I have been making outdoor furniture and am using Cypress. It is light, easy to work and relatively inexpensive. However, it splits like crazy and I am concerned about how long my work will last. I know Mahogoney and Teak are also good but too expensive. Good Cedar is hard to find and too soft I think. Is there any other wood or treatment of wood I can try for my outdoor furniture. I stay away from rain forest species as a rule. Thanks
Edited 5/7/2008 6:35 am ET by puterboy
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Another good species for outdoor furniture is Ipe. I've also been able to find a Mahogany substitute at my local building-supply dealer (I go to Bradco Wickes here in CT) that's sold as 5/4 decking in boards 4, 6, and 8 in. wide.
The wood is sold under a special brand name that I can't remember, but it's essentially a farm-raised variety of Mahogany. As a result, it's pretty affordable but still holds up great outdoors.
As for outdoor finishes. I haven't used many (I leave everything unfinished an let it go grey) but I've answered this same question a few times in Ask The Experts so I've managed to compile some good research on the subject.
We recently published a project article for an Ipe outdoor table. The author used a penetrating oil finish from a company called Penofin. I suspect this finish will require maintenance every few years to keep the wood from weathering grey.
You might also consider the durable outdoor finish described in this article. It's a bit more involved to apply but it gives great results for outdoor projects.
- matt
Thanks for your time to answer my question. I have not found a source around here for Ipe. I will look harder and see if I can find the farm raised species you write about.
Matt,Are you thinking of "Lyptus" distributed by Weyerhauser? Don't know if it is weather resistant.John White
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