6 Good Woods for Outdoor Furniture
Who doesn’t love a nice English garden bench? What better symbolism of peace and tranquility, than a quality wooden bench nestled in a glen, somewhere in an out-of-the-way location in your garden. Even better, what a great way to rest and relax after a long day at work, or even after pulling weeds and nurturing the good plants in your garden.
The trouble with wood is that many of the cheaper benches fall apart after only a little while, and some require extensive maintenance in order to keep them looking nice. The most important factor when choosing a wooden garden bench is the type of wood it is made of. Here are the pros and cons of six commonly used woods for outdoor furniture.
Teak
Typically considered the Cadillac of woods for outdoor furniture, teak is an excellent choice where moisture is a problem. Its tightly woven grain is little affected by water, so shrinking and swelling are not an issue. Teak also has natural oils that repel water. It is naturally decay resistant, and insects tend to choose softer woods rather than tackle the toughness of teak. Teak is tough in another way as well, in that it is quite strong. Furniture made of teak is likely to last a very long time.
When left unfinished, teak weathers to a pleasant gray patina. If your preference is to keep it looking new, all that is needed is an annual application of teak oil.
In today’s eco-conscious environment, concerns about depleting the rainforests top the list of reasons you’ll hear others give not to use teak. However, many companies are showing environmental responsibility by participating in rainforest restoration, and purchasing only from companies that do likewise.
Cedar
Cedar is one of the most common woods for outdoor furniture. It does have some great characteristics which make it a good choice, but there are some specific drawbacks as well. On the good side, cedar is naturally insect repellent and decay resistant. Cedar is also lightweight, which can be viewed as a pro or a con. You’ll consider it a pro if you need to move your furniture around much, but if frequent thunderstorms come through your area, you may find yourself retrieving your furniture and setting it back up more often than you like.
On the down side, cedar is much softer than most of the other hardwoods we’ll be discussing, making it more susceptible to scratches and dents. Also, because of its softer grain, cedar can weather to a very rough texture if not maintained with a regularl application of finish. And finally, cedar is not as strong as the denser hardwoods. This simply means that the boards need to be thicker and reinforced more often, details that must be attended to during construction.
Shorea
This tropical hardwood is slightly cheaper than teak, yet has many of the same qualities. It is very strong, and its tight grain pattern makes it resistant to daily wear and tear. Shorea is not significantly affected by variations in weather, and is resistant to rot and insect damage.
It is recommended that shorea products be treated annually with a finish like teak oil to maintain their original luster. However, if left unfinished, shorea weathers to a silvery gray patina which many people find pleasing.
Cypress
Traditionally harvested from the swamps of the south, Cypress is a good choice for furniture, as it contains a natural preservative, helping it to last a very long time. Cypress is insect resistant and rot resistant, and is affected very little by weather. This durable woods resists shrinking and expanding, thereby reducing warps, splinters, and cracks.
Cypress furniture may be a little harder to find than many other woods, but is still a great choice.
Redwood
This wood makes attractive furniture, as the rich, red color provides a nice relief from the common browns and grays. It is durable, insect resistant, and decay resistant, which is why it is used in many outdoor applications. It is practically impervious to weather, and resists shrinking, warping, and cracking.
Redwood is quite expensive, which is one of the drawbacks from using it. Additionally, the wood is fairly soft, and can scratch easily. The vibrant color, which may be seen as a drawing feature, is more subject to fading from the sun than other woods. This wood must be finished if used in furniture, or the tannins within the wood will stain clothing.
Honduran Mahogany
Honduran mahogany is a good choice for outdoor furniture, as it has many of the positive qualities that we’ve already discussed. It is naturally decay resistant, has natural oils that repel water, and is quite strong. Additionally, Honduran Mahogany is harvested from plantations instead of old forests, giving it a strong appeal to environmentally conscious shoppers.
On the down side, Honduran Mahogany shrinks and swells more than teak, making it more prone to some checking (small cracks) and splitting.
Just be sure, if ordering furniture made from mahogany, that you choose Honduran Mahogany. There are several different woods that go by the mahogany name, but have very different properties. Some would not be suitable for outdoor applications.
Sorting it All Out
All of the woods mentioned will work well in nature. The key is to evaluate your needs and desires, and make sure the wood you choose fits your criteria. Do you prefer heavy or light? Are you okay with regular maintenance or do you prefer something that you can let go a little longer? What color appeals to you? Questions like these will help you to sort through the many choices, and settle on a garden bench that will fit your needs and last you many years.
About the Author
As a former cabinet and furniture maker, Stan Horst has learned much about what goes into quality furniture. He shares his expertise in articles like this one, and uses his knowledge to provide bench reviews on his website, BetterBenches.com. His reviews are especially useful to those wanting to buy a garden bench.
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