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Why
should you use wood furniture outdoors? To some people this is not even
a question! The right question would be, “Why wouldn’t you use wood
furniture outdoors?” There is a wide variety of materials that are made
to be used outdoors, including plastic, metal, wicker and other
synthetic materials. With all of the other options for outdoor
furniture, the reasons of why one should use wood should be carefully
examined before you buy furniture for your outdoor oasis. Wood
is meant to be outdoors. Trees grow in the great outdoors, so it makes
sense that furniture made from trees should be kept outdoors. It is no
wonder that wood furniture, when treated and cared for properly, can
last outdoors for years. The type of wood you pick of will determine
just how well the wood weathers over time.
Although wood does
weather over time, you can protect your outdoor wood furniture by
carefully taking care of it every season. Paint and stain are good ways
of protecting your wood furniture from the sun because they add an
additional layer of defense to the wood. Water-repellant stains are
also important to add to your outdoor furniture to protect it from
water damage, which causes the wood to rot and crack. When using either
paint or stain, you want to have a durable blend so that it dries fast
and completely, and does not rub off on people sitting down on the
furniture. Another
way to protect your wood and make it last for years to come is to buy
special kinds of wood. Treated wood is one such option, as it is
resistant to rotting from the elements. But one of the issues with
treated wood is that it often comes green, and can more easily warp
than regular wood. Teak
furniture is a popular choice for outdoor furniture. Teak wood is an
extremely dense hardwood is often praised for its durability. It also
has natural oils that protect it from the elements, even when left
untreated. Often grown in Indonesia, Teak is very resistant to attacks
by termites and other insects because the high oil content makes it
water repellent. Chinese
Oak is a dense hardwood with a very fine grain. It is a naturally light
wood and sometimes has a pinkish tint. The tannic acid in Chinese Oak
makes it ideal for use in outdoor furniture because it is naturally
resistant to attacks by fungi and insects. Cedar,
especially Western Red Cedar is a very popular choice for outdoor
furniture because of its beautiful color and finish. Often grown in
Canada, Western Red Cedar is also naturally resistant to decay and
insect damage when exposed to rain, sun, heat, or cold all year. When
properly treated, Red Cedar furniture may last for decades in the
harshest of environments. A
final way to protect your outdoor wood furniture and maintain it for
the long haul is to simply put a roof over it. Whether it is an awning
on your deck, a covered roof for your sunroom or your garage during the
winter, a roof can go a long way to help you keep the sun, rain and
wind off of your wood furniture and protect it for years to come. Thomas Easterday is the Director of Marketing for The Cedar Station. The Cedar Station carries a complete line of Outdoor Furniture for your enjoyment. For more information about The Cedar Station please visit http://www.thecedarstation.com
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