When it comes to our teak shower benches, we don’t just design them to be placed inside bathrooms. Many of our clients use them for outdoor pool and shower areas, which got us thinking. What kinds of wood furniture is meant for outdoor use? Not all wood is created equal, and not all types of furniture are designed the same way.

The first thing to consider is what species of wood the furniture is constructed from. There are some kinds of wood, such as cedar, white oak, and treated pine, that have a natural resistance towards bugs and decay. Teak contains natural deposits of oils and rubber which create a natural waterproofing. All of these varieties of wood are natural picks for patio furniture, benches, or an outdoor bar.

The other important aspect is the finish. Remember that outdoor furniture requires a completely different finish than indoor furniture, so if you take a handy chair from inside and plop it down on the backyard deck, it won’t look good for long. That’s because indoor finishes aren’t designed to stand up to sun, rain, and other elements. If it’s left outside for too long, it becomes progressively more difficult to refinish it.

If you’ve got outside furniture, what should you use to keep it looking its best? Much like you might use sealer on a fence or deck, we like outdoor furniture sealants. While it needs to be applied on a yearly basis, the application itself is simple and it’s highly effective when it comes to protecting the furniture from the elements and pests.