What qualities should I look for in woods to be used in outdoor furniture and what are some examples of woods which have those qualities?
What finishing options do I have for weatherproofing wooden outdoor furniture?
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2Welcome to stack exchange! I've edited your question to avoid opinionated answers. Please see woodworking.stackexchange.com/help/how-to-ask for tips on asking well formed questions.– Daniel B.Commented May 21, 2015 at 3:18
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Related: woodworking.stackexchange.com/q/7983/5572– user5572Commented Nov 16, 2018 at 20:04
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2 Answers
The main concern for outdoor use is usually exposure to moisture and subsequent rot. Woods that are used outside should either have high decay resistance or be well protected from the elements by chemical or physical means. I'll explain:
- Decay resistance: Cedar, redwood, white oak are a few woods with natural decay resistance that can be exposed to moisture with a lower tendency to rot than other woods.
- But chemical treatment ("pressure treated wood") can be applied to less decay resistant wood to get excellent weatherability.
- Finally, physical barriers are finishes like paint that, when applied and maintained correctly, completely encapsulate and protect any wood from the elements.
Your options for finishing are basically two: paint for opaque, and spar varnish for clear. Spar varnish is more flexible than other clear finishes, allowing it to expand and contract with the wood and the seasons without cracking and flaking. And it has UV inhibitors to prevent degradation.
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Weathering, dirt, mildew, and UV resistance are also important.– CalebCommented May 21, 2015 at 15:24
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3One would generally avoid PT lumber for any surface where food would come in contact with it– StevenCommented May 21, 2015 at 16:59
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Why not include exterior stain in your list of options? It needs to be reapplied every 2 or 3 years but then so does sealer and paint.– JamesCommented Jul 9, 2015 at 19:19
Outdoor finishes have to be able to stand up to many adverse circumstances, including UV rays, moisture, and insects.
If the finish absolutely has to be long-lasting, marine epoxy finish is the way to go. It is used by boat builders mostly and can be quite expensive.
Cabot makes a product called Australian Timber Oil that I've found works pretty well outdoors, but it requires re-application every so often. Most outdoor finishes require a regular maintenance routine to keep serviceable, so that's not a point against it.
Exterior-grade paint is another option, with a similar maintenance requirements.
