Best Wood for Exterior Furniture: The Ultimate Guide for Australian Homes

When it comes to outdoor furniture, timber selection isn’t just about looks, it’s about longevity. In Australia’s diverse and often harsh climate, choosing the right wood can mean the difference between a setting that lasts for decades and one that fades, warps or rots in a matter of seasons.

This detailed guide will explore the top-performing timbers for exterior furniture, how each wood type handles sun, rain, pests, and wear, and what maintenance is realistically required to keep your pieces looking beautiful for years. We’ll also cover sustainability factors, design matching, lifestyle fit, and give you expert-backed advice to help make an informed decision that will elevate your outdoor living.

Why Timber Choice Matters

Australia’s outdoor environments are among the toughest in the world. Sunlight is intense, moisture levels fluctuate, and pests like termites are an ever-present risk. When choosing wood for exterior furniture, durability and stability should be top priorities. The right timber will provide:

• Resistance to rot and decay

• Natural protection from insects and termites

• Dimensional stability to avoid cracking or warping

• Weather resilience through all seasons

• Longevity with minimal maintenance

If your outdoor furniture is exposed to full sun, heavy rain or salty coastal breezes, investing in the right wood can help avoid costly replacements or constant upkeep.

Beyond performance, the wood you select influences how your furniture weathers over time, whether it retains a golden warmth, softens to a silvery grey, or deepens into a rich red-brown. It also contributes to the overall tone of your outdoor space, whether you're after a sleek resort-style vibe, a rustic bushland feel, or a casual family-friendly setting.

Understanding Durability Classes

Timber used in outdoor settings is often rated by its durability class. This classification helps you understand how well a wood type stands up to weather, insects, and decay:

• Class 1: Extremely durable (25+ years outside)

• Class 2: Durable (15–25 years)

• Class 3: Moderately durable (7–15 years)

• Class 4: Low durability (0–7 years)

The timbers we feature in this guide are primarily Class 1 or 2, meaning they are suitable for prolonged outdoor use with proper care.

The Best Outdoor Woods for Australian Conditions

Teak

Teak is considered the benchmark for premium outdoor furniture. Native to Southeast Asia, teak is prized for its high oil content, dense grain and natural water-repelling properties. It has been used for boat building for centuries for good reason, it resists swelling, warping, and degradation in wet environments.

Why it works in Australia:

• Naturally resists termites, rot, mould and mildew

• Handles humidity and UV exposure without splitting or checking

• Weathers to a silver-grey patina if left untreated

• Can last 30 to 50+ years, even in full sun and rain

• Doesn’t require sealing or oiling to stay structurally sound

Design notes: Teak furniture’s natural golden-brown hue brings warmth and luxury. It suits everything from modern coastal to Hamptons-style settings. Left untreated, it develops a sophisticated, weathered appearance often seen in resort spaces.

Maintenance tips:

• Annual cleaning with mild soap and water

• Optional oiling to maintain the original colour

• Teak sealer can be used to reduce surface oxidation

Best for: Homeowners wanting timeless design and performance with minimal maintenance. Whether it’s used for a sprawling sectional lounge or a pair of teak sun lounges by the pool, teak delivers long-lasting beauty with very little effort.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a fast-growing, sustainable hardwood increasingly used in outdoor furniture. With over 700 species native to Australia, eucalyptus offers strength, character, and ecological benefits. Commercial furniture-grade eucalyptus is often plantation-grown and FSC-certified.

Why it works in Australia:

• Dense and rot-resistant

• Locally available and more affordable than teak

• Rich colour and visible grain

• Class 2 durability when sealed

Design notes: Eucalyptus features soft red-brown hues that darken over time. It's a great fit for bushland, contemporary and rustic outdoor settings.

Maintenance tips:

• Apply outdoor furniture oil 1–2 times per year

• Avoid placing directly on wet grass or soil

• Store or cover during extreme weather for longevity

Best for: Eco-conscious buyers seeking solid value, rich tone, and locally relevant design. With reddish tones and a gently textured grain, it suits relaxed outdoor dining sets or family-friendly bench seating under a pergola.

Jarrah

Jarrah is a premium Australian hardwood grown in the southwest of Western Australia. With a high Class 2 durability rating and deep, natural red tones, jarrah is one of the best native options for outdoor furniture.

Why it works in Australia:

• Exceptionally dense and termite-resistant

• Withstands strong sun and coastal exposure

• Naturally bushfire-resistant

• Often available from reclaimed sources

Design notes: Jarrah’s bold red tones pair beautifully with dark metal frames or black powder-coated aluminium. It brings richness to garden seating, dining sets, and pergola lounges.

Maintenance tips:

• Oil 1–2 times a year to prevent greying

• Clean regularly to avoid tannin leaching

• Avoid harsh chemical cleaners which can dry out the surface

Best for: Design-conscious buyers looking for locally-sourced timber with visual depth and decades of durability. It’s ideal for substantial pieces like outdoor dining tables or heavyweight armchairs that anchor a deck or patio.

Spotted Gum

Spotted gum is one of Australia’s most versatile native timbers, used in everything from structural beams to designer outdoor seating. Its name comes from the spotted appearance of its bark, and the wood itself varies from pale grey-brown to deep chocolate.

Why it works in Australia:

• Grows in coastal and inland regions, so highly adaptive

• High density and fire-resistant

• Minimal shrinkage or warping with weather changes

Design notes: The subtle colour variation in spotted gum creates a relaxed, natural look. It works beautifully in bushland properties, decks with natural landscaping, and open alfresco spaces.

Maintenance tips:

• Treat with decking oil or sealer to preserve tone

• Sand lightly before re-coating annually

• Avoid placing near pools without sealing, to prevent chlorine damage

Best for: Homeowners wanting a strong local hardwood with neutral tones and wide design appeal. Spotted gum has a unique grain and tonal variation that adds visual interest without overpowering a space. It’s particularly suited to low-profile outdoor lounges, modern dining sets, or integrated seating that blends into timber decks.

Merbau (Kwila)

Merbau is a tropical hardwood from Southeast Asia and the Pacific. It’s a popular choice in Australia for decking, screens and outdoor furniture due to its resilience and rich colouring.

Why it works in Australia:

• Class 1 durability

• Dense, stable, and rot-resistant

• Ideal for tropical, coastal or high-rainfall regions

Design notes: Merbau’s deep orange-brown colour pairs well with earthy outdoor finishes, terracotta tiles, and lush tropical landscaping. It suits bold, modern, or island-style outdoor spaces.

Maintenance tips:

• Always seal new merbau to prevent tannin bleeding

• Clean surfaces regularly to reduce oil build-up

• Oil annually to maintain its vibrant tone

Best for: Buyers who love bold colour and want a strong timber that performs in wet, high-use spaces. Rich, warm and incredibly tough, merbau is a favourite for outdoor areas that get a lot of traffic, think large dining tables for family feasts or robust occasional chairs that stay out year-round.

Acacia

Acacia is a fast-growing hardwood with a decorative grain, making it popular for budget-friendly outdoor furniture. While it looks great and offers decent performance, it requires consistent maintenance.

Why it works in Australia:

• Affordable alternative to teak or eucalyptus

• Naturally dense and pest-resistant

• Often used in contemporary and transitional designs

Design notes: Acacia has warm, teak-like tones and striking grain patterns. It can be paired with neutral or coastal palettes but should be kept away from extreme sun exposure. Acacia’s attractive grain and approachable price point make it a great option for occasional-use furniture like small balcony settings, bistro sets, or extra lounge chairs for guests.

Maintenance tips:

• Oil 2–3 times per year, especially in summer

• Cover when not in use

• Avoid direct contact with grass or moisture-prone ground

Best for: Entry-level outdoor buyers or those furnishing shaded balconies or undercover decks.

Cedar

Western Red Cedar is a lightweight, aromatic softwood used in outdoor cladding, fencing, and furniture. It’s naturally insect-repellent and dimensionally stable.

Why it works in Australia:

• Doesn’t warp or cup in humid climates

• Ideal for covered outdoor areas

• Develops silver-grey patina over time

Design notes: Cedar has a softness and aromatic quality that makes it a pleasure to live with. It works well for foldable furniture, daybeds, or decorative pieces in sheltered outdoor rooms.

Maintenance tips:

• Use breathable covers (not plastic)

• Lightly sand and oil annually

• Avoid placing heavy objects to prevent denting

Best for: Occasional-use furniture in protected outdoor settings where comfort and character matter.

Matching Timber to Lifestyle & Location

Coastal Homes: Choose teak, spotted gum, or merbau for salt resistance and dimensional stability.

Urban Courtyards: Eucalyptus or jarrah can deliver strength and character with a refined finish.

Bushland & Rural Settings: Acacia and cedar blend beautifully with native vegetation but need more care.

Covered Patios: Most timber options will perform well under cover, focus on tone, finish, and grain to match your home.

Tips for Extending Timber Furniture Lifespan

• Clean regularly: Dirt and moisture encourage mildew. Wash furniture with mild soap and water each season.

• Oil or seal annually: Most hardwoods benefit from oiling or sealing once or twice a year.

• Avoid ground contact: Elevate furniture or use rubber foot protectors to prevent water absorption.

• Cover in off-season: Use breathable covers during winter or extended periods of non-use.

• Store cushions separately: This helps prevent moisture from sitting against wood.

Conclusion: Choose Once, Enjoy for Years

Australia’s outdoor conditions demand timber that doesn’t just look beautiful but performs. Teak remains the most resilient and low-maintenance choice, while eucalyptus and spotted gum provide a sustainable, mid-range option that’s tough and attractive. Jarrah and merbau offer rich colour and native appeal. Acacia and cedar round out the selection with style and affordability, perfect for semi-sheltered spaces.

At Bay Gallery, we handpick outdoor furniture made with performance-grade timbers designed to last in Australian conditions. Whether you’re furnishing a coastal deck, an inner-city courtyard or a rural veranda, we help you make a confident, lasting investment in outdoor living.

Looking to complete your space? Browse Bay Gallery’s outdoor dining furniture, outdoor chairs and coffee tables, carefully crafted from durable, weather-resistant timbers that suit every lifestyle.