{"id":9054,"date":"2023-06-07T03:37:37","date_gmt":"2023-06-07T03:37:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/perfectoutdoorspaces.com\/?p=9054"},"modified":"2023-06-07T03:37:48","modified_gmt":"2023-06-07T03:37:48","slug":"what-is-the-best-untreated-wood-for-outdoor-furniture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whatblueprint.com\/what-is-the-best-untreated-wood-for-outdoor-furniture\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is The Best Untreated Wood For Outdoor Furniture?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
While pressure-treated wood is better suited to outdoor furniture as they are protected from the elements with UV-resistant sealants, it can contain harmful chemicals, so it’s vital to choose robust untreated wood varieties for your outdoor furniture <\/strong>that weather well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best untreated wood for outdoor furniture includes Ipe, Western red cedar, California redwood, bald cypress, black locust, and teak wood varieties that are durable and naturally rot-resistant. Some untreated wood varieties are more affordable than others if grown in your county.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Although certain untreated wood species are more suited for outdoor furniture, they do need a level of care and maintenance. So, if you want to make a wise investment in durable furniture \u2013 read on!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The hardiness and durability of untreated wood are determined only by its species, not the sealant, so it’s vital to choose a suitable if you want outdoor furniture that will last for decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Great commercially available rot-resistant outdoor furniture wood species include teak, black locust, bald cypress, California redwood, Western red cedar, including Ipe.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While they are all great options, Ipe, produced from Tabebuia, or the Florida “trumpet tree,” requires a special mention as it\u2019s a popular wood choice for outdoor furniture. It is incredibly dense and matures beautifully with time to a stunning pale silver-and-grey color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ipe is also a sustainable wood type<\/strong> if you use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timber. However, it\u2019s important to remember that your location will determine your untreated wood options and the cost of the material.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, while redwood is commonly used in the western United States<\/strong> because it is readily available, western red cedar is mostly used in the eastern US, including the Midwest. Cypress is more popular and affordable in the South, including the Southeast, as it grows in those regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is also a difference in the lifespan of all these untreated wood varieties. F<\/strong>or example, exposed and weathered redwood has a lifespan of at least 50 years, while less popular wood varieties like pine will only last 5-10 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cedarwood varieties have a 15\u201320-year life span and will weather much better than pine varieties, and cost far less than pricy redwood varieties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although, it’s important to point out that while redwood and western red cedar wood varieties are stable,<\/strong> decay resistant, and incredibly stable, they both tend to split when you attach fasteners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, western red cedar and redwood bleed tannins or create stains when you add fasteners, making painting them a hassle as they can appear even after you have painted the furniture. Although you can avoid that if you prep the wood correctly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another great option for untreated wood furniture is cypress wood<\/strong> which is produced from swamp trees that feature a conical base with tree roots that extend out of the swampy water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cypress wood comes in various colors ranging from off-white hued sapwood to a pale-yellow-brown, including red and dark brown heartwood colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most popular inland cypress heartwood varieties are light in color with a stunning ash-hued woodgrain pattern<\/strong>, and they weather beautifully with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While certain untreated wood species are incredibly durable, they need some protection to expand their lifespan. So, here are a few super easy ways to shield them from the elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even the hardiest wood varieties will start to rot once exposed to funguses that rely on moisture to thrive, and besides water and oxygen, fungi start to grow at 32\u201390-degree temperatures.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n So, keep your outdoor furniture dry, and ideally store them in a temperature-controlled environment to prevent harmful microorganisms from damaging your beautiful furniture, especially in rainy seasons like spring and fall when they are most susceptible to damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Best Untreated Wood Varieties<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How To Protect Untreated Wood Outdoor Furniture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Keep Them Bone Dry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n