Add some wood furniture that’s easy to construct to your patio. This potting bench, inspired by Aldo Leopold and easily assembled even by novice woodworkers in just a couple hours.
Wood patio furniture must withstand temperature variations and moisture conditions. To select furniture suitable for this environment, it is important to evaluate different species of wood available and their durability.
Types of Wood
Wood furniture is an attractive and long-lasting material when treated to resist weather conditions, however not all types of wood are suitable for outdoor use – even some that is can quickly wear away if exposed to elements. When selecting the appropriate type of wood for your furniture it is important to take into account where and for how long it will be placed as well as desired style and usage requirements. To find your ideal match consider its environment as well as desired lifespan and style preference when making this decision.
Outdoor furniture uses many varieties of wood, from soft pine and fir to hard hardwoods like teak and eucalyptus. While some species naturally stand up better against the elements than others, others require extra care such as staining or coating with protective oils to remain weather resistant.
Teak wood furniture is an increasingly popular choice for outdoor living spaces due to its strength, durability, and long lifespan. Not only can it withstand water, heat and pests but its natural oils help repel moisture too, making warping less likely and cracking less likely.
Cypress wood makes an excellent material for furniture due to its durability. This versatile hardwood can be stained or left as-is to display its beautiful reddish-brown hue. Furthermore, cypress resists mold, mildew, insects and rot.
Acacia wood furniture is another tough, long-term choice for outdoor spaces, featuring beautiful grain patterns that resist warping, rotting and insect damage. Staining it or leaving it as-is gives a natural finish. While more costly than some types of outdoor furniture options, Acacia will last at least 30 years with proper care and upkeep.
Faux woods (poly lumber) have also become increasingly popular due to their durability and lower maintenance costs. Poly lumber products are highly resistant to the environmental factors that can harm natural wood, often eliminating the need to sand or paint them regularly like traditional wooden products do. There’s also a wide range of colors to match any decor in any room of the house and they tend to weigh less requiring no additional support braces.
Weather Resistance
As aesthetics are an important consideration when purchasing outdoor wood furniture, so too should its resilience against environmental exposure. Teak and Ipe are popular choices due to their ability to withstand moisture fluctuations and temperature changes without warping. Furthermore, their tight grain patterns help protect them against water penetration, making them watertight while offering natural resistance from insect damage and natural environmental changes.
Wood materials offer numerous benefits when selecting patio furniture, such as high durability and an eye-catching appearance that adds visual interest to a deck or patio space. Furthermore, lightweight construction enables easy transport and rearrangement on deck or patio decking surfaces; in addition to offering various finishes that complement any decor theme.
Wood patio furniture should also be chosen based on its resistance to UV rays and sun heat, especially in regions with extreme summer heat that can bring high humidity levels that damage or discolor wood over time. Pieces crafted using resilient materials have the ability to outlast those made from other materials by up to five times longer.
Select a wood that’s resistant to decay. Black locust is one of the most durable options, standing up well even under heavy use and wear. Other rot-proof wood options include redwood, cedar and mahogany.
Poly lumber offers an economical solution for those on a tight budget, offering similar appearance and less expense than most natural woods. Plus, its UV-protective qualities protect from warping or cracking over time; plus it’s easier to keep clean than products requiring staining or painting!
Maintenance
Clean your outdoor wooden furniture regularly to preserve its condition, as this can help prevent mildew and mold growth that could otherwise wreak havoc with its wood structure. Use a pressure washer or wipe down with damp cloth; storage indoors if possible is also beneficial in protecting from environmental elements.
Another effective way of protecting furniture is applying teak oil solution. This will protect both the wood from weathering, and give your furniture an elegant golden hue. Be sure to brush in the direction of grain when applying, and wipe any excess using a clean cloth.
When working with solvent-based products like Outdoor Defense Oil, it is crucial that you work in an adequately ventilated space to avoid inhaling any of its chemicals. Also make sure you wipe off any excess after every application in order to keep oil off furniture surfaces and limit any potential residue build-up.
Cost
As with any piece of furniture, wood patio furniture plans vary in price depending on your budget and desired lifespan. Remember that wood furniture requires regular application of stain or sealant treatments which add to its cost over time.
When purchasing wood patio furniture, it is crucial that each piece is constructed well and can withstand the elements. Look for pieces constructed using mortise and tenon joinery rather than simply glued joints; additionally, ensure all screws used have either stainless steel threading or have been coated to protect from rusting – otherwise these could detract from its beauty while potentially leaking metal into the wood itself, leading to further damage and costing more in maintenance costs.
Home improvement stores and furniture stores carry wood furniture for your viewing pleasure before you make a decision to buy it, making the selection easier. Furthermore, online plans exist with detailed diagrams and step-by-step instructions designed for beginners as well as materials lists with pricing discounts for supplies used for projects like this outdoor table plan that features a x brace base with herringbone top or this rustic country bench that gives any space a rustic yet manly appeal – both projects can be finished quickly even by novice woodworkers.
