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Livingetc
Livingetc
Julia Demer

Call It Cliché, or Call It Classic — We Think Wooden Outdoor Furniture Gets It Right Every Time

Wooden garden furniture pictured against a colorful checkered background.

Wooden outdoor furniture feels… safe. Sturdy. Classic in that all-American, lemonade-on-the-porch kind of way. You could call it basic — or you could admit it’s a design mainstay for a reason.

Not all wood outdoor furniture is made equal, though. Some are gorgeous but flimsy, some can’t handle more than one moody raincloud. Others? They thrive in the elements and somehow look even better after a storm or two (more on that in the Q&A below).

“It brings warmth, adds texture, and has a timeless look that fits right in with nature,” says Rebecca Andrews, VP of Category Management at Article. But that doesn’t mean wooden outdoor furniture trends can’t surprise you. “One design detail we’re really loving this season is the mix of materials,” she adds — think wood with rope, metal, or a hint of unexpected color.

So I did what any well-adjusted style editor does: obsessed. I combed through hundreds of listings, read the reviews, cross-checked construction details, and only considered Livingetc’s most trusted brands. Without further ado, here’s everything you need to make wood feel a little less safe — and a lot more striking — this summer.

Wooden Outdoor Chairs

Wooden Outdoor Tables

Wooden Outdoor Sofas

Teak Outdoor Furniture

Q&A

Can you leave wooden outdoor furniture outside all year?

Technically, yes — assuming you’ve invested in the right kind of wood (more on that below). But even the best of us need a little protection. “Cover it when not in use and follow care instructions properly,” advises Rebecca Andrews, VP of category management at Article.

If you really want to play it safe? “The best option is to store it inside,” she adds. “While outdoor furniture is extremely durable, it isn’t indestructible, and extreme heat, cold, or excessive rain may damage the wood.”

In other words: know your climate, and plan accordingly.

Which types of wood are best for outdoor furniture — and which should you skip?

On the nice list: “Durable hardwoods like teak, acacia, and eucalyptus,” says Rebecca. “These dense, oily woods are naturally resistant to moisture and pests,” which makes them ideal for the outdoors.

But like a good pair of leather boots, they still require a little upkeep. “Proper maintenance is essential to ensure longevity,” she adds.

Now, for the naughty list: soft woods, like pine and maple, are a no-go. They soak up moisture like a sponge, rot easily, and lack the durability needed to brave the elements. They’re often cheaper — but you’ll end up spending more replacing them season after season.

What’s in your living room is now showing up on your patio. That means modularity, functionality, and pieces that shift with your needs — hosting friends one night, lounging solo the next.

“Clean lines and low-profile silhouettes have also remained popular with our customers,” says Rebecca.



Summer is for lounging, tanning, traveling — and, ideally, not regretting your backyard setup. Before you buy, learn from your fellow design buffs and take a peek at the tacky outdoor furniture missteps to avoid this season.

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