Outdoor living spaces like patios are very popular in the warm climate of UAE where garden furnitureis common. Having quality patio furniture can make an outdoor area more enjoyable and functional. One of the most classic and durable patio furniture materials is wood.
But with the many wood species and varieties available, how do you choose what is best for patio furniture that needs to withstand sun, rain, and other elements? Today, we will discuss the characteristics and what wood is best for wood patio furniture or other outdoor furnishings.
Best 4 Woods for Patio Furniture in Dubai
Teak Wood
Teak wood is often considered the premium choice for garden furniture in Dubai. Teak has high levels of natural oils that make it very resistant to moisture, mold, mildew, and insects. Even with no protective finish, teak can handle outdoor exposure very well. The natural weathering of teak turns it into a silvery gray color over time which many people find attractive.
Teak is also quite dense and sturdy which gives patio furniture pieces strength and durability. It does not warp or crack easily. High-quality teak furniture can easily last 20-30 years or more with some upkeep and maintenance. The major drawback of teak is that it is one of the more expensive wood options. But many feel the long lifespan of quality teak justifies the higher prices.
Ipe and Mahogany
After teak, ipe, and mahogany are two additional tropical wood species prized for outdoor patio furniture. Ipe is sometimes called Brazilian walnut. It comes from South America and Central America. Mahogany also originates from tropical regions of Central and South America.
Ipe and mahogany, like teak, have natural oils that make them strong and immune to rot, insects, weather, and other things that cause wood to break down. With simple care, they should last between 15 and 20 years. Reddish-brown tones are also pretty in ipe and wood. The bad thing about them is that they are thick tropical hardwoods. So sourcing them raises some environmental concerns. But sustainably harvested ipe and mahogany are available.
Cedar and Redwood
North American woods like cedar and redwood are good for eco-friendly patio furniture. Redwood and Western red cedar, like many tropical plants, contain oils that naturally preserve them. Contrary to popular belief, the wood for cedar and redwood comes from sustainably managed forests in North America, not from endangered tropical forests.
Cedar has excellent decay and insect resistance. Redwood is also naturally decay-resistant. Cedar and redwood are lightweight, relatively soft woods. So they are easier to cut and shape into furniture than ultra-dense tropical hardwoods. But lighter softwood patio furniture requires a bit more care and may not last quite as long as tropical woods. Applying protective stains/finishes extends the lifespan of cedar and redwood.
Composite and Engineered Woods
More recent options for patio furniture are composite and thermally modified engineered woods. Composite woods make use of wood byproducts and plastics to create durable maintenance patio furniture. Composites resist moisture, decay, and termites because they contain little actual exposed wood. Trex and TimberTech are two leading composite decking brands that also make composite patio furniture.
Real wood transformed by heat is thermally changed. Moisture removal makes the wood more sturdy and decay-resistant. Outdoor furniture made from thermally treated woods like Thermowood, Lunawood, and Cambia. Composites and thermally treated woods offer sustainability. They require minimal or no staining/sealing. However, some patio furniture materials last 10 years or fewer.
Things To Consider When Choosing Wood for Patio Furniture:
Selecting the right type of wood is key to ensuring patio furniture that is durable and built to last outside. Here are some important considerations when deciding which wood to use:
Weather Resistance
Some woods have natural oils or properties that make them resilient against common outdoor exposure issues like moisture, sunlight, bugs and rot. Teak, mahogany, ipe, cedar, and redwood are examples of woods that stand up well to weathering. Other woods may be less intrinsically resistant unless properly sealed and maintained.
Denseness
In general, dense hardwoods tend to be the strongest and most durable for furniture. Teak is prized for its denseness and strength. Softwoods like cedar and redwood are lightweight and easier to work with but more vulnerable to dings and dents over time. Composite woods offer durability while being easier to form than ultra-dense tropical hardwoods.
Maintenance Needs
Some woods like unfinished teak age attractively without much care. Others need protective topcoats and periodic reapplication to withstand the elements. Consider how much upkeep you are prepared to do to keep furniture looking its best over years of use.
Sustainability
Tropical woods must be harvested responsibly to preserve rainforests. Domestic woods and composites made from wood industry byproducts of recycled plastics have smaller ecological footprints.
Cost
Rarer tropical hardwoods generally cost more than readily available domestic species. But higher quality woods also tend to last longer to offset the bigger initial investment.
Aesthetics
Texture, color, figuring, and the way oak weathers appeal to some people more than pine. Decide which visual qualities you find most attractive.
By considering all these things, you can select patio furniture wood suited to your climate, lifestyle, and priorities. Quality materials that fit your needs will serve you well for many seasons outside.
Conclusion
Quality wood patio furniture can make outdoor living spaces more pleasant and usable for decades. But, what wood is best for wood patio furniture? The characteristics that make woods suitable for outdoor exposure vary. Teak is regarded as the most durable and resilient. Other tropical hardwoods and rot-resistant North American softwoods also work well. Newer engineered composites offer sustainability benefits.
But composites have shorter lifespans than real wood. Proper finishing and consistent maintenance help maximize the longevity of any wood used in patio furniture. So consider how much upkeep you reasonably expect to do when selecting materials. Then choose the best wood species or composite to meet seating needs out on your patio.
