What is the Best Wood for an Outdoor Bench: A Comprehensive Guide

Outdoor benches add charm and functionality to any garden, patio, or porch. They provide a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but selecting the right wood is essential to ensure longevity, durability, and aesthetic appeal. The best wood for outdoor benches must withstand the elements, resist wear and tear, and maintain its beauty for years. 

In this blog, we will explore some of the best wood types for outdoor benches, focusing on their strengths, weaknesses, and performance in different weather conditions. One of the standout options that combines durability, resistance to decay, and aesthetic appeal is white cedar, a choice that has become increasingly popular for outdoor furniture.

Teak: The Gold Standard for Outdoor Furniture

When it comes to outdoor furniture, teak is often considered the gold standard. Known for its natural strength and exceptional durability, teak wood is one of the most sought-after materials for outdoor benches.

Why Teak?

• Durability: Teak is rich in natural oils that make it highly resistant to moisture, insects, and decay, ideal for outdoor conditions.
• Weather Resistance: Teak performs exceptionally well in hot, cold, and humid climates. It can withstand the harshest weather conditions, including direct sunlight and heavy rainfall.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Teak features a warm, golden-brown color that deepens into a silvery-gray patina over time, offering a sophisticated touch to your outdoor setting.
  
  

While teak may be the go-to for many outdoor furniture makers, it is not the only wood that excels in longevity and performance. White cedar, known for its natural weather resistance, is another excellent alternative to teak and offers comparable performance with added benefits.

Cedar: The Rustic and Durable Option

When thinking of rustic outdoor benches and  furniture, cedar is a classic choice that stands out for its rustic charm and remarkable durability. Particularly white cedar (Northern White Cedar), a variation of cedar, has become a preferred choice for many outdoor furniture pieces, including benches, due to its inherent natural properties.

Why White Cedar?

• Natural Resistance: White cedar contains natural oils that make it highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestations, including termites. It naturally resists moisture, making it an excellent option for both dry and wet climates.
• Lightweight and Durable: Although lighter than other hardwoods, white cedar is exceptionally strong and able to withstand environmental stress while maintaining structural integrity.
• Aesthetic Appeal: White cedar’s warm, golden hue gradually transitions to a beautiful silvery-gray patina, offering a timeless and elegant look. Its smooth texture and attractive grain patterns add to its charm.
  
  

White cedar is not only a budget-friendly alternative to pricier hardwoods like teak but also offers excellent durability and a rich, natural look, making it ideal for outdoor benches.

Maintenance

Cedar, especially white cedar, requires less maintenance than other woods. Periodically cleaning and applying a wood sealer can help preserve its natural color, while leaving it untreated will allow it to develop a beautiful silver-gray finish over time.

Redwood: A Beautiful and Durable Choice

Redwood is another great wood option that offers both beauty and performance for outdoor furniture, including benches. It’s particularly favored for its stunning color and natural resistance to the elements.

Why Redwood?

• Resistance to Weather and Decay: Redwood contains natural oils that make it resistant to moisture, rot, and insects. This makes it highly durable and well-suited for outdoor conditions.
• Strength: Redwood offers a balance between durability and strength, withstanding environmental stress without warping or cracking.
• Aesthetic Appeal: With its deep reddish-brown color and distinctive grain patterns, redwood provides a rich, warm look that is perfect for enhancing any outdoor space.
  
  

Maintenance

Like cedar, redwood benefits from occasional maintenance, such as cleaning and sealing. This will help maintain its rich color and protect benches from the elements. However, it will naturally weather into a soft gray over time, which many homeowners find appealing.

Acacia: Affordable and Attractive

If you're looking for a more affordable yet durable wood for your outdoor bench, acacia is an excellent choice. Known for its strength and versatility, acacia performs well in outdoor environments.

Why Acacia?

• Affordability: Acacia is more budget-friendly than teak or redwood but still offers the durability and aesthetic appeal required for outdoor furniture.
• Strength: Acacia is dense and strong, providing long-lasting resistance to weather, moisture, and pests.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Acacia has a beautiful rich brown color with dark highlights, making it an attractive option for any outdoor area.
  
  

Maintenance

Acacia requires regular oiling or sealing to prevent the wood from drying out. Occasional cleaning will also help maintain its beauty. If left untreated, acacia will develop a patina over time.

Ipe (Brazilian Walnut): Unmatched Durability

For those who want the highest level of durability and performance, Ipe (Brazilian walnut) is a great choice. Known for its extreme density and strength, Ipe is one of the hardest woods available and is perfect for outdoor furniture that requires maximum resistance to the elements.

Why Ipe?

• Durability: Ipe is resistant to rot, mildew, and insect infestations. It’s known for withstanding extreme temperatures, humidity, and exposure to sunlight.
• Strength: Ipe is one of the hardest and most durable woods, making it ideal for high-traffic outdoor areas or furniture that will endure significant wear.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Ipe has a rich brown color with reddish tones, offering a sophisticated and elegant appearance. Over time, it naturally weathers to a silver-gray, just like white cedar.
  
  

Maintenance

Ipe requires little maintenance but can benefit from occasional application of wood oil to maintain its original color. Otherwise, it will age beautifully into a soft gray patina over time.

Pressure-Treated Pine: Budget-Friendly Option

If you're looking for a more affordable option, pressure-treated pine is a good choice for outdoor furniture. While it is not as durable as some of the hardwoods mentioned above, it still offers decent performance when properly maintained.

Why Pressure-Treated Pine?

• Affordability: Pressure-treated pine is the most budget-friendly wood for outdoor furniture, making it ideal for those on a tight budget.
• Preservative Treatment: The pressure treatment process helps protect pine from moisture, insects, and decay, making it a good option for outdoor use.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Pine has a light color that can be stained or painted to achieve a desired look.
  

Maintenance

Pressure-treated pine requires more frequent maintenance than hardwoods. It should be sealed or stained to protect against moisture and prevent cracking or warping.

Why Choose White Cedar for Your Outdoor Bench?

While there are many excellent wood options for outdoor benches, white cedar stands out as a top contender. Its natural resistance to moisture, decay, and insects, combined with its lightweight strength and beautiful aging process, makes it one of the best choices for those looking for a durable and attractive outdoor bench. Additionally, its affordability compared to premium hardwoods like teak makes it an accessible option for those seeking quality and longevity.