Naturally resistant woods that are commercially available include
Cypress, redwood, and cedar are three softwoods that have natural moisture-wicking properties and make fine choices for outdoor furniture.
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.
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.
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.
Which Wood Lasts the Longest? Teak wood easily lasts the longest when used for outdoor furniture or decking. When properly maintained, it can last for the entirety of your life and years after.
Properties. Western Red Cedar is one of the world's most durable woods, as it has a natural resistance to moisture, decay and insect damage. It has twice the stability of most commonly available softwoods due to its low density and shrinkage factors.
Iroko, Oak, Western Red Cedar, Cherry, Maple, and heat-treated woods are a few examples of timber with excellent dimensional stability and high resistance to warping and shrinking in the face of moisture. These woods can be further treated with a sealant to maximize their performance.
Boric acid (borate) is one of the most effective fungicides for use in treating wood rot. It can be applied to wood during construction to prevent future rot, or as a treatment to stop an active decay fungus from growing.
Cedar. Known for being the best wood for outdoor projects, cedar wood is a great wood for outdoor decks, more so because they're water resistant. This means they can hold up through wet weather without the worry of rotting, wear and tear, or damage from large amounts of water and moisture.
OSB was invented back in 1963 by Armin Elmendorf. This wood sheeting is made from 95% wood chips and 5% adhesive. Indeed, OSB is made by mixing resin with strands of young wood to achieve a hard board. This is then waterproofed to increase its durability.
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.
It is most important to use rot-resistant wood when it comes in direct contact with the ground; in a garden bed or trellis, for example. Ground contact allows moisture to penetrate the wood, expanding and splitting it's pores and opening it up to mould and fungus.
Summary: Most weather-resistant wood
Ipe wood is the primary lumbar reference when it comes to weather resistance. It is tougher than oak, very dense, and can withstand water exposure for years. Other tropical woods such as teak, Iroko, and Merbau are also renowned for their durability.
Balsa has no use where strength and durability are concerned as it is the least heat tolerant and absorbs the most water. Even though Oak is the most durable wood, it is also the most expensive.
Teak wood obtained from Tectona grandis is the most durable wood because of its high tensile strength and fibre density. The high content of oil in teak makes it resistant to termites and other insects.
Key point: Any of these woods, whether teak, oak, cypress, cedar or redwood, is not uniformly rot-resistant. The outer wood, called sapwood, often has minimal or non-existent rot-resistance properties. The darker heartwood has the good stuff in it – organic materials commonly referred to as extractives.
Treated lumber is a pine that is often a more cost-effective option as it is treated with chemicals to resist rot, decay, and insect damage. It is also a more durable option than cedar, making it a good choice for areas that experience heavy rainfall or high humidity.
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.
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.
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.
Redwood, cedar, black locust and black walnut.