Natural Wood Types for Outdoor Furniture
Poly Lumber is both gorgeous and durable, but sometimes it’s just not what you’re looking for. There are plenty of natural wood types for outdoor furniture and each one offers it’s own unique benefits. Some have more finish options and they all have different lifespans. Take a look below to find the wood type that suits you best!
Outdoor Furniture Wood Type Options
Pine Wood:
- Pressure Treated Pine has increasingly become more popular for building outdoor furniture over the years, primarily due the special treatment process it goes through. This treatment process gives the wood extra resistance to natural forces, such as insects and rotting. It also stains beautifully, but when it’s left untreated, it will naturally turn gray. Pressure Treated Pine is specifically designed for outdoor use and to withstand the elements. When it is well cared for, it can last 20-30 years before it needs to be replaced. However, it’s more common to have to replace it approximately every 15 years.
- Yellow Pine is one of the most common and affordable wood types used to make outdoor furniture. It’s readily available, very strong, and finishes beautifully and can be cut into almost any shape and size. When it’s left unfinished, Yellow Pine has a golden color that helps showcase the natural knotting of the wood. Unlike Poly Furniture, Yellow Pine Furniture will need to be replaced every 5-10 years depending on the elements it is in.
Other Types of Wood:
- Cedar Wood contains natural oils that help repel insects and has a natural resistance to the growth of fungus and bacteria, making it one of the top choices for outdoor furniture. It also has little air pockets in the wood grain which creates insulation and keeps the wood a cooler, even when the temperature is hot. There are limits to finishing possibilities for Cedar Wood as it’s not recommended to paint it. However, this wood type takes stain gorgeously. If you choose to stain Cedar, there’s a high probability that you will have to re-stain it yearly to maintain the color. Untreated Cedar Furniture can last up to 20 years outside, while treated Cedar has the potential to last up to 40 years!
- Cypress Wood is durable and resistant to decay, making it a great pick for outdoor furniture. Since Cypress grows in wet areas, like swamps, it handles exposure to water and moisture relatively well. It has a warm feel and can handle most paint or stain finishes. However, like Pressure Treated Pine, when it’s left unfinished and outdoors, it naturally turns gray like a beautiful driftwood color. When taken care of correctly, Cypress Furniture can last decades outdoors.
Our Amish builders offer all of these different natural wood types to fit any style and/or budget. The possibilities are endless, so let us help you create your own outdoor oasis!
Sources:
Caspar, Tom. “Is Cedar Good for Outdoor Use?” Woodworking Clarity, 29 Sept. 2023, https://woodworkingclarity.com/is-cedar-good-for-outdoor-use/. Accessed 2 Apr. 2024.
