When building a patio table, choosing the right type of wood is crucial for ensuring durability, weather-resistance, and aesthetic appeal. The best woods for patio tables are naturally rot-resistant or can be treated to withstand outdoor elements. The wood should also be attractive and complement outdoor décor. With so many wood species to choose from, it can be daunting to select the right one for your patio table project. This article will compare the best wood choices for patio tables based on durability, weather-resistance, cost, availability, and aesthetics.
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Teak
Teak is often considered the gold standard for patio furniture. Native to Southeast Asia, teak contains high amounts of natural oils that make it highly weather-resistant and durable. Teak has an exceptional ability to withstand sun, rain, snow, and temperature fluctuations. It’s also resistant to insects, rot, and fungal decay. While untreated teak will develop a silvery-gray patina when left outdoors, many prefer this aged look. However, teak can also be treated with oils or varnish to maintain its warm golden brown color. Teak rates very low on expansion and contraction, so properly constructed teak furniture will hold up well over time. It’s an excellent choice for patio tables.
The main downside of teak is the cost. As a tropical hardwood, teak is more expensive than common domestic woods. However, teak furniture is often viewed as an investment due to its longevity. Solid teak patio tables can retail from $1,000 up to several thousand dollars depending on size and design. More affordable alternatives include teak veneers or lower grades of teak. Overall, teak is one of the best woods for the frame, legs, surfaces, and accent details on a patio table.
Teak Pros:
- Extremely durable and weather-resistant
- Visually appealing grain and color
- Naturally resistant to rot, insects, and fungi
- Low expansion and contraction
Teak Cons:
- More expensive than other woods
- Requires periodic cleaning and sealing for best results
- Imported tropical wood has environmental impact
Cedar
For a less expensive alternative to teak, domestic cedar is a great choice. There are several species of cedar used in outdoor furniture including western red cedar, eastern white cedar, and incense cedar. These softwoods are naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects due to their high oil content. Cedar contains tannins that act as natural preservatives and repel damage from moisture. It has good dimensional stability with minimal expansion and contraction. When exposed to sun and rain, cedar weathers to an attractive silvery-gray color. However, it can also be stained or sealed if desired.
Cedar is lightweight compared to teak yet still provides strength and durability. It costs a fraction of the price of teak while still being long-lasting. One downside is that cedar is not quite as hard and scratch-resistant as teak or other hardwoods. Cedar patio furniture may show dents and dings over time with heavy use. Using cedar for the tabletop with a hardwood for the legs offers a good balance. Overall, cedar is an affordable, low-maintenance wood that is ideal for many patio table applications.
Cedar Pros:
- Relatively inexpensive
- Naturally decay and insect resistant
- Attractive weathered gray color over time
- Good dimensional stability
Cedar Cons:
- Easily dented compared to hardwoods
- Lower strength and hardness than teak
- Requires periodic sealing/staining for best durability
Ipe
Also known as Brazilian walnut, ipe (pronounced “ee-pay”) is an extremely dense exotic hardwood native to South America. Ipe contains high amounts of natural oils that make it weather, insect, and rot resistant. It has a Class A fire rating and is commonly used for commercial decking in addition to outdoor furniture. Ipe is three times harder than white oak and has an exceptional lifespan, even in harsh outdoor conditions.
Visually, ipe has an attractive grain pattern and rich brown color when newly installed. Over time it grays without a finish, or can be maintained with oils to preserve the wood tone. The main downside of ipe is the cost, which is comparable to teak. Machining and cutting ipe also requires tungsten-carbide tipped blades. The extreme density makes construction more difficult than softer woods. The environmental impact of imported ipe has also been called into question. But its natural durability and strength are hard to match. Ipe is suitable for any patio table application where longevity and low maintenance are priorities.
Ipe Pros:
- Extremely dense, hard, and durable
- Naturally weather, insect, and rot resistant
- Attractive grain
- Suitable for tabletops or entire build
Ipe Cons:
- Expensive
- Difficult to work with
- Imported tropical wood with environmental concerns
Mahogany
Genuine mahogany has been a classic choice for quality outdoor furniture for centuries. Originating in South America and Africa, mahogany possesses excellent strength, hardness, and weather-resistance. It has a straight, fine grain pattern which allows it to take stain consistently. Mahogany varies in color from pale pink to deep reddish brown. It darkens and takes on a rich patina over time when exposed to sunlight. Rot resistance can be achieved by selecting a durable species such as Honduras mahogany.
A high-quality wood like mahogany makes an elegant statement in outdoor living spaces. It can be left unfinished to gray naturally or maintained with oil/varnish to preserve the wood tone. Marine-grade finishes are recommended for optimal weathering. Mahogany is also suitable to use in combination with other woods, such as mahogany table legs paired with a teak surface. The biggest downside is cost, as imported large mahogany boards can be expensive. But for a sophisticated wood patio table, mahogany is an excellent choice.
Mahogany Pros:
- Attractive, consistent grain
- Takes stain well
- High hardness and durability
- Ages beautifully over time
Mahogany Cons:
- Expensive for wide boards
- Sealing required for best weather-resistance
- Imported tropical wood has environmental impact
Redwood
Redwood is a unique softwood native to the Pacific Coast region of North America. It possesses natural rot and insect resistance due to high levels of tannin and resin. Redwood heartwood also has good dimensional stability. When left untreated outdoors, redwood weathers to an attractive silver-gray patina. But it can also be stained dark brown to accentuate the rich red tones within the wood. Redwood is moderately priced, making it accessible for outdoor projects.
The downside of redwood is it’s relatively soft compared to tropical hardwoods. It’s also not as resistant to weathering as woods like teak or ipe. Redwood requires regular sealing to protect it from moisture damage. And full redwood boards can be prone to warping or cracking over time. Using redwood for tabletop accents and combining it with other woods helps overcome shortcomings in weather-resistance. Overall, redwood can be a good option for patio tables if maintained properly.
Redwood Pros:
- Naturally decay and insect resistant
- Attractive grain and color
- Moderately priced
- Good dimensional stability
Redwood Cons:
- Relatively soft surface prone to dents/scratches
- Lower natural weather-resistance than teak/ipe
- Can warp or develop cracks without proper sealing
Cypress
Cypress is another domestic softwood that makes an attractive, durable outdoor furniture material. The two most commonly used species are Southern cypress and Northern white cypress. Cypress contains oils, resins, and waxes that act as natural preservatives to repel rot, decay, and insects. When exposed to the elements, cypress wood grays to an even silvery-white tone across the grain pattern. The wood grains nicely when cut, adding visual interest.
A major advantage of cypress is its affordability compared to imported tropical species. It also has good dimensional stability with little tendency to warp or move. Cypress machines and finishes well. The primary drawback is softness and dent potential compared to hardwoods. Using cypress for tabletop accents helps overcome this. Regular application of finish is needed to maintain the cypress color. But overall it’s a great sustainable and cost-effective wood for patio tables.
Cypress Pros:
- Naturally decay and insect resistant
- Attractive, consistent weathered gray color
- Cost effective
- Good dimensional stability
Cypress Cons:
- Prone to dents/scratches compared to hardwoods
- Lower natural weather-resistance than some species
- Requires regular sealing/finish application
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is a fast-growing hardwood native to Australia but cultivated worldwide, including across the southern U.S. It possesses excellent strength, hardness, and rot resistance. The wood is naturally weather-resistant and suitable for uncovered outdoor use. When finished, eucalyptus has an attractive, smooth grain and light beige/brown color. Unfinished eucalyptus weathers to an even gray tone. It’s also naturally pest and fungus resistant.
A major advantage of eucalyptus is cost and availability. It’s more affordable than imported tropical woods while still being durable and hard. Eucalyptus is easy to work with using standard tools and takes stain well. The downside is eucalyptus has moderate dimensional stability. Significant seasonal wood movement can occur which may cause splits or checking without proper sealing. But it remains a great, eco-friendly choice for patio table builds.
Eucalyptus Pros:
- Durable, weather-resistant, and rot resistant
- Cost effective and widely available
- Easy to work and finish
- Attractive grain pattern
Eucalyptus Cons:
- Moderate dimensional stability
- Prone to splitting without proper sealing
- Dents easier than ultra-dense tropical woods
Comparison Chart
Here is a helpful comparison chart summarizing the characteristics of these top wood choices for patio tables:
| Wood Type | Durability | Weather Resistance | Cost | Availability | Workability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teak | Excellent | Excellent | Expensive | Good | Fair |
| Cedar | Good | Good | Moderate | Good | Good |
| Ipe | Excellent | Excellent | Expensive | Limited | Difficult |
| Mahogany | Excellent | Good | Expensive | Limited | Fair |
| Redwood | Good | Moderate | Moderate | Good | Good |
| Cypress | Good | Moderate | Inexpensive | Good | Good |
| Eucalyptus | Good | Good | Moderate | Good | Good |
Conclusion
When selecting wood for a patio table, consider how you want it to look, perform, and age over time. Teak and ipe provide exceptional durability but at a higher cost. Cedar and cypress are more affordable domestic woods suitable for tables. Redwood, mahogany, and eucalyptus offer unique visual qualities. Combine different woods to get the ideal mix of aesthetics, weather-resistance, and budget. Sealing the table properly is also key for longevity. With outdoor wood tables, beauty and practicality go hand in hand by choosing the right species for your needs.