Wooden garden furniture is timeless, stylish and sustainable. However, not all types of wood are equally suitable for outdoor use. Some varieties can better withstand moisture, temperature fluctuations and insects than others. In this blog, we discuss the most popular types of wood for garden furniture and why they are so popular.
Comparison at a glance
| Wood type | Durability | Maintenance | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teak | Very high | Low (optional oiling) | High |
| Oak | High | Average | Average–high |
| Acacia | Average–high | Average–high (oil 2–3x/year) | Affordable |
| Douglas | Average | Average | Affordable |
| Bankirai | Very high | Low | Average–high |
Teak wood: the king of garden furniture
Teak wood is undoubtedly one of the best choices for garden furniture. This tropical hardwood is known for its high oil content, which makes it naturally water and mould resistant. This means that teak furniture can remain outdoors for years with little maintenance. Moreover, teak develops a beautiful silver-grey patina over time, which many people actually see as a plus point.
Benefits of teak wood:
- Extremely durable and weather resistant
- Natural oil content prevents rotting and mould
- Beautiful greying without loss of quality
Curious how best to maintain teak wood? Read maintaining teak garden furniture.
Oak wood: robust and atmospheric
Oak wood is a strong and durable type of wood that is widely used for garden furniture. It has a warm appearance and a beautiful grain structure. European oak is well suited to the Dutch climate, but does require some maintenance, such as protective oil or stain.
Benefits of oak wood:
- Strong and hard-wearing
- Warm and luxurious appearance
- Suitable for various styles, from modern to classical
Acacia wood: stylish and environmentally friendly
Acacia wood is a fast-growing and sustainable type of wood that is becoming increasingly popular for garden furniture. The wood has a warm reddish-brown colour and a beautiful grain. Acacia is less oily than teak and therefore requires a bit more maintenance to prevent drying out and cracking.
Benefits of acacia wood:
- Sustainable and environmentally friendly
- Beautiful, warm appearance
- More affordable than teak
Read exactly how to best maintain acacia in the acacia chapter of treating wooden garden furniture, or check out our range of acacia garden furniture.
Santos Dining Garden Set (7-piece, Acacia)
Douglas wood: sturdy and natural
Douglas wood is a popular choice for wooden garden sets, lounge sets and outdoor furniture. It is a softwood that naturally contains resin, which makes it more resistant to moisture. Untreated, Douglas wood turns grey over time, but it can also be stained or oiled for a longer lifespan.
Benefits of Douglas wood:
- Relatively affordable
- Strong and durable
- Beautiful natural appearance
5-Piece Garden Set with Douglas Table
Bankirai: extremely strong tropical hardwood
Bankirai is one of the hardest types of wood available. It is often used for decking, fences and sturdy garden furniture. This wood is extremely resistant to moisture and insects, allowing it to last for years with little maintenance.
Benefits of Bankirai:
- Extremely hard and hard-wearing
- Resistant to moisture and insects
- Long lifespan, even without treatment
What is FSC-certified wood?
The FSC mark (Forest Stewardship Council) indicates that the wood comes from responsibly managed forests. This means no excessive deforestation, protection of plants, animals and biodiversity, and social and economic benefits for local communities. Choosing FSC wood ensures your garden furniture has a positive impact on the environment and lasts a long time.
Scaffolding wood: sturdy and trendy
Scaffolding wood is often made from spruce wood and has a robust, sturdy appearance. It is popular for lounge sets and tables because of its wide planks and natural look.
Benefits:
- Cheap and easy to work with
- Sturdy, rustic appearance
- Suitable for DIY projects
Maintenance: untreated scaffolding wood greys quickly. Treat it with a wood protector to keep it looking better for longer.
Pine wood: affordable charm
Pine is a softwood type that is often used for garden furniture. It has a light colour and a warm appearance, but requires extra maintenance.
Benefits:
- Budget-friendly and widely available
- Suitable for furniture with a country style
Maintenance: pine must be regularly treated with a protective stain or varnish. Without treatment it is less weather-resistant than hardwood. Also read treating wooden garden furniture: staining, oiling or varnishing for the right approach per wood type.
Which type of wood will you choose?
The choice of wood type depends on your budget, maintenance preference and style. Do you want a low-maintenance, luxurious wood type? Then teak wood is ideal. Looking for an affordable and sustainable option? Then acacia or Douglas wood is a good choice. Whatever type of wood you choose, with proper maintenance you will enjoy beautiful wooden garden furniture for years to come!
You'll find these wood types at brands including Apple Bee (teak) and Garden Impressions (acacia, Douglas, bankirai and more).
Read also: Which wood is best for a garden table? and Which garden furniture is the most sustainable
