Direct answer: Yes. Redwood is excellent for outdoor furniture. Natural tannins resist rot and insects without chemical treatment. Lightweight, easy to work with, and ages beautifully from rich reddish-brown to silver-grey. Main limitation: availability outside the western US.
Quick Assessment
| Property | Redwood Performance |
|---|---|
| Natural rot resistance | Excellent - tannins, no chemical treatment |
| Insect resistance | Good - repels termites and wood-borers |
| Dimensional stability | Excellent - resists warping and shrinking |
| Weight | Light relative to strength - easy to move |
| Workability | Excellent - cuts cleanly with standard tools |
| Outdoor lifespan | 20-30 years with occasional maintenance |
| Cost | Moderate to high - most available in western US |
Why Redwood Works Outdoors
Redwood's durability comes from natural tannins embedded deep within the heartwood that actively resist moisture, fungal decay, and insect damage. The protection does not wear off like a surface coating because it lives inside the wood fibers.
Heartwood vs Sapwood
- Heartwood (deep red-brown) - dense inner core where tannins are concentrated. This is what makes redwood rot-resistant.
- Sapwood (pale cream-white) - outer layer that lacks protective compounds. Decays like untreated pine.
Ask for "all-heart" or "Construction Heart" grade for outdoor furniture.
| Wood | Weight | Rot Resistance | Treatment | Cost | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redwood | Light | Excellent | None | $$$ | 20-30 yrs |
| Teak | Heavy | Best in class | None | $$$$ | 25-50 yrs |
| Cedar | Light | Excellent | None | $$ | 20-30 yrs |
| PT Pine | Medium | Good | Chemicals | $ | 15-25 yrs |
Maintenance Guide
Let it weather: Leave untreated and it turns silver-grey over 1-2 seasons. Cosmetic only - wood remains structurally sound. Many designers prefer this look.
Maintain colour: Apply UV-inhibiting penetrating exterior oil before the first outdoor season, reapply every 2-3 years.