Outdoor Furniture Lumber

Outdoor furniture is a must in your back garden, patio or deck and adds significantly to your outdoor living and entertainment.

Once you have decided on the makeup of your outdoor furniture you next need to decide which lumber to construct it in. What sort of a look are you trying to achieve?

There are many timbers from all around the world available these days, some very exotic, some very expensive. It would pay to see what is available from your local lumber merchant if you wish to use something unusual.

Whatever you use you need to check to see if it will not warp, split, rot or shrink. Below are brief details of the most common varieties used for outdoor furniture.

Ponderosa Pine  (Western Yellow Pine, Bull Pine, British Columbian soft Pine, Californian Pine.)

This is the most common lumber used in the United States in the construction industry. It has numerous qualities that make it suitable for a huge number of uses. It is soft, resists splitting, is easy to work with and can be treated for use outside both above and below ground. It is also very strong when growth rings are close and the lumber is free from knots. As well as construction it is also used fof fences, decks, benches, railings, mouldings as well as outdoor furniture.

Douglas Fir  (Oregan Pine, Red Fir, British Columbian Pine.)

This is North America's most plentyful softwood species. It is dense, hard, stiff, durable and strong although can split when nailed clise to the ends. Versatility and beauty are its features. It is used for beams, sleepers, joists, planking as well as indoor and outdoor furniture.

Redwood  

Magnificent giant Redwoods inspire awe. The lumber is beautiful and long lasting. It has a built in resistance to insects and weathering. Decks, fences and outdoor furniture will actually look even better after 10 or 20 years. 

Cedar  (Western Red Cedar, British Columbian Cedar.)

Another beautiful softwood lumber which when exposed becomes silver grey, It seasons with little shrinkage, is exceptionally resistance to decay, is very light. It is used extensively for boat building, weatherboards, outdoor furniture, decking, fences, spa pools and saunas.

Have a look at our main page for our Picnic Table Plans.