Is Cherry Wood Good for Outdoor Furniture?

There is no doubt that cherry wood is a popular choice when it comes to crafting elegant, timeless indoor furniture. This wood’s smooth grain, warm reddish color, and beautiful aging process make it a popular choice for dining sets, cabinets, and more. But what about outdoor use?

If you’re thinking of using cherry for your patio or backyard setup, you’re probably wondering if cherry wood is good for outdoor furniture? Here are the pros, cons, and real-life considerations you should consider before you commit.

The Outdoor Challenges: Is Cherry Wood Weather Resistant?

So, at first we need to understand the realities of outdoor exposure before we get swept away by the beauty of cherry wood. Throughout the year, the outside world continues to test furniture with elements such as sun, rain, humidity, and pests. These are formidable opponents for any material left exposed. So, when we ask about cherry wood weather resistance, we’re wondering if it can naturally stand its ground. Let’s break it down:

Moisture sensitivity: Cherry wood absorbs water pretty easily. If left untreated, it can warp, crack, or rot over time.
UV damage: The sun speeds up cherry’s natural darkening process. And this can lead to uneven fading or blotchy spots if parts of the furniture get more sun than others.
Not insect- or rot-resistant: As opposed to teak and cedar, cherry lacks natural oils that help repel insects or decay.

In response to your question, Is cherry wood good for outdoor furniture? Actually, it’s not, unless you treat and maintain it properly. But it isn’t, unless it’s treated and maintained.

Why People Love Cherry Wood

A hardwood known for its rich color and fine grain, cherry wood is typically American Black Cherry. It’s relatively easy to work with, stains and polish beautifully. And it darkens over time into a deep, reddish-brown tone that many people love.

This wood is widely used in traditional and high-end furniture making. But it’s not always the first name you’ll hear when discussing wood types for patio furniture, and there are good reasons why.

Before we talk about the outdoor drawbacks, let’s appreciate what makes cherry wood so appealing:

Looks amazing: It has a stunning natural look, and the grain is silky-smooth.
Ages gracefully: As time passes, it darkens and develops a richer color.
Good workability: The wood is easy to cut, carve, and finish.

It’s hard to beat for indoor use. The question is, what happens when it’s exposed to the elements?

How to Treat Cherry Wood Outdoors

If you’re still set on using cherry wood outside, you must treat it properly. The natural vulnerability of cherry wood demands treatment beyond the recommended. It’s absolutely essential if you want your outdoor pieces to last and retain their beauty. It’s like giving your furniture a superhero suit to protect it from the elements.

Here are some tips on protecting cherry wood outdoors:

Apply an outdoor-grade sealer or marine varnish: This is non-negotiable. The use of UV-protective sealants will prevent fading as well as block moisture.
Keep it undercover: Use cherry furniture in covered patios, sunrooms, or shaded decks where it’s protected from rain and harsh sun.
Elevate the furniture: Protect furniture from rot by elevating it above soil or puddles below.
Maintain it annually: One of the key parts of maintaining cherry wood outside is reapplying the finish once a year or whenever you notice wear.

With these steps, you can stretch the lifespan of your cherry wood furniture and keep it looking amazing.

Cherry Wood vs Teak: The Showdown

When talking about outdoor wood furniture, teak inevitably enters the conversation. There’s a reason why it’s considered to be the gold standard. Let’s pit cherry wood vs. teak for outdoor furniture to see how they stack up.Here’s how cherry compares to a top-tier outdoor wood like teak:

Feature	Cherry Wood	Teak Wood
Natural weather resistance	Low	Excellent
Maintenance required	High	Low
Appearance	Warm, reddish tones	Golden-brown patina
Durability outdoors	Moderate (with treatment)	Very high
Cost	Moderate	High

If you’re after minimal maintenance and long-term outdoor use, teak is hands-down the better option. But if you’re prioritizing style and don’t mind the upkeep, cherry still has a place. Especially furniture wood for humid climates with partial shelter is affordable.

Better Alternatives: Best Wood for Outdoor Furniture

If the thought of constant maintenance for cherry wood outdoor furniture feels a bit overwhelming, don’t despair! There’s a wonderful world of other woods out there that are naturally better suited for handling the great outdoors. When seeking the best wood for outdoor furniture, you’ll find options that offer both beauty and remarkable resilience.

Here are some top contenders for your natural wood for patio furniture:

Teak: As discussed, it’s the king of outdoor woods due to its high natural oil content. It resists rot, pests, and weathers beautifully to a silver-gray patina if left untreated. It truly is a premium choice.
Cedar: Known for its aromatic scent and natural insect-repelling properties. As well as being lightweight and rot-resistant, cedar is also very moisture-resistant. It has a rustic charm that makes it a popular choice.
Redwood: Similar to cedar in its natural resistance to rot and insects. Redwood is durable and visually striking. It’s often used for decks and outdoor structures.
Acacia: It is a more affordable yet increasingly popular option. Acacia is a dense hardwood that offers good durability and water resistance when properly treated and maintained. It has a beautiful grain that can resemble teak or walnut.
Ipe (Brazilian Walnut): This hardwood is incredibly dense, durable, and highly resistant to rot, insects, and decay. It’s often used in commercial boardwalks due to its extreme longevity, though it can be very difficult to work with.

These are widely considered some of the best woods for outdoor furniture, especially if you want to reduce maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Will cherry wood hold up outside?

Cherry wood is not ideal for outdoor use without proper protection. It’s hardwood. However, it can warp, crack, and fade when exposed to moisture and sunlight. If used outdoors, it must be sealed and maintained regularly with a durable exterior finish.

Q2: How weather-resistant is cherry wood?

Cherry wood has moderate durability but limited weather resistance. It does not contain natural oils or resins like teak or cedar, making it vulnerable to moisture damage, rot, and UV fading. When exposed to the elements, cherries must be properly sealed and maintained to withstand outdoor conditions effectively.

Q3: What wood is best for outdoor furniture?

The best woods for outdoor furniture are teak, cedar, redwood, and white oak. These species are naturally weather-resistant, with high durability against moisture, insects, and UV rays. Teak is especially prized for its longevity and minimal maintenance. For a lasting outdoor setup, choose wood designed to thrive outdoors.

Final Verdict

If your heart is set on the exquisite look of cherry wood for your cherry wood furniture for decks and porches, then be prepared for a significant commitment to its care. You’ll need to clean, seal, and maintain it diligently to protect it from rot, warp, fading, and pests. Ultimately, the choice is yours. But now you’re equipped with the knowledge to make it wisely.

Can you tell me what you think about cherry wood used for outdoor furniture? Have you tried it, or do you prefer other woods for your patio oasis? We’d love to hear about your experiences and questions below.