Wooden You Like to Know? A Primer to Wood Outdoor Furnishings

To many people, wood is the quintessential building material for furniture, both indoor and out. There's a wooden furniture form to suit every budget and décor -- from rustic twig loveseats to classis cedar Adirondack chairs to sophisticated teak tables and benches.

In fact, the varieties of wood are dizzying. Which should you choose? How should you care for it? And is wood an environmentally-friendly choice for outdoor furniture?

Types of Wood

First, understand that hardwood is not necessarily hard and softwood is not always soft. The terms refer simply to the type of tree from which the wood is obtained: hardwood from broad-leafed trees, and softwood from needle-bearing trees.

All wood outdoor furniture may be cleaned with warm water and mild detergent.

Here are the most common types of wood used in the construction of outdoor furniture.

• Redwood is a durable hardwood, grown on the west coast of North America (the Coast redwood) and in China (the Dawn redwood.) Redwood is straight-grained with a reddish color, and has a high resistance to termites and rot. Treated properly, it can last more than 25 years.

The redwood harvested in North American is cut mainly from private lands that are zoned for timber use. Over 95% of these areas are previously harvested -- that is, they are not virgin, old-growth forests. The Coast redwood can grow to 130 feet in just 30 years.

• Cedar is a North American softwood, light in color and naturally splinter free. It resists insects, mold, mildew and decay, and it weathers well. With proper care, it can last 25 years. Since cedar is a quick grower, it's a resource that renews relatively rapidly.

• Teak is perhaps the most coveted of outdoor furniture woods and with good reason. It's a honey brown hardwood that is highly resistant to rot and decay and will last 50 years or longer, even if left outdoors year-round. Teak is now harvested primarily from plantations in Southeast Asia. Dwindling stocks and high consumer demand have combined to make the price of teak soar.

The high price of teak has made other tropical hardwoods, such as roble, shorea, jarrah and eucalyptus popular. All of these woods are dense, durable, and stand up well to weather.

• Jarrah, which is reddish or pinkish, is harvested in Australia from government-managed forests to ensure reforestation.

• Shorea, grown in Indonesia and Malaysia, is stronger and heavier than teak but because of the large quantity available, is usually priced lower. Both jarrah wood and shorea will last up for up to 50 years.

• Roble is a golden, relatively lightweight hardwood harvested mainly from dry tropical forests in South America. It will last up to 25 years.

• Tropical eucalyptus is a native of Australia and is prized for its resistance to rot and handsome look. It also will last decades.

Tropical hardwoods will weather to a silvery finish over time, unless treated twice a year with teak or other furniture oil.

• Pine is an affordable softwood that is harvested in many varieties from various parts of the world, but especially from American forests. All are yellow color with brown knots and are excellent for staining. Pressure-treated pine will last for 20 years but untreated, pine has low rot-resistance. It should be painted, stained or sealed and stored indoors during the winter.

• Willow, cypress, alder and other trees with pliable branches are used for bent-twig furniture. Willow is especially renewable as when it is cut, two or more shoots will grow out of the stump of the cut piece. Harvested properly, willow will continue to grow cutting after cutting.

If you use twig furniture outdoors, spray or brush on a good quality clear exterior varnish and use the furniture only in a protected area.

Is It Environmentally Friendly?

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies lumber forests around the world, although only a small percentage of the lumber produced globally is FSC certified. If you are extremely concerned about the future of the world's wood supply, look for an FSC label on the underside of the furniture piece or on the hanging tag.

If you are not so stringent in your views, you may wish to consider furniture made from wood harvested from responsibly government-managed forests or from plantations, which grow trees much like farms grow other crops. In addition, according to the Hardwood Manufacturers' Association, harvesting levels of American hardwood are far below the levels of growth, so that twice as much hardwood grows each year as is harvested.

