Best Wood for Outdoor Furniture in New Zealand's Climate
Comparing Hardwood vs Softwood: Durability and Maintenance Insights
The Great NZ Outdoor Challenge
Picture yourself on a handcrafted wooden bench tea in hand, with nature's soundtrack all around you. In New Zealand where the sun can be intense, rain comes , and coastal air carries salt, your timber choice for outdoor furniture makes a big difference.
You might have experienced a lovely table losing color, twisting, or splitting after just one season. This shows that wood types vary in quality. So how can you pick the best timber for outdoor furniture in NZ's climate—one that lasts long, looks good, and doesn't need constant care?
That's where Plankville comes in. We specialize in finding top-quality timber and help New Zealanders build outdoor furniture that lasts. Our pieces can handle the rough weather and still look classic and natural.
Knowing the Difference: Hardwood and Softwood
Before we talk about what's right for your yard, it's good to know how hardwood and softwood differ. These names don't tell you how "hard" the wood feels. Instead, they tell you what kind of tree the wood comes from.
Hardwoods—such as teak, kwila, and eucalyptus—grow from slow-growing deciduous trees. Their dense fibres make them strong, weather-resistant, and long-lasting—ideal for outdoor furniture built to endure.
Softwoods—like pine, cedar, and macrocarpa—come from faster-growing coniferous trees. They tend to be lighter, easier to shape, and less expensive, but they need protection or sealing to withstand New Zealand's changing weather.
In New Zealand, this distinction plays a crucial role. From the coastal humidity in Auckland to the icy winters in Central Otago, your wood's natural toughness can determine the success or failure of your outdoor setup.
Durability in NZ's Unique Climate
At Plankville, we've teamed up with builders, DIYers, and designers all over the country—each tackling different weather challenges. Here's how hardwoods and softwoods stack up across NZ's conditions:
Hardwoods (Teak, Kwila, Eucalyptus) Hardwoods have a natural oil content, which gives them the ability to withstand rot, pests, and moisture. In seaside areas or places with high humidity, hardwood furniture can maintain its form and finish for many years without needing much care.
Durability: Top-notch – perfect for open decks or patios
Maintenance: Regular oiling keeps the color fresh
Sustainability: Responsible sourcing makes hardwood a green long-lasting option
Softwoods (Pine, Cedar Macrocarpa) Softwoods add flexibility and coziness to your outdoor area. They're light, budget-friendly, and simple to mold, which makes them great for DIY fans or those wanting unique designs.
But softwoods have more pores, so they need treatment, sealing, or frequent oiling to fight off NZ's moisture and strong sun.
Durability: Fair – works best on covered porches or protected areas
Maintenance: Needs sealing more often
Sustainability: Easy to find and often grown nearby
Picking the Perfect Wood for Your Way of Life
When you're building a country-style outdoor table, a smooth bench, or a complete setup for entertaining, your wood choice should match your way of life and the area where you live.
If you call the coast home, Kwila or Teak are your best bets—they can stand up to salty air and rain without twisting. In cooler areas inland, Macrocarpa or Cedar bring warmth and appeal fitting in with garden settings.
For folks who want furniture that lasts with little upkeep, hardwoods justify their higher price tag. They get better with age, often developing a beautiful silver color over the years. If you like taking care of your furniture and prefer a softer more natural appearance, softwoods can be a great and budget-friendly choice.
Plankville's crew finds top-quality grown wood throughout New Zealand and other places. We'll help you pick wood that combines strength, good looks, and eco-friendliness—ensuring your furniture not catches the eye but also stands the test of time.
Build Outdoor Furniture That Stands the Test of Time
Picking the best wood goes beyond durability—it's about crafting something with a story. Your outdoor furniture becomes a spot for shared experiences, family get-togethers, and classic Kiwi living.
If you're set to bring your outdoor ideas to life, reach out to the pros at Plankville. We'll guide you to select the right timber for outdoor furniture in NZ suited to your surroundings and taste.
Our eco-friendly sourcing methods ensure we make every plank with attention, so you can enjoy beauty that lasts.
👉 Contact Plankville today to chat about your outdoor timber needs or check out our selection of top-notch wood options for your upcoming project.
Final Thoughts
New Zealand's weather can be hard to predict, but your patio furniture doesn't need to be. When you know the benefits of hardwood and softwood, you can pick with confidence balancing how long it lasts, how much care it needs, and how it looks.
If you're building your first deck seat or getting new outdoor dining furniture, Plankville has the know-how and eco-friendly wood to make your idea real — in a natural good-looking way.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Teak and Kwila rank among the toughest woods for New Zealand's weather. They fight off rot, bugs, and damp, which makes them great for outdoor furniture that's out in the open.
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Yes—but when you treat or seal it . Pine, cedar, and macrocarpa can work well if you maintain them often and shield them from heavy rain or sun.
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Put outdoor furniture oil or sealant on it every year to stop cracking, fading, and water damage. Clean it with mild soap and water every few months to get rid of dirt and salt buildup.
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Hardwood lasts longer and needs less upkeep, while softwood costs less and is easier to shape. The best pick depends on how much you want to spend and your local weather.
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You can get top-notch hardwood and softwood from Plankville — they're known for eco-friendly durable timber that's ideal for outdoor furniture projects all over New Zealand.
