In earlier years, wood was the number one choice of material used to build outdoor furniture. People chose wooden benches, picnic tables, and chairs because of its ability to withstand heavy daily use and severe weather conditions. Now, man-made materials like resin wicker make up a significant portion of the outdoor furniture marketplace. However, that doesn’t mean you should dismiss wood as obsolete. Wood outdoor patio furniture will make an excellent addition to your patio or garden and has advantages you can’t find anywhere else.
There is more than one type of wood used to make patio furniture. Some of the most familiar woods include oak and cedar, but there are also more exotic woods used like eucalyptus and teak. For today’s article we will focus on cedar and teak, and their advantages as they are the two more popular wood types.
Cedar
For wood furniture made for outdoor use, cedar reigns supreme. Often used to build siding boards and other children’s playground equipment, it can withstand wind, rain, and snow. When you use cedar for your patio furniture you can rest easy knowing that the furniture will not bow or sag even after extended use. And unlike some wicker and plastic furniture, cedar will not warp from being used while wet.
Cedar is also long lasting. It’s not uncommon to have cedar furniture lasting twenty-five to thirty years. Even if the wood is not treated it does not affect its durability, although untreated cedar will eventually turn a silvery gray color. A coat of paint or wood stain is all it takes to maintain cedar’s original rich brown color.
Cedar has other advantages too:
• Lightweight
• Great scent
• No sap or pitch
• Resists rot
• Beautiful natural look
Teak
An exotic hardwood, teak has become very popular in wood outdoor patio furniture. Teak generally comes from one of three countries: Thailand, Malaysia, or India. This hardwood is well known for its durability and strength.
In addition to being strong, teak is waterproof. And it doesn’t rot even if it is attached to metal hinges or other parts. Teak furniture offers your family many years of outdoor enjoyment with very little care and maintenance. Teak does not need to be stained or painted, however, like cedar; it will turn a silver gray color naturally over time.
Teak’s other advantages include:
• Classic good looks
• Environmentally friendly material
• Not prone to splitting
• Naturally weather resistant
• Gives a sense of luxury
You can find wood furniture in many styles, shapes and sizes. There are chairs, benches, chaise lounges, and tables – everything to satisfy your outdoor furnishing needs. Wood offers a natural beauty that perfectly complements its surroundings in any landscaping design or outdoor setting.
You will generally find the best values in outdoor furniture as the summer season draws to a close. Many furniture items feature deep discounts at that time. However, if you make your purchase then, be sure you have ample space to store your furniture for the winter. While wood is weather resistant, if you plan to have your wood outdoor patio furniture remain outdoors year-round you’ll want to invest in a good quality furniture cover.
After you have chosen the furniture that meets your outdoor needs and gotten it home, it’s time to relax and enjoy. Your new wood furniture will provide years of outdoor enjoyment in a relaxing and beautiful setting.
Wood patio furniture comes in all sizes and shapes. With wood types ranging from plywood and pine, to maple, rosewood and even bamboo it can be hard to choose the right type of wood for your family’s lifestyle. At patio furniture, we can help you make the right choice without all the guesswork. Stop by today and compare your options.
