What Kind Of Lumber Is Good For Rainy Weather?

The type of wood you use can have a big impact on the quality of your home and how long your structures will last. In a climate where rain is constant, or if you’re working on any construction project, it's always good to know what kind of lumber is best for rainy weather. We've researched the best lumber for rainy weather, and here's what we learned. 

Cedar wood remains popular and used for a long time in the construction industry, not only due to its beautiful or visual appeal but because it can withstand adverse weather, including rain, snow, and prolonged exposure to sunlight. Cedar wood is durable, water-resistant, and resistant to mold. It has been largely used as fencing, decking, and siding. 

You might select cedar for your next outdoor wood structure. Or, you might stick around to learn about some other weather-resistant woods to choose from for your outdoor furniture, decking, cabinets, or other projects. The woods we'll feature have long-lasting properties and an aesthetic appeal that could work for your home. 

Rain-resistant Cedar

Cedar trees are evergreen conifers, meaning that they have a single- or multi-year life cycle. They can grow to heights over 100 feet (30 meters) tall, but their average height is around 40 feet (12 meters). They are native to the mountains of Asia, Europe, and North America.

Cedar trees are among the most common trees in the world and can be found growing in almost any part of our planet. They come in different varieties:

• Deodar Cedar
• Cyprian Cedar
• Bermuda Cedar
• Incense Cedar
• Cedar of Lebanon
• Siberian Pine
• Spanish Cedar
• Western Red Cedar 

Cedar can be used on your home exterior for siding, decking, and furniture. 

Check out this handcrafted cedar bench on Amazon.

What is the most weather-resistant wood?

Mahogany wood is a reddish-brown, straight-grained, very water-resistant hardwood that is widespread in southern Mexico, Central America and can also be found in South America. It withstands warping, shrinking, and swelling excellently. The tree is also known as "West Indian mahogany" and "Cuban mahogany."

When the heartwood is first cut, its color can range from yellowish-white to salmon pink, but when it is exposed to air and sunshine, it darkens to a rich golden brown. Wood from the upper Amazon in Peru and Brazil tends to be heavier and deeper in color when compared to wood cultivated in Central America.

Mahogany is known for its ability to maintain its position when properly dried because of its low swelling and shrinking properties. Mahogany wood is used for making furniture for the home and office, yachts and ships, caskets, cabinets, wood sculptures, and instruments, to name a few.

Which wood is best for humidity?

Teak wood, also known as