Reply by richgreer

IMO – the best wood for outdoor furniture is ipe. It is VERY hard and durable. I think it as teak at half the price. Finishing it is optional. Without a finish it will turn gray which some people like. With or without finish it will last forever.

I built a 400 square foot deck with it and then built all of my outdoor furniture with it. It’s 10 years old with no signs of any deterioration.

B.t.w – it’s hard on tools, especially drill bits.

-- Rich, Cedar Rapids, IA - I'm a woodworker. I don't create beauty, I reveal it.