In years past, wood was the material of choice for outdoor furniture. Wooden picnic benches, chairs and tables were built to withstand any weather and heavy use. Although synthetic materials such as resin wicker now comprise a large portion of the patio furniture market, it would be a mistake to dismiss wood as a thing of the past. Wood outdoor patio furniture is a great addition to your home and has advantages that you won’t find in other furniture materials.

There are a number of different woods that can be used to make outdoor furniture. These range from familiar hardwoods such as cedar and oak to exotic species such as teak and eucalyptus. In this article we will review two of the most popular wood furniture types and their advantages: cedar and teak.

Cedar

When it comes to wood made for the outdoors, cedar holds a place of honor. Often used as a siding material, it is able to withstand rain, snow and wind. As outdoor furniture you can be assured that cedar will not sag or bow after extended use. While some plastic and wicker furniture will warp if used while wet, this is not a concern with cedar furniture.

In addition, cedar will last 25-30 years even if untreated. However, be aware that untreated cedar will naturally turn to a silver gray color if left outside untreated. Many homeowners opt to paint or stain the wood to maintain its rich brown coloring.

Other advantages to cedar include:

• Lightweight

• Beautiful cedar smell

• Lack of pitch or sap

• Rot-resistant

• Natural look

Teak

Teak is an exotic hardwood that has become increasingly popular in wood outdoor patio furniture. It generally comes from India, Malaysia or Thailand and is known for its strength and durability.

Not only is it a strong wood, teak is also waterproof. It does not rot, even when attached to metal parts. Teak furniture can give you years of enjoyment with only minimal care and maintenance. However, as with cedar, teak will naturally turn a silver gray color if not stained or treated.

Other advantages of teak include:

• Classic appearance

• Environmentally friendly material

• Not prone to splitting

• Weather resistant year-round

• Luxury appeal

Wood furnishings come in a variety of shapes and styles for the outdoors including benches, chairs, tables and chaise lounges. With its natural beauty, wood is a perfect complement for the backyard. Regardless of your landscaping, wood often fits in seamlessly to become a beautiful part of your surroundings.

To get the best value, shop for your furniture near the end of the season when items are deeply discounted. However, be sure that you have a place to store your patio pieces for the winter. Even though wood is weather resistant, you will want to purchase a high quality cover if you intend to leave your wood outdoor patio furniture outside year-round.

Once you have selected and purchased the furniture that is right your home, take it home and enjoy all it has to offer for many long years to come. Wood furniture is your ticket to a beautiful and relaxing backyard oasis with years of enjoyment.