What Wood is Better for Outdoor Furniture

Spring is here and it is time to fix up the patio furniture. Some needs replacing, some needs fixing. Now is the time to make those decisions before we invite family and friends for the long awaited barbecue. If you need to replace some furniture consider you choice of wood so you won't have to replace it anytime soon.

Nothing will impress your guests more than providing them with comfortable and good looking patio furniture. The right selection will improve the look of you backyard or patio as well as provide the atmosphere you seek to impart.

Patio furniture should be chosen based on the following characteristics: Good quality to withstand the activities that we will impose on it Good looks to fit the decor of the house and the personality, style and taste of the owner

We have many materials to choose from today when buying patio furniture. Technology has improved all of them. Wood or wicker, metal or plastic, all offer some advantages and some disadvantages. The choice is really personal decision.

Today we will look at Teak and Cedar furniture.

Teak is a very hard wood native to Southeast Asia often used for large patios areas. It is highly weather resistant, and its natural oils makes it suitable for exposed areas, where durability is a factor.

Teak became popular in the 50's and the 60's as a modern style of furniture from Denmark was in fashion. The style passed but Teak remained popular for its endearing and enduring qualities.

Teak remains cool even under a very hot sun, and it does not splinter. These qualities have made it a most sought after material not only for today's furniture but also for vintage furniture.

Teak biggest drawback is of course its price but we cannot say that it is surprising considering its popularity and its outstanding qualities. The good news are that manufacturers of Teak products are taking strategies to bring the prices down worldwide, so more people will be able to afford it.

Another wood high on the popularity list is Cedar. It can resist to wet weather but also to extreme dryness without splitting. It is an excellent choice to keep insects and even termites away due to its strong odor.

Used for garden furniture as well as construction of pergolas, Cedar is an excellent outdoor wood as it ages and dries without much changes. It will not warp, contract, or splinter. Any kind of paint or other finishes can be used and it is very easy to work with cedar for do-it-yourselfers.

While cedar is less expensive than teak, I think it is a special wood for any patio, it always makes me feel warm and comfortable, and I find its odor soothing like an old friend.

Cedar or teak, it is sometimes a tough choice, as they both have excellent qualities and will serve you well. Both are durable and require little care. Regardless of what you decide either will serve you well so you should opt for your personal preference.