How to Select the Best Material for Your Custom Outdoor Furniture
When designing custom timber outdoor furniture, selecting the right material is crucial for creating long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing pieces that meet both functional and design needs. At Platinum Timber & Ply, we specialise in crafting bespoke wooden furniture for architects, builders, and designers looking to create unique outdoor solutions. From sourcing the highest quality timbers to expert craftsmanship, our ability to design and manufacture custom furniture pieces ensures that each project stands out.
Choosing the right timber or plywood material can determine your outdoor furniture’s durability, appearance, and maintenance needs. Some key material options include F27 Structural Hardwood, Plywood, and Softwoods (such as Treated Pine and Cedars), but which option is best suited to your next project?
F27 Structural Hardwood: Strength and Resilience
F27 Structural Hardwood is one of the most reliable choices for outdoor furniture, especially when durability is a priority. It is kiln-dried for extra stability, ensuring resistance to warping, cracking, and shrinking – essential factors when exposed to the elements. Its high-stress grade of F27 indicates that this timber can withstand up to 27 MPa (megapascals) of pressure, making it ideal for weight-bearing structures like benches, tables, and seating platforms.
F27 hardwood is classified as Durability Class 1, offering natural resistance to decay, termites, and other environmental threats. Its dense, hard surface makes it an excellent option for high-use outdoor furniture, including benches, tables, seating platforms, and other structural elements that require heavy load-bearing capacity.
In addition to its functional benefits, F27 hardwood boasts a beautiful, natural grain, making it a visually appealing choice for architects creating elegant, long-lasting outdoor furniture. Whether used in public spaces, commercial settings, or residential projects, this timber provides a timeless blend of strength and beauty.
Plywood: Eco-Friendly Versatility
Plywood offers a sustainable and versatile option for those seeking a more eco-conscious material. Plywood is a medium-density hardwood known for its flexibility and strength. Its sustainable nature makes it an appealing choice for architects and designers looking to incorporate environmentally friendly materials into their custom furniture pieces.
One of the standout characteristics of Plywood is its workability. The material is incredibly flexible yet durable, making it ideal for creating curved or intricate furniture designs. Whether you’re crafting commercial cabinetry, decorative carvings, or bespoke outdoor tables and seating, plywood offers a unique balance of strength and design flexibility. Plywood is particularly well-suited for outdoor projects where designers are looking for lightweight, functional materials with a smoother, refined aesthetic. Its fine-grain texture offers a clean, modern look, making it ideal for architects aiming to create minimalist outdoor furniture that enhances the surrounding environment.
Although Plywood may not have the same stress grade as F27 hardwood, it performs well in various outdoor applications when properly treated for moisture and UV protection. Its sustainable qualities also make it a popular choice for eco-conscious projects, contributing to the growing demand for environmentally friendly materials in construction and furniture design.
Softwoods: Treated Pine, White Cedar, and Red Cedar
Softwoods, including Treated Pine, White Cedar, and Red Cedar, are cost-effective and versatile materials that can be used for outdoor furniture—when properly treated. Softwoods are generally less dense than hardwoods, making them easier to work with for certain applications. However, softwoods must undergo treatment to withstand outdoor exposure because of their natural susceptibility to decay, insects, and environmental wear.
Treated Pine is one of the most commonly used softwoods for outdoor furniture. When pressure-treated, it becomes highly resistant to decay and moisture, making it suitable for various outdoor structures such as picnic tables, chairs, and pergolas. Treated Pine is also affordable and widely available, making it a budget-friendly option for large outdoor projects.
White Cedar and Red Cedar are also popular softwoods, particularly for their natural resistance to insects and rot. While these timbers have a lower density than hardwoods, their natural oils provide some protection against decay, although they are still best used in projects where the furniture is covered or located in a more sheltered outdoor environment. Cedar’s lightweight nature also makes it easy to work with when crafting delicate or intricate pieces, such as chairs or decorative benches.
When choosing softwoods for outdoor furniture, it’s essential to ensure that they are adequately treated to extend their lifespan. With the proper care and maintenance, softwoods can be a viable, attractive option for custom outdoor furniture projects.
Manufacturing and Design Capabilities at Platinum Timber & Ply
At Platinum Timber & Ply, we understand that selecting the right timber or plywood for your custom outdoor furniture is only half the equation. The expertise required to manufacture and bring your vision to life is where we truly excel. We offer a full range of in-house services, from CNC machining to custom fabrication, ensuring that every design is executed with precision and attention to detail.
Our team works closely with architects, designers, and builders to tailor each piece to the specific needs of your project. Whether you require large, structural elements for a commercial project or a unique seating arrangement for a public space, we can help you select the best materials and design solutions. We also take into account environmental factors such as exposure to sun, rain, and temperature fluctuations, helping to ensure that your outdoor furniture is as durable as it is beautiful.
Our in-house capabilities allow us to take full control of the manufacturing process, ensuring that every piece meets the highest quality standards and is delivered on time. We specialise in working with a variety of materials, including F27 Structural Hardwood, Plywood, and treated softwoods, giving you the flexibility to select the best material for your specific needs.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Custom Outdoor Furniture
Selecting the right material for your custom timber outdoor furniture is essential to ensure both durability and aesthetic appeal. F27 Structural Hardwood offers unmatched strength and resilience, making it ideal for heavy-duty, load-bearing applications. Plywood provides a flexible, eco-friendly option that works well for intricate and curved designs, while softwoods like Treated Pine and Cedar offer cost-effective solutions that are perfect for more sheltered outdoor environments.
At Platinum Timber & Ply, we not only provide a wide selection of premium timber options but also expert guidance to help you make the right material choice for your specific project. Whether you are working on a commercial development, public park, or private residence, our team can assist you in selecting the materials that best match your design goals and functional needs. With our custom design and manufacturing capabilities, we can help bring your vision to life, creating outdoor furniture that stands the test of time.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help bring your custom outdoor furniture vision to life with precision, craftsmanship, and the best materials in the industry.