The main difference between standard indoor furniture and outdoor furniture is that the latter is constructed with the weather in mind. With changes in weather, especially humidity, factored in the design, successful products will last through the years. Let us find what some of the things are that master craftsmen do when making these products.

Through the years, it has been found out that there are species of wood that are better suited for exterior applications. Such are tropical species such as mahogany and teak. These species are naturally impregnated with oils that repel water and also discourage growth of rot-causing organisms.

When naturally-resistant wood is hard to get, pressure treated lumber is a good alternative. Treated wood are injected with poison. The wood becomes unpalatable to fungi and bacteria that causes decay.

When selecting pressure treated wood, be aware that there are different levels of treatment. A level rated LP-2 is sufficient for furniture but is not suitable for water immersed applications. In this case, LP-22 or higher is recommended when the wood must be submerged in water.

Moisture in wood, aside from causing decay, will corrode attached metals such as nails, hinges, and screws. For outdoor use, metals should be treated accordingly. Everyday nails and screws will only rust and discolor wood and worse, will eventually weaken the structure. A common treatment for metals to make them suitable for exterior applications is galvanizing. A coating of zinc is applied to the metal. This makes them resistant to corrosion but only in applications exposed to freshwater

For furniture that needs to be exposed to salt water, more robust materials are required. Stainless steel and brass are the most common metals for wood fixtures in environments exposed to salt. This is only natural because these kinds of metals are used in nautical applications.

An effect of moist wood is expansion. For every 12 inches across the grain, wood expands a quarter of an inch. Wood expansion should be incorporated in outdoor designs. When such is not accounted for, it will surely lead to disastrous results.

Another design consideration is to never directly expose end grain. Wood is very porous at the ends and will surely suck in moisture. When such is unavoidable, cut the ends at an angle in order to shed wetness faster.

Good examples of construction show spaces between wooden boards. These spaces allow wood to safely expand and permit water to drain rapidly. For tabletops, common spacing range from a quarter to half an inch.

End grain of legs of tables and chairs will always come in contact with the ground. It is a good idea to seal them so that water will not wick up through the wood fibers. Common seals of end grain are varnish and wax.

The techniques mentioned have been acquired by craftsmen of the past. They have been found to be effective that is why they are still practiced today. You should use them in your projects to ensure that future generations will enjoy them the same way you do today.

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