Best Wood for Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture faces a unique challenge: it has to survive the elements year-round while still looking great. Rain, sun, wind, insects, and even temperature swings can damage the wrong material. That’s why choosing the right wood is essential. Whether you’re building your own outdoor set or shopping for something that lasts, it’s important to understand how each wood type holds up outside. In this guide, you’ll discover the strongest and most practical wood options for outdoor furniture along with tips on maintenance, cost, and sustainability.

List of Best Wood for Outdoor Furniture

• Teak
• Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
• Cedar
• Acacia
• Black Locust
• White Oak
• Eucalyptus
• Redwood
• Cypress

What to Look for in Outdoor Furniture Wood

Wood that’s going to stay outside needs to do more than just look good. It has to be tough. Here are a few qualities to look for:

• Resistance to rot and insects: Some woods contain natural oils or resins that act like built-in protection.
• Stability in changing weather: Shrinking, swelling, or warping with humidity is a deal-breaker.
• Low upkeep: Outdoor furniture shouldn’t need constant attention to stay in shape.
• Appearance: The right wood can age beautifully or hold a rich color for years.
• Ethical sourcing: With concerns around deforestation, sustainably harvested wood matters more than ever.

The Top Choices for Outdoor Wood Furniture

Here’s a closer look at the most trusted woods for outdoor furniture from high-end to budget-conscious.

Teak

Best for: Long-lasting luxury and low maintenance
Teak is widely considered the benchmark for outdoor wood. It’s naturally rich in oils that repel moisture, insects, and decay. You’ll often find it in high-end patio sets that last for decades.

• Lifespan: 50+ years untreated
• Maintenance: Optional oiling to keep its golden color; otherwise weathers to gray
• Cost: High around $20 per square foot
• Look: Rich, smooth grain with warm tones
• Sustainability: Choose FSC-certified or plantation-grown to avoid supporting illegal logging

Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)

Best for: Extreme durability at a lower cost than Teak
Ipe is one of the hardest woods on the planet. Sometimes called “ironwood,” it resists rot, insects, fire, and weather with ease. It’s heavier than Teak but offers a great price-to-performance ratio.

• Lifespan: 40–75 years with basic upkeep
• Maintenance: Occasional cleaning and oiling to prevent fading
• Cost: $1.50–$5 per board foot
• Look: Deep brown, weathers to silver-gray
• Sustainability: Confirm responsible harvesting

Cedar

Best for: Affordability with decent weather resistance
Cedar, especially Western Red, has built-in resistance to decay and pests. It’s a great option for DIYers or budget-friendly outdoor furniture, especially if you don’t mind doing a bit more upkeep.

• Lifespan: 15–25 years with care
• Maintenance: Benefits from sealing or staining every 1–2 years
• Cost: $2.25–$6 per board foot
• Look: Light color and pleasant grain; smells great, too
• Sustainability: Readily available and often locally harvested

Cypress

Best for: Insect resistance and soft aesthetics
Cypress has a similar softness to Cedar but with a yellow-to-reddish hue. It resists bugs naturally and holds up well in humid environments.

• Lifespan: Around 20–30 years
• Maintenance: Annual sealing recommended
• Cost: $4–$6 per board foot
• Look: Light, attractive grain; easy to stain
• Sustainability: Old-growth cypress is rare look for younger, harvested wood

Acacia

Best for: Dense, budget-friendly wood with good looks
Acacia is tough and naturally water-resistant, but it does require a bit of maintenance. Great for occasional outdoor use or shaded areas.

• Lifespan: 15–30 years with annual sealing
• Maintenance: Needs clear sealer each year
• Cost: $2–$6 per board foot
• Look: Warm, interlocking grain; hard to sand
• Sustainability: Fast-growing and widely available

Additional Options Worth Considering

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a fast-growing hardwood that performs well in moderate climates. It’s less expensive than Teak but may crack in colder regions without protection.

• Pros: Affordable, naturally rot-resistant, eco-friendly
• Cons: Can dry and split without care
• Best use: Covered patios or mild climates

Redwood

A beautiful, insect-resistant option often used in luxury furniture. Redwood has a lovely reddish hue but needs frequent sealing to keep its color.

• Pros: Stable and visually appealing
• Cons: Soft, prone to dents, expensive
• Best use: Benches or artistic builds

Black Locust

One of the most underrated woods for outdoor use. It’s incredibly strong, resists rot naturally, and grows abundantly in parts of North America.

• Pros: Very durable, inexpensive, needs little treatment
• Cons: UV exposure fades the surface over time
• Best use: Rustic outdoor furniture, decking

White Oak

Often overlooked for outdoor use, White Oak is rot-resistant when sealed and has a pleasant grain that takes stain well.

