How to Choose the Best Wood for Your Outdoor Furniture Projects
Outdoor furniture is not only an ornament for a garden, patio or balcony but also a comfortable place for recreation and meetings. But selecting the right kind of wood for your outdoor furniture projects is not very easy especially when you have to consider the aspects like durability, weather resistance, and ease of maintenance. In this article, you will learn how to choose the right wood for your outdoor furniture so as to make the right investment that will not be affected by the weather conditions.
Learn the Significance of Durability
In this case, the durability of the furniture is very important especially when it comes to the furniture that is to be placed outside. The furniture will be exposed to different weather factors such as rain, humidity, direct sunlight, and even seawater in the case of the coastal regions. Hence, selecting the type of wood that does not get easily affected by these factors such as rotting, warping and losing its strength is very important.
Teak, cedar and eucalyptus are some of the most preferred woods because of their ability to withstand moisture and insect damage. Among them, teak is valued for its dense wood grain and high oil content that does not allow water and pests to penetrate it. Cedar is another good choice because it is insect repellent and has a very low rate of decay, so it is ideal for exterior applications.
Consider the Aesthetic Appeal
The appearance of your outdoor furniture is another important factor that you should consider. Each type of wood has its own grain, color and texture which can fit into different styles of interior design. For instance, teak wood has a golden brown color that over time weathers to a silvery grey and gives a touch of class to any outdoor area. On the other hand, cedar wood has a warm reddish-brown hue which when used can make the room warm and welcoming.
Also, you may wish to know how the wood will appear as it wears out. Some woods such as teak only get a rich finish after sometime while others may fade or even change color. If it is your desire to keep the wood as close to its natural color as possible, then you might have to reapply the stain or seal it often.
Evaluate Maintenance Requirements
One of the factors that should be considered while choosing wood for outdoor furniture is maintenance. Some of the types of wood are more susceptible to fading and other forms of deterioration than others and therefore need to be maintained more often. For instance, teak is not very demanding when it comes to maintenance and requires only occasional washing and applying of oil to shine and to prevent it from getting affected by weather conditions. Cedar, as mentioned earlier, is resistant to decay but it may be necessary to seal it to retain its colour and reduce its porosity.
If people are interested in a type of wood that does not need much attention, then they should consider marine plywood. Marine plywood is a type of plywood that is treated to withstand water and humidity and is therefore suitable for use in areas where the wood will be exposed to water. Due to its stability and non-susceptibility to warping, it is ideal for use in a number of outdoor furniture uses especially for regions that experience high rainfall or high humidity.
Explore Eco-Friendly Options
More and more people are becoming conscious about the environment and this has led to a search for green solutions for their outdoor furniture needs. One of the ways of minimizing the effect of your project on the environment is to use wood that has been sourced in a sustainable manner. Buy wood that has been accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) so that you are assured that the wood was obtained from well-managed forests.
However, if you are concerned about the environmental impact of using hardwoods, there are other options such as reclaimed woods and those that are made from recycled plastics and wood fiber. These materials provide strength and resistance to weather conditions and at the same time help in the conservation of virgin timber.
Marine Plywood as a Material in Outdoor Furniture Construction
Marine plywood is not commonly discussed when it comes to outdoor furniture but it is a good product for some circumstances where strength and water resistance are paramount. Marine plywood is produced from the finest grades of veneers and is laminated with waterproof glue, thus it is highly resistant to delamination and water damage.
This type of plywood is very useful in furniture that is exposed to moisture all the time like table tops, benches or chairs that are left out in the compound all year round. Marine plywood should therefore be used when constructing your outdoor furniture since it will not easily break or get damaged by weather conditions.
Conclusion
Selecting the right type of wood for your outdoor furniture projects requires considering factors such as durability, appearance, ease of maintenance, cost, and the sustainability of the material. Teak and cedar are preferred as they are very durable and have a beautiful grain that is perfect for the outdoors. But there is a way around this by getting marine plywood, especially for areas that are likely to have contact with water; your furniture will not wear out easily. When it comes to these factors, it is possible to design and develop outdoor furniture that is both aesthetically appealing and durable and environmentally friendly.