A gazebo in the backyard always looks great and is a perfect place to relax and host guests. It also makes your property look better and increases its value.
But, the most important decision to consider before building an outdoor gazebo is the best wood for outdoor gazebo. The type of wood you choose will affect how your gazebo looks and how long it will last.
In this article, we’ll talk about the best woods for outdoor gazebos and help you choose the right wood for your next project in the backyard.
Types of wood used for gazebos outside:
Different kinds of wood are used to build an outdoor gazebo. Each has its pros and cons, is suitable for different climates, and fits different budgets.
Let’s look more closely at five wood types often used to build outdoor gazebos.
Cedar
Cedar is often used for outdoor gazebos because it is naturally beautiful, strong, and doesn’t rot or decay. This softwood is light in color and has a straight grain pattern, which makes it perfect for staining or painting.
Cedar is also naturally resistant to bugs, which makes it an excellent choice for places where there are a lot of bugs.
One of the best things about cedar is that it naturally doesn’t rot or decay. It makes it a great choice for places with humidity or rain. Cedar is also a very light wood, which makes it easy to work with and move.
But cedar isn’t the cheapest material for an outdoor gazebo. It can be more expensive than other types of wood, but it will last longer and need less maintenance because it doesn’t decay or rot.
For inspiration, check out this cedar gazebo on Amazon.
Beautiful & Natural Link
Long-lasting
More Eco-Friendly Choice
Can Absorb Sound
Relatively Soft Wood
Not Budget Friendly
Redwood
Redwood is another popular option for gazebos that are used outside. Redwood is naturally resistant to decay, rot, and bugs, just like cedar. It makes it a great choice for places where there are a lot of bugs and humidity.
One of the best things about redwood is how beautiful it is on its own.
The wood is a warm, rich red color that will look good in any garden or backyard. Redwood is also durable so it will last longer.
The Redwood gazebo looks great, but building it can cost more to the owners. Further, refinishing after a few years is required to maintain its finish.
Rich & Natural Colors
Eco-Friendly Choice
Low Shrinkage Rate
Can Absorb Sound
Relatively Soft Wood
Not Budget Friendly
Teak
Teak is a tropical hardwood known for being strong, long-lasting, and resistant to rot and decay. Teak is also naturally resistant to bugs, which makes it a good choice for places where bugs are common.
Teak’s natural beauty is one of the best things about it. The wood is deep having a warm color that will look good in any garden or backyard. Teak is also a solid and long-lasting wood, which makes it an excellent choice for an outdoor gazebo that will last for a long time.
Teak is one of the more expensive choices for an outdoor gazebo, though. When going with teak, please note we recommend oiling it every 3 months for maintenance purposes. You can also sand your teak gazebo to remove stains or scratches.
Dense & Moderately Heavy
Non-Slippery & Attractive
Resistance to climatic factors like rain
Relatively Soft Wood
Color & Finishing Problems
Pine that has been treated under pressure
You can also use pressure-treated pine for outdoor gazebos because it is cheap, lasts a long time, and doesn’t rot or decay. Chemicals are used to protect the wood from insects and decay.
One of the best things about pressure-treated pine is that it is inexpensive. It is one of the least expensive ways to build a gazebo outside.
Please note pine treated with pressure is not as resistant to rot and decay as cedar or redwood. Also, the pressure treatment gives the wood a greenish color that might not look as good as other kinds of wood.
Also, it’s important to remember that the chemicals used in the pressure-treatment process can be dangerous to both people and the environment if they aren’t handled correctly.
Budget Friendly
Easy to Work With
Soft Wood
Chemical Treatment
Color & Finishing Problems
Ipe
Ipe is a tropical hardwood known for being very strong and resistant to decay and rot. People also know it as Brazilian walnut.
It is a dense, heavy wood with a dark, rich color that will look good in any garden or backyard. It is one of the densest and hardest types of wood, and it can withstand harsh weather and a lot of use.
Ipe is one of the more expensive types of wood for an outdoor gazebo, though. Ipe can also be hard to work with because it is so dense and heavy, and you may need special tools.
