There are so many to types of wood, what type is best for me? This is a question I used to get a lot when I had my store. Listed below are links to the types of wood. Each has its own description.
Cedar - Probably the best all around, most expensive
Cherry - best appearance if you like the red color. Not as good for outside furniture, requires more care.
Pine - Cheapest type of wood. Not as strong a other types, usually painted and/or treated. Does not resist decay/rot as well as others.
Poplar - Better than pine, a little stronger and takes paint very well. This type of wood is usually painted. Not as good as other types for outside usage.
Redwood - Good looking, open grain, well suited for outside use. Not quite as strong as cedar. Can be REAL expensive if you get the old growth or recovered.
Recycled plastic - This type of material has the least maintenance and will last the longest by far. Most products will not fade over time. Best choice if you like the looks.
Oak – don’t bother for outside use.
Teak - Pricy, good looking and is well suited for outside use. I don’t like this too much for these trees are endangered. Too many people are cutting them down. Check with the manufacture before you buy to make sure they are harvested from a sustainable source.
Other
Here is a matrix to help compare. This is a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the best.
| Type of wood | Price | Strengh | Suiteable for
outside use | Looks |
| Cedar | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Cherry | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Pine/Painted | 2 | 2 | 2 | ? |
| Poplar | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Recylced | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Redwood | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Teak | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
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Patio Furniture Buyers Guide
