Cypress, redwood, and cedar are three softwoods that have natural moisture-wicking properties and make fine choices for outdoor furniture.
Teak. Teak is the most highly recommended material for wooden outdoor furniture among designers, not only due to its resilience in any season but also because of its style and soft, grained finish. This miraculous material produces its own oils, making it unique in comparison to other types of natural woods.
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.
Since it's widely available, fir can be useful for those running a slightly tighter budget. It's one of the cheapest woods for outdoor use. If you're a woodworker or DIY garden furniture maker, this species also works and machines well, in addition to holding finishes easily — whether a clear varnish, stain or paint.
Pine or Fir – Either Is a Great Choice for Your Home
If the project requires durability or consistency, fir is usually the better choice. It's also a great choice for outdoor features, such as decking and fences, thanks to its high moisture resistance.
Key Takeaway: When deciding between Douglas fir and Cedar, it's important to consider the project needs since each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Douglas fir is strong and durable, while cedar offers a higher resistance to rot and decay.
Uses. Both types of wood have similar uses, though their characteristics make each better for some projects than others. Cedar is ideal for any outdoor project, such as fences or decking. Its moisture resistance, coupled with any sealing or staining you apply, means it holds up well against wet weather.
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.
Many people assume that any type of wood can withstand harsh outdoor elements, but the truth is if you use non-pressure-treated wood outside, it can be exposed to rot, decay, insect infestations, and structural failures.
Pressure-treated wood should be used for all outdoor projects, assuming you're using a type of wood that is not naturally repellant to insects and rot.
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 of the best outdoor furniture materials known for their all-season durability include aluminum, recycled plastic, concrete and teak.
Resin wicker
It is a common choice for outdoor furniture as it is highly resistant to the elements, including rain, sun, and humidity. It won't fade or discolor with prolonged exposure to sunlight, and it won't crack or break when exposed to extreme temperatures.
Choose Rot Resistant Wood for Your Project
Well-known domestic examples include cedar, redwood, old-growth cypress, mulberry, yew, osage orange, and black locust. Tropical wood examples include ipe, lignumvitae, purpleheart, and old-growth teak.
Pine does not naturally resist decay, and it is pressure treated to make it more durable outdoors. So cedar gains a bit here with its natural character contributing to its durability. Pine is still a good choice for outdoor furniture, it just doesn't naturally resist the elements as strongly as cedar does.
Cedar wood may last over 20 years when used in outdoor structures, such as decks, pergolas, gazebos, or furniture. It can last between 15 and 20 years when used for constructing a fence or support posts.
The three most widely available and suitable exterior lumber choices, not treated with chemical preservatives, include Western red cedar, redwood, and cypress. Your geographic location will determine the availability and cost of these materials.
Which Wood Lasts the Longest? Teak wood easily lasts the longest when used for outdoor furniture or decking.
Western Red Cedar is one of the world's most durable woods, as it has a natural resistance to moisture, decay and insect damage.
Spruce absorbs water slowly in both the heartwood and the sapwood. The absorption capacity of pine varies greatly between the heartwood and the sapwood. The heartwood of pine has around the same capacity to absorb water as spruce, while pine sapwood absorbs water many times faster.
Cedar naturally contains oils that help to repel moisture and insects, which makes it a great choice for siding. However, over time these oils can break down, leaving the wood vulnerable to damage. Sealing your cedar siding helps to protect it from moisture, UV rays, and pests, which can help extend its lifespan.
When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It's highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.
Resistance to decay: Western red cedar is the most decay-resistant cedar, making it great for outdoor construction projects like shakes and shingles. It is also one of the longest-living North American softwood trees. Stability: Western red cedar has twice the stability of other softwood species.