Wood patio furniture is an increasingly popular choice for outdoor spaces, particularly backyards. A well-made wicker set can transform any outdoor area into an idyllic spot of restful relaxation while an elegantly carved table elevates meals into gourmet feasts.
But not all wood is created equal – only certain species can stand up to even extreme weather conditions without suffering structural degradation. When choosing outdoor furniture material, choose something durable like Cedar. It has proven its worth over time.
Durability
Durability should always be taken into consideration when purchasing patio furniture made of wood, as outdoor elements like weather changes, wear and tear and temperature differences can take their toll. Many opt for naturally sourced options like teak or acacia when selecting wood patio pieces.
Natural woods offer several distinct advantages over other materials when properly treated: They’re strong and resilient against water damage and staining better than many alternatives; making them an excellent choice for outdoor furniture in harsh climates.
Other durable wood options for outdoor furniture include ipe and eucalyptus. Ipe is an extremely dense tropical hardwood that will last decades outdoors without warping, warping, rotting or warping due to insects or environmental stresses; plus its rich brown hue has beautiful natural grain patterns which resist splintering over time – another major benefit. Eucalyptus wood also makes great outdoor furniture options.
Eucalyptus wood makes for great outdoor furniture as its unique beauty can create a luxurious aesthetic. Furthermore, rot-proof and easily maintained for low costs of ownership; yet may not be as strong or long lasting as other forms of wood due to temperature fluctuations causing cracking and warping.
Weight should also be an important consideration when choosing wood furniture pieces, with lighter woods being easier to transport around and heavier woods being suitable for large pieces which won’t need moving on a frequent basis.
When purchasing wood patio furniture, be sure to inspect for joints made of properly glued or mortise and tenon joints – these will withstand the rigorous outdoor use better than traditional glued or stapled joints. It is also vitally important that rusty or corrosiony screws don’t damage its integrity and shorten its lifespan.
No matter whether your furniture is made of natural or synthetic wood, it is crucial that it is regularly cleaned and stained. A routine cleaning with dedicated products such as WOCA Exterior Oil will help remove dirt, bird droppings, food stains and other forms of debris that accumulates over time. Incorporating regular staining like this into your maintenance schedule will keep it looking its best!
Weather Resistance
Weather resistance is a key consideration when purchasing wood patio furniture, and choosing teak, cedar and redwood as they have proven superior moisture repelling properties while soft woods like pine and fir tend to break down more rapidly. Durable hardwoods such as teak, cedar and redwood tend to outlast other soft wood options due to natural decay-resisting qualities; softwoods such as pine and fir may degrade quickly.
Once again, take note of how your furniture is constructed. Look for mortise and tenon joints instead of cheaper glue-glued options as these joints will outlive their cheaper alternatives. Also make sure that any screws that come with your furniture have either stainless steel threading or are coated in some way to protect from rusting and prolong its longevity; corrosion can affect wood quality negatively over time.
Your choice of wood may depend on the frequency and conditions in your location; for instance, if it will be exposed to direct sunlight at high temperatures for regular use then selecting teak or mahogany would be wiser choices as these materials provide greater UV-resistance.
Ipe wood is considered one of the finest outdoor furniture choices due to its dense structure and natural oils that protect it against rot, insect damage and the elements. Left untreated over time it develops an appealing silver-gray patina, adding beauty and charm to its aesthetic that many find desirable.
Other woods suitable for patio furniture include cypress, which is water and rot resistant; acacia is another durable hardwood that looks similar to teak yet costs significantly less; both materials resist warping, insect infestation and decay while growing quickly without harming ecosystems nearby.
Consider your weight when selecting wood patio furniture. Lighter materials, such as cedar, may be easier to move around while heavier options such as mahogany may weigh significantly more.
Look & Design
When selecting wood patio furniture sets, one must take into account the desired look they are striving to create for their space. This may depend on where it will be placed as well as its exposure to elements such as rain or hail; certain species require more protection due to water damage susceptibility or needing regular maintenance.
Some of the most frequently used woods for outdoor furniture include ipe, teak and cedar. These sturdy species are known for their durability and aesthetic appeal – staining changes the color or leaving in their natural state will result in a weathered silver patina over time. Furthermore, they’re resistant to insect damage as well as having greater strength than pine or cypress.
If you prefer more contemporary aesthetics, alternative woods such as Eucalyptus and Acacia might be suitable. Both materials have the advantage of being less dense than Ipe or teak and lighter in color compared to its counterparts; therefore they may be easier to move around or refinish as necessary. But these types of woods still possess similar traits while remaining just as long-lasting and resilient.
No matter which wood you select for your patio furniture, its joints must be strong. Checking for dovetailed or mortise and tenon joints will help ensure that it won’t easily succumb to elements or moisture damage, while any screws used should have stainless steel threading with an antirust coating for additional peace of mind.
Finding the ideal wood patio furniture requires careful consideration of climate, budget and desired style. By carefully considering each option’s advantages and disadvantages, you will be able to make an educated choice that best serves you and your family. Visit your local WOCA dealer to view our wide selection of wooden patio furniture pieces – you might just find what’s missing for your outdoor living space!
Maintenance
Wood furniture can be susceptible to moisture damage in areas with humid weather conditions, but with proper care and maintenance it should stand up well against these elements. Moisture damage may lead to mildew or rot development; to protect your outdoor wooden furniture from this possibility it’s recommended that you regularly clean it while also using covers as additional safeguards against dust, debris and water splashing over.
When cleaning wooden outdoor furniture, be sure to use a mild soap or cleaner made specifically for outdoor furnishings, following any label instructions. It is also helpful to keep soft-bristle brushes and cloths on hand in order to quickly remove bird droppings, sunscreen lotion residue and other substances which could harm natural, stained or painted finishes of the wood surfaces.
Power washers should never be used on wood patio furniture as this can splinter the wood and weaken structural joints, while strong water jets may allow moisture to seep into crevices of your furniture, leading to its demise from within. If you do use one however, always conduct tests of any sealants, treatments, or paint on an inconspicuous area first before using.
Routine cleaning of wood surfaces should be performed using soft bristle brushes, cloth or sponges – always wiping in the direction of grain to preserve its natural beauty and using any special cleaners or protectors as per instructions provided with their purchase.
At least twice annually, it’s best to oil eucalyptus furniture to prevent it from drying out and cracking due to humidity or regions with vast temperature swings. Furthermore, oiling will protect it against harmful fungi or insects which could otherwise compromise its integrity and cause irreparable harm.
No matter if your wooden patio furniture is stained or natural, it’s essential that it be regularly checked for loose screws or hardware that needs tightening or replacing. Inspect it every couple of years to touch up any fading or discolorations with wood stain.