Pine
Of the three main woods used for outdoor furniture, pine is the most plentiful and least expensive of all. Pine is the most popular wood for construction and is probably the wood that is holding your house together! When treated can stand up to years of exposure to the elements without rotting, twisting, and warping. Additionally, it is the most environmentally sound wood as much of it comes from tree plantations instead of old growth forests.

For those who desire a classic wooden furniture ensemble without the high cost of cedar or teak, pine is a great choice. If you are using the furniture on an outdoor deck, there is a good chance that the deck itself is made from pine too. The only real drawback to using pine is its vulnerability to rot. However, by applying a liberal weatherproofing coat to the exterior, you should be able to enjoy your pin furniture for years to come.

Cedar
Cedar is perhaps the most distinctive of American hardwoods due to its deep red color (in western red cedar) and its appealing fragrance. While these two qualities make cedar aesthetically appealing, it is cedar’s natural resistance to rot and insects that make it such a popular choice for furniture. In fact, many dressers and linen closets are lined with cedar for the very purpose of keeping bugs away.

Outdoor furniture makers have long exploited the qualities of cedar to make fine furniture that can stand up to the elements and last for generations. Unlike pine, you will never need to chemically treat cedar to weatherproof it as its natural oils work well on their own. However, the color will change over time into a pleasing silvery gray. For those that love the distinct fragrance of cedar and appreciate its other qualities, cedar may be the right wood for your outdoor furniture ensemble.

Teak
Of all the woods used in furniture making, teak has perhaps the richest and longest history. Since ancient times, furniture makers have recognized the distinct benefits of teak such as its natural resistance to decay, its strong structural properties, its exotic aroma, and it ability to prevent rust and corrosion in the metals in which it contacts. This property in particular made teak invaluable to ship builders.

Today, teak is considered a luxury wood as it is a bit expensive relative to other hardwoods. However, for many people the expense is worth it as teak will seemingly last forever. In fact, some park benches in England made of teak are upwards of one-hundred years old and still as strong as ever!

Teak is also a great wood to use with metallic elements to produce distinctive and attractive patio furniture. Many fine furniture makers combine teak furniture with steel or aluminum accents to give the pieces an eye-catching flair. If you are interested in only the very best for your outdoor furniture, teak is definitely the right choice.