What Kind Of Lumber Is Best For Rainy Weather?
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One of the main causes of wood deterioration is water damage. Even though rain can be a nuisance, it can also cause damage to outdoor furniture. Some woods are naturally resistant to moisture and water.
Here’s a guide for woodworkers who have worked in this field for many years.
The Top 10 Wood Types That Can Withstand Rainy Weather
Mahogany
This sturdy, fine-grained gem is our favorite when it comes to weather resistance. Mahogany is resistant to shrinking, swelling and warping. It can also tolerate water well, making them ideal for building boats.
It has a rustic feel that is appealing to the eye and highly sought-after by many. Honduran Mahogany, a rare hardwood listed on the IUCN Red List makes it more costly than other hardwoods.
- Average Dry Weight: 17 kg/ft3 (5990 kg/m3)
- Appearance: A pale pinkish to darker reddish brown depending upon age
- Grain: Straight, interlocked, irregular, wavy or wavy.
- Janka Hardness 408 kgf (4.020 N).
- Crushing Strength: 3,066 Kf/in2 (46.6 MPa).
- Workability: It is easy to stain, glue and finish.
- It is used for carving, music instruments, veneers and boatbuilding.
Cedar
The Western Red Cedar, a softwood species, is extremely versatile and an insect repellent. It is well-known for its exterior siding and shingles. This wood species is also a popular choice for deck planks and dock plans.
Cedar is resistant to mold and decay, but it tends to shrink over time. Woodworkers would prefer to have cedar treated, especially if there will be contact with the ground.
- Average Dry Weight: 10kg/ft3 (370kg/m3)
- Appearance: Cedar’s heartwood color is reddish to pinkish brown.
- Grain Straight
- Janka Hardness: 159 kgf (1.560N).
- Crushing Strength: 2,068 kgf/in2 (31.4 Mpa)
- Workability: It’s easy to use tools
- Useful for: Exterior siding, fence posts, dock planks, shingles
Teak
Teak, a hardwood tree that hails from Southern Asia, is naturally resistant to moisture, warping and degrading. It is a top choice for flooring and shipbuilding.
Teak is also an insect- and termite-resistant, making it durable and reliable.
- Average Dry Weight: 19 kg/ft3 (655kg/m3)
- Appearance: Teak tends to develop a darker color with age, and has a medium to golden brown hue.
- Grain: Straight, Interlocked or Indirect
- Janka Hardness: 485 kgf (4,540 N).
- Crushing Strength: 3.602 kgf/in2 (54.8 MPa).
- Workability: 3,602 kgf/in2 (54.8 MPa)
- Useful for: Exterior construction, veneer carving, wood turnings and other small projects
Red Oak
Red oak is a top choice in the United States. It’s readily available and gives off a rustic appearance with its attractive grain pattern.
It is a flexible wood that can be used for flooring and furniture. It is resistant to warping and can be used to make boat frames.
- Average Dry Weight: 199kg/ft3.
- Appearance: Light brown to pinkish red
- Straight Grain
- Janka Hardness: 585 kgf (5.700 N).
- Crushing Strength: 3.075 kgf/in2 (46.6 MPa).
- Workability
- Useful for: Interior trim, flooring, veneer, general furniture
White Oak
White Oak, a native to Eastern and Central North America is a top choice for woodworkers in boat-building and tight cooperation. It is strong, reliable, resistant to decay, and requires little maintenance. It is also suitable for interiors, cabinets, barrels, and veneer.
- Average Dry Weight: 21kg/ft3 (755kg/m3)
- Appearance: Medium to light brown
- Grain Straight
- Crushing Strength: 3.343 kgf/in2 (50.8 MPa).
- Workability: It is easy to use hand and machine tools
- Useful for: Interior, cabinetry, barrels, veneer
Redwood
Sequoia sempervirens is the scientific name for redwood, or pine. It’s native to the Coastal areas of the northwestern US. The California redwood is one of its variants. It has exceptional characteristics that make it durable and attractive.
Even without treatment, it is resistant to decay and water. To make it more resistant to decay and water, you can choose a redwood of a higher quality for extreme weather conditions.
- Average Dry Weight: 12 kg/ft3 (415kg/m3)
- Appearance: Light pinkish to deep reddish brown
- Straight Grain
- Crushing Strength: 2,581 kgf/in2 (39.2 MPa).
