Cedar is an excellent material for outdoor furniture due to its natural properties, including being naturally resistant to rot and having anti-fungal qualities.
Pine, in contrast, tends to rot more easily than cedar and can be difficult to work with when building furniture yourself. Furthermore, pine tends to splinter more readily.
Durability
Cedar is an extremely durable wood, highly resistant to the elements and featuring natural oils which help preserve and protect it against fungus, insects and other forms of damage – making it perfect for outdoor furniture use. Cedar can either be left natural or treated with stain, sealant, or paint; plus its low maintenance requirements make it an excellent option.
Cedar is an excellent material to choose for patio furniture due to its strength and ability to withstand weighty objects and people laying upon it, while also resisting wind force without blowing over or away from your home.
Cedar patio furniture is popular because of its beauty and blend with its surroundings seamlessly. Its soft yet light appearance adds warmth and welcome to any backyard, while its natural grain pattern adds even further beauty. Color options range from yellowish or reddish shades up to brownish ones; over time the wood will darken naturally over time which makes for an appealing natural aesthetic.
Teak and eucalyptus woods can also be used for outdoor furniture, which has become very popular due to its longevity and resistance against weather elements; however, it may be more costly than cedar. Eucalyptus provides a cost-effective alternative that lasts as long with proper care than teak.
Pine makes an excellent alternative to cedar for outdoor furniture due to its natural resistance to weathering and pest infestation. However, pine does not naturally repel rot and pest infestation like cedar does, thus necessitating pressure treatment in order to strengthen and extend its durability.
Weather Resistance
Weather resistance should always be an essential consideration when purchasing wood furniture for outdoor use, whether in sunny climates or humid ones. Your patio furniture must withstand frequent exposure to rain, sunshine, temperature fluctuations and sudden changes as it must withstand frequent exposure to rain, sunshine, temperature variations. Some natural wood species are more resilient than others while some require protective coating or finishes in order to ward off decay and damage before it sets in.
Cedar wood naturally resists rot and decay thanks to its natural oils, which also repel insects that would otherwise invade your backyard furniture. As such, cedar patio furniture is less vulnerable to wear-and-tear than its pine or oak counterparts that do not hold up as well against moisture changes and climate shifts.
Teak and Ipe woods are among the most durable natural wood options, boasting exceptional strength and resilience to weathering and maintenance needs alike. Both species make ideal choices for outdoor patio furniture; however, teak tends to be more costly than its natural wood counterparts.
Poly lumber offers an affordable choice that’s resistant to all sorts of weather, as well as offering multiple colors and designs that fit seamlessly with backyard decor. Poly lumber is much lighter in weight than natural wood products, making it easier to move or rearrange furniture with it. Plus, poly lumber requires much less regular maintenance – no painting or sealing necessary like other wood products do! However, you should remember that poly lumber isn’t as strong and durable as real wood furniture and may be more susceptible to denting and scratches than its real wood counterpart. Furthermore, poly lumber furniture might not withstand as much weight or pressure compared to its real wood counterpart if too much weight has been placed upon its frame; therefore it would be wiser to select pieces which weigh under their maximum recommended capacity for safe use.
Cleanliness
Many patio furniture pieces stay outdoors year round, which means it becomes grimy over time. No matter if it is made of plastic, wicker or natural wood such as teak, cedar or pine; all outdoor furniture must be regularly cleaned so as to prevent mold, mildew and other fungal growths from damaging it further. Luckily, cleaning patio furniture is simple if done on a regular basis; your furniture will continue to look brand new throughout summer!
Before beginning cleaning, always refer to any care instructions on the tag or manufacturer website for specific guidelines on how best to care for it. If there are none, begin by sweeping away any caked-on dirt and dust. Next, mix 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid such as Blue Dawn in 1 gallon of water to create a solution and scrub away dirt, grime or mildew along grain lines and specific spots where there may be dirt build-up; be sure to rinse thoroughly using your garden hose before the cleaner dries completely before cleaning begins!
If your wood furniture comes pre-sealed from its manufacturer, reapply a coat of sealant every year or two to protect the pores from dirt, fungus, and other contaminants, prolonging its life while preventing warping or rotting. Look for sealants with UV-protectant chemicals in order to maintain its natural tone without fading over time.
Owing to its high pressure capabilities, power washing may be suitable for some plastic and PVC furniture; however, its use should be avoided on teak wood furniture or woven wicker weavings due to scarring or damage that might result. Furthermore, the high pressure can potentially tear apart weaves that have become fragile with age.
Cedar is an ideal material for outdoor furniture due to its ability to withstand weather elements, but to preserve its look it must be regularly treated with wood cleaner and refinished with protective stain or oil as per manufacturer recommendations. Rust may appear over time on wooden pieces if left uncovered for too long; in such instances use coarse-grit sandpaper or wire brush to remove it and return your furniture to looking like new!
Aesthetics
Although durability should always be your top priority when choosing patio furniture, consumers also prioritize aesthetic and design when making their decision. Wood is a timeless material for outdoor furnishings thanks to its natural beauty and rustic charm; some people may prefer teak while others favor cedar due to its beautiful combination of red and tan hues. For something different that will stand out, synthetic options like recycled plastics or marine-grade polymers may be more striking; but if you like wood’s classic charm then cedar should be your material of choice if not then cedar should be your material of choice!
Treating your cedar furniture properly will have a dramatic effect on its aesthetics. There is an assortment of oils, sealers, clear finishes and varnishes available that can protect it from moisture damage and mildew growth, from penetrating oils like Danish oil or linseed oil to high protection urethanes and varnishes that provide high durability protection – each product offers its own set of advantages and drawbacks that must be evaluated against both your furniture’s needs and climate before making your decision.
Oils like General Finishes Outdoor Wood Oil penetrate deep into wood grains to showcase their beautiful colors while offering moisture protection – ideal for cedar wood that will be exposed to consistent humidity levels. Other finishes like stain or paints may be used to further enhance the appearance of your wooden furniture, although more frequent upkeep and maintenance may be necessary as they’re susceptible to mold, mildew and fungus growth.
Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane provides protection from water and sun exposure, and features UV blockers to minimize fading on wooden surfaces while creating an appealing matte finish that won’t yellow over time. Zar Exterior Water-Based Polyurethane can also help preserve cedar patio furniture’s natural aesthetic while providing adequate protection.
Decorating outdoor cedar furniture is truly limitless. For a more neutral appearance, pair its natural hues with bronze table accents and simple chairs in basic designs. If you have more of an adventurous personality, create an arrangement of different vases in different sizes with vibrant flowers or plants in them to make your patio lively and welcoming while letting the cedar’s natural colors come through.