There are many materials with which a person can build their bench these days. The most popular of these materials is still wood, and may always be. There are many different woods to choose from when ordering or purchasing a bench. There are the different types of cedar, the different pines, cherry trees, poplars, many hardwoods, eucalyptus, beech, birch and others. Each wood has its own special qualities and aging processes. Wood is preferred by many people due to the graceful aging process that many of these mentioned woods undergo over time. The different cedars are well known for their transformation from their beautiful browns to a majestic silver gray. Depending on the personal preferences of each person, any of these woods is an excellent option.

Cedars continue to be one of the most popular woods and one of the most ecological models for benches and other furniture. There is northern white cedar, western red cedar, and plain cedar. Northern white cedar is popular in New England and throughout the West, but is used primarily for interior furniture construction. However, northern white cedar is also fairly waterproof and resistant to decay, insects, and weather, just like other cedars. Western Red Cedar is more of a softwood that has beautiful natural colors that are preferred by many people. Although it is a softer wood, it is just as durable and impervious to weather and elements as the other two cedars. Regular cedar is almost as strong as oak. Cedar has been ideal for outdoor furniture like benches for many years. Cedar is naturally weather resistant and is a wonderful choice.

There are also several different types of pine that have become popular for building benches and other outdoor furniture. Brazilian pine and yellow pine are the two most popular pines for making and building benches. Brazilian Pine is known for its exceptional ability to hold screws. It is also known to be easy to finish, giving it a honey-colored look. This Brazilian pine does not produce the natural oils that fight bugs, rot, and weather like cedars. However, it is still strong, long-lasting and can be kept young and strong by applying a finish once or twice a year. Yellow pine is a harder wood and is more closely related to white pine than its Brazilian brother. Yellow pine has a certain natural beauty that many people look for; however, yellow pine can rapidly degrade when unprotected. It’s also not good at holding down paint or other heavy finishes.

When choosing a wood for your wooden bench, consider where you are located and what your climate is. Certain woods are better in certain climates, and some woods are great in all climates like cedar. It’s also good to consider how much maintenance you’ll want to do over the years. Most people want as little maintenance as possible, and there are some woods that don’t allow it.