A wooden garden table is not just a piece of furniture; it is the heart of your garden or terrace. Here you eat, laugh, socialise and enjoy long summer evenings. But when you choose a wooden garden table, you naturally want it not only to look beautiful, but also to last for years to come.
Not every type of wood is suitable for outdoor use. Sun, rain, wind and temperature fluctuations put considerable demands on the material. At Boender Outdoor Garden Furniture, we are often asked: "Which wood is really the best for a garden table?"
That is why we have created a comprehensive overview of the most commonly used types of wood, including their properties, advantages and maintenance tips.
1. Teak – The king of outdoor living
Teak is perhaps the most popular choice for luxury garden furniture. It is known for its exceptional durability and natural oils that protect the wood against moisture, fungi and insects.
Properties:
- Hardwood species from Southeast Asia
- Very long lifespan, even without treatment
- Beautiful warm colour, turns to a silver-grey tone
Maintenance:
If you want to maintain the original golden-brown colour, treat teak with teak oil annually. If you let it turn grey, the wood will still remain strong and weather-resistant.
Read here a detailed article on how best to maintain a teak garden table. View blog
2. Oak – Tough and robust
Oak wood gives a garden table a characterful, rustic appearance. It is hard, heavy and wear-resistant, making it an excellent choice for those who want a sturdy table that can take a knock.
Properties:
- European hardwood species
- Beautiful grain pattern
- Natural appearance that fits well in a classical or rustic garden
Maintenance:
Oak can develop cracks and discolouration outdoors; this is part of its charm. Protect the wood with oil or stain to maintain the colour for longer.
3. Hardwood – Durable and weather-resistant
Hardwood is a collective term for tropical wood species with a high density, such as bankirai and iroko. It is extremely strong and resistant to moisture, making it ideal for outdoor furniture.
Properties:
- Long lifespan (up to several decades)
- Suitable for intensive use
- Little maintenance required
Maintenance:
Even though hardwood is naturally strong, regular oiling or staining extends its lifespan and helps maintain the colour.
4. Meranti – Tropical and stylish
Meranti is a tropical hardwood that is especially popular because of its warm reddish-brown colour and fine grain. It is lighter than some other hardwoods, but still strong enough for outdoor applications.
Properties:
- Warm, natural appearance
- Durable with proper maintenance
- Often more affordable than teak
Maintenance:
Meranti turns grey faster than some other wood types. By oiling annually, the wood will remain beautiful for longer and be well protected.
5. Eucalyptus – Strong and environmentally friendly
Eucalyptus wood is increasingly being used as a sustainable alternative to teak. It is hard, weather-resistant and often sourced from responsibly managed forests.
Properties:
- Strong and dense structure
- Warm reddish colour that ages beautifully to grey over the years
- Sustainable choice (often FSC-certified)
Maintenance:
To prevent cracking and maintain the colour, it is recommended to treat eucalyptus annually with an oil or sealer.
6. Acacia – Durable and affordable
Acacia wood is a tropical hardwood that scores highly in terms of durability, but is often still affordable. It has a warm colour and a beautiful grain structure.
Properties:
- Good value for money
- Naturally resistant to moisture
- Widely used in both classical and modern garden designs
Maintenance:
Acacia maintains its appearance best with regular treatment with wood oil.
7. Douglas – Fresh and rustic
Douglas is a softwood species that is popular because of its warm colour and robust appearance. Although it is less durable than hardwood, it will still last for years with proper maintenance.
Properties:
- Warm reddish-pink tone
- Affordable and versatile
- Perfect for a rustic or bold style
Maintenance:
A protective layer of oil, stain or varnish significantly extends the lifespan.
Maintenance tips for every wooden garden table
- Clean regularly with lukewarm water and a soft brush to remove dirt and deposits.
- Prevent standing water on the tabletop; this can cause stains and damage.
- Use protective covers in autumn and winter, but choose breathable covers so the wood can 'breathe'.
- Treat with oil or stain depending on the wood type, to extend the lifespan and maintain the colour.
Curious about how best to maintain your wooden garden table with stain, oil or varnish? Read this article!
Conclusion
The choice of the right wood depends on your personal taste, budget and how much maintenance you want to do.
- Luxury and little maintenance? Choose teak.
- Tough and heavy? Go for oak.
- Very long lifespan? Hardwood is a safe choice.
- Warm tropical appearance? Meranti or eucalyptus are beautiful options.
- Affordable and beautiful? Acacia or Douglas fit perfectly.
At Boender Outdoor Garden Furniture, you will find wooden garden tables in all these wood types, so there is always a table that perfectly suits your style and garden.
Also read: Buying a garden table: What to look out for, How long does a wooden garden table last? and Popular wood types for garden furniture
Also view: Wooden garden tables
Also view: Teak garden tables
