May 13, 2025
Whether you’re hosting summer BBQs or sipping morning coffee on the patio, you want wood that stands up to sun, rain, and time. Not all woods are created equal, though—some crack, fade, or rot quickly outdoors. Here are 10 of the best woods.
Getty Images
Teak is the gold standard for outdoor furniture. Packed with natural oils, it resists water, insects, and rot better than almost any other wood. While pricey, it lasts for decades—even in humid or coastal climates—with minimal maintenance.
Getty Images
Lightweight yet strong, cedar naturally repels insects and won’t warp or crack easily. Its soft texture and lovely reddish hue make it a favorite for rustic garden pieces. Over time, it ages to a silvery gray unless sealed.
Getty Images
Sustainably sourced and stunningly red, redwood holds up well against moisture and bugs. It’s soft but stable, making it easy to work with. It requires sealing or staining every couple of years to keep it looking its best.
Getty Images
Not to be confused with red oak, white oak is water-resistant and incredibly tough. Its closed grain structure keeps moisture out, making it ideal for outdoor benches and tables. It also takes finishes beautifully.
Getty Images
Affordable and increasingly popular, acacia offers great durability with rich grain patterns. While not as weatherproof as teak, it does well with a good sealant and some seasonal care. It’s a budget-friendly option with good looks.
Getty Images
Ipe is an exotic hardwood that’s incredibly dense and resistant to rot, mildew, and insects. Often used for decking, it makes ultra-durable furniture too. It’s heavy and hard to work with, but nearly indestructible outdoors.
Getty Images
Another teak alternative, eucalyptus is fast-growing, eco-friendly, and quite resistant to the elements. It needs yearly oiling to maintain its reddish tone but holds up well in American backyards and patios with minimal cracking.
Getty Images
From the same family as mahogany, shorea is dense and rot-resistant, making it a rising star in outdoor furniture. It’s less expensive than teak but offers similar weather performance and lasts for years with little fuss.
Getty Images
Though often used indoors, certain types of mahogany are durable enough for outdoor use. It’s rich in color and grain, resists decay, and looks stunning with oil or sealant applied regularly.
Getty Images
Naturally rot-resistant and aromatic, cypress is often used for Southern outdoor furniture. It weathers well with age and is relatively light compared to hardwoods. It can develop surface cracks, so a good sealant helps extend its life.
Getty Images
Thanks For Reading!
Read Next