The Difference Between Brazilian Cherry Wood and Teak for Outdoor Furniture

Brazilian cherry wood and teak are furniture materials loved for durability and classic design. These two are used for both indoor and outdoor settings-from flooring to patio furniture, from staircases to canoes, these are preferred by many because they are both weatherproof and heavy-duty.

If you still have yet to make a decision on what kind of material between these two are right for you, read on as I present the pros and cons of Brazilian cherry wood and teak. I will be providing some tips on cleaning and maintenance as well.

Teak

The main characteristic of teak that makes it one of the best wood types for furniture is strength. Its durability is one of the main reasons why people opt for this material for furniture items such as sun loungers, dining sets, chairs, and benches. Coming from countries like Burma, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, teak is a type of tropical hardwood used as materials for items that demand strength and weather-resistance. Teak has a high oil content that makes it excellent to be immersed in any weather condition.

Aside from being protected from wear and tear, teak is also low-maintenance. Maintaining it with the use of sealants or simply cleaning it with soap and water a couple of times a year is enough.

One of the main differences between teak and Brazilian cherry wood is flexibility-the former is much more flexible than the latter, so if you’re planning on altering or modifying your furniture, you will not have a difficult time doing it on teak. Also, teak is more expensive-you will definitely need to shell out more cash if you choose this over cherry wood.

A reason why teak is more expensive than other types of wood is that it is not easy to get them. You can easily find a furniture shop that sells teak, so you can effortlessly purchase them and have it delivered to your house without having to go through any trouble, but you must know that it’s possible in most cases, acquiring these products is not that simple. The high tag price is because of teak’s scarcity-there is high demand, but the supply of old-growth teak continues to slowly fall. There are many economic and environmental concerns (such as deforestation issues and distances in shipping) about teak coming from Southeast Asian countries, but there is an alternative: plantation teak-which is planted for forestry management; for exclusive commercial/ecological purposes.

You will not sacrifice anything if you get plantation grow teak, because it’s just as durable as old-growth teak. Plantation teak having lower densities is a myth-studies say that the same properties (like oily resins making it durable and termite-resistant) are still there. Plantation teak can grow in other tropical places such as Mexico, Costa Rica, or other parts of Central America, and the quality that you’ll find in these products will have the same great qualities as the old-growth ones from Southeast Asia.

Teak is more expensive than Brazilian cherry wood, but the latter could also be a bit pricey. However, if your mind is set on pieces of furniture that will last for decades (or even a lifetime), you will not go wrong with teak. This is a product that is usually passed on from generation to generation; functioning as a heirloom for many families-so investing in it will definitely be worth your money.

Brazilian Cherry Wood

Also known as Jatoba, Brazilian cherry wood is another well-known moisture-resistant material used for products like flooring, cabinets, doors, and other types of woodwork requiring toughness. Like teak, cherry wood is beautiful and durable, and both have the ability to endure even the worst weather conditions.

Having a deep red / reddish-brown / maroon shade (sometimes with black or other shades of darker highlights), Brazilian cherry is a famous substitute for teak. In terms of polishing and using finish, this one stains particularly well. Cherry wood’s very high density could have some disadvantages, however. Sawing it is of course, possible, but it could get pretty difficult to cut it because it could cause blunting effects on your tools. Most of the time, you need to do pre-drilling before nailing something on it. You must also be careful to note that this wood is about 230% denser than teak.

One difference between cherry wood and teak is the change of color happens over time. With the former, a darker color will emerge if it’s exposed to light-a few months of being exposed to the sun will make it a bit more darker, and it’ll remain that way. With teak, however, the color will change to a grayish brown once it’s exposed outdoors. You must pay attention to this detail especially if you’re particularly concerned about color (you don’t need to worry about diminishing quality because of outdoor exposure, as the quality will remain the same). Some people prefer the light/aged look, while some would always want the deep red / maroon shade. Evaluate your style preferences to know which will work for you and the overall look of your setting.

Indonesia Outdoor Furniture by Deborah M McCauley