Whether you choose pieces entirely constructed from wood or take a mixed-material approach, wood works beautifully with every style to provide a natural, organic feel to any outdoor space.
Whether you choose pieces entirely constructed from wood or take a mixed-material approach, wood works beautifully with every style to provide a natural, organic feel to any outdoor space.
Design by Bodine White | Photography by Emily Sewell | SHOP THE LOOK: Sonora Outdoor Dining Table
The Best Wood for Outdoor Furniture
In combination with aesthetics, itβs important to keep the type of wood in mind when choosing wooden outdoor furniture pieces for your porch, patio, deck, or poolside area. Each type offers a certain level of style and care, so you want to be sure those qualities align with your taste and lifestyle before committing.
Design by Calimia Home | Photography by Jennifer Hughes
Teak
Teak is the most highly recommended material for wooden outdoor furniture among designers, not only due to its resilience in any season but also because of its style and soft, grained finish.
Design by Bodine White | Photography by Emily Sewell | SHOP THE LOOK: Dimitri Outdoor Double Daybed
This miraculous material produces its own oils, making it unique in comparison to other types of natural woods. Teak also requires little to no maintenance, which is a plus β just a recommended annual cleaning to keep it in tip-top condition!
Design by Patrick J. Murphy Builders, Inc.
Rattan
Rattanβs lightweight, flexible, and durable qualities, along with its aesthetic appeal, make it an ideal material for wooden outdoor furniture.
Design by Three Birds Renovation
Considered a reed-like wood and often confused with wicker (a specific weaving technique using woven fibers or synthetic resins) rattan is a strong and fibrous plant, much like bamboo. This material is often combined with the wicker weaving method, so this is what makes them easy to get mixed up.
Image via Homes to Love
Cane
Cane adds an undeniable essence of tropical warmth. Made from the stems of the rattan plant, this type of wood is a long-lasting material perfectly suited for outdoor furniture and has an immense ability to resist any climate change. Cane is also water-resistant and rustproof.
Design by Bunsa Studio | Photography by Matthew Williams
Eucalyptus
The high oil content in eucalyptus allows this type of wood to stand up easily to moisture in addition to resisting water, rotting, and decay. Eucalyptus, if properly cared for, is a great alternative to teak with the added advantage of being less expensive.
Design by Salt Design Co. | Photographed by Raquel Langworthy
Cypress
Despite Cypress being a softer wood, itβs still a great option for wooden outdoor furniture. Because it's a light wood with a gorgeous grain, cypress makes for a great visual impact. Cypress weathers a silver-grey color over time if left unfinished, similar to cedar, and has enough oil content to resist water and rotting.
Redwood
Redwood is commonly used in outdoor furniture due to its natural insect and moisture-resistant qualities. This extravagant wood choice is structured with little pitch and resin, creating a stunning finish.
Design by Studio Schicketanz | Photographed by Joe Fletcher
Acacia
Acacia is a thick, strong hardwood with high oil content. This rich and reddish-brown wood is a popular pick for outdoor furniture for its natural water resistance and durability, and given acacia is very abundant, itβs also one of the more affordable options for wooden outdoor furniture.
Design by Blesser House
Cedar
Cedar is durable as well as naturally resistant to rot, insects, and warping, and it presents a rich red color to add warmth to your outdoor space. Cedar may not last as long as teak, but it can still last a couple of decades if cared for properly.
Design by Emily Henderson | Photography by Sara Tramp
Whatever the type, wood is always a classic choice for outdoor furniture.
Now that youβre armed with the information you need to determine the best wood for your outdoor furniture, you can pair this knowledge with our picks for wooden outdoor furniture for the ultimate outdoor oasis design.
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