Best Wood for Garden Furniture: Teak, Acacia, Eucalyptus and Cedar Compared

Best Wood for Garden Furniture at a Glance

Choose teak for the longest life with the least effort, acacia or eucalyptus for value, cedar for lightweight pieces in milder climates, and pressure treated pine only for budget projects you are happy to maintain often.

Wood	Durability outdoors	Maintenance	Cost
Teak	Excellent, naturally oily	Low; weathers to silver gray	High
Acacia	Very good, dense	Oil once or twice a year	Moderate
Eucalyptus	Good, dense hardwood	Oil regularly, cover in winter	Low to moderate
Cedar	Good, rot and insect resistant	Seal or stain to keep color	Moderate
Pressure treated pine	Fair	Seal and paint often	Low

Teak: The Most Durable Garden Furniture Wood

Teak is the most durable wood for garden furniture because its high natural oil and silica content resists water, rot and insects without chemical treatment. Left untreated, it weathers to an attractive silver gray; oiling or sealing keeps the honey color.

Teak benches, dining sets and loungers can last for decades outdoors. The main drawback is price. A teak bench like this Tangkula two person garden bench is an easy way to add teak to a patio or garden path.

Acacia: Best Value Hardwood

Acacia is the best value wood for garden furniture: it is dense, hard and naturally water resistant, with rich grain, and it costs much less than teak. It needs a protective oil once or twice a year and storage or covers in wet winters to prevent graying and cracking.

Acacia patio sets are widely available for small patios and balconies. This Flamaker 4 piece acacia set is a popular choice for a compact seating area.

Eucalyptus and Cedar

Eucalyptus is a dense, fast growing hardwood that resists rot reasonably well when oiled, making it a budget friendly alternative to teak for benches and folding furniture. Cedar is light and naturally resistant to rot and insects, ideal for Adirondack chairs, planters and benches, though it is softer and dents more easily.

Both last longer under cover and with regular sealing. Our guides to the best Adirondack chairs and the best outdoor wooden rocking chairs include cedar and hardwood options.

Low Maintenance Alternative: Recycled Plastic Lumber

If you want the look of wood without any oiling, recycled plastic lumber (HDPE) furniture such as Polywood resists rot, insects, fading and moisture and only needs washing. It is heavier than most wood and costs about as much as mid range hardwood, but it lasts for years with almost no upkeep.

How to Care for Wooden Garden Furniture

To make wooden garden furniture last, clean it each spring with mild soap and a soft brush, let it dry, apply a teak or hardwood oil or a UV protective sealer, and cover or store it during wet or freezing months. Keep legs off standing water with feet or pads.

• Clean: mild soap and water; avoid pressure washing hardwood at close range.
• Protect: oil acacia and eucalyptus once or twice a year; seal cedar to keep its color.
• Repair: sand light gray patches and re oil; tighten bolts each season.
• Store: breathable covers or a dry shed in winter.

For more outdoor ideas, see the best all weather outdoor furniture and the best outdoor benches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best wood for outdoor furniture that is left outside year round?

Teak is best for furniture left outside year round because its natural oils resist water, rot and insects with minimal care.

Is acacia wood good for garden furniture?

Yes. Acacia is dense and water resistant, offering good durability at a moderate price when oiled regularly and protected in winter.

Does teak garden furniture need oiling?

No. Teak can be left untreated to weather to silver gray. Oil or seal it only if you want to keep the original golden color.

Which is better for garden furniture, cedar or pine?

Cedar is better: it is naturally rot and insect resistant and lighter, while pine needs pressure treatment and frequent sealing to last outdoors.

Final Verdict

The best wood for garden furniture depends on budget and upkeep: teak lasts longest with the least work, acacia and eucalyptus give great value with yearly oiling, and cedar suits lighter pieces. If you would rather never oil anything, choose recycled plastic lumber instead. Whichever you pick, the best wood for garden furniture still benefits from cleaning, protection and winter cover.