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It would seem that wood furniture is an extremely poor choice for outdoor use. You might think that it is prone to infestation by insects and various pests, as well damage from the sun, the air and the various forces of nature, it would seem that your money would be better spent on any number of other materials such as aluminum, steel or even plastic! Upon closer scrutiny however, you will realize that there exists a surprisingly large number of examples of wood furniture that is relegated to outdoor use. The truth of the matter is that while most types of wood are indeed best suited for indoor use, and will fare poorly when exposed to the elements, there are quite a few types of wood that can remain outdoors throughout the greater part of the year, and largely withstand the constant onslaught of environmental factors. Teak in particular is a supremely hardy type of wood that is commonly used in furniture destined for the great outdoors. Amazingly robust and sturdy, and naturally immune to most forms of wear and pest infestation, very few types of wood can compare to the strength and durability of teak. The downside is that wood furniture crafted out of teak can be somewhat prohibitive in cost. Somewhat lower in price are furniture made from cedar and redwood. With a durability that is comparable to teak, these types of woods rely on the natural chemical content that is abundant in the interior part of the wood, commonly known as the heartwood. In contrast, the outer portion of the wood called the sapwood, does not contain any of these protective chemicals and is more prone to damage from exposure to the elements. A good rule of thumb to consider when on the lookout for cedar and redwood based furniture is that they should be crafted primarily out of heartwood rather than sapwood. If cedar and redwood are still beyond your budget, you still have other alternatives. You can opt for any number of pieces that are made from factory-treated wood. These types of wood will not have the natural protective chemicals of the aforementioned types but will have some artificial protection added at the factory. Wooden furniture is indeed attractive additions to any outdoor setting and choosing carefully will ensure that you can enjoy their classic elegance and beauty in your own home. | 
