Teak Wood

7 Best Wood Type for Outdoor Furniture You Can Choose

wood type for outdoor furniture

Selecting the best wood type for outdoor furniture is essential for ensuring long-term durability, aesthetic appeal, and resilience against varying weather conditions.

With numerous wood species available, each offering distinct advantages in strength with hard wood outdoors, easy maintenance, and environmental performance, it becomes crucial for homeowners and designers to make informed decisions.

In this article, Republic Furniture provides a comprehensive examination of the best types of outdoor wood, guiding readers toward materials that combine functionality, longevity, and refined outdoor style.

What is the Best Wood Type for Outdoor Furniture?

Choosing the best woods for outdoor furniture depends on several factors, including durability, weather resistance, maintenance level, and overall aesthetic preferences. Understanding the strengths of each wood helps you choose outdoor furniture that will last for many years while maintaining its beauty and structural integrity.

What is the best wood for outdoor use? Here is the best wood type for outdoor furniture you can choose:

1. Teak Wood Outdoor Furniture

best outdoor wooden furniture

What is the best outdoor furniture material? Teak wood is widely recognized as best hardwood for making outdoor furniture project use due to its most durable wood, most beautiful wood for furniture, and best natural weather resistant wood (weatherproof), insects, and decay. Teak wooden furniture requires minimal maintenance, offers exceptional longevity, making it ideal for long-term outdoor use.

Because of teak wood (especially for Jepara Teak Wood) is superior weather resistance, strongest wood, high durability, and low maintenance, it supports for building almost every kind of outdoor furniture and exterior use. For example, teak is best wood for patio furniture material, garden furniture, outdoor dining tables, and outdoor sofa.

Is teak wood good for outdoor furniture? Teak wood also fits best for outdoor garden bench, sun loungers / poolside chaise lounges, and can withstand rain, sun, and humidity. Ideal for open-air gardens or terraces.

Also Read: 10 Best Guide to Teak Wood Identification Techniques

2. Mahogany Wood

good wood for outdoor furniture

Which wood is best for outdoor use? After teak wood, mahogany wood is a strong and one of best lumber for outdoor furniture use, stable hardwood known for its rich reddish-brown tone and smooth grain.

Mahogany wood is a good choice for outdoor furniture use those seeking elegant, high-quality outdoor furniture with a more affordable price point than teak. Mahogany can yield beautiful, durable furniture, but it performs best in semi-outdoor settings (covered patios, under awnings, verandas) rather than fully exposed areas. 

Mahogany wood is best used for outdoor table top, patio furniture set, bistro sets under a pergola or gazebo. Outdoor benches or seating under shade, for a warm, rich-toned accent in a garden lounge area.

Also Read: Comparing Teak Wood vs Mahogany, Which Is Better for Outdoor?

3. Eucalyptus Wood

is eucalyptus wood good for outdoor furniture

Is eucalyptus wood good for outdoor furniture? Yes, Eucalyptus wood is a durable hardwood with a high oil content that provides natural resistance to moisture and pests. It delivers excellent value and is suitable for both modern and classic outdoor settings.

Eucalyptus offers a more budget-friendly alternative to teak but still retains good durability and resistance, especially when properly maintained. This makes eucalyptus suitable for patio outdoor furniture durability, folding tables and chairs, convenient for flexible garden setups or balconies.

Eucalyptus works well for homeowners seeking a balance between affordability, aesthetics, and reasonable weather resistance.

4. Cedar Wood

cheapest wood for outdoor furniture

What is the cheapest wood for outdoor furniture? Cedar wood is cheapest wood for outdoor furniture with a lightweight yet durable softwood known for its pleasant aroma and natural resistance to insects and decay. Although it is not as dense as hardwoods like teak or oak, cedar is easy to move, maintain, and ideal for relaxed outdoor environments.

If you are looking for great casual seating in gardens or patios, Cedar would be the best fit for adirondack chairs, and garden benches. As it is easy to move and maintain, Cedar is often used for lightweight picnic tables.

Cedar is suited for relaxed, lower-maintenance furniture or pieces that don’t need to bear heavy loads or withstand harsh weather without finishing.

5. Oak Wood

wood used for outdoor furniture

What is a good wood for outdoor furniture? Oak wood is one of good wood with strong and dense hardwood commonly used for durable furniture. It is best suited for covered patios or outdoor areas where it is protected from excessive moisture.

When properly sealed or finished, it can serve well in outdoor or semi-outdoor settings. You can use it for covered-patio dining tables and chairs, benefiting from oak’s strength and grain aesthetics.

Oak wood is often used for sturdy garden tables or workbenches. If you use oak outdoors, regular sealing/finishing is important to protect against moisture, insect damage, and weathering.

6. Pine Wood

cheap outdoor wood

What wood is good for outside? Pine wood is one of good for outdoor use with softwood known for its affordability, versatility, and one of cheap outdoor wood. Pressure-treated pine can resist moisture and insects, making it more suitable for outdoor use. However, it still requires regular sealing or painting to maintain its durability and prevent decay.

Pine is ideal for budget-conscious homeowners who want functional outdoor furniture with a rustic or country-style look. Simple furniture like picnic tables or benches, for children’s play areas, gardens, or temporary setups.

If you prefer a rustic or country-style look, pine wood can be used for painted or sealed patio chairs and tables.

7. Redwood

lumber for outdoor use

What type of wood for outdoor furniture? Redwood is one of wood can be used outside naturally resistant to moisture, insects, and decay due to its high tannin content. Redwood has a beautiful reddish hue that can be preserved with periodic sealing.

Although more expensive than cedar or pine, it offers an excellent balance between durability and visual appeal for outdoor settings. Redwood offers a blend of natural moisture, stability (less warping), and attractive appearance.

Redwood works best for deck furniture such as tables, benches, and chairs for patios or decks. Lounge chairs or chaise lounges, where comfort and appearance are priorities. Larger outdoor dining sets, benefiting from redwood’s stability and relatively low maintenance.

Selecting the right wood for your outdoor furniture plays a crucial role in ensuring long-lasting durability, aesthetic appeal, and overall value. For homeowners looking to invest in outdoor furniture that remains beautiful and sturdy for decades, teak wood is undoubtedly the best option.

Looking for Custom Outdoor Furniture?

For those who want to experience the true excellence of outdoor furniture with aesthethic and timeless design made by Jepara Teak Wood, Republic Furniture offers expertly crafted furniture made from the highest-grade teak sourced directly.

Bring your outdoor vision to life with personalized teak pieces! Contact Us to create custom teak furniture and tailored to your unique style.

Karnoto Wicaksono is a expertise craftsman and recognized authority in Jepara teak furniture design and production, with more than 20 years of hands-on experience in the Indonesian woodworking industry. Born and raised in Jepara, Central Java a region celebrated worldwide as the heart of Indonesia’s fine furniture craftsmanship, Karnoto has dedicated his life to preserving traditional woodworking techniques while integrating modern design aesthetics and sustainable production practices.