Picnic Table

[Birdhunter]

I’ve been asked to build a picnic table for some young friends. Teak comes to mind, but what other woods should I consider?

 

[Bob D.]

I guess it depends partly on what the budget is and what's available in your area.
Cedar might be a good choice. I built an outdoor chair with it 10 years ago and it's
still with us and in good condition. It needs another coat of stain this Spring but
other than that it's held up well.

 

[Cheese]

Have you priced teak lately...I think you’ll be stunned.

 

[Sparktrician]

You might want to consider composite decking materials like Lumberock.  It's pretty much weather-proof and won't crack over time. 

 

[Birdhunter]

I’ve used the composite wood and it seems to be indestructible. Cedar is far prettier. Does cedar need to be treated?

 

[Alanbach]

Cypress or Mahoghany (if you are going to consider Teak you may as well look at Mahoghany as well).

 

[ultane]

Is teak available in the US?

 

[Bob D.]

Is teak available in the US?

Yes, at least it used to be. There was a place in NJ on Rt 73 not far from Philly that sold teak.
I haven't bought from them in over 10 years so I don't know if they are still in business.

Here's what I have on them (sorry, I don't have a phone):

Global Teak
530 S Route 73, Hammonton, NJ 08037

 

[ultane]

Is teak available in the US?

Yes, at least it used to be. There was a place in NJ on Rt 73 not far from Philly that sold teak.
I haven't bought from them in over 10 years so I don't know if they are still in business.

Here's what I have on them (sorry, I don't have a phone):

Global Teak
530 S Route 73, Hammonton, NJ 08037

Google Maps says that they are permanently closed.

 

[junk731]

I’ve been asked to build a picnic table for some young friends. Teak comes to mind, but what other woods should I consider?

White Oak and Black Locust are rot resistant. Ipe or other SA hardwoods used for decking are others.

 

[Thompmd]

Local restaurant did their outside patio area with Live Edge Walnut coated in some type of clear poly, really neat and they also used for bar tops and table tops(std table not picnic) and they still look great after a few years . I thought if they would hold up in a commercial situation they would at home. I keep saying I’m going to build one but haven’t got to it yet..

 

[Sparktrician]

I’ve used the composite wood and it seems to be indestructible. Cedar is far prettier. Does cedar need to be treated?

Pretty, it's not, but it sure is durable, especially if there are kids involved. 

 

[Cheese]

Here are the prices that a local wood supplier is charging and he's cheaper than anyone else around here. Prices are for 4/4 lumber by the board foot.

White oak = $4.50
Western cedar = $3.20
Cypress = $6.80
Ipe = $11.50
Philippine mahogany = $6.80
Honduran mahogany = $13.70
Teak = $27.30

The prices from the local Woodcraft store are $2 to $6 per bd ft higher.

 

[Birdhunter]

There are two youngsters, 2 and 4.

 

[Birdhunter]

Since I am doing the work and eating the cost, the cedar looks the best. Thanks for the pricing info.

 

[Bob D.]

Google Maps says that they are permanently closed.

Too bad, they had a warehouse full. Thousands of BF. But as I said that was about 10 years ago.

 

[jeffinsgf]

Even ten years ago, if they had a warehouse full of teak, they're retired on a tropical island somewhere.  8)

 

[ultane]

Google Maps says that they are permanently closed.

Too bad, they had a warehouse full. Thousands of BF. But as I said that was about 10 years ago.

Someone, somewhere, perhaps one of my boat building friends, told me about ten of fifteen years ago, that there was a ban on importing Teak from the main source (somewhere in the pacific?). I think most have switched to IPE(sp?).

 

[jeffinsgf]

Birdhunter,

Ipe might be your best choice if you're looking for weather-hardiness in a natural product. I have an ipe table and chair set (purchased, not built by me) that looks great. My sister has an ipe deck that has been in place for close to 20 years. It could stand refinishing, but it is as stable as ever.

 

[Birdhunter]

I built 10 outdoor Ipe benches years ago for my club. They are all gray, but untouched by weather or bugs after all these years. Good stuff, but difficult to obtain.