Adirondack Furniture: Teak Or Cedar?

Premium Adirondack furniture is a purely American invention and a preferred choice where outdoor furnishings are concerned. The furniture originated in the Adirondack mountains and quickly spread outward. Although the popularity dropped off for a while, quality Adirondack furniture is back and more popular than ever. For many, it is not a choice of whether or not to buy premium Adirondack furniture. Instead, the choice seems to boil down to what kind of wood is the best where this premium outdoor furniture is concerned: Teak or Cedar?

Because Adirondack chairs and loungers are most common on patios or in gardens, the furniture must be able to stand up to the elements. Rain, sleet, snow, and insects are common enemies of wood—so which is better—teak or cedar?

Western Red Cedar is a very popular wood with a very fine grain and beautiful natural appearance. With minimal care, Western Red Cedar wood resists moisture and decay very well. In addition, furniture made from cedar will be naturally insect repellant. The natural oils found within cedar are responsible for the weather and insect resistant properties of cedar. Western Red Cedar Adirondack furniture is a uniform color of red and brown but this will fade in time (when left outdoors) and turn into a silver/gray. Cedar is best when finished with a stain and tends to last longer with care. However, premium Adirondack furniture made from Western Red Cedar is a good choice in high moisture environments such as cottages and patios.

Teak wood is another great choice for Adirondack furniture because it, too, is naturally weather resistant. Teak wood is very high in oil and rubber concentrations which is why it is virtually impermeable to water—even untreated. Premium Adirondack furniture made from teak wood can literally be left outside for years without worry. Like Western Red Cedar, teak wood will also begin to gray with time when not treated or stained. However, unlike cedar, teak wood is very tight grained. While cedar is a soft wood, teak is very sturdy and difficult to knick and damage.

So, is the best Adirondack furniture made from teak or cedar? While teak is more weather resistant and durable, Western Red Cedar is a beautiful wood that adds a distinctive element to the furniture. In truth, both are great woods and both used to make quality Adirondack furniture. The best choice will boil down to personal taste.

About the Author:

Jesse Akre, owner of numerous home and patio decor websites, makes it easy to find fantastic Adirondack Chairs and beautiful Adirondack Furniture . Learn how to decorate your patio and garden in style - click the following link: http://www.adirondackchairs-store.com.

 Jesse Akre

More Articles 

Outdoor Teak Furniture - Important Facts When Buying - Jesse Akre
One of the biggest logical considerations for buyers of deck or patio furniture is price. Most of us cannot simply go out and buy the biggest and best outdoor patio furniture without serious financial consequences. Still, while pricing is always a...

A Guide to Wine Picnic Baskets - - Kristy Annely
Wine picnic baskets are just the ticket for two, four, or more people. When it’s just too nice to spend the day indoors, why not go for a hike in your garden, in the woods, along the beach, or up on a mountainside? The great outdoors beckon. ...

How A Light Bulb Works and Other Interesting Tidbits - Antigone Arthur
How A Light Bulb Works and Other Interesting Tidbits Light Bulb Science Ever wonder how a light bulb works? I mean it seems easy, you flick a switch and "bam" there is light! While not much more complicated than that, there is a little science...

Selecting Bean Bag Chairs To Suit Your Home Decor - Claire Calkin
Noted Italian designers developed the first bean bag chairs in the 1960’s. Their creation was called the ‘Sacco’, and was at the time described as an ‘anatomical armchair’. It became the first mass produced bean bag furniture. Just like its...

South Dakota Real Estate – Step Away From The Rat Race - Raynor James
From National Parks to a relaxed pace of life, South Dakota has a lot more going for it then you might think. With some of the cheapest prices in the land, South Dakota real estate is a steal. South Dakota If you’re looking for bustling cities...

Aluminum Cushion Patio Furniture - Cat Greenbriar
Choosing patio furniture can be a difficult decision with so many options. There is one option that is comfortable as well as beautiful to accent any patio, and that is aluminum cushion patio furniture. Aluminum cushion patio furniture is the...

Fire Pit Essentials - Daniel Roshard
Summer is near and an a fire pit is something that a lot of us can use, an outdoor fire pit can be used on cold nights and make your backyard a little more special for your guests and for yourself as you enjoy your garden and...

Planter Boxes - How To Use Them As Attractive Garden Focal Points - Helen Wall
Planter boxes are wonderful for giving form and emphasis to your garden. Many modern houses are frequently designed with built-in planters, and traditional houses have them at entranceways, on terraces, and beside garages. Planters come in a...

How To Buy A Portable Hot Tub or Home Spa - Julie Ann Amos
When you first decide to buy a portable hot tub or home spa, you will be faced with a dizzying array of features, specifications, designs and accessories. It can be quite daunting to research all of these possibilities and determine the best...

The Importance Of Home Air Filters - Marcus Peterson
Many people are not aware that the air inside our homes is five times harmful than the air outside. Because of airtight home and office building constructions, the airborne pollutants are trapped inside, making the contaminated air unable to escape....

Grilling, Gardening or Storm Watching: Thermometers Provide the Numbers You Need - ARA Content
(ARA)- To make the most of outdoor activities, people need more information: the temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and whether any storms are lurking over the horizon. Fortunately, there are thermometers that fit the bill for...

Summer's Unexpected Outdoor Candelabra - Susan Penney
For picnic tables, decks, porches, patios, and sidewalks, decorators are using an unusual source of candle lighting. Fireplace candelabra—those candle holders intended for fireplaces—have moved outside for the summer! Fireplace candelabra were...