Alternatively, you may choose to purchase furniture made from reclaimed wood - that is, wood that was previously used for consumer items and that has been refashioned into new furniture. In addition, some companies offer recycled wood furniture-furniture made of recycled pallets or barn wood. You can find a partial listing here http://www.ecobusinesslinks.com/links/recycled_green_furniture_manufacturers.htm

When considering the ecological impact of purchasing wooden furniture, you should also look at the lifespan of the wood. Most wooden pieces last decades -- more than long enough for the wood's source to be renewed.

So, whether you go rustic or elegant, wood may well be a wise choice for your outdoor furnishings. Take a seat -- and relax!

About The Author

Debbie Rodgers, the haven maven, owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Her latest how-to guide "Attracting Butterflies to Your Home and Garden" is now available on her web site. Visit her at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on "Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space". Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com

debbie@paradiseporch.com

---

Lawn Care Business Owners - Dont Buy Yourself A Job

Most businesses consist of the owner only or the owner... Read More

Avoiding Unsightly Algae

Excessive organic matter in the pond provides nutrients for algae,... Read More

Garden Room Boundaries

The areas of your landscape can be divided into several... Read More

About Window Ledge Gardening

The growing of flowering or foliage plants on window ledges... Read More

8 Simple Tips to Keep Your Lawn Mower Running

1. If you have a non-electric mower which runs on... Read More

Mix Perennials into Your Garden for Staying Power

Perennial plants and flowers stay around for more than just... Read More

Dream Yard

Do you ever dream about what your yard could look... Read More

Plant A Simple Tea Garden

Materials Needed 1 decorative clay or metal planter 1 package... Read More

Basics of Pruning Roses

Pruning your roses does not need to be a dreaded... Read More

Homemade Hummingbird Nectar

HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR RECIPEWe love hummingbirds and love to watch them... Read More

A Quick Overview of Outdoor Hot Tubs

There is nothing quite as relaxing as a leisurely evening... Read More

Turn Your Patio Into A Voluminous Vegetable Garden

My first apartment was a second-story condo in an urban... Read More

Set Out a Feast for Your Feathered Friends

February is "Feed the Birds" month in much of North... Read More

Overwintering Pond Fish

The metabolism of koi and goldfish is controlled primarily by... Read More

Landscape Design

Landscaping is a wonderful pastime enjoyed by many. It provides... Read More

Unique Flowers make a memorable gift!

Think "outside of the box" when sending your next floral... Read More

Gardening - Natural Science NOT Rocket Science

Don't force yourself out of the most profitable hobby in... Read More

Italian Vegetable Seeds

Some might ask, "Why grow Italian vegetable seeds?" Why bother... Read More

Garden Sheds - More Than Just Storage

You may already have a garage or shed in your... Read More

How to Control Deer in Your Garden

Deer are the most difficult of all pests to deter... Read More

Flower Meanings

Certain types or colors of flowers mean different things, and... Read More

Choosing the Perfect Landscape Painting

Landscape paintings are a beautiful way to spruce up the... Read More

International Flower Delivery

As our global community continues to expand we often find... Read More

Growing a Sustainable Garden!

Do you wish you could grow a sustainable vegetable garden?... Read More

Growing Vegetables in Containers - The Compact Solution

Container vegetable gardens are a great alternative for those that... Read More

How to Build a Waterfall For Your Garden Pond

Building a waterfall is easier than you think and will... Read More

Maintaining Oxygen Levels in Fish and KOI Ponds

Severe environmental stressors are the most frequent causes of sudden... Read More

Planting Roses In Your Garden

Roses are an old standby for any garden and one... Read More

Getting Started with Garden and Patio Design

The art of managing outdoor space Designing a patio -... Read More

Working with Landscape Contractors

Having a beautiful and functional landscape is every homeowners dream.... Read More

Mosquitoes in Your Garden? Try Planting These

If you are a serious gardener, you spend lots of... Read More

The Zoo-Doo Man - Or How to Make the Best Compost in the World!

Is your garden soil great? Does it produce an abundant... Read More

Making Memories with Flower Gardening

Flower gardening is not only about the present, but can... Read More