Hard Wood & Durable
Aesthetic Appeal
Low Maintenance
Difficulty of installation
High-end material—expensive
In the end, your needs, preferences, and budget will determine which wood is best for your outdoor gazebo. It is also a good approach to consider the lumber size you need before purchasing your favourite wood. Dimension lumber and boards, such as 2x4s and 4x4s, are commonly used for posts, beams, and rafters.
Also, Learn: Can You Put A Gazebo On A Raised Deck or On A Fire pit
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Thing to consider before buying wood for the outdoor gazebo:
When choosing wood for an outdoor gazebo, there are a few things you should think about to make sure your project turns out the best it can. These things are:
- Durability: Think about how well the wood can withstand bad weather and a lot of use. Woods like cedar, redwood, and teak are known for being very strong and resistant to decay and rot.
- Resistance to rotting and decaying: For an outdoor structure, it’s important that the wood won’t rot or decay. Woods like cedar, redwood, and teak don’t decay or rot easily, making them great choices for outdoor gazebos.
- Protection from bugs: Some types of wood are naturally resistant to bugs, which makes them a good choice for outdoor gazebos in places where bugs are common. Woods that are resistant to insects include cedar, redwood, teak, and Ipe.
- Appearance: The natural look of the wood can greatly affect how your outdoor gazebo looks as a whole. Cedar, redwood, and teak all have a natural look that makes them look good in any garden or backyard.
- Affordability: When choosing wood for an outdoor gazebo, it is essential to consider how much it will cost. Woods like pressure-treated pine and cedar are good choices for those on a budget, while woods like teak and Ipe can be more expensive.
- Workability: When choosing wood for an outdoor gazebo, it’s important to consider how easy it is to work with. Cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine are all good choices for DIY projects because they are light and easy to work with.
- Environmental Impact: Consider how the wood you choose will affect the environment. Some types of wood, like pressure-treated pine, are treated with chemicals that could be harmful to people and the environment if they are not handled correctly.
By thinking about these things, you can make an informed decision that will lead to a beautiful outdoor gazebo that will last for a long time.
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FAQs
How long does wood usually last in a gazebo that is outside?
The type of wood and how well it is cared for can affect how long a gazebo made of wood will last.
Woods like cedar, redwood, teak, and Ipe are known for being very strong and durable.
With the right care and maintenance, they can last for decades. Pressure-treated pine might not last as long and might need maintenance more often.
Can I paint or stain my gazebo outside?
Yes, your outdoor gazebo can be painted or stained. It is a great way to add color and keep the wood from getting damaged by the weather.
But it’s important to remember that some woods, like cedar and redwood, already have oils that protect them, so you do not need to paint or stain them.
Can I build the roof of my outdoor gazebo out of a different kind of wood?
Yes, you can make the roof of your outdoor gazebo out of a different kind of wood. Cedar or redwood would be good choices for the roof.
How do I take care of my outdoor gazebo, so it lasts as long as possible?
The best way to ensure your outdoor gazebo lasts as long as possible is to keep it in good shape.
It means cleaning it regularly, protecting it from the weather, and making any necessary repairs. Using a good sealer or finish is also important to keep the wood from getting rotten or decaying.
Is cedar wood good for gazebo?
As an expert gazebo organization, we confidently say that Western Red Cedar is an excellent choice for building a gazebo. It is a durable and long-lasting wood and has a beautiful natural aesthetic that will add an elegant touch to your outdoor living space.
With this wood, your gazebo will look great, last for years, and withstand harsh outdoor weather.
So, if you’re looking for a high-quality, long-lasting, and visually appealing wood for your gazebo, Western Red Cedar is a brilliant choice.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, choosing the right wood for your outdoor gazebo is a big deal that will affect how long it lasts, how it looks, and how durable it is overall.
Woods like cedar, redwood, teak, and ipe are all good choices because they last a long time and won’t rot or decay easily.
But it’s also important to consider how much it will cost, how well it will work, and how it will affect the environment when choosing.
With the right care and upkeep, your outdoor gazebo can be a beautiful and valuable space for a long time.
