Wood patio furniture is an increasingly popular choice for outdoor spaces due to its durability and ease of care requirements. Which type of wood you choose ultimately depends on both your environment and needs.
For long-lasting furniture, look for woods like teak and Ipe which naturally resist rotting, warping, and insects. Teak is one of the top options.
Teak
Teak makes an excellent choice for outdoor wood patio furniture due to its natural resistance to rot and warp, as well as water absorption, which could otherwise lead to mildew growth. Teak’s dense structure enables it to be carved into unique designs for dining tables, chairs and other pieces of outdoor furniture with ease; lasting up to 50 years makes this investment worthwhile for many homeowners.
Ipe is another highly durable tropical hardwood used in outdoor wood patio furniture, boasting stunning rich brown colors and natural grain patterns that complement outdoor environments beautifully. Like teak, ipe will endure decades outdoors with little maintenance necessary – even developing its signature silvery patina over time, much to its fans’ delight! Unfortunately, however, its weight makes mobility challenging when choosing this material for outdoor furniture use.
Acacia and eucalyptus woods are also popular choices for outdoor wood patio furniture, due to their natural resistance against rot and water absorption. More affordable than teak, they can be used to craft stylish seating, tables or other furniture suitable for the outdoors. Their lightness often means less frequent maintenance is necessary; however they remain susceptible to mold growth when exposed to prolonged moisture exposure.
After evaluating various wood types for durability, it’s essential to also take into account other aspects that could impede longevity and performance, including how much wear and tear is expected of your furniture. Lightweight options like cedar may be better suited for environments without extreme abuse or weather extremes while tight grain patterns might provide added protection in harsher environments.
As part of your furniture selection process, consider how often and for how long you plan on using your wood outdoor furniture as well as any protective covers needed during off-season storage. In addition, keep in mind that other materials such as fabric and hardware can influence its longevity – choosing high-quality fabrics as well as marine grade hardware will extend its life considerably.
Ipe
Ipe wood, commonly referred to as Brazilian walnut, is one of the densest premium hardwoods available today. Twice as hard as teak and more resistant to flame, water and insect attack than teak, Ipe has long been preferred by top designers, builders and individuals for outdoor furniture applications for over a century. Although Ipe is extremely durable material, its rich brown hue may fade over time without proper care and protection – leaving untreated, Ipe naturally weathers to silvery gray over time; to maintain its original brown hue it is recommended treating with high quality wood preservative treatment products regularly.
Consider your climate when selecting wood for patio furniture. Humidity, hot sun exposure, rain and moisture all have different effects on wood. Teak may require more maintenance to remain free from rot and mildew while Ipe is much less susceptible.
Jensen Outdoor’s Ipe furniture collection is expertly crafted to offer relaxing lounging, effortless living and effortless entertaining. Constructed from FSC-Certified Ipe timber that stands the test of time and featuring classic aesthetics with cushion upholstered with marine grade Sunbrella fabric upholstery; the timeless collection promises years of enjoyment for you and your guests alike.
Like all woods, Ipe is vulnerable to water damage and staining from moisture exposure; however, its durability makes it easy to clean and preserve. Its rich chocolate-brown color quickly weathers into an elegant silver patina as time passes; yet at any point the finish can be restored back to its original luster with ease.
Clean your Ipe furniture using light detergent or soap and water, and be sure to rinse thoroughly and let the pieces air-dry completely before applying a wood protectant like Penofin’s Wood Shield to act as a barrier against food stains and moisture damage. With proper application, the Wood Shield should provide years of worry-free enjoyment from your Ipe furniture!
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus patio furniture is an economical alternative to teak wood patio sets, providing more of a natural aesthetic with greater strength and durability than its teak wood counterpart. Eucalyptus hardwood is known for its warm natural look as well as being moisture, rot and insect proof; additionally it’s FSC-certified!
Like its teak counterpart, eucalyptus requires annual maintenance to preserve its structure and ensure optimal condition. While less frequent than its teak counterpart, regular eucalyptus maintenance includes cleaning and oiling to prevent damage while keeping furniture looking new. Regular care for patio sets in direct or partial sunlight or near trees which drop dirt may require more attention than in protected settings.
Eucalyptus wood boasts beautiful hues ranging from pale yellow-brown to light reddish brown with fine, even grains, making it an aesthetically pleasing material for outdoor furniture. Available in modern or rustic finishes to meet any decorating theme.
Eucalyptus wood stands up well against moisture and water damage, making it an excellent choice for outdoor seating and dining. Lightweight yet stable material, it is durable enough to last up to 25 years before any repair work may need doing; furthermore its natural oils help repel bugs or pests away.
Teak wood may be more costly than its alternatives, but its long-term durability and beauty make it the best option. Teak has natural oils encased within its grains which protect it and allow it to age beautifully as the years go by. With such natural resistance against weathering, rot and insects it stands up well when used for patio furniture.
If you’re shopping for teak patio furniture, be sure to purchase products which have been responsibly harvested and sourced. Demand for teak often leads to illegal logging that damages the environment; by purchasing wood from companies with FSC certification you can rest easy knowing your furniture was made using environmentally responsible practices.
Acacia
Acacia wood (wattlewood) has long been valued for its dense construction and stunning beauty, known for centuries as an alternative to teak furniture in outdoor environments. Recognized for being less expensive and ranking higher on the Janka hardness scale than teak (though there are species with even higher Janka scores that may not be commonly used), acacia features natural oils in its pores that protect it against weather damage while helping prevent cracking or warping over time.
Acacia wood patio furniture has become increasingly popular for its durability and versatility. Water-resistant, it retains moisture well compared to many other varieties, and contains antimicrobial agents that inhibit mold growth. Furthermore, Acacia’s natural resistance against insects makes it particularly suitable for patio furniture use; plus it withstands conditions that would normally weaken or warp other varieties such as abrasions and extreme temperatures without warping.
Acacia furniture may be water-resistant, but not waterproof; therefore it’s wise to avoid standing liquids near any outdoor wood furniture. Long term exposure to moisture may result in fungal growth and swelling that decreases both its lifespan and value; if this is unacceptable for your purposes then oiling periodically can restore hydration for the wood, while showing off those beautiful grain patterns!
Be on the lookout for furniture made with dovetailed or mortise and tenon joints, which will hold up over time. Also avoid pieces made with glue or staples as these may disintegrate quickly in outdoor settings. Finally, it is advisable that all screws or nails used for assembly of this furniture be either stainless steel-covered or coated in protective varnish; otherwise rust will quickly degrade its aesthetic appeal as well as degrade wood over time.
When purchasing wood patio furniture, take your budget and desired look into account when making your selections. Do you prefer classic wooden finishes or more contemporary pieces? Will the furniture act as an accent piece in your backyard oasis, or be an essential component? These considerations will have an effect on which kind of wood you should select for your patio set.
