Wood patio furniture, with its substantial silhouettes, pleasing finishes and easy to maintain surfaces, can turn an outdoor room into a stylish escape and endure for decades with proper care. There are many choices on the market, all comparable in style and durability, and it just takes a little research to determine which is best for your lifestyle.
teak
Origin
Originally from Asia, Teak is now also farmed on regulated plantations in the Americas.
Finish
Teak’s original honey brown shade will weather to a light taupe.
maintenance
While most Teak is allowed to age gracefully, it requires more attention if maintaining the original color is desired, with regular oiling throughout the year. Its natural oils make it termite resistant.
Things To Consider
Mature Teak can take up to 80 years to grow. Demand has resulted in young Teak being harvested, which is not as strong or durable as old-growth. However, cultivated (or plantation) Teak performs on par with old-growth Teak. Responsibly harvested Teak can withstand the outdoors for more than 25 years.
Ipé
Origin
Found in areas throughout Central and South America, some of the strongest Ipé comes from Eastern Bolivia.
Finish
Naturally chocolate brown when new, Ipé will develop a silver patina from sun and weather exposure.
maintenance
Of the three, Ipé’s original deep brown is the easiest to maintain with recommended oils only once a year, but natural oils in Ipé provide protection from the weather and insects without additional sealers.
Things To Consider
Ipé is one of the hardest woods — more than twice as strong as Teak and almost double in weight — and provides up to 50 years of outdoor service. It will also resist flames and sink in water.
Roble
Origin
Like Ipé, Roble is also prominent in Eastern Bolivia as well as other South American countries and has been popular in Europe for decades.
Finish
Roble is light brown with a goldish cast, making it easy to stain, but it also ages beautifully to a medium gray.
maintenance
To maintain Roble’s golden hue, oiling twice a year is recommended.
Things To Consider
Roble trees are particularly large, allowing for wide board cuttings with strength equal to Teak. Their outdoor lifespan is also in line with Teak at 25 years or more.
Cost
(Sofa, 2 Lounge Chairs, Coffee Table of comparable quality)
$6,641, Barlow Tyrie Linear Sofa Set
$5,522, Jenson Topaz Sofa Set
$4,387, Jenson Tivoli Sofa Set
Protecting The Forests
Established in 1993 to promote sustainable management of the world’s forests and well-being for the people who maintain them, the Forest Stewardship Council® is an independent, non-profit organization that has certified over 380 million acres of forest worldwide. A number of principles and criteria must be met to earn a FSC® certification, and it ensures products in the marketplace are responsibly harvested. Look for the 100% FSC® label when purchasing.