Wood patio furniture adds an organic appeal to outdoor environments. Different species of wood will weather and age differently over time and some require more upkeep than others.
Selecting the appropriate wood for your outdoor space is essential to long-term enjoyment and low maintenance costs. Woods with tight grains tend to withstand temperature variations better, as well as other environmental stressors, than open-grained varieties.
Teak
Teak wood is an attractive and long-lasting material perfect for creating outdoor furniture. Left exposed in the elements, teak will naturally age to a silvery gray over time; or you can protect its beauty with special oil treatments to preserve it in its current state and ensure it looks stunning for years. One way to ensure its beauty for decades to come is choosing to preserve and care for it in this manner.
Teak (Tectona grandis) is an expensive yet dense and weather-resistant timber species. Harvesting and processing must be handled carefully for best results; thus making this patio furniture choice more expensive than its alternatives. However, teak also outshines most other choices as a better option in harsher climates due to its weather resistance properties.
When purchasing teak pieces, look for pieces certified as FSC-certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. This ensures that they come from plantations which meet a set of standards set forth by this body; harvesting practices do not harm or destroy native ecosystems and indigenous people are treated equitably during harvesting practices.
No matter if you choose to keep your teak natural or seal it and preserve it, regular cleaning is crucial in keeping its appearance. Sweep regularly and use a stiff brush with grain of the wood in mind when cleaning surfaces to remove dirt, leaves, cobwebs and other debris before using a hose to rinse out debris and allow your furniture to dry thoroughly before resealing using products such as Messmer’s teak protector or sealer once annually for best results.
Even high-grade teak can deteriorate over time without proper maintenance, so professional services for annual maintenance of any teak product is highly recommended to avoid contaminants building up and further deterioration. When problems do arise such as loose screws or slats that have come undone, repairs are generally straightforward and simple to undertake.
Ipe
Ipe patio furniture is constructed of premium hardwoods with dense grain structures, making it extremely strong and resilient. Two times harder than teak and offering greater flame and water resistance, Ipe is the preferred choice of designers, builders, upscale homeowners, and architects for decking, floors and furniture applications. This exotic hardwood features chocolate brown hues which weather gracefully while becoming richer and darker over time with increased exposure.
My friend who recently purchased Ipe lounge chairs for her porch could not be more thrilled with her purchase. The natural wood of Ipe’s construction brings elegance to her back deck while supporting sustainable forestry practices by purchasing FSC-Certified Ipe furniture.
As with any outdoor furniture, Ipe wood requires consistent care to remain beautiful. One essential step for Ipe furniture maintenance is sealing it regularly with penetrating oil-based sealer every six-12 months to protect its beauty. By sealing Ipe furniture properly you’re helping keep moisture at bay as well as UV rays from harming its finish and natural beauty.
When selecting a sealer for Ipe, ensure you select a product designed specifically for this outdoor wood. Penetrating and film-forming sealers may both work, though for best results use one that suits the furniture you own best – penetrating sealers penetrate deeper into the pores of the wood for comprehensive protection, while film-forming sealers may leave behind a surface layer which peels or cracks over time.
Once your Ipe furniture is clean and dry, apply your selected sealer using either a brush or sprayer. Always read and follow manufacturer’s instructions for application to ensure even coverage and an even surface. Allow the sealant to fully dry before using your furniture for the first time; always work in well ventilated area with proper disposal of used rags to avoid spontaneous combustion.
Protecting Ipe furniture with regular applications of penetrating oil-based wood sealer will extend both its life and beauty for decades to come. Should you decide to reseal Ipe furniture, remember that annual cleaning and treatment must also take place to minimize fading in color.
Cedar
Cedar is a versatile wood that can be transformed into various furniture pieces, thanks to its durability and lightweight nature. Cedar also stands up well to moisture exposure while remaining resistant to rot and insect damage – ideal qualities for outdoor furniture! Additionally, cedar’s natural insulating properties help keep it comfortable during warm conditions as well as keeping heat from rising during cooler temperatures.
To keep your cedar patio furniture in tiptop shape, it’s essential that it be regularly wiped down with a soft cloth or rag to remove dirt and debris. Furthermore, once annually apply protective oil as this will prevent excess moisture absorption that could otherwise lead to mold and mildew development.
If your wooden furniture becomes wet, immediately wipe it down with a clean towel or cloth and use a hose to spray water over its surface in order to rinse away dirt and debris that has collected on it. After wiping down, allow it to fully dry before using it again.
Wooden furniture may look plain against a vibrant garden, so painting or staining it to add character could be just what’s needed to give it some style. Choose a color or design that complements your garden, using masking tape or painter’s tape to protect any areas you don’t wish to touch while applying paint or stain. Before beginning to stain or paint patio furniture be sure to read manufacturer instructions as some oil-based products can trap moisture leading to mold and mildew growth if applied improperly; these products should be carefully applied as some oil-based products could trap moisture which could cause mold and mildew growth which lead to mold growth as well.
Cedar is an excellent material for outdoor furniture due to its beauty, strength, lightweight nature and resistance to moisture and insects – as well as superior rot resistance compared to other wood species. You can purchase cedar furniture at home improvement stores or specialty shops; just ensure it has been kiln dried prior to purchasing to prevent porous wood that’s susceptible to fungus or insect infestation. Lumberyards should also avoid selling unkilned cedar as this might be lower quality material.
Acacia
Acacia patio furniture boasts natural resistance to the elements and is among the most durable wood options for outdoor furniture. However, precautions must be taken in order to preserve its aesthetics for years. Cleaning and resealing should be performed regularly to maintain its appeal and durability.
Gentle cleaning removes environmental residues and keeps acacia furniture looking its best. A regular schedule for wiping down should be established – using a soft cloth dampened with mild soapy water for wiping down will remove grime build-up and prevent future build up of grime.
For a thorough cleaning, use water without chlorine to hose down your furniture, while avoiding harsh chemicals that could potentially compromise its weather-resistant finish. Rinse thoroughly after rinsing and towel dry as soon as possible before covering with waterproof covers when not in use to protect it from rain, snow, or intense sunlight.
Acacia wood is not susceptible to mold or mildew growth, although mildew or mold stains on it may occur from time to time. Scrubbing the affected area with equal parts water and white vinegar can remove these spots; should oil stains occur instead, an absorbent material such as cornstarch or baking soda may help soak up any oil that remains before cleaning with mild dish soap solution and rinsing thoroughly afterwards.
Acacia’s Janka hardness rating of 1040 puts it 55% harder than white oak and 23% harder than hickory, and makes it unappetizing to insects; making it popular as furniture material that resists scratches and dents.
Maintaining Acacia furniture requires regular resealing with high-quality commercial products like Boilled Linseed Oil or Tung Oil to preserve its natural moisture-retaining capabilities and avoid drying out in direct sunlight. Boiling Linseed or Tung Oil works best, as their slow evaporation rate allows the furniture to maintain its moisture levels, protecting from further drier environments like direct sun light.
