Outdoor Furniture Guide

Outdoor Furniture – Choosing the Right Kind

Here is some information that might help you if you are trying to decide on what type of outdoor furniture to purchase. Until I decided to retail outdoor furniture I really didn’t know a lot about Western Red Cedar, Java Teak, Chinese Oak or PVC Rattan Wicker. I have found some interersting facts, finishing and maintenance tips that I feel are worthy of sharing.

Western Red Cedar is a slow growing and naturally durable softwood known to North America and Canada. It produces long lengths of timber for true, straight grain. Its heartwood has natural decay resistance, making it a great choice wood for outdoor furniture. It has a great resistance to weather. Oil finishes are not recommended. Wood sealer or staining can be used but it does not require a finish to last for years. Western Red Cedar is used widely for outdoor furniture some of which include: Adirondack Chairs, Ottomans, Swings, Picnic Tables and much more.

Java Teak is found primarily in India, Burma, Indonesia and Java. It is an extremely dense course grained hardwood. Teak is known for its durability. The high resinous oil in the timber acts as a natural insect repellent making it highly resistant to rot and fungal decay. Teal wood is naturally oily and requires no treatment to be used outdoor. You can use Teak Oil or Tung Oil that will deepen the color somewhat and will prevent stains. The use of varnish or any type of polyurethane finish or sealers are not recommended. Java Teak produces beautiful outdoor furniture such as: Chaise Loungers, Patio Tables, Patio Swings, Patio Umbrellas and more.

Chinese Oak is a denser finer grained hardwood. Harvested at a young age across Eastern Asia through China, Japan and Korea. The heartwood is light brown and some boards have a lighter pinkish tint to them. It is more durable that Red Oak and is ideal for outdoor furniture. It has a tannic acid in its wood protecting it from fungi and insects. Staining with a light oil gives it additional weather proofing and gives it a uniform appearance. Chinese Oak produces wonderful outdoor furniture some of which are: Bistro Tables, Folding Chairs, Loveseats and more.

PVC Rattan Wicker is maintenance free. Some importers are from China and Vietnam. Did you know wicker is a process not a material? PVC Rattan is a rigid, fire resistant, weather proof, very tough material made from 100% virgin vinyl which repels water. It will not rot or mildew. This outdoor wicker furniture is elegant enough to be used inside or out.

I hope these interesting facts, finishing and maintenance tips for some choices of outdoor furniture, you have found helpful when deciding on what type of outdoor furniture will best fit your needs and style. As you can see these four all have great features. Each one produces beautiful and quality outdoor furniture.

About the Author

I am Karen Faulkingham owner of Karen’s Connection Inc. at http://www.enjoyingtheoutside.com online retailer of outdoor wooden furniture. I am a retired hair dresser. I enjoy interior decorating, golf and watching most sports.

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Hearth & Garden Stack of Chairs Cover $15.99 Our Hearth & Garden furniture covers are made of ultra heavyweight material designed to keep your outdoor furniture looking beautiful longer while cutting down on day-to-day cleaning. Crafted of a unique, high quality, 380gram PVC coated polyester that resists cracking, fading, or scratching your furniture. They are also highly water resistant. These covers are a fashionable addition to your ou…

Original Rectangular Table & Chair Set Cover $38.98 Protect your outdoor items from winter’s wrath with our Hearth and Garden line of Patio furniture covers. Made from 380 gram polyester, our furniture and grill covers resist cracking, fading, tearing, and mold build up. Coated with PVC for increased water resistant and further protection from the elements, you can be confident that your patio furniture is secure through the seasons. We have cov…

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Suncast SS1000 Storage Seat $38.33 Suncast Storage Seat is ideal for you apartment – dwelling green thumbs! When you don’t have a lot of space, organization is key. The Suncast Storage Seat is an ideal way to keep your gardening tools easily accessible when working on your balcony flower boxes, potted herb garden or tomato plants. And here’s a bonus… this Storage Box also gives you a spot to sit while you’re getting you hands dir…

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HP Products – HP – Scrim Banner Paper for Indoor/Outdoor Signage, 24 x 50 ft, White – Sold As 1 Roll – The ideal durable media for full-color indoor or outdoor signage. – Create brilliant, highly durable outdoor or indoor signage for retail, trade-show, advertising or point-of-purchase applications. – Tear-resistant, matte-opaque, PVC polyester banner material is embedded between two white vinyl layers for added strength. $159.77 HP – Scrim Banner Paper for Indoor/Outdoor Signage, 24″ x 50 ft, White – Sold As 1 RollThe ideal durable media for full-color indoor or outdoor signage. Create brilliant, highly durable outdoor or indoor signage for retail, trade-show, advertising or point-of-purchase applications. Tear-resistant, matte-opaque, PVC polyester banner material Paper Color(s): White; Roll Size: 24″ x 50 ft; Paper Weig…

Automotive Flex Light $2.65 Night driving just got easier! Instantly illuminate maps and notes, or quickly locate items within your car with this practical mini-lamp; flexible 12 inches neck allows you direct light exactly where you need it. Plugs into car’s cigarette lighter socket; no batteries required! PVC and ABS plastic. 3/4 inches diameter x 12 inches long….

Cat Gloves Rainwear Boss Mfg CAT017407L Large Black Heavy Gauge String Knit Gloves $7.35 CAT017407L Features: -Large gloves. -Color: Black. -55pct cotton and 45pct polyester. -Heavy gauge string knit. -Silver cat logo….

Two Dogs Designs, Patio Umbrella Cover $69.99 Two Dogs Designs Offset Umbrella Cover. Protects and beautifies during your patio’s “off hours”. Unbeatable durability and long-lasting weather-resistant beauty. Made of heavyweight 600-denier polyester with a PVC lining for great protection and your choice of solid colors for easy-on-the-eyes allure. Secure, easy to use metal hook and loop closure protects against damage from wind and dirt, and m…

PVC and Steel Storage Bench $147.99 Outdoor or indoor bench can be used as a seat or for storagePatio furniture is made of sturdy PVC and steelTrunk is perfect for storing garden or pool supplies

PVC and Steel Outdoor Side Table $68.99 Accent your patio decor with this stylish side tableIndoor/outdoor furniture is made of durable PVC and steelPerfect for an extra side table around your existing patio sets

Four-piece PVC Wicker/ Steel Outdoor Settee Group $589.99 Create a relaxing environment in your backyard or patio with the elegant Four-piece PVC Wicker/Steel Outdoor Settee Group.

Caravan Canopy Blue Zero Gravity Chairs (Pack of 2) $99.99 This comfortable Zero gravity chair from Caravan Canopy is the perfect place for you to escape to. The steel frame, armrests, adjustable headrest and durable fabric makes this chair an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor relaxation.

Mocha Brown Outdoor 4-piece Rattan Furniture Set $611.99 This beautiful outdoor furniture set features a woven construction in a rich, mocha finish. Naturally weather and mold resistant, this furniture set retains its strength and beauty for years to come.

Caravan Canopy Black Zero Gravity Chair $48.8 This comfortable Zero gravity chair from Caravan Canopy is the perfect place for you to escape to. The steel frame, armrests, adjustable headrest and durable fabric makes this chair an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor relaxation.

Caravan Canopy Zero Gravity Blue Chair $49.99 The Caravan Canopy Zero Gravity Chair is the ideal chair for both indoor and outdoor relaxation. This durable seat is equipped with an adjustable headrest and long lasting outdoor fabric.

PVC Resin/ Steel Frame Camel Back Rocker $230.99 Entertain your outdoor guests with this camel back rockerPatio furniture is constructed of woven PVC resinChair also has a powder coated steel frame

Treviso 3-piece Patio Furniture Set $2180.99 Add some style to your patio with a new outdoor furniture setSet includes two sofa pieces and one tableFurniture set makes a terrific complement to nearly any home and garden decor

Milano 10-piece Patio Furniture Set $3317.99 Charming outdoor patio set sports a true modern designLinear style with contrasting color scheme make this a very unique furniture setPatio furniture is sure to look great on your porch or backyard

Zero Gravity Beige Chair $49.99 The Caravan Canopy Zero Gravity Chair is the ideal chair for both indoor and outdoor relaxation. This durable seat is equipped with an adjustable headrest and long lasting outdoor fabric. Capable of holding up to 300 lbs., and

Texsport Daydreamer Hammock Chair $52.99 Sit back and relax in this incredibly comfortable Daydreamer hammock chair from Texsport. This convenient piece of outdoor gear features a wide and tall comfortable back.

Modena Chair Set with Ivory Cushions $908.72 Update your decor with elegant set of two arm chairs Furniture includes two 5-inch ivory cushionsArm chair set features Gordon’s protective sealer

Redd Black Chair with White PVC Cushion $111.59 Accent your home decor with this modern chairBlack chair is crafted of ABS plastic that resists fading from UV raysFurniture is suitable for both indoor or outdoor use

Lexington All-weather Aluminum Wicker Patio Set $2645.99 All-weather aluminum wicker patio set is durable and stylish Outdoor furniture set offers comfortable deep seating in your own backyardSet includes one sofa, one table and two arm chairs

Outdoor Resin/ Steel Bistro Set $299.99 Outdoor Resin/Steel Bistro Set

Deluxe Zero Gravity Outdoor Folding Recliner $76.99 Sit back, relax and put your feet up inside or out in the comfort of the Outdoor Folding ReclinerChair features an innovative design with full-range reclining motionOutdoor seating locks into any position

PVC Resin/ Steel Frame Outdoor Chair $169.99 Entertain your outdoor guests with this chairPatio furniture is constructed of woven heavy duty 4 mm PVC resinChair also has a powdercoated steel frame

Five-Piece Outdoor Patio Set $949.99 Update your patio furniture with this outdoor dining setTable and chairs are made of PVC and aluminum to ensure no rustFurniture’s stylish look and versatility makes it a great addition to any patioCushions not included

Redd White Chair with Black PVC Cushion $150.29 Accent your home decor with this modern dining chairWhite chair is crafted of ABS plastic that resists fading from UV raysFurniture is suitable both for outdoor or indoor use

Catania Oval 7-piece Dining Set $1112.99 This seven-piece outdoor dining set includes an oval wicker table with four side chairs and two arm chairs. This set is constructed of sturdy and durable aluminum, PVC and wicker for protection from the sun and outdoor elements.

Maui Outdoor Loveseat, Chairs and Coffee Table Set $879.99 Elegance and fine craftsmanship rejuvenate the look of your backyard or patio decor Set includes one loveseat, two chairs, and one coffee tableClassic wicker style enriches your favorite outdoor setting

OS Corsica 9-piece Dining Set $1562.99 Lightly-stained eucalyptus wood and wicker combine for stylish comfort in this nine-piece outdoor dining set. This set features an extendable oval table and eight stacking armchairs with cushions.

Outdoor 4-piece Settee Group $851.99 Update your patio furniture with this outdoor Settee groupTable and chairs are made of PVC and aluminum to ensure no rustFurniture’s stylish look and versatility makes it a great addition to any backyard

Firenze 9-piece Wicker Furniture Set $2963.99 Charming outdoor patio set sports a true modern designLinear style with contrasting color scheme make this a very unique furniture setPatio furniture is sure to look great on your porch or backyard

Salerno 4-piece Patio Furniture Set $1929.79 Add some style to your patio with a new outdoor furniture setSet includes two armchairs, one loveseat and one tableFurniture set makes a terrific complement to nearly any home and garden decor

Torino 5-piece Outdoor Dining Set $834.99 Entertain your outdoor guests with this Torino dining setOutdoor furniture is crafted of Brazilian eucalyptus woodSet includes round table and four stacking chairs

Mr. BBQ Premium Black Patio Chair Cover $17.99 This Mr. BBQ Premium Black Patio Chair Cover features eco-friendly construction without using any PVC. This weather resistant chair cover protects your furniture in the harshest of conditions.

Venice 7-piece Patio Set $2483.99 Beautiful 7-piece patio set sports a modern, minimalist designPatio furniture is highlighted by a bold contrasting color configurationOutdoor dining set is sure to be the masterpiece of your backyard

New York ‘Deluxe’ 7-piece Sectional Set $3175.13 Add stylish comfort to your outdoor decor with this New York five-piece wicker sectional set. Constructed of aluminum, PVC and wicker, this set is built to withstand outdoor elements and sun for years of relaxing enjoyment.