Best Timber for Outdoor Furniture: A Complete Guide

Published on Dec 16, 2024 Updated on Dec 16, 2024REMARKABLE PICKS by Aedán Lawlor

If you’re searching for the best timber for outdoor furniture, you might find yourself overwhelmed with the sheer amount of information out there, after all, it’s a complicated topic – but that’s what we are here to help with. We’ll cover all the different elements that you need to be aware of when it comes to selecting timber, looking at different timber types, the strengths and weaknesses that they offer, and other key factors that need to be considered before you purchase timber outdoor furniture, such as durability, weather resistance, and maintenance tips.

Armed with this information, you’ll be much better able to select the right timber for your outdoor needs. This article aims to help you enhance your outdoor spaces and extend the lifespan of the products you choose! Whether it's wood for bench seats or choosing the right timber for outdoor table pieces, you'll have all of the information you need to make an informed purchase.

Quick Recommendation

For those looking for a quick answer; we recommend teak as our top pick for the best timber for outdoor furniture.

This is because it is unmatched in terms of durability, weather resistance, and sustainability. However, there’s a lot more to it than that, so keep reading to learn more about what makes it so useful. You can also discover our range of teak outdoor furniture here. Remarkable Outdoor Living uses FSC recycled teak as part of our commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly principles. This means our teak furniture is made exclusively using recycled materials, conserving important forest resources and reducing the need for further tree harvesting. We’re confident that teak is the best material for sustainable outdoor furniture, and we’re excited to show you why!

Why Use Timber For Outdoor Furniture

Wooden furniture not only looks and feels great but also provides practical benefits that set it apart from synthetic materials like plastic. Its inherent strength ensures durability and resistance to failure, making it reliable and capable of bearing significant loads. Additionally, wooden furniture is an excellent choice for eco-conscious buyers, as many pieces are crafted from recycled or sustainably sourced materials, helping to reduce environmental impact and support responsible forestry practices.

Strength & Durability	Timber furniture is built to last, offering excellent resistance to wear and tear. High-quality timber, like teak, withstands the elements and maintains its integrity for years, making it ideal for outdoor use.
Versatility	Timber furniture is highly adaptable, allowing you to customise your outdoor space for various functions and aesthetics. From casual dining to relaxing lounges, wooden pieces seamlessly complement different styles and purposes.
Timeless Style	Wooden furniture exudes a classic charm that never goes out of style. Its natural textures and rich tones add warmth and sophistication to any outdoor setting, making it a long-term investment in aesthetics.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly	Timber is one of the most environmentally friendly materials, particularly when sourced sustainably or crafted from recycled wood. Choosing timber furniture supports responsible forestry practices and reduces environmental impact.

Key Considerations For Selecting Outdoor Furniture

There are lots of factors that should be taken into consideration when you’re choosing the best wood for outdoor furniture, but the most crucial are natural resistance and location. Let’s break these down!

Natural Resistance

‘Natural resistance’ refers to a wood’s inherent ability to endure environmental challenges such as moisture, pests, and decay without needing constant upkeep. This quality is essential for outdoor furniture, especially in regions with harsh or unpredictable weather.

High-resistance woods are particularly suited for outdoor use, as they withstand rotting, weathering, and insect damage far better than others. Choosing such materials reduces the reliance on chemical treatments or sealants, making them a more eco-friendly option. Additionally, naturally durable woods can handle sun exposure, rain, and humidity with ease, ensuring fewer maintenance issues and extending the furniture’s lifespan.

Opting for wood with strong natural resistance not only lowers upkeep but also saves money in the long run by minimizing repairs or replacements. Curious about which woods stand out for their natural durability? Keep reading to find out!

Location

It's crucial to account for the location and specific climate conditions your furniture will be exposed to.

If you live in a region with high humidity or frequent rain, such as parts of the East Coast in Australia, you’ll want to choose wood that can handle moisture without warping, swelling, or growing mildew. Wood with natural moisture resistance is key in these areas. Areas with strong sunlight, like Western Australia or the northern parts of the country, will require wood that can endure prolonged sun exposure without drying out, cracking, or fading. It’s essential to consider how the timber will react to UV rays, as this can impact both its durability and appearance.

No matter where you live, considering how the local climate may impact your furniture is crucial for selecting the right type of wood and ensuring it remains durable with minimal maintenance.

The Difference Between Hardwood & Softwood

There are two main types of wood: hardwood and softwood. It’s critical to recognize the differences between the two, because both have drawbacks and advantages that will affect how your furniture lasts. Let’s break them down quickly.

Hardwood

Heavier and more durable, hardwood is a popular choice for furniture because it resists damage and will last well outdoors. Teak in particular has superb weather-resistance, which is why it’s our top pick in the hardwood section. Many hardwoods are darker hues, although not all. Hardwood does tend to be more expensive, but it lasts much better than softwood. It tends to be the best timber for outdoor furniture.

Softwood

Softwood is significantly lighter than hardwood, which makes it easier to work with and move around. However, this lightweight nature comes at a cost to durability. As the name suggests, softwood is more susceptible to dents and marks and may not withstand heavy use as effectively as hardwood. Despite these drawbacks, softwood remains popular in construction, with pine commonly used for framing, sheathing, and flooring due to its availability, affordability, and versatility. It’s also the kind of wood you’ll often find in most lumber at home improvement stores.

For those who frequently rearrange their outdoor furniture, softwood can be an ideal choice. Its lightweight nature makes it easy to move, making it perfect for avid entertainers who like to reconfigure their space. However, while softwoods are practical in many ways, they generally aren’t the best choice for outdoor furniture due to their lower resistance to the elements.

Final Verdict: The 3 Best Timbers for Outdoor Furniture

So, with all that in mind, certain types of wood are better suited than others for outdoor furniture. The best options strike a unique balance between durability, sustainability, and beauty. By selecting carefully, you can enjoy furniture that offers lasting quality and aesthetic appeal, even in challenging climates with heavy rainfall or intense sunlight.

Our top picks for the best timber for outdoor furniture are teak, ipe, and merbau.

#1 Teak

Teak is used in various industries, including outdoor furniture manufacturing, where it’s commonly found in dining tables, coffee tables, chair and table legs, benches, and more.

It has a warm colour, usually appearing golden brown, and darkens somewhat as it ages. The grain tends to be straight and it’s often considered the absolute best wood for avoiding decay. Additionally, it’s resistant to termites and lasts very long.

We love teak so much that it’s our go-to choice for our products. You can explore our teak outdoor furniture here. If you'd like to learn more about teak and its benefits, check out these additional resources here and here. It’s truly what we consider the best timber for outdoor use!

#2 Ipe

Ipe also offers excellent durability and a lovely appearance. Its colours can range from reddish brown to dark blackish brown or even a pleasant yellow-olive. Its hard-wearing nature and attractive colouring are what make it our second pick, and it’s often used for flooring, decking, exterior lumber, veneer, tool handles, and other turned objects.

It has good insect resistance and is very durable, and its weathering characteristics are superb, making it ideal for use in Australia’s harsh climate. However, it is more difficult to work with than teak.

#3 Merbau

Finally, our third pick is merbau, again thanks to its superb durability and appearance. Its colour begins as a warm orange-brown and it gradually darkens as it ages. Although it’s more porous than some hardwoods, it has excellent resistance to both weather damage and insect attacks, making it ideal for outdoor furniture in Australia. Some common uses include flooring, decking, exterior lumber, veneer, tool handles, and other turned objects. It’s also easy to work with, making it a great pick.

Our Top Timber Product Recommendations

So, now you know, teak is the best wood for outdoor furniture in our opinion. It’s now time to look at some product recommendations for your outdoor space!

Milano Outdoor Teak and Rope Balcony Setting

Our Milano Outdoor Teak and Rope Balcony Setting makes use of teak and easy-care fabric to provide seating that is comfortable, hard-wearing, and very stylish. You can fully relax on your balcony or patio, putting your feet up and enjoying the comfort of the footrest and supportive arms.

It will last well even if it is exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods, meaning you will get plenty of use from it, and the attractive, neutral colours mean that it pairs perfectly with every space.

Rossland Outdoor Wicker Armchair in White

If you’re looking for chic, look no further than the Rossland Outdoor Wicker Armchair in White. With a stylish teak structure, it will last extremely well even in outdoor conditions, and the warmth of the wood adds a wonderful note to the neutral tones of the fabric. The frame reinforced with aluminium will hold up for many years of use.

With removable cushions, it’s also super practical; you can take the cushions indoors when the weather is bad, keeping them in perfect condition. They’re still hard-wearing and easy to care for, though, making this a lasting product for almost any outdoor setting.

Armenia Outdoor Wicker Dining Chair in Charcoal

For practical outdoor seating, you could try out our Armenia Outdoor Wicker Dining Chair in Charcoal. Compact enough for small spaces, its stylish teak legs give this chair a very elegant look. It has a wicker frame that will last well, and again, the cushion is removable and made from easy-care fabric. This is ideal for creating seating around an outdoor table.

Polly Outdoor Recycled Teak Bench 135 in Natural

"Polly Outdoor Recycled Teak Bench 135 cm in Natural"

Wholly teak, the Polly Outdoor Recycled Teak Bench meets all your needs for durability and beauty. It comes in 4 different sizes, making it suitable for almost any outdoor space, and it makes use of repurposed wood for character and eco-friendliness. Understated and organic, you can pair this with any other furniture and it will look beautiful.

Valley Outdoor Recycled Teak Dining Table 300 in Natural

"Valley Outdoor Recycled Teak Dining Table 300 cm in Natural"

Last but not least, the Valley Outdoor Recycled Teak Dining Bench is truly ideal for large gatherings in a big outdoor space. 3 metres long, it’s perfect for al fresco dining, and being fully made of recycled teak, it’s enormously durable and hard-wearing, as well as beautifully natural.

How To Protect Your Timber Outdoor Furniture

In addition to choosing the right wood, proper care and maintenance are essential for extending the lifespan of your outdoor wooden furniture.

To ensure your timber furniture stays in great condition for years, be sure to check out our articles on effective care techniques and maintenance tips tailored specifically for timber furniture. Here are some helpful resources:

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