Selecting Materials
Choosing the right wood for outdoor furniture is essential. Top choices for durability include:
- Teak
- Cedar
- Redwood
- Pressure-treated lumber
Teak excels at resisting moisture, preventing cracks or warping. It's pricey but a solid long-term investment, developing a beautiful patina over time.
Cedar and redwood are lightweight and more affordable. Both have natural oils that repel bugs and age gracefully into a silvery gray. Keep cedar above ground to prevent rot.
Pressure-treated lumber is versatile and chemically treated to resist fungi and insects. Remember safety precautions when working with it.
For hardware, choose stainless steel or Kreg's Blue-Kote™ screws to withstand the elements.
Your workspace should be:
- Organized
- Well-lit
- Spacious
A circular saw with guides like the Kreg Rip-Cut™ helps make precise cuts efficiently.
When moving lumber, plan carefully to avoid awkward situations or potential damage.
Building Techniques
Kreg screws and pocket-hole joinery are key to creating sturdy outdoor furniture. Pocket-hole joinery creates strong, neat connections and helps avoid unsightly gaps. Set your pocket-hole jig at the correct angle before drilling.
Kreg screws have a self-tapping tip that grips wood securely, holding furniture together in all weather conditions.
Squaring is crucial for proper assembly. Use a square tool to check 90-degree angles to ensure pieces fit together seamlessly.
The Kreg Rip-Cut™ circular saw guide helps with accurate cutting. Practice to improve your precision.
Use clamps during assembly to hold everything steady while you place screws. Take your time to align planks carefully at each step.
Finishing and Protection
Finishing extends your furniture's life, preventing fading and damage. Focus on UV and moisture-resistant finishes like spar varnish or polyurethane.
Spar varnish is excellent for handling long-term sun exposure without cracking. Polyurethane creates a tough yet flexible shield, letting wood breathe while blocking moisture.
Apply finishes carefully and evenly:
- Stir, don't shake, to avoid air bubbles
- Use a quality brush for even strokes
- Let each coat dry as instructed
- Apply multiple thin layers rather than one thick coat
Reapply finish every couple of years, especially in harsh climates. Sand lightly before adding another layer.
Design and Plans
Finding the right design for your outdoor furniture project is important. The internet offers many free plans to guide and inspire you, catering to various skill levels.
Consider classic designs like:
- Wooden outdoor sofas
- Tables
- Benches
Look for plans that provide precise cutting measurements, assembly tips, and clear illustrations.
When choosing plans, check the materials list and gather supplies first. Good plans have clear step-by-step directions with diagrams to guide you.
Explore Kreg's project plan library or community forums for inspiration and ideas. With patience and the right plan, you can create unique pieces that reflect your style and enhance your outdoor space.
In making outdoor furniture, material choice is key. By using durable woods and protective finishes, you create long-lasting pieces. This careful selection improves your space and provides enduring comfort and style.
- Christy Sports. Outdoor Furniture Buying Guide. 2023.
- Kreg Tool Company. Outdoor Project Plans. 2023.
- Better Homes & Gardens. How to Choose and Use Wood Finishes. 2022.