Wood Type for Outdoor Furniture and Projects.

What type wood should you use for your outdoor furniture or wood projects. There are several types of wood you can use. Here are some of your choices.
1. Pressure treated Lumber ( Use only ACQ treated lumber) It is moisture and insect resistant. It is available in most home stores. Can be painted after the wood has dried well. Used mostly for fences, decks and landscaping. May warp or twist.
2. Western Red Cedar which is naturally durable. It has good dimensional stability.
It has a natural beauty and will turn silver grey with time. With proper care this can last a lifetime.It has natural oils that act as a preservative. It is light weight and easy to work.
3. Teak is one of the best woods for building out door furniture. It is also the most expensive. It is resistant to bad weather and insects. It is capable of holding up to wet weather and sunshine. The natural wood color is a beautiful honey brown.
4. Cypress has a natural preservative oil which makes the wood resistance to insects and decay. Very durable and stable does not warp. Easy to paint and holds paint longer than other woods.
5. White Oak heavy hard wood which is resistant to moisture and insect. Takes stain well. May check is left untreated.
6.Northern white cedar is a softwood and is naturally rot resistant and insect proof. Weathers to a silver grey. Light weight and easy to use.
7. Southern Yellow Pine is a softwood which is highly wear resistant. This wood requires a good finish and must be reapplied yearly.
All wood furniture except Teak, Cedar and Treated Wood needed to be stored in doors for the winter months. Always use either stainless steel,hot dipped galvanized or aluminum fasteners. See my web site for more information on finishing, plans and care of outdoor furniture. http://www.nokeswoodworks.com