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Wooden Outdoor Furniture
With outdoor living becoming ever more popular, thoughts turn to the best type of outdoor furniture to use. Wooden outdoor furniture is a popular, classic option that lasts for years and comes in a huge range of styles. We’ve put together everything that you need to know.
Types of Wood
One of the best things about using wooden outdoor furniture in your backyard is the variety of woods that you have to choose from. The choice is practically limitless, but here are some of the more common types of wood used:
- Redwood – is a straight-grained timber that has a reddish tinge to it. It is resistant to termites and rot, and when treated properly, it can last upward of 25 years.
- Cedar – is a softwood that is light in colour and naturally free of splinters. It weathers well, and resists insects, mould, mildew, and decay. It can last 25 years with proper care.
- Teak – is perhaps the most prestigious of all of the outdoor furniture woods as it is a hardwood that is highly resistant to rot and decay, and can last over 50 years, even if left in the weather all year round.
- Jarrah – is a reddish or pinkish toned wood that is dense, durable, and can stand up well to the weather.
- Shorea – is stronger and heavier than teak but because it is more readily available, it is lower in price. It can last up to 50 years.
- Roble – is a relatively lightweight hardwood that lasts up to 25 years.
- Eucalyptus – is resistant to rot and looks fantastic. It will also last decades if cared for properly.
- Pine – is an affordable softwood that is yellow in colour with brown knots. If pressure-treated, pine will last for 20 years but untreated pine has a low resistance to rot. It needs to be stored indoors during the winter.
Caring for Wooden Outdoor Furniture
Wooden outdoor furniture looks fantastic, but it needs to be cared for to ensure that it keeps its appearance. When it is not being used, it is prudent to store it indoors or to keep it covered, especially in the colder winter months. This is because exposing the wood to the sun and the weather causes the wood to expand and contract with the differences in temperature and humidity. If the wood is exposed to too much sun, checks and cracks may occur in the horizontal surfaces.
If you need to wash your deck or patio, move the wooden outdoor furniture first, as its exposure to water should be minimised. Remove the furniture from any standing water and allow it to dry completely. If the furniture is in direct contact with soil at all, it will decay and the wood picks up moisture from the ground. Leaving your furniture in contact with soil will also increase its risk of exposure to termites and other pests that may damage the wood.
When it comes to cleaning the furniture, it is best to follow the recommendations of the manufacturer. Some finishes will require reapplication at regular intervals to ensure that the wood remains sealed and protected from the weather. A simple cleaning method that can be used on most types of wooden outdoor furniture is to mix one tablespoon of bleach and five tablespoons of a gentle dishwashing liquid in a large bucket of water, and gently scrub the furniture with a soft bristle brush. Rinse the furniture thoroughly and allow it to dry completely in the sun.
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