What kind of wood should I use for an outdoor table?

Woods for outdoor projects. The three most widely available and suitable exterior lumber choices, not treated with chemical preservatives, include Western red cedar, redwood, and cypress. Your geographic location will determine the availability and cost of these materials.

In this regard, what kind of wood should I use for an outdoor picnic table?

The Best Wood to Make a Picnic Table

Affordable Fir. Fir is the best lumber for affordable picnic tables.
Man-made Composites. Treated wood is the contemporary answer to outdoor picnic tables.
Functional Cedar. Cedar may be the most functional.
Queen Redwood. Redwood could be considered the queen of exterior table building material.

Beside above, what wood is most weather resistant? Naturally resistant woods that are commercially available include black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), teak (Tectona grandis), ipe (Tabebuia spp.), California redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum). These have the highest resistance to rot over time.

Moreover, what is the best wood to use for a garden bench?

Cedar garden bench The resins in both western cedar and northern white cedar render these woods resistant to both insects and rot. Cedar is a lightweight wood, making it the perfect choice if you plan to move or rearrange your outdoor furniture often.

Should I use treated lumber for picnic table?

Lumber that has been treated with ACQ consistent with the EPA labeling may be used to make picnic tables, benches, and other outdoor structures. Notice the little caveat they give in this email: “consistent with the EPA labeling.” Based on the research I've done, you shouldn't ever prepare food on treated lumber.

29 Related Question Answers Found

What is the best wood to use for a table top?

Oak is very practical and functional because it is resistant to dings and dents. A solid oak dining table is best for everyday use especially for families with young children. Red Oak is only grown in North America and is readily available making it the most economical of all hard woods.

How much does it cost to build a wooden picnic table?

You also need a drill. Enough about the tools, lets go get some materials! At the time of this build (March 2013) the materials cost is just under $100 at my local Lowes. That is the cost of building it out of untreated wood and sealing it yourself.

Is fir wood durable?

Stability and Durability

Douglas fir is unusual among softwoods in that it retains its size and shape as it seasons. It dries straight and true. It also seasons relatively quickly. A very durable wood, the heartwood is especially resistant to decay.

Is pressure treated wood safe for outdoor furniture?

To start, pressure-treated wood is softwood lumber, typically southern yellow pine, that's been chemically treated to resist rot, decay and termites. The result is an exterior-grade wood that's ideal for building decks, fences, sheds, picnic tables, swing sets, and other outdoor projects.

Do I need pressure treated wood?

Pressure-treated wood is required whenever you attach framing lumber or furring strips directly to concrete or other exterior masonry walls below grade. Note that this requirement is only for exterior walls, as these may wick moisture onto the lumber.

How thick should Wood be for a bench?

These are the general finish dimensions for the bench. Remember when you purchase wood add a minimum 3-5 inches to the length, 1/2-1 inch to the width and a minimum1/4-inch to the thickness.

What wood lasts the longest outdoors?

So Which Wood Type Lasts the Longest Outdoors? The general consensus is for hardwoods, such as ipe and teak. Since these species are extremely rot-resistant and durable, they have the best chance at a long life outdoors. These hardwoods are very durable and can last decades with minimal maintenance.

How long do wooden benches last?

Extending product life of high maintenance benches

By keeping up with the treatment of high maintenance products you can extend their natural life by many years. A product that may only last 3 years if untreated could last as many as 20 years, but only through hard work and commitment.

How long will cypress wood last?

For your information, most clear stains last 1 - 3 years, semi-transparent colored stains (wood grain still visible) last 3 - 5 years, solid colored stains last 5 - 10 years, and most paints last 10 - 20 years. Q: How does cypress wood compare with pine and cedar wood?

What wood should I use for a bench?

Teak, Cypress, Cedar, Redwood and Ipe are all good and don't require a finish but for the toughness required of a park bench, Ipe is probably the best bang for the buck. Cypress and Cedar and Redwood are likely to be too soft to last or look good over time.

Where can I buy wood DIY?

Finding Wood for Your DIY Projects

Home Improvement Stores. These are typically going to be Lowes and Home Depot or something that goes by another brand name.
Specialty Woodworking Stores.
Sawmills or Lumber Yards.
Cabinet or Furniture Shops.
Found or Reclaimed Wood.
Fresh Cut Trees.
Other Woodworkers.
Buy Wood Online.

How long does wooden garden furniture last?

As long as you buy good quality pieces in the first place and treat them with plenty of TLC, wooden garden furniture can last a lifetime. Get adequately obsessive about wood maintenance and it might even outlast you.

What wood lasts longest?

Cedar wood projects typically last more than 20 years without splitting, rotting, or warping. White oak and teak are also long lasting woods that are resistant to decay, twisting, cracking, or warping.

How long will untreated pine last outside?

Untreated redwood, depending on it's age, has a projected life span of 50 years or more when exposed to the elements. Pine varieties have a projected life span of only 5 to 10 years.

How do you make wood weather resistant?

There are three surefire ways to waterproof your wood for years to come.

Use linseed or Tung oil to create a beautiful and protective hand-rubbed finish.
Seal the wood with coating of polyurethane, varnish, or lacquer.
Finish and waterproof wood simultaneously with a stain-sealant combo.

What is a good exterior wood?

Woods for outdoor projects. The three most widely available and suitable exterior lumber choices, not treated with chemical preservatives, include Western red cedar, redwood, and cypress.

What wood is most water resistant?

Cedar wood projects normally last more than 20 years sans any rot, split or warp. Among other water resistant wood types are White oak and teak. These are also long lasting woods resistant to warping, decay, cracking, or twisting.