Wood patio furniture remains a popular choice among customers, offering tremendous value with the organic beauty and structural integrity of the natural material. This popular outdoor material is a classic option for outdoor furniture and can be easily incorporated into any aesthetic, from clean-lined and modern, to warm and rustic. Other outdoor materials such as recycled plastic and different metal types cannot match the warmth and beauty of natural wood. Outdoor wooden patio furniture can refer to a variety of different woods that bring specific value to outdoor furniture and outdoor spaces.
Outdoor wooden furniture is typically constructed from a range of different woods including cedar, acacia, cypress, redwood, and teak (among others), which are especially treated for outdoor use. Because wood is a naturally biodegradable material, certain wood types are more appropriate for outdoor use. It is important to select a weather-resistant wood that is durable and specially treated for outdoor wear. Cedar, acacia, cypress, redwood, and teak are durable types of wood that will withstand the destructive effects of weather elements and continual outdoor exposure. These dense wood types are ideal in outdoor spaces because they are hardy, durable, and display a stable character that will not shrink or warp when exposed to moisture and humidity. These woods are also naturally resistant to insects and rot.
Weather-resistant woods (as well as woods that are finished and treated for outdoor use) require minimal maintenance to keep them looking beautiful and protected over the years. Look for these high-quality materials and finishes in your wooden outdoor furniture so that it will endure season after season. Untreated, weak woods will display signs of deterioration. Low-quality wood can affect the structural integrity of outdoor furniture and may require replacement after only a few short months.
Another factor to consider when choosing wood patio furniture is the construction quality. Some low-quality outdoor wood furniture are made with glues and finishes that are intended only for indoor use. When these wood furniture sets are placed outdoors and exposed to outdoor elements including fluctuating temperatures and moisture levels, the glue and joints can degrade and loosen with time. For outstanding performance, look for sturdy construction with joints and joinery in your wood patio furniture to ensure top-notch quality.
Wooden patio furniture, however, can benefit from a little tender love and care to truly last for years to come. Unfinished woods that are not treated for outdoor exposure, such as untreated teak, will oxidize and develop a silver gray patina when exposed to the outdoor air. These pieces need just a careful sanding with fine grit sandpaper to even out the grain that may have been raised by exposure to rain or snow over the months. If your wood furniture has an oil finish (teaks furniture is usually treated and sealed with oil) then a light sanding and another coat of oil will take you through a full cycle of the seasons.