• Pros: Strong, stable, and available
• Cons: Needs yearly staining for best results
• Avoid: Red Oak it’s not suitable outdoors

Side-by-Side Comparison

Wood	Lifespan (Untreated)	Maintenance	Cost (per board foot)	Visual Appeal	Eco-Note
Teak	50+ years	Minimal, oiling optional	~$20	Golden-brown, elegant	FSC-certified only
Ipe	40–75 years	Low, clean/oil as needed	$1.50–$5	Dark, dense grain	Check for ethical sourcing
Cedar	15–25 years	Seal/stain every 1–2 years	$2.25–$6	Light, pleasant scent	Commonly sustainable
Cypress	~25 years	Seal annually	$4–$6	Pale to reddish tones	Viable with careful harvesting
Acacia	15–30 years	Seal yearly	$2–$6	Warm, distinct grain	Fast-growing, eco-friendly
Eucalyptus	10–20 years	Moderate; treat in dry climates	Affordable	Light, soft texture	Rapid growth = eco benefit
Redwood	~20 years	Seal often to preserve color	$2.25–$10	Rich reddish hues	Use reclaimed if possible
Black Locust	30+ years	Minimal; UV protectant helpful	$1.50–$5	Rustic, dense grain	Locally harvested, sustainable
White Oak	25–50 years	Stain/seal annually	~$2.50	Classic and versatile	Widely available

Tips for Maintaining Outdoor Wood Furniture

Even the best wood needs a little care if you want it to last for decades. Here’s how to keep your furniture looking and performing its best:

• Clean regularly: Mild soap and water are usually enough. Avoid pressure washing.
• Sand rough areas: Light sanding keeps the surface smooth and removes old sealants.
• Apply oil or sealer: Teak, Ipe, and Acacia benefit from a yearly oil coat. For others, a clear sealant or wood stain can help lock out moisture.
• Store or cover in winter: If possible, bring pieces indoors during snow or rainy seasons.
• Use rubber feet or risers: Lifting furniture off wet ground can prevent water damage and rot.
• Avoid direct sun: Intense UV fades wood quickly. Shade or covers extend life and color.

Sustainability and What to Watch For

Not all wood is harvested ethically. Teak and Ipe, for instance, have a history tied to illegal logging, especially in Southeast Asia and South America. Always look for:

• FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification
• Local harvesting sources
• Reclaimed or salvaged wood

Eco-friendly alternatives like Eucalyptus, Cedar, and Black Locust are great for buyers who care about impact and renewability.

Conclusion

Finding the best wood for outdoor furniture isn’t just about style it’s about performance and responsibility. Teak stands out as the top-tier choice for those who want minimal upkeep and lasting elegance. Ipe offers nearly the same strength and weather resistance at a fraction of the cost. Cedar, Cypress, and Acacia provide good value for money but may need a little more maintenance.

At the end of the day, your decision comes down to what matters most: budget, aesthetics, longevity, or eco-friendliness. With the right wood and care, your outdoor

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best wood for outdoor furniture in rainy climates?
A: Teak and Ipe are the top choices for wet conditions. Both are naturally water-resistant and can last for decades without rotting. Teak’s natural oils repel moisture, while Ipe’s density makes it nearly waterproof.

Q: Which outdoor wood furniture requires the least maintenance?
A: Teak is the lowest-maintenance wood. It doesn’t need sealing and can be left untreated to weather into a soft gray. A quick yearly oiling keeps its golden hue, but it’s optional.

Q: Is Acacia wood good for outdoor furniture?
A: Yes, Acacia wood is durable and scratch-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use. However, it needs yearly sealing and should be protected from constant moisture and direct sunlight to prevent warping.

Q: How long does outdoor wood furniture typically last?
A: Lifespan varies by wood type. Teak and Ipe can last 40–75 years, Cedar and Cypress around 15–25 years, and Acacia and Eucalyptus about 10–30 years depending on maintenance and exposure.

Q: What is the most affordable wood for outdoor furniture?
A: Cedar, Acacia, and Black Locust are the most budget-friendly choices. Cedar is lightweight and rot-resistant, Acacia is dense and attractive, and Black Locust is extremely durable for the price.

Q: Is Eucalyptus a good alternative to Teak?
A: Eucalyptus is a solid Teak alternative for dry or mild climates. It’s rot-resistant and more sustainable, though it may crack in colder regions. Regular treatment helps maintain its durability.

Q: Can I leave wooden patio furniture outside year-round?
A: You can, but protection helps. Teak and Ipe are safe year-round outdoors. For Cedar, Cypress, and Acacia, covering or moving furniture indoors during winter will significantly extend its lifespan.

Q: How do I maintain the color of outdoor wood furniture?
A: Use UV-blocking oil sealers or wood oils like Teak Oil or Penofin to prevent graying. Regular cleaning and occasional sanding can also restore wood’s original look.

Q: Are there eco-friendly wood options for outdoor furniture?
A: Yes. FSC-certified Teak, Eucalyptus, Black Locust, and Cedar are all sustainable choices. Fast-growing woods like Eucalyptus and plantation-grown Teak have a lower environmental impact.

Q: Why avoid Red Oak for outdoor furniture?
A: Red Oak absorbs water easily, making it prone to rot and decay. Always choose White Oak for outdoor use it’s more moisture-resistant and durable.