Submitted by: Christopher Granger

For those who enjoy spending time on a patio or deck, a fine set of hardwood outdoor furniture is highly desirable. Hardwoods have natural characteristics that make them resistant to damage from the elements, and therefore suitable for use in outdoor furniture. Each type has a distinctive grain and weathering pattern. Hardwood furniture can be expensive, but it is a good investment because of the long life and durability that will be gained. Less durable woods that cost less may not be such a good value over time.

Many outdoor furniture sets are manufactured using teak. Teak is a hardwood that was used for centuries to build ships, as it has naturally waterproof characteristics. That benefit is also important for furniture that spends its life outdoors, exposed to the elements. Teak is impervious to the effects of sunlight, snow and rain and is naturally repellent to termites. It is durable enough to last for 75 years or more, making it a true family heirloom.

Teak attracts little dirt so it is easy to keep clean. It can be kept looking like new with an annual application of teak oil, or allowed to weather naturally while still retaining its native durability. Teak actually hardens over time, rather than becoming brittle with age as other woods can. These qualities are what makes teak the primary choice for outdoor furniture.

Eucalyptus wood has a very high level of oils that protect it from water damage. It may be stained or permitted to weather naturally. Its grain is fine lending smoothness to the surface. White Oak is a very durable wood with natural insect and moisture repellent qualities. Oak grain has a classic look to it. As with the other hardwoods, oak can be restained annually or allowed to weather.

Balau or shorea wood is similar to teak in its characteristics, but is more abundant and therefore costs less. It does not weather in the same way that teak does, and is less durable overall. Nyatoh is an inexpensive wood and lacks the durability, strength, and termite repellence of teak.

Cedar is a softwood, not a hardwood. It does have chemical properties that make it resistant to decay and, therefore, suitable for outdoor furniture. It may develop cracks over time, but resists rot, splitting, and warping for a life of twenty years or more.

Another hardwood with natural weather resistant qualities is ipe, pronounced ee-pay. This is the wood that was used to lay the Atlantic City boardwalk. It is actually so hard that it is difficult to work with. However, some manufacturers have developed methods that enable them to produce high quality ipe furniture for outdoor use.

All styles from modern to replica antique can be found in patio furniture sets. Besides the usual patio table and chairs, rockers, side tables, loungers, benches, sideboards, and coffee tables are available. Outdoor dining sets which seat a family can be found as well. To bring a sense of style to the backyard, patio, or deck, nothing is quite as appealing as hardwood outdoor furniture.

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