- Use hand tools and machinery to accomplish your workability
- Useful for: Decking, beams and posts, as well as exterior furniture
: Black Walnut
Black Walnut is an endemic species in North America, but it is easy to grow and easily available throughout the country. This Walnut species is highly sought after for its resilience and resistance to warping.
Although it is resistant to rot, it is not insect-resistant. Its high resistance to moisture makes it an excellent choice for coastal and boat construction.
- Average Dry Weight: 17 kg/ft3 (609 kg/m3)
- Appearance: Pale to dark brown
- Grain: Straight grain or irregular
- Crushing Strength: 3,438kgF/in2 (52.3 MPa).
- Workability: It is easy to glue, stain and finish
- Useful for: Gunstocks and interior paneling.
: Black Locust
The Black Locust, a member of the tree family of legumes is a native of the Central Eastern US. It is highly prized for its exceptional weathering properties.
It is ideal for marine applications because of its high shrinkage. This wood is preferred by many woodworkers to build docks and boats because of its resistance to decay.
- Average Dry Weight: 26 Kg/ft3
- Appearance: Medium brown with medium texture
- Straight Grain
- Crushing Strength: 2,885 kgf/in2 (43.9 MPa).
- Workingability: Fairly simple
- Useful for: Rail ties, fence posts, mine timbers, rail ties, veneer
Cypress
Cypress is a hardwood plant that comes from the Cupressaceae deciduous conifers, which are native to the Southeastern part of the US. There are also gulf, gulf, white, tidewater and red variants.
Bald cypress is ideal for woods with strong and durable features. It can also be used outdoors.
- Average Dry Weight: 15 kg/ft3 (515kg/m3)
- Appearance: The sapwood and heartwood are both yellowish-brown in appearance.
- Straight Grain
- Crushing Strength: 2,885 kgf/in2 (43.9 MPa).
- Workability: Can hold glue and nails; easy to stain.
- Useful for: Exterior construction, docks and veneer
Ipe
Brazilian Walnut is also known as Ipe. It has a Janka rating 3684 which makes it one of the most difficult woods. Its strong density and weathering properties make it an excellent choice to use for outdoor projects.
Ipe can be found throughout Central and South America. It is used for its beauty and durability as a decorative tree in residential and public areas.
- Average Dry Weight: 31 kg/ft3 (1.100 kg/m3)
- Appearance: A yellowish olive brown color, sometimes accented by darker brown/black stripes
- Grain: Straight grain with moderate natural shine
- Janka Hardness: 3 231 kgf (15,620 N).
- Crushing Strength: 6,169 Kf/in2 (93.8 MPa)
- Hardness makes it difficult to work with.
- Useful for: Veneer, tool handle, and turned objects
How Rain Causes Wood Rot
Unsuitable Wood
While it may seem appealing to choose a cheaper wood, this can lead to problems in the long-term. Experts may be able to help you choose the best material for your next project.
Poor Upkeep
Furniture that is well maintained will last a long time. Proper maintenance not only makes your furniture more attractive, but also increases its longevity.
Excessive Oxygen Or Moisture
Fungi thrive in areas where there is oxygen and moisture. Fungi can cause wood damage so it is important to make sure your furniture is safe from them.
Inspections After Rough Weather
It is a good idea to inspect your wood after a heavy rainstorm. You can avoid this by:
- Examine the railings for cracks or discoloration.
- Check the footings and posts to make sure they are secure.
- Be on the lookout for any loose or buckling flooring
- To check if the fasteners or joists are in their correct places, run through them.
How To Dry Wood After Rain
While water-resistant wood might prevent it from being totally destroyed by rain, a well-maintained wood surface will last a long time.
Step 1: With a push broom, sweep away water from your deck, seating area, and wood railings.
Step 2: After the rain, check the ledger to see if there was any water seepage or flood. This area is vulnerable to degradation and may require a shop vacuum.
Step 3: Examine the space between the boards to make sure there is enough drainage.
Step 4: Seal the deck to stop water seepage after drying.
Conclusion
There are many types of lumber that can withstand rainy weather. You just need to choose according to your preferences and budget.
However, it is important to remember that general maintenance and wood treatment are great for preventing any damage from occurring to wooden furniture.
