Braving the Elements: Types of Wood That Are Safe for Outdoor Use

teak-chair

Source: Nancy Boes via Pinterest

Outdoor living space has become increasingly desirable, and I am often asked by my clients about the best materials to use when crafting outdoor furniture. Therefore, I wanted to take a moment to discuss some tips for choosing outdoor safe wood when it comes to making furniture.

First and foremost, you need to consider the weather conditions that your wood furniture will need to survive through year-round. Elements to keep in mind include the amount of sunlight the wood will be exposed to in addition to drenching rains, snow and ice. You also want to select a piece of wood that naturally has some resistance to insect infestation.

Northern White and Western White Cedars, along with Teak, are some of the most durable woods that I have come across and are ideal for outdoor use. These materials require limited maintenance and are commonly used as exterior siding on homes and for outdoor furniture. For the more green-minded, Eucalpytus is a high-quality renewable resource that is extremely rot-resistant and requires little maintenance. Another material to consider is Native White Oak, which naturally repels moisture, insects, and rot, which are all ideal qualities for outdoor furniture.

These materials can all have very different looks over time depending on if you choose to use a finish or not. To learn more about choosing outdoor safe wood for your next furniture masterpiece, please feel free to contact me, Richard Oedel, Fine Furniture Master. Throughout my career, I have had extensive experience in working with a variety of wood types and can help you to determine the best material to suit your needs.

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