Which is better? Cedar or Teak?

In decorating your patio, what would you choose? Will it be teak or cedar? It is quite important to you that your choice for outdoor furniture will be of high quality that will last a long time. In terms of patio furniture, we do have good reviews of both cedar and teak. Because both are mostly weather resistant, either material is a great buy, but depending on your use, you may prefer one over the other.

Comparing Cedar and Teak in terms of:

• Protection to Outdoor Elements:

Both types of wood produce oils that help to protect them from the harsh elements, even if they are not treated with varnish, sealer or oil. This means a less work on your part to protect them against the weather as compared to other kinds of wood. Cedar patio furniture will also have an aroma, which comes from the secreted oils. Most people find the smell pleasant when drifted on the breeze outside, and it also repels moths and certain other insects. The natural oils found within cedar are also responsible for the weather. While teak furniture is very high in oil and rubber concentration which is why it is virtually impermeable to water, even untreated.

• Production and Affordability:

Cedar is a naturally hardwood that is readily available and actually abundant within the United States, whereas teak is natural to a more Southern Pacific tropical environment, growing mainly in Southeast Asia. That means manufacture of Teak patio furniture requires importing the raw materials or even importing finished products, making it more costly.

• Durability and how long it will last:

For how long your furniture lasts, it depends on your use, abuse, and maintenance, so between cedar and teak, you’ll find varying opinions. For different items, one may be better than the other, but they are both highly durable with low maintenance and a great, graceful appearance.

• Cleaning and Maintenance

Teak requires frequent care, as it can easily build molds and mildew in wet and damp conditions. You’ll need to wash your furniture frequently to be certain that this doesn’t become unmanageable, and you’ll want to make sure that no insects begin to dig into it or moths or termites decide to eat it. On the other hand, cedar patio furniture requires another sort of maintenance. While less likely to molds and mildew and not attracting moths and other insects, the wood survives best with a good annual sanding.

• Style you Prefer:

Depending on the style of furniture you prefer, you may choose a particular type of wood. Teak has an older, more worn look to it and would provide a good material for rustic wood furniture. Teak would also provide a nice appearance for cottage style or contemporary design. However, cedar tends to remain lighter and fresher in color and wear and would create a better contemporary set of furniture for your patio. It would not look good in rustic style.