Is Eucalyptus Wood Good for Outdoor Furniture?

When it comes to furniture, quality always comes at a price. Sometimes, you have to invest exuberant amounts, especially if you want something that can handle extreme weather conditions. Eucalyptus wood is a much cheaper option but is it suitable for outdoor furniture?

Eucalyptus wood is good for outdoor furniture because it’s more affordable and has features comparable to teak. It’s highly resistant to rot and decay. This wood also has enough oil content that makes it resistant to moisture. With proper care, this wood can easily last for 25 years or more.

Despite all of the benefits you can get from using eucalyptus wood, it still has some weak points that you should know. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding by learning the pros and cons of using eucalyptus wood for outdoor furniture. So, keep on reading below.

Pros of Using Eucalyptus Wood for Outdoor Furniture

Before you even consider using eucalyptus wood for outdoor furniture, it would be best to understand the advantages you can get from it. Sure, there’s plenty of supply, and it’s a highly sustainable resource. Still, many other things make it suitable for furniture.

Below are the most significant advantages you can get from using eucalyptus wood for outdoor furniture.

Highly Resistant to Rot and Decay

One of the most significant reasons eucalyptus wood became a popular option for outdoor furniture is its resistance to rot and decay. Even if you leave it outdoors, it can last for several years. Aside from this, it has enough oil content to make it naturally resistant to moisture, which significantly affects wood longevity. As long as it receives proper care, eucalyptus wood can serve you well. 

Longer Lasting Than Most Softwood and Hardwood

Most softwood and hardwood, even with proper care, will only last for a few years. If you’re going to use eucalyptus wood for your outdoor furniture, it can last for up to 25 years, sometimes even more. Of course, it needs some treatment to slow its deterioration, but using a water-based acrylic sealant at least once a year should be enough to keep it protected. 

Comparable to Teak But More Affordable

Another popular wood that we use for outdoor furniture is teak because of the many benefits it offers. However, its quality is comparable to eucalyptus wood, which is a much cheaper option. If you want to have the best outdoor furniture without spending a fortune on the wood you’re using, eucalyptus wood is a great choice. It’s a highly sustainable product that isn’t prone to artificial shortages — a common issue with other wood types.

Exquisite Finish That Gets Better Over Time

Finishing coats make furniture look better and keep it protected, but eucalyptus wood doesn’t need much of these coats to look good. It has a reddish finish with varying grain patterns that give it an exquisite look. With its high resistance to weather and naturally pleasing look, you can expect to have the best furniture without spending much on the finishing touches.

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Consistent Texture Without Grading Options

When looking for wood that you can use for furniture, a common issue you’ll face is the grading options — the same wood type of different grade will have very different qualities. It’s not a problem with eucalyptus wood because the texture it creates is consistent, and you don’t have to worry about grading options. Simply put, different pieces of furniture that use eucalyptus wood will have the same grain patterns, reddish finish, durability, and quality.

Cons of Using Eucalyptus Wood for Outdoor Furniture

Despite having the characteristics that make it suitable for outdoor furniture, eucalyptus wood may still not be ideal for you. That’s because this wood doesn’t do well in some areas. Aside from its weakness in drastic temperature changes, below are other disadvantages that you’ll have to deal with if you use eucalyptus wood for outdoor furniture.

Does Not Do Well in Cold

Eucalyptus wood is a durable wood that has good resistance against weather. However, it’s not advisable in areas that are experiencing extreme cold temperatures. It can cause cracking on the furniture’s surface, especially if you didn’t use a sealant. But even with proper protection, it still doesn’t guarantee that you won’t have problems with this wood during winter. The only option you have is to take it inside to protect it from cold weather.

Less Durable Than Teak

If you want to build high-end furniture, teak is a much better option. Although it costs more, it’s still more durable than eucalyptus wood. Even if you save money for your initial investment, you’ll have to replace some furniture parts more often, which can offset the cost difference. Eucalyptus wood is only advisable if you want to have good outdoor furniture, even on a tight budget.

Weak Against Drastic Changes in Temperature

Eucalyptus wood contracts and expands as the weather changes. If you’re going to use it for outdoor furniture, it’ll be susceptible to changes in the temperature, forcing it to expand and shrink. The damage won’t be visible at first. Still, if your area experiences drastic weather changes, you can’t expect your furniture to last long. Although it’s possible to use it, frequent changes can weaken your furniture’s foundation, making it less ideal for long-term investment.

Natural Color Changes Without Proper Care

If you’re going to use eucalyptus wood for furniture because of its natural reddish color, you need to be extra careful with it. The reddish color that it has and the exquisite grain pattern degrades over time, especially if you’re not giving it proper care. If you’re looking for something that requires less caring, it would be better to look for another wood. Outdoor furniture requires even more attention and care, making it less ideal for many people.

Prone to Pests

Many pests can damage your furniture, especially if you’re not providing it with enough protection, including the eucalyptus long-horned borer, psyllid species, and some beetles. Like other issues that you may encounter when using eucalyptus wood, dealing with pests requires proper care and applying sealants regularly. Once a year is recommended, but you may have to do it more to retain its condition, especially in areas with extreme weather conditions.

Should You Pick Eucalyptus for Outdoor Furniture?

An easy answer to this question is yes. Eucalyptus wood is an excellent option for outdoor furniture. It has most of the benefits that you need and doesn’t cost as much as other woods. However, teak is still superior, and although it’s more expensive, it lasts longer and offers better durability.

If the budget is tight, eucalyptus is an excellent choice. But if you’re looking for something worth investing in and gives you a better value in the long run, it would be best to opt for other options available.

Conclusion

Eucalyptus wood is good for furniture, but it doesn’t mean that you should already have it for your pieces. You need to consider a few things to be sure that you’re taking advantage of its benefits. Aside from this, other wood types offer better features and are more suitable for outdoor furniture.

If you’re on a tight budget but still want to have the best outdoor furniture possible, eucalyptus wood is an excellent option. But if you can afford to spend a bit more to get better wood types like teak, you’re sure to get better value from it.

Sources

• RST Brands: How Durable Is Eucalyptus Wood for Outdoor Furniture?
• Green Garage Blog: 14 Pros and Cons of Eucalyptus Wood Furniture
• Hunker: Teak vs. Eucalyptus Furniture
• PlowHearth: Best Woods For Outdoor Furniture
• Nook and Cranny Living: How Durable Is Eucalyptus Wood for Outdoor Furniture?
• The Spruce: Choosing the Right Outdoor Wood Furniture
• Fabulous Decors: Eucalyptus vs. Teak for Outdoor Furniture