August 3, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 23 Wood patio furniture can be a decorative and functional addition to outdoor living. The longevity of the furniture and the upkeep required will depend heavily on the type of wood used in construction. Choosing the right wood based on use and budget can help consumers get more for their money. Many consumers are selecting natural wood patio furniture over resin, plastic, and metal options. Although it seems a simple purchase, when faced with the multitude of woods and designs available, shoppers can be easily confused. Learning about the different species of wood commonly used in furniture crafting can make determining why one table is $1,000 and the other is double the price. Pine: Pine is a household name and a common component of many building products and furniture. Pine’s popularity stems from its availability and affordability. The fact that it is often harvested locally helps keep prices down. Pine as an untreated wood is susceptible to rot and may not be as durable as other woods. Very often, pine is pressure-treated to improve its durability and performance. The light color of pine enables it to be stained or painted in a variety of shades. Teak: Another familiar type of wood, teak is resilient, dense, and straight-grained, making it a very stable choice for outdoor furniture. Without preservative, teak will Wood patio furniture provides value and durability other bugs away. Redwood: Another soft wood, redwood is also harvested domestically from the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, and California. Although it is highly resistant to rot and termites, it will need to be protected annually with an oil-based stain, sealer and preserver. Roble: Roble is a dense, strong, and lightweight wood that is native to South America. Darker shades of the wood are more resistant to decay. A preservative oil should be used every six months to maintain its beauty. Jarrah: Another exotic sounding wood, jarrah is harvested mostly from government-managed forests in Australia. While this wood is naturally resistant to insects and rot, it is also fire-resistant, making it a safe option. It, too, is one of the more durable woods, lasting up to 50 years even without oiling or staining. It is one of the pricier options in outdoor furniture thanks to these properties. Cypress: This is a popular wood for garden furniture because it resists cracks and decay. Cypress has a distinctive yellowish-red color that many people find attractive, but it can also be painted if desired. Brazilian cherry: Many people may think of this wood only for kitchen cabi- weather to a gray color and still remain highly resistant to decay, even up to 50 years. Thanks to that durability, teak is typically among the more expensive options. Cedar: Cedar is a rapidly renewable resource as these trees are quick growers. That can make cedar an attractive choice to those who are interested in going green with their patio furniture choices. Another advantage to cedar is its resistance to weather and insects. Cedar satchels are often used in closets to keep moths and net applications, but Brazilian cherry is dense and naturally weather-resistant. This makes it a fine choice for garden furniture. It is also used in playground equipment and decking. Alder: A relative of the birch family, alder is a hard wood that is valued for its strength and durability. It is appreciated for its honey-hued tone and beauty. Balau: Balau is a very dense wood that is tightly grained and rich in tropical oils and resins. It has been used for shipbuilding, heavy-duty furniture, and heavy construction and is coveted for its excellent strength and weather-resistant qualities. It is very strong and heavy, making it one of the sought-after choices in outdoor wood furniture materials, driving up the price. Although many types of wood patio furniture can be kept outdoors and remain durable, it is recommended that homeowners cover or take in wood furniture when the season ends. This limits the chance of weather-related damage and cuts down on the amount of cleaning and maintenance that may need to be done. Many homeowners find that wood patio furniture provides the beauty and comfort they desire for outdoor entertaining. Very often, wood items can be low-maintenance, affordable, and environmentally friendly.