Types Of Wood Used To Build Porch Swings

Outdoor Furniture (including porch swings) can be constructed from various styles of wood.  Some are exotic, while others are grown and harvested here in North America.  Some are expensive, while others are much cheaper in price.  However, the most important characteristic of these wood types should be their durability.  After all, your outdoor furniture will be exposed to the environmental elements.  Here’s a list of the types of wood used in building outdoor furniture and porch swings.

• Alder
• Ash

• Aspen
• Cedar

• Cypress

• Eucalyptus
• Ipe

• Jarrah

• Mahogany
• Oak

• Pine

• Poplar
• Redwood
• Roble

• Shorea

• Teak
• Willow

• Wicker

Ash, Western Red Cedar, Cypress, Redwood and Pine (treated) are probably the most practical to use when constructing a porch swing.

Treated pine is an affordable alternative, however pine boards have a tendency to warp over time, and there has been controversy over the years regarding the chemicals used to treat them.  CCA (copper chromium arsenic) was used for years to treat pine until it was replaced by ACQ, a preservative which does not contain chromium or arsenic, which studies have suggested to be hazardous.

Teak is an exotic hardwood which performs well in outdoor applications, however it is expensive.  They are also heavy woods which can make shipping costs a factor to consider.  In addition, purchasing teak products is NOT considered to be environmentally friendly.

We use Cypress for our products!  Cypress is the only species that contains cypressine, a chemical found in Cypress that naturally protects it from decay and insects.  Cypress is a medium-density, straight-grained wood that is resistant to warping, works easily and accepts paints and stains exceptionally well.  Read more about cypress wood.

WOOD TYPES TO AVOID:  Untreated yellow Pine, whitewood, Poplar, and certain species of Oak all have a tendency to decay when exposed to the elements.