How to build outdoor furniture?

JamesMeyer

I'm looking to build the base of this outdoor furniture set and then buy the cushions to fit onto it. 

But what I want to know is any recommendations on the best outdoor timber and the best treatment that I can use for it's longevity. Can anyone please advise?

Will be making sure this timber is treated annually also. 

I'll put velcro straps onto the base of the cushions to hold them to the timber frame so they're removable and storeable. 

Chat GPT image is based off my drawing (please ignore the weird labels...)

Any advice is welcome!

Cheers, 

James 

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @JamesMeyer. It's fantastic to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about buildin outdoor furniture.

For outdoor furniture, hardwood is usually the best choice because it offers a much better finish and will last longer in the elements compared with softwoods like pine. Something like Merbau works really well. In your design, the larger timber pieces – for example, 90x90 posts could be used for the legs and major structural parts, while smaller Merbau sections could form the remaining frame. You’ll need to plan your project around the sizes that are available, but hardwood gives you strength, durability, and a nicer look overall.

Once the furniture is built, there are two main ways to protect it. You can oil the timber annually, which helps prevent it from drying out and keeps it looking fresh. Alternatively, you could apply a varnish coating, which might last a few years longer than oil, but when it begins to deteriorate, you’ll need to sand back the old finish before recoating. This makes maintenance more labour-intensive compared with simply oiling. For most outdoor hardwood furniture, regular oiling is usually the easiest and most effective way to keep it protected and looking good.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell