When you search “custom furniture” online, your results will show a lot of dining tables and sofas, and maybe an end table or two. What you won’t see in an initial search is outdoor furniture, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done! Custom-built outdoor furniture can be incredibly durable, not to mention, beautiful, and there is no reason you can’t have your patio filled with one-of-a-kind pieces created by an artisan woodworker.
There are some special considerations for outdoor furniture, and you want to ensure that any custom furniture maker you work with has the skills to do it right. Here are some factors these custom furniture makers serving Tyler, TX take into consideration when creating outdoor pieces.
Some Types of Wood Hold Up Better in the Elements
When furniture stays outdoors, it’s going to be subjected to all kinds of difficult conditions. Moisture, temperature changes, and insect activity can all contribute to the breakdown of outdoor furniture pieces. There are certain types of wood that have natural defenses against these things already built into them, and those are the types of woods that will be best for outdoor projects.
For example, cedar is naturally resistant to rot and most insects. It doesn’t even need to be painted or treated to hold up well outdoors (although doing so will certainly extend its life). It is a soft wood that’s easy to cut and mill, and it’s relatively readily available in most areas, so it is a popular choice across the United States. For a hardwood option, acacia is one to consider. It is also abundant in various areas in the country, and its high oil content helps it to be resistant to insects and rotting as well. Depending on what area you live in, redwood, cypress, or teak may be great choices as well.
There are ways to help protect your outdoor furniture from the elements, regardless of the wood it’s made from, but by using a naturally weather- and insect-resistant wood to begin with, you will be ensuring that your furniture will stand the test of time.
Finishes Matter
There are different methods for finishing furniture, and they all come with pros and cons. For outdoor furniture, the differences can contribute to the longevity of the pieces, so consider the options carefully.
Paint is one option and can be very effective. Be sure to choose paint that is specifically formulated for outdoor use, and be sure to follow the instructions on how many coats are needed and how often to reapply in the years to come. If used correctly, paint will seal the wood from the elements and protect it from UV rays.
If you would rather see the natural color of the wood, a clear sealer is the way to go. Sealers seep into the pores of the wood and completely block moisture and dirt from getting in. Because they penetrate the wood’s surface, they can enhance the grain of the wood and really let its beauty shine through. Depending on where your furniture will be located, you may want to be sure to use a sealer that has UV protection as well.
When using one of the moisture- and insect-resistant woods mentioned above, it is also a viable option to leave the piece unfinished. Some woods weather naturally and turn darker or into a gray-ish color. That can be beautiful in its own right, and if that’s the look you want, go for it. Talk to your custom furniture maker about your goals for how you want your furniture to age over time so that they can make the best recommendation for the type of wood to use.
A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way
Outdoor furniture is notoriously easy to maintain, but that doesn’t mean you can skip maintenance altogether. By performing just a few quick steps annually, you can ensure that your furniture will last over time and look as good as new with each passing year.
As the weather first starts to get warm, wipe down your outdoor furniture with a damp cloth or sponge. If there is a lot of dirt and grime on the wood, then an oil soap will work well. If there are knicks or dull spots that you want to freshen up, a once-over with light sandpaper will do the trick.
Be sure to allow your furniture to dry naturally, as any attempt to speed up the process with heat or forced air could cause the wood to crack. Once it’s dry, reapply any paint or sealer as needed, and then you should be good to go for the warm weather season!
When considering new furniture pieces for your home, don’t forget your patio. Custom furniture makers can absolutely create custom pieces for your outdoor spaces, and just because the pieces will be living outside doesn’t mean they’ll quickly get damaged. Well-crafted furniture is built to last in any environment, so don’t hesitate to work with custom furniture makers to design and build some unique outdoor furniture just for you.
