout & Nimble is a retail site and blog that aims to make expert design accessible to all. Follow at blog.scoutandnimble.com.
