Naturally resistant woods that are commercially available include black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), teak (Tectona grandis), ipe (Tabebuia spp.), California redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum). These have the highest resistance to rot over time.
Not all woods are naturally resistant to rot. Most softwood species are non-resilient. These include pine, maple, birch, aspen, beech, alder, hemlock, poplar, etc. This makes them not very suitable for exterior projects.
Which Wood Lasts the Longest? Teak wood easily lasts the longest when used for outdoor furniture or decking.
If you're looking for a wood that offers a strong resistance against decay and is very easy to work with, Cedar is a must-have for your exterior work including cladding, exterior joinery, decking, greenhouses and summer houses.
The best water resistant wood types & species. Iroko, Oak, Western Red Cedar, Cherry, Maple and heat-treated woods are just a few examples of timber that boast excellent dimensional stability and high resistance to shrinking and warping in the face of moisture.
While redwood or teak certainly qualify, five more common lumber species that also stand up well to sunlight, moisture and wood-boring insects are Western red cedar, Spanish cedar, cypress, white oak and mahogany. Red cedar tends to be knotty, but it's affordable and widely available.
Some species of wood are naturally rot resistant due to complex chemical compounds that they evolved to protect themselves against decay. Well-known domestic examples include cedar, redwood, old-growth cypress, mulberry, yew, osage orange, and black locust.
Cedar wood projects typically last more than 20 years without splitting, rotting, or warping. White oak and teak are also long lasting woods that are resistant to decay, twisting, cracking, or warping.
Characteristics of Redwood and Cedar
When you're looking for the best wood for outdoor use, both of these types of wood are naturally resistant to rot and decay, along with being termite and insect-resistant. Redwood and cedar are also known to: Resist warping and twisting.
Moisture Resistant Flooring Materials
Naturally decay-resistant wood subflooring (redwood, cedar, some oaks, bald cypress).
For example, Teak doesn't need any treatment which prolongs its lifespan because it is naturally durable and doesn't have much movement whereas kiln dried Oak does need treating to prevent it from: Losing moisture and shrinking in the summer.
Wood can Start to Rot in 1-3 Years If:
Wood is untreated. The wooded area is in a hot climate. The wooded area is not painted with the proper paint.
Decay & rot resistance
Blessed with natural preservatives, make Cedar one of the most decay/ rot resistant and insect tolerant woods available. Minimal cracking and checking. Cracks will not penetrate the heartwood.
Minwax® High Performance Wood Hardener is a quick drying liquid formulated to strengthen and reinforce decayed or rotting wood. Minwax® High Performance Wood Hardener 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Australian Buloke – 5,060 IBF
Known as the hardest wood in the world, this particular type has a Janka hardness of 5,060 lbf.
Heirloom-quality handmade wood furniture should last more than a lifetime. In fact, it can last for decades if properly maintained. This type of wood furniture is more likely to reach the “antique” milestone, meaning it can last 100 years or more.
Tectona grandis wood or teak is the most durable wood among the given options. It is a tropical hardwood tree belonging to the Lamiaceae which is mainly native to south and southeast Asia. It is found in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
Wood is naturally very durable--in moderate, sheltered environments it can last for thousands of years without substantial change. Biological deterioration is found principally in the form of insects and fungi.
AB marine-grade, pressure-treated plywood offers superior protection against fungal decay in wet environments. It is approved for saltwater applications and offers excellent corrosion resistance. It is also safe for human and aquatic environments.
The best hardwoods for rainy weather are teak, mahogany, redwood, walnut, and cypress; the best softwood is cedar. These woods are ideal because they resist moisture well. Therefore, they don't warp or rot like other woods would if subjected to similar conditions.