Wood Patio Furniture
When it comes to patio furniture the standard options are resin or plastic, aluminum or iron and of course wood and rattan or wicker outdoor garden furniture. The most popular, durable and at the same time most expensive of wood used in constructing wood patio furniture is undoubtedly teak, followed by Californian redwood with pressure-treated lumber at the bottom end of the spectrum.
Whether it’s folding wood patio furniture or fixed furniture there is something about the look and feel of genuine wood which simply cannot be matched by resin or aluminum patio furniture.
Redwood and teak are both used for outdoor wood patio furniture because they are naturally resistant to weather conditions and general decay. Redwood is softer than teak and requires more maintenance to keep it in good condition.
Wood patio furniture made from teak is of course top of the bill as teak is not only water and insect resistant it also holds up well against body oil, sea water or chlorine additives coming from the pool without needing chemical treatment. The most expensive wood patio furniture is therefore not surprisingly teak especially the high quality teak which does not show any knots or other defects.
Teak
Most durable and should last at least a decade or more making it eco-friendly
Low maintenance, no need to paint or stain the wood as it will naturally change to a silver gray color. Should you wish to maintain its original honey brown color then natural teak wood oil can be used.
Even over time if the color has already changed just some light sanding will help return the color to its natural look when you first bought it.
Teak is resistant to various types of weather and can withstand warping or corroding in a variety of climates. Teak wood does not stain easily and all it might need is a little protective varnish and soft cleaning products to keep it looking great and new.
Redwood
Though not as durable as teak, redwood possesses many of the same qualities such as being naturally weather-resistant without the need for chemical additives and being very durable. Redwood is also softer than teak and tends to easily fade in harsh sunlight as well as being easily scratched or dented as it is a soft wood.
Nevertheless, with proper care and sealing redwood can last you a long time. Be sure to use a sealer that contains pigment as clear sealers allow the UV rays to penetrate the wood which will affect its durability.
Cedar wood is another hardwood used for wood patio furniture and grows in the United States unlike teak which is mostly grown in Southeast Asia. Cedar is therefore a very good alternative to teak if you want to use durable and weather-resistant wood patio furniture.
