Choosing the Right Wood for Your Garden Furniture

Teak (Tectona grandis) is widely regarded as the finest timber for outdoor furniture. Its rich golden-brown tone and tight, straight grain create a timeless look that only improves with age. Over time, Teak naturally develops a beautiful silver-grey patina if left untreated, while retaining its inherent strength.

We source our Teak from responsibly managed plantations in the Caribbean, where it is grown and harvested to the highest standards. The wood is naturally rich in oils and minerals, giving it exceptional resistance to moisture, decay, and insects — qualities that make it uniquely suited to outdoor use.

Although Teak is the most costly of the hardwoods we work with, its longevity makes it a worthwhile investment. With the right care, Teak furniture can last for generations, offering comfort, durability, and elegance that simply cannot be matched. From memorial benches to family dining sets, it remains the ultimate choice for those seeking furniture that will stand the test of time.

Oak is one of Europe’s most cherished timbers, known for its pale golden colour, attractive grain, and unmistakable character. Its appearance is lighter than Teak and develops a mellow warmth over time, before eventually weathering into a soft silvery-grey outdoors. Each piece of Oak furniture carries a sense of tradition and authenticity, making it a natural choice for those who love the heritage of this wood.

We source our Oak primarily from reputable suppliers in France, ensuring it comes from responsibly managed forests. While Oak is highly durable, it is known for “movement” in its early years — meaning it can warp or split slightly as it adjusts to outdoor conditions. Far from being a flaw, many see this as part of Oak’s natural charm, and once the wood settles, it becomes incredibly hard and long-lasting.

In terms of cost, Oak sits between Teak and Iroko, offering a beautiful balance of character, heritage, and durability. It is well-suited to classic garden benches, traditional dining tables, and statement pieces that bring a touch of timeless elegance to any outdoor setting.

Sweet Chestnut is a distinctly British hardwood that combines practicality with heritage. Similar in appearance to Oak, it features a lighter grain and warm colour, with a texture that feels slightly softer under hand. Over time, like the other hardwoods, it develops a natural silvery-grey patina when left untreated, blending beautifully into the landscape.

We are proud to source our Sweet Chestnut from the Duchy of Cornwall woodlands, meaning every piece crafted from this timber is not only made in England but also grown here. This provenance makes it an exceptional choice for customers seeking furniture that is truly and entirely British.

Sweet Chestnut is especially well suited to benches, smaller tables, and lighter pieces of garden furniture where portability and provenance are valued. While it does not last as long as Teak, it is a dependable and characterful timber that holds up well outdoors when cared for properly. Cost-wise, it sits alongside Oak, offering an authentic and heritage-rich alternative with the added appeal of homegrown sourcing.

Iroko is a resilient African hardwood prized for its warm honey tones and striking grain, which often displays subtle variations that give each piece a unique character. It is sometimes compared to Teak in appearance but differs in its composition, containing fewer natural oils. Even so, Iroko remains highly durable and naturally weather-resistant, making it a strong choice for long-lasting outdoor furniture.

Iroko withstands frequent use with ease, making it ideal for furniture in busy gardens, parks, and public spaces. It weathers gracefully over time, developing a distinguished silver-grey patina while retaining its strength and charm.

One of Iroko’s advantages is its value — it offers excellent performance at a lower cost than Teak. This makes it particularly suited to larger pieces like heavy-duty dining tables, robust picnic sets, or benches in high-traffic areas, where durability is essential but the absolute premium of Teak is not required.