Is wooden patio furniture durable?
Pine or wicker furniture won’t stand up to the elements for long without a good paint layer. Teak, cedar/redwood or ipe (a Brizilian hardwood used for decks and maybe furniture) is naturally resistant to weathering and insects, although it all should be oiled once a year or so. As for metal, it’ll also depend on the type of metal used. Extruded aluminum won’t ever rust since it’s aluminum. And since it’s extruded, it is stronger than beach chairs and MUCH nicer looking. We have powder-coated steel which is steel with a powder coating baked on to help it not chip or wear off. I expect it to sit on the porch with no problems for the next 10 years- the fabric may be another story. So, either wood or metal can be beautiful and weather resistant, but try not to go too cheap and your furniture will last longer. Enjoy shopping around!!
Wood is a natural product, but when exposed to moisture and changes in temperature and humidity, wood reacts in a number of different ways. Proper maintenance of your wood patio furniture will provide a long life over many years in a variety of weather environments. Teak is perhaps the most desirable and the most expensive outdoor wood furniture on the market. Teak is a beautiful, honey-colored, dense, tropical hardwood that is resistant to insect infestation and contains natural oils which make it resistant to rot and decay. With proper maintenance, it can last for more than 50 years, which makes the initial investment worth it for many homeowners. While cleaning teak is not mandated, it is not a bad idea to clean outdoor teak furniture each year to remove any buildup of pollen, sap, or mildew and to cover with a coat of teak oil. Other tropical hardwoods, like eucalyptus, have gained in popularity as the price of teak has grown prohibitive for many homeowners. Eucalyptus wood, like teak, is alluring, durable, hardy, and resistant to rot and insect infestation. Like teak, eucalyptus furniture can be treated with teak oil following an annual cleaning to help preserve the wood’s natural color (if desired). Varieties of other outdoor wooden furniture include cedar, redwood, oak, and pine. These woods, though (especially pine), must be treated with a preservative to prevent decay, which can occur rapidly if exposed to harsh weather environments. Protecting this wood furniture with a water-resistant stain, protective oil, or polyurethane is also recommended. It is also recommended that you cover all outdoor furniture with patio furniture covers to further prevent decay and damage.
