Wood furniture is a popular choice for outdoor spaces, but not every wood is a good choice for your garden or patio. Take into account your own needs and requirements before you choose your outdoor wood furniture.
Considerations for Buying Outdoor Wood Furniture:
Consider where you will place your outdoor wood furniture. Would it be completely exposed to the elements? Would it have some kind of overhead protection, as inside a porch, for example? If your wood furniture will be placed in a more protected environment, you can get away with using a soft wood such as pine, that might not work in an exposed location.
Consider your surface and whether you will place it on a hard surface or on soft ground. Placing outdoor wood furniture on hard surfaces may help prevent rot or mildew.
Consider your climate. Humidity, hot sun, or a lot of rain and moisture all affect wood differently. In such conditions your wood furniture might require extra protection or maintenance.
Best Outdoor Wood Furniture Choices:
There are plenty of choices when it comes to outdoor wood furniture.
Teak: Teak has lately become a very popular choice for outdoor furniture. Although teak is more expensive than most woods used for outdoor furniture, it remains popular because of its longevity, immunity to weather, and very few care requirements.
Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is a good alternative and can last almost as long as teak if treated annually with water-based acrylic sealant. It has the added advantage of being less expensive.
Cedar: While cedar is not as long lasting as teak or eucalyptus, it can still last for a couple of decades if cared for properly. It requires an annual coating of protective oil.
Construction and Quality
When you shop for outdoor wood furniture, make sure you are buying quality and well made pieces. Pay the same attention to quality that you would for indoor furniture. Avoid furniture that has glued or stapled joints as that can fall apart easily.
Make sure the joints are sturdy. Look for dovetailed or mortise and tenon joints. Any screws that have been used should either be stainless steel or have a rust proof coating. Remember that your furniture will be sitting outdoors and will be exposed to the elements. Any rusting screws will take away from the appearance and longevity of your furniture.
