Best wooden outdoor furniture 2024 – expert picks and advice

There's nothing like wooden outdoor furniture. There are a lot of cheap poly rattan and aluminum options around, and while they're great for saving a little money, they just don't live up to wood. The best wood furniture brings a solidity and rustic charm that cheaper options simply cannot match. 

However, there's a lot to consider with wood furniture. You need to know the types of wood so that you can work out which is suitable for your garden, and above all, quality wood furniture is expensive. If you make a mistake, you can end up with costly wooden furniture that won't even last a season. If the materials  

That's why I've worked my way through hundreds of pieces to find the best outdoor furniture. I've covered furniture for years, so I know exactly which pieces present good value for money and which aren't worth your time. 

Best wooden outdoor furniture 2024

Best wooden dining sets

Best wooden sofas and sectionals

Best wooden sofas and sectionals

Where to buy wooden outdoor furniture

The Homes & Gardens edit of best places to source wooden outdoor furniture; from big-name brands to the hidden gems whose collections you'll want to explore.

Joss & Main

Joss & Main's wooden outdoor furniture offers options for all budgets, with teak investment pieces that are built for outdoor durability and more affordable acacia wood and eucalyptus outdoor sofas and dining sets. The collection strikes just the right balance between classic and contemporary, offering a great selection of timeless outdoor pieces with simple shapes and strong silhouettes that will work in a whole host of styles of backyard.

Editor's pick: Jemma Outdoor 4 Piece Dining Set with Cushions

Pricing: $$-$$$

McGee and Co.

McGee & Co perfectly walk the line between classic and contemporary furniture design, and the result is clean, unfussy furniture that will work for almost any space.

My pick: Elowyn Outdoor Sofa

Pricing: $$$-$$$$

Target

If you're looking for affordability, then Target's outdoor furniture collection offers on-trend designs with some very appealing price tags. We're particularly impressed by the brand's collaborations with some of the most popular names on the interior design scene, including the Studio McGee Threshold collection for Target which offers the design studio's signature laidback yet luxe style on a budget, and the bold and vibrant Opalhouse collection in collaboration with Justina Blakeney's Jungalow.

Editor's pick: Kaufmann Wood Patio Loveseat

Pricing: $-$$

Arhaus

If money is no object, I recommend Arhaus. I love their wooden furniture in particular, because the brand often uses reclaimed and recycled wood, with the intention of creating long-lasting, heirloom-quality pieces that can be used and loved for generations.

My pick: Montego Outdoor Teak Rectangular Dining Table

Pricing: $$$-$$$$

Wayfair

Offering a one-stop online shop for hundreds of affordable outdoor furniture brands, you're likely to find pretty much whatever you're looking for at Wayfair, and at a reasonable price. The wooden patio furniture offering can differ a lot in terms of materials and price, with budget softwood options and far more durable hardwood alternatives, so just make sure to check the small print to find out what type of timber you're investing in.

Editor's pick: Lark Manor Joliet Solid Wood 4-Person Seating Group

Pricing: $-$$$

Outer

Determined to break the pattern that sees the average American spend 90% of their day indoors, Outer are on a mission to get people outdoors, and they're starting by ensuring we can all sit comfortably, and more eco-consciously. The brand's contemporary PE-wicker outdoor sofa collection is currently made from 30% recycled materials and is 100% recyclable, repurposing 100 ocean plastic bottles with every chair, whilst its aluminum and Indonesian teak ranges are built to withstand the elements, offering longevity of design to keep products out of landfill.

Editor's pick: Teak Outdoor Loveseat with Armchairs

Pricing: $$$-$$$$

Birch Lane

Along with a wide range of wooden outdoor rocking chairs that are perfect for the porch, Birch Lane also offers a good selection of wooden patio tables and chairs, and space-saving wooden bistro sets that can be folded up and stored away easily when they're not in use. Materials range from acacia to eucalyptus, with prices reflecting the durability of each wood type. 

Editor's pick: Cael Eucalyptus 2-Person Seating Group

Pricing: $$-$$$

World Market

Whether you're looking for a practical wooden dining set, an on-trend set of Girona chairs, or a classic Adirondack seat, World Market has a great outdoor collection on offer this season with plenty of pieces at relatively affordable price points. There are also some great eucalyptus wood outdoor dining sets and contemporary wicker lounge sets for creating a statement patio space.

Editor's pick: Graywashed Acacia Marciana Outdoor Occasional Collection

Pricing: $-$$$

Castlery

Castlery offers high-quality furniture at a reasonable price point. They won't work if you're on a budget, but they won't break the bank if you have a little more money to spare. Inspired by mid-century modern design, their furniture has clean, simple silhouettes.

My pick: Rio Outdoor Teak Build-Your-Own Dining Set

Pricing: $$-$$$

Serena & Lily

Serena and Lily are great for coastal-inspired furniture. They usually work in wicker and cane rather than solid wood, but the few true wood pieces are beautiful.

My pick: Cliffside Teak Lounge Chair

Pricing: $$$-$$$$

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn does it all. Though most of the collection is more contemporary than traditional, you'll find a huge range of different pieces at 

My pick: Indio Eucalyptus Double Outdoor Chaise Lounge with Wheels

Pricing: $$-$$$

How to choose wooden outdoor furniture

Before you start shopping for outdoor furniture – whether that's wood or otherwise – it's a good idea to spend some time thinking about how you want to use your outside space. 

After all, there's no point investing in a cute-and-compact bistro table and chairs if you regularly entertain large numbers. 

In fact, if you love entertaining then you might want to opt for a large trestle table that has room to accommodate plenty of guests or a spacious sectional sofa and armchairs that give everyone plenty of room to relax.

If the backyard is the place you retreat to for some quiet rest and relaxation, consider a comfortable chaise lounger, take a cue from our front porch ideas and invest in one of the best Adirondack chairs for some secluded seating, or group a small number of outdoor chairs together to create a more intimate seating area.

If you prefer to gravitate towards the pool, then easily maneuverable chaise loungers and quick-drying water-resistant fabrics will be paramount – our pool ideas page can give you some inspiration for luxury poolside styling.

Find more decor inspiration for creating your dream outdoor space in our backyard ideas or patio ideas sections.

Wooden outdoor furniture FAQs

What's the best type of wood for outdoor furniture?

The two most common types of wood for outdoor furniture are teak and acacia. Teak is the best. It's stout, durable, and incredibly water-resistant. However, the trade-off with teak is that it's very expensive. There are also ethical concerns about teak, because of links between the Burmese government and its production. If you want teak, it's best to use Indonesian teak. 

By far the most common wood for outdoor furniture is acacia. It's best to think of acacia as budget teak. It's similarly hard and weather-proof, but it's much lighter. The issue here is that it's not as hard-wearing as teak, and needs treatment to last as long as possible. It's also liable to crack if left in bright sunlight over weeks. 

How to protect wooden patio furniture

As well as choosing the right woods to begin with, you can also improve your investment's lifespan with these top tips:

Cover it when you can
The sun, wind, and rain will all over time weaken and weather outdoor wooden furniture. If you want to maintain these pieces as long as possible, then it’s wise to protect them from the elements whenever possible. This may mean placing your wooden patio furniture under an awning or covered patio, storing them during the winter, or investing in weather-resistant furniture coverings.

Regular cleaning
Keeping your wooden furniture cleaned can ensure it stays well preserved by removing debris and grime that can allow moisture to sit on the wood and form mold. To remove built-up grime you can lightly wet wooden furniture and then clean it with a soapy mixture (like dish soap) and a soft-bristle brush. A power washer can damage the wood, so it’s better to use a garden hose if necessary and be sure to scrub in the direction of the wood grain. If you notice mildew or major stains, water and vinegar is a good removal solution. 

Sealants
Most hardwood furniture will naturally weather and mellow to a silver-gray patina over time as the natural oils present in the timber dissipate. If you want to maintain the blonde or rich brown colors of the wood, you might want to consider using a wood sealant or oil to reintroduce the protective barrier to the wood every few years, or at the beginning of each summer season.

Paint
Paint acts similarly to a sealant in that it adds an extra barrier of protection to wooden outdoor furniture. It can also be a great way to revive tired wooden patio seating or add an injection of color to the backyard. A wash, sand down and a few coats of latex paint (ideally one that is waterproof/water-resistant and mold and mildew-resistant) can work wonders to make tired wooden pieces look like new.