When it comes to choosing outdoor furniture, durability and resistance to the elements are key factors to consider.
While there are numerous materials available, wood remains a timeless and popular choice due to its natural beauty and ability to blend seamlessly with outdoor environments. However, not all woods are created equal in terms of strength and longevity.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the seven strongest to the lowest wood ranked by strength for outdoor furniture, providing insights into their unique properties and suitability for outdoor use.
Whether you seek furniture that can withstand harsh weather conditions or prefer a wood that requires minimal maintenance, this article will serve as your go-to resource for making an informed decision!
1. Teak
First wood ranked by strength among wood types for outdoor furniture stands the mighty teak. Renowned for its exceptional resistance to the harshest outdoor conditions, teak wood possesses a natural oil content that shields it from moisture, rot, and pests.
With a tight, interlocking grain structure, teak boasts remarkable stability and strength, making it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture that can withstand heavy use and extreme weather. No wonder why teak is the best wood for outdoor furniture.
The high oil content not only enhances its durability but also imparts a rich, warm golden hue that mellows into an elegant silver-gray patina over time, adding to its timeless appeal.
Teak furniture requires minimal maintenance, needing only occasional cleaning and sealing if desired, making it a favorite among outdoor furniture enthusiasts seeking both longevity and effortless beauty.
2. Ipe
Second wood ranked by strength is ipe also known as Brazilian Walnut, stands tall as one of the strongest wood types for outdoor furniture. Renowned for its exceptional durability and toughness, ipe boasts an impressive Janka hardness rating, making it incredibly resistant to wear, impact, and heavy use.
This dense and tightly grained wood is naturally resistant to rot, decay, insects, and even fire, making it ideal for outdoor settings that experience harsh weather conditions. With its deep reddish-brown color that ages beautifully over time, Ipe furniture adds an elegant and timeless touch to any outdoor space.
According to timbertech.com, as a highly desirable deck material, Ipe decking is also one of the priciest.
But the investment in Ipe furniture pays off with its remarkable lifespan and ability to withstand the test of time, ensuring that your outdoor furniture remains strong, sturdy, and visually striking for years to come.
3. Cedar
Third wood ranked by strength is cedar wood, a popular choice for outdoor furniture, exhibits excellent durability and natural resistance to decay, rot, and insect damage. Its distinct features make it a strong contender among the seven wood types for outdoor furniture.
Cedar possesses inherent oils that act as preservatives, safeguarding it against moisture and pests. This wood type is relatively lightweight, making it easy to move around and rearrange in outdoor settings. With a warm, reddish-brown hue, cedar furniture adds a touch of natural beauty to any outdoor space.
While it weathers gracefully over time, periodic maintenance is necessary to preserve its appearance. Applying a protective sealant or stain helps maintain the wood’s color and prevents it from fading or graying.
With its combination of strength, resistance, and aesthetic appeal, cedar wood stands strong in the middle range of the wood types for outdoor furniture.
4. Redwood
Redwood, one of the top contenders in the hierarchy of wood ranked by strength for outdoor furniture, is renowned for its exceptional durability and natural resistance to decay.
With its striking reddish-brown hue and straight grain, redwood possesses an inherent beauty that enhances any outdoor space. Beyond its aesthetics, redwood’s remarkable strength and resistance to both insects and rot make it a reliable choice for outdoor furniture.
The wood’s natural tannins and oils act as preservatives, allowing it to withstand harsh weather conditions and maintain its structural integrity over time. Redwood furniture requires minimal maintenance, often needing only occasional sealing or staining to preserve its appearance.
Additionally, redwood’s dimensional stability helps to prevent warping and splitting, ensuring that your outdoor furniture stays sturdy and reliable for years to come.
5. White oak
As one of the seven wood ranked by strength for outdoor furniture, white oak stands as a durable and resilient option. Known for its remarkable strength and stability, White Oak boasts a tight grain structure that enhances its durability.
This hardwood is naturally resistant to decay and insect infestation, making it an ideal choice for outdoor applications. Its inherent strength allows it to withstand the elements, including fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
While it may require regular maintenance to protect it from weathering and preserve its appearance, White Oak’s solid construction and resistance to decay make it a reliable option for outdoor furniture that can withstand the test of time.
Whether used in tables, chairs, or benches, furniture exudes a timeless charm, providing both strength and aesthetic appeal to outdoor spaces.
6. Shorea
Among the seven wood ranked by strength, Shorea, also known as Meranti or Philippine Mahogany, stands at rank six as a reliable and durable choice. With its dense and solid composition, Shorea exhibits impressive resistance to decay, insects, and water damage, making it ideal for outdoor environments.
The natural oils present in Shorea wood contribute to its resistance and enhance its longevity. Its beautiful reddish-brown hue, reminiscent of teak, adds an elegant touch to any outdoor setting.
While it may not possess the same level of strength as teak or ipe, Shorea furniture offers exceptional value for those seeking a hardwood option without breaking the bank.
Regular maintenance, including the application of protective finishes, can help preserve the wood’s appearance and ensure its durability over time, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor furniture for years to come.
7. Pine
Last but not least, pine is a seventh wood ranked by strength for outdoor furniture.
But still popular choice for outdoor furniture due to its affordability and versatility, although it is considered one of the lower strength wood types for outdoor use. Its natural charm and warm aesthetic make it an appealing option for many homeowners.
Pine is relatively soft compared to other woods on the list, which means it may be prone to scratches and dents over time. However, pressure-treated pine can significantly enhance its durability and resistance to decay, insects, and moisture.
Pressure treatment involves impregnating the wood with preservatives, making it more suitable for outdoor applications. Regular maintenance, such as applying protective coatings and periodic staining or sealing, can help prolong the life of pine furniture.
While it may not offer the same level of durability as teak or ipe, properly treated and cared for pine furniture can still provide years of enjoyment in outdoor settings at a more budget-friendly price point.
So that’s all 7 wood ranked by strength for outdoor furniture. In conclusion, when it comes to selecting the right wood type for your outdoor furniture, considering durability is paramount.
By understanding their characteristics all the wood ranked by strength for outdoor furniture, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences, budget, and desired level of longevity.