Choosing and Caring for Outdoor Wood Furniture

Author: Thomas Easterday

Why should you use wood furniture outdoors? To some people this is not even a question! The right question would be, “Why wouldn’t you use wood furniture outdoors?” There is a wide variety of materials that are made to be used outdoors, including plastic, metal, wicker and other synthetic materials. With all of the other options for outdoor furniture, the reasons of why one should use wood should be carefully examined before you buy furniture for your outdoor oasis.

Wood is meant to be outdoors. Trees grow in the great outdoors, so it makes sense that furniture made from trees should be kept outdoors. It is no wonder that wood furniture, when treated and cared for properly, can last outdoors for years. The type of wood you pick of will determine just how well the wood weathers over time.

Although wood does weather over time, you can protect your outdoor wood furniture by carefully taking care of it every season. Paint and stain are good ways of protecting your wood furniture from the sun because they add an additional layer of defense to the wood. Water-repellant stains are also important to add to your outdoor furniture to protect it from water damage, which causes the wood to rot and crack. When using either paint or stain, you want to have a durable blend so that it dries fast and completely, and does not rub off on people sitting down on the furniture.

Another way to protect your wood and make it last for years to come is to buy special kinds of wood. Treated wood is one such option, as it is resistant to rotting from the elements. But one of the issues with treated wood is that it often comes green, and can more easily warp than regular wood.

Teak furniture is a popular choice for outdoor furniture. Teak wood is an extremely dense hardwood is often praised for its durability. It also has natural oils that protect it from the elements, even when left untreated. Often grown in Indonesia, Teak is very resistant to attacks by termites and other insects because the high oil content makes it water repellent.

Chinese Oak is a dense hardwood with a very fine grain. It is a naturally light wood and sometimes has a pinkish tint. The tannic acid in Chinese Oak makes it ideal for use in outdoor furniture because it is naturally resistant to attacks by fungi and insects.

Cedar, especially Western Red Cedar is a very popular choice for outdoor furniture because of its beautiful color and finish. Often grown in Canada, Western Red Cedar is also naturally resistant to decay and insect damage when exposed to rain, sun, heat, or cold all year. When properly treated, Red Cedar furniture may last for decades in the harshest of environments.

A final way to protect your outdoor wood furniture and maintain it for the long haul is to simply put a roof over it. Whether it is an awning on your deck, a covered roof for your sunroom or your garage during the winter, a roof can go a long way to help you keep the sun, rain and wind off of your wood furniture and protect it for years to come.

Thomas Easterday is the Director of Marketing for The Cedar Station. The Cedar Station carries a complete line of Outdoor Furniture for your enjoyment. For more information about The Cedar Station please visit http://www.thecedarstation.com .