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grammaz

Dec 5, 2010, 6:39 AM

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Best Wood for Outdoor Furniture

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We are considering have our patio furniture made by a local craftsman. We are hesitant of wood because of the possibility of termites, splitting etc. Our balcony is covered and only gets morning sun. What type of wood would you recommend for the best result? We do understand maintenance is an issue and that we will have to oil and treat it on a regular basis. The carpenter has mahogany, cedar and has mentioned a few other woods as possibilities. Thanks for your responses. We live in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle if that makes a difference.

Bennie García

Dec 5, 2010, 6:50 AM

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Re: [grammaz] Best Wood for Outdoor Furniture

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A little irony to your question. Huanacaxtle = guanacaste = parota

Parota is very rot and termite resistant. It is also very abundant in your area. You must insist that it is very dry prior to working because it will warp, check and split if it is exposed to direct sunlight while still green. Also make sure they use no sapwood, which is easily distinguished being cream in color. The termites love it.

Mahogany will work but is heavier than parota or spanish cedar. Again stay away from any sapwood.

Spanish cedar is a good choice if it is good quality. Because of over-logging in your area, the cedro available is usually not the best. It comes from younger and smaller trees. The cedro that comes from the southern part of the country is far superior and the price reflects that.

grammaz

Dec 5, 2010, 7:40 AM

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Re: [Bennie García] Best Wood for Outdoor Furniture

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Thank you, Bennie, for all your advice. We have heard of parota and believe that is being used in some of our cabinetry indoors. Nice to know it will be usable outside as well.

sioux4noff

Dec 8, 2010, 8:47 PM

Post #4 of 4 (4198 views)

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Re: [grammaz] Best Wood for Outdoor Furniture

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Hikuri in La Cruz has some beautiful outdoor furniture, or at least they used to. You should take a look, and ask what it is made of.