A garden bench adds the perfect finishing touch to a landscaped yard. At the end of a meandering path or under a favorite tree, a comfortable bench provides a place to sit and contemplate nature.

    While garden benches and other outdoor furniture can be made from a range of materials, it’s hard to beat natural wood for warmth and beauty. When using wood for your outside furniture, it’s important to choose a type that’s durable and weather-resistant.

    So, which wood should you choose for a garden bench or other outdoor furniture? Here’s a look at some of the most durable and attractive natural woods available that will suit your outdoor furniture needs.


    Acacia

    Acacia makes an excellent choice for eco-friendly outdoor furniture. Acacia trees grow abundantly in many parts of the world.

    The dense, durable hardwood can withstand the rigors of the outdoor elements — in fact, acacia is often used in boat building due to its weather resistance.

    Rich, golden brown acacia wood looks beautiful when left unfinished. However, sealing acacia wood helps enhance and preserve it. If keeping your acacia garden bench directly on damp ground, we recommend applying a weatherproofing sealant to prevent discoloration over time.

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    Cedar

    Both western red cedar and northern white cedar are naturally rot-resistant woods. The natural resins in cedar repel insects, mold, and mildew, making cedar ideal for outdoor furniture that sits directly on the ground.

    Cedar is also a relatively soft, lightweight wood. This makes your cedar furniture easy to move and rearrange. It readily accepts paints and stains, allowing you to customize the look. An annual cleaning and reapplication of a protective sealant helps maintain cedar’s appearance.

    When left unfinished, cedar ages to a stately silvery-gray hue. The wood’s moisture retentiveness helps minimize cracking, but cedar will dent and scratch more easily than harder woods.

    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    Cedar should be stored under cover during rainy periods if possible to help maximize longevity. Keeping cedar furniture out of the elements whenever feasible will extend its life.


    Teak

    Teak is one of the most durable and weather-resistant woods used in outdoor furniture. Its high oil content helps repel moisture, preventing warping, cracking, and rot. Teak’s density and hardness also make it resistant to dents, scratches, and other damage.

    Unfinished teak will develop a silvery-gray patina after prolonged outdoor exposure. Maintaining the teak’s original golden brown color requires occasional maintenance. Teak is also relatively expensive, so teak furniture tends to cost more than furniture made of other woods.

    Because of its natural oils, teak can withstand years of outdoor exposure if properly maintained. Opting for high-quality teak means your outdoor furniture can last for decades with the right care.


    Ipe

    Ipe, also known as Brazilian walnut, has gained popularity for its exceptional durability. Ipe contains oils that naturally protect against rot, pests, and weather damage. Its density makes it highly scratch-resistant as well.

    Unfinished ipe develops a patina ranging from grayish brown to silver-gray when exposed to the elements over time. Ipe requires no routine maintenance aside from the occasional cleaning to perform well outdoors.

    Due to ipe’s extreme hardness, it can be difficult to cut and work using standard woodworking tools. Availability may also be limited. If choosing ipe, be aware that it is an exotic imported wood with potential sustainability concerns. Consider environmental impact when opting for ipe over domestically sourced woods.


    So, Is Investing in Durable Wood for Outdoor Furniture Worth It?

    When selecting wood for outdoor furniture, consider the climate and placement. Woods like teak, ipe, and cypress have natural oils that help them withstand moisture and pests. Softwoods like cedar and redwood resist rot but dent more easily than hardwoods.

    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    If aiming for a certain look, keep in mind how the bare wood weathers over time, or choose a paintable wood like cedar or pine if you wish to customize the finish. Combining a naturally durable wood with proper care and maintenance is key to enjoying attractive outdoor furniture that lasts.

    Opting for weather-resistant woods minimizes upkeep while extending the life of your outdoor furniture for years of enjoyment. Take the time to select the ideal wood for your climate, budget, and taste.


    FAQs About Choosing Wood for Outdoor Furniture

    What is the most weather-resistant wood for outdoor furniture?

    Teak is widely regarded as the most durable and weather-resistant wood for outdoor use. Its high oil content helps repel moisture while the dense grains resist dents, scratches, and damage from the elements. Other exceptionally durable woods include ipe, cypress, and cedar.


    How long does teak furniture last outside?

    With proper care and maintenance, teak furniture can easily last 50 years or longer when kept outdoors. Even if left unfinished, high-quality teak may last up to 25 years before replacement is needed — the look will weather over time.


    Do you need to seal outdoor furniture?

    Sealing outdoor wood furniture is recommended for optimal durability. Sealants protect the wood from moisture, sun damage, staining, and pests. They also help lock in stains and finishes. Teak, cypress, cedar, and other naturally rot-resistant woods still benefit from occasional sealing for enhanced longevity.


    Does cedar or teak make better outdoor furniture?

    Teak is more durable than cedar overall. However, cedar is lighter in weight, less expensive, and more readily available than teak. Cedar resists rot, repels insects, and weathers to an attractive silvery gray hue when left unfinished. For a lower maintenance option, cedar can be a better choice than teak for some budgets and needs.


    What is the least expensive outdoor wood?

    Pine lumber provides one of the most affordable options for outdoor wood furniture. Despite being a softwood, exterior-grade pine is pressure-treated to resist rot and insect damage. Pine accepts stains and paints well. Fir and cedar offer slightly higher quality than pine but are also budget-friendly woods for outdoor use.


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    Lauren Greene

    Staff Writer

    Lauren Greene is a passionate storyteller with over 4 years of experience writing and editing. She attributes her expertise from working at local magazines, newspapers, and corporate marketing and communications teams. She has worked on content with topics ranging from plant care, home decor, and home improvement. Lauren resides in Raleigh with her adorable Shih Tzu. You can catch Lauren attending to her plants, spending time with her puppy, enjoying the greenway, or lifting weights at the gym when she’s not writing or researching the latest home improvement topics.

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    Lee Ann Merrill

    Chicago-based Lee Ann Merrill has decades of experience writing and editing across a wide range of technical and scientific subjects. Her love of DIY, gardening, and making led her to the realm of creating and honing quality content for homeowners. When she's not working on her craft, you can find her exploring her city by bike and plotting international adventures.

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