When purchasing wooden patio furniture, it’s essential to evaluate its durability. Wood can become damaged from extreme weather conditions like cold winters, scorching summer heatwaves and rainstorms.
Teak, Acacia and Ipe are among the best wood choices for outdoor furniture that can withstand these challenging environments and resist moisture issues such as rot, mildew or other moisture related issues.
Durability
There are various materials used to craft furniture. Plastic and wicker become worn over time while wood furniture has natural durability that resists wear and tear – it is essential that you select high quality wood such as teak for this purpose if you wish for long-term usage of your furnishings.
Be sure to select patio furniture made of high-grade wood, as well as one that features mortise and tenon or dovetailed joints rather than staples or glue for optimal construction. This will ensure that it holds up well over time without becoming damaged or splintering over time. Similarly, select pieces featuring stainless steel or rust-proof hardware as this will prevent metal pieces from rusting over time while being more visually appealing than those held together with rusted screws.
Consideration should also be given to the weather in which your wood patio furniture will be exposed. Rain, sleet, and snow can cause serious damage if left exposed; to protect it properly it’s advisable to store the furniture either under cover in your garage during winter or invest in some breathable covers that protect from moisture while still allowing air circulation – this will prevent mildew build-ups on furniture that linger too long and allow mildew/mold growths on its surfaces.
Acacia wood furniture is another top choice, as its durability makes it suitable for harsh weather conditions and heavy rainfall. But just like its Acacia cousin, Acacia needs regular oiling in order to preserve both durability and appearance. Tung or linseed oil should be applied sparingly with a clean lint-free cloth or brush; applying two times annually should keep it looking its best while protecting it against rot, insects, and other potential problems that often plague outdoor wooden furniture.
Weather Resistance
Your wood furniture could be subjected to all manner of elements depending on where you live, which could potentially damage it over time. In climates with harsh winters or intensely hot summers, wooden pieces may need reinforcement or treatment in order to withstand these extreme climate conditions.
Wood choice for outdoor furniture is also of key significance, and hardwoods such as teak and Ipe are known for being highly resilient against rotting, warping and insect infestation. Plus, they don’t require protective coatings or sealants to extend its durability over time.
Mahogany, redwood and cedar woods make ideal patio furniture options, as do cypress and acacia species. While these species tend to be less costly than teak and Ipe, they still fare well against weather elements. Eucalyptus wood is another suitable alternative which boasts enough oil content to ward off water and rot without being as costly.
When purchasing long-lasting wood furniture, look for pieces with mortise and tenon joints or dovetailed joints – these joints are stronger and more stable than glued or stapled joints, which may fall apart quickly. Furthermore, look for screws with either stainless steel threading or rust-proof coating as these will prevent corrosion or rustiness in time, which would otherwise diminish its aesthetics over time.
Wood furniture not specifically designed for outdoor use can become damaged over time when exposed to direct sunlight or rainy conditions, leading to rot, mildew or mold growth. When purchasing outdoor wood furniture it’s essential that the weather in your region be considered before purchasing wood pieces that might need moving indoors in case it rains or snows as this will ensure its safety from moisture exposure and exposure.
Aesthetics
Wood patio furniture adds an organic charm to any outdoor living area. Whether paved with traditional stones or gravel, wooden chairs, sofas and tables bring earthiness into any design scheme. A rug in wood-tone can further accentuate this aesthetic and bring texture into the space.
Teak wood has long been a favorite of designers due to its resilience and beauty, which can be seen through its ability to weather naturally over time into an attractive silver-gray hue. Furthermore, teak produces its own oils making it more water resistant than other wood species; therefore making outdoor furniture made of teak more resilient with minimal upkeep beyond an annual cleaning to maintain its lustrous appearance.
Eucalyptus is an affordable alternative to teak that stands up well under heavy use and wear. Staining and sealing will protect against the elements. Redwood provides strength and longevity with its striking reddish hues that stand up well under all sorts of circumstances.
No matter whether crafted of wood or rattan, natural aesthetic provides a foundation to build upon with other design elements and accessories. A teak dining table makes an attractive centerpiece of any patio space with its intricately carved edges and undulations of graining finish adding artistic flare.
For a rustic appeal, consider woven rattan chairs. Their intricate pattern of interweaved strands produces a natural and organic aesthetic that works well with various style preferences. Teak Warehouse provides quality wood and wicker furniture designed to provide year-round durability in your backyard design; no matter the season it will provide comforting seating that welcomes all.
Add seasonal flare to your patio by switching up cushions and accessories as the seasons change. It’s an engaging project that allows you to continue enjoying the patio without constantly hauling furniture in and out of storage.
Maintenance
Maintenance should always be considered when purchasing wood patio furniture. Cleaning should always come first, but other steps such as refinishing and sealing must also be considered. Refinishing will protect against weathering while helping keep its color vibrant; sealants prevent moisture absorption into the wood which is especially crucial in cold regions where snow and freezing rain may damage it further.
Before beginning, begin by vacuuming your furniture to remove loose dirt and debris. Next, use 220-grit fine-grit sandpaper to sand down its surface using fine grit sandpaper (around 220-grit). Wipe away any dust generated during sanding before staining using either a paintbrush or rag following the grain direction of the wood grain – selecting an appropriate stain depending on its type and color to protect your furniture further from UV rays. In addition, UV protection may help prolong its life!
Once the stain dries, use a soft brush and damp cloth to wipe down your furniture with. This will remove any splinters created during sanding; additionally it is recommended that any excess stain be removed using either brushing or cloth wiping methods. Additionally if your cushion requires additional care with regards to fabric then wipe with damp cloth as well before finally drying the furniture completely afterward.
Re-sealing wood patio furniture is an effective way to extend its quality and extend its life. Once it is clean, use a water-repellent preservative like one found in stain products with mildewcide properties to reseal according to manufacturer’s instructions; do this every one to three years for best results.
Wood makes for beautiful outdoor furniture, but like any natural product it will eventually deteriorate from exposure to harsh weather conditions. Regular cleaning of wooden outdoor furniture should be performed using light detergent solution with soft-bristled brush, or using power washing techniques with appropriate pressure and technique (for power wash applications only). Furthermore, your wooden outdoor furniture should be covered during winter to protect it from extreme cold or windy conditions.