Eucalyptus vs Teak: Which Wood is Best for Your Outdoor Furniture?

When it comes to choosing the perfect wood for your outdoor furniture, two names frequently come up: teak and eucalyptus. Both are celebrated hardwoods, known for their beauty, strength, and performance in the great outdoors. But which is better suited to your lifestyle, budget, and the unique Australian climate? In this guide, we compare teak and eucalyptus across every critical factor—from durability and maintenance to appearance, sustainability, and long-term value—to help you make the best decision for your home.

Overview of Teak and Eucalyptus as Furniture Woods

What is Teak?

Teak is a tropical hardwood native to South and Southeast Asia, renowned for its exceptional durability and natural resistance to water, decay, and termites. Rich in natural oils, teak has long been the timber of choice for boat building and premium outdoor furniture. Its golden-brown hue weathers gracefully to a silvery-grey over time, and its tight, straight grain gives it a smooth, elegant finish. Teak is often considered the benchmark for high-end outdoor settings and is prized for its longevity and minimal maintenance needs. It’s a wood that not only performs but exudes a refined, classic appeal that elevates any space.

What is Eucalyptus?

Eucalyptus is a fast-growing hardwood native to Australia and widely cultivated in plantations around the world. Known for its impressive strength and density, eucalyptus has a warm, reddish-brown tone that adds a relaxed natural charm to outdoor settings. While it contains natural oils that help resist moisture and insects, it is not as inherently resilient as teak. That said, with proper maintenance—such as regular oiling or sealing—it can provide many years of dependable use. Its affordability and eco-friendly credentials make eucalyptus a compelling alternative for those seeking a balance between style, sustainability, and budget.

Teak vs Eucalyptus – Head-to-Head Comparison

Durability & Lifespan

Teak is celebrated globally for its durability, often outlasting its owners. Naturally imbued with oils that repel moisture and insects, teak shrugs off the elements—sun, salt air, humidity—like few other materials. It can be left uncovered outdoors year-round and still perform for decades. Many heritage teak pieces found in public parks or garden settings are 40–70 years old and still structurally sound.

Eucalyptus also rates highly for toughness, particularly in dry, sunny climates like much of inland and coastal Australia. Its density gives it strength, though it lacks the dimensional stability of teak. In practical terms, this means eucalyptus is more prone to expanding and contracting with temperature and humidity shifts, which over time can cause minor warping or surface checking. When cared for properly—through regular cleaning and oiling—it can last 15 to 25 years or more.

Maintenance Needs

Teak earns its premium reputation partly because of its low maintenance requirements. Left untreated, it weathers to a beautiful grey patina without losing structural integrity. If homeowners prefer to preserve the rich golden colour, applying teak oil or sealer once or twice a year will do the trick. A soft scrub with warm water and mild soap is all that's needed to remove surface grime.

Eucalyptus requires more active care to reach its full lifespan. While its natural oils do offer moderate protection, regular application of an outdoor wood oil is essential—ideally two to three times per year, particularly in harsher climates or when exposed to rain. During off-season months, covering or storing eucalyptus furniture under shelter can prevent undue wear. Still, this extra care pays off in extended use and maintained aesthetics.

Appearance & Aesthetics

Both woods are visually appealing in distinct ways. Teak’s uniform grain and warm golden tones offer a clean, luxurious look that harmonises with modern, coastal, and traditional outdoor spaces alike. As it ages, its silver-grey tone adds a weathered elegance that many designers and architects embrace.

Eucalyptus presents a more relaxed character. Its reddish undertone and slightly varied grain pattern lend it an organic, earthy presence that works beautifully in bohemian, Hamptons-style, or rustic garden settings. It’s especially popular among homeowners who appreciate a “natural” look without the need for paint or synthetic finishes.

Well-crafted eucalyptus furniture can closely resemble teak in both appearance and weight. In fact, many casual observers would struggle to tell them apart at first glance—particularly when new and well-finished.

Cost & Value

There’s no question: teak furniture is a financial investment. It often carries a price tag two to three times higher than comparable eucalyptus pieces. But this upfront cost is offset by the long-term savings in maintenance and replacement. For homeowners planning a forever home or outfitting a space with heirloom potential, teak delivers unmatched value.

Eucalyptus offers excellent return on investment for the mid-term homeowner. It gives you the beauty and weight of hardwood furniture at a significantly more accessible price point. If you're furnishing a holiday property, rental, or entertaining area that sees fluctuating use or changing trends, eucalyptus may be the more practical choice.

Sustainability

Environmental impact is an increasing priority for modern homeowners—and rightly so. Eucalyptus shines in this category. It grows rapidly, requires less water than many hardwoods, and is often locally or regionally sourced in Australia. As a result, it typically has a lower carbon footprint and is considered one of the more sustainable hardwood options.

Teak can be sustainable, particularly when it comes from certified plantations that practice responsible forestry. At Bay Gallery, we are committed to using only ethically sourced teak and eucalyptus. Our suppliers adhere to strict sustainability protocols to ensure that every piece you purchase is not only beautiful, but responsible too.

Real-Life Use Cases: What’s Best for Your Lifestyle?

Ideal for Coastal Homes

If you live near the ocean, teak is almost unbeatable. Its resistance to salt air and moisture makes it a top choice for coastal properties. Minimal care, no fuss—just stunning furniture that stands the test of time.

Perfect for Seasonal Entertaining

If you entertain in bursts—think summer barbecues and long weekends—eucalyptus furniture provides stylish, durable seating and dining options without the teak price tag. It’s easy to move, looks fantastic, and offers great value.

For the Eco-Conscious Designer

Those designing with sustainability in mind may favour eucalyptus for its fast renewability and often local sourcing. Combined with its natural good looks, it’s a material that aligns style with conscience.

For Timeless Patios and Alfresco Spaces

Investing in a long-term outdoor setting for your forever home? Teak’s elegance and longevity make it ideal. With minimal upkeep, it will remain a fixture of your outdoor lifestyle for decades.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Teak If:

• You want the absolute best in longevity and weather resistance

• You prefer minimal maintenance

• You’re investing in a timeless, heirloom-quality piece

• You love the silver-grey patina or rich golden hue of aged teak

• You live near the coast or in high-humidity regions

Choose Eucalyptus If:

• You’re looking for a stylish yet cost-effective alternative

• You’re comfortable with occasional maintenance

• You prefer a warm, natural aesthetic

• Sustainability is a top priority

• You’re furnishing a rental, short-term property or space with evolving needs

Experience the Best of Both Woods at Bay Gallery

At Bay Gallery Furniture, we understand that choosing the right timber isn’t just about the material—it’s about the lifestyle you want to create. That’s why we offer both premium Grade-A teak and sustainably sourced eucalyptus in a curated range of outdoor furniture collections. From timeless outdoor dining sets to modern modular lounges, each piece is crafted to showcase the natural beauty and integrity of the wood itself.

Visit one of our showrooms in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane to experience the difference firsthand. Our furniture consultants can guide you through care tips, design matching, and the unique characteristics of each timber type.

Discover the perfect wood for your next outdoor setting — and let us help you make the most of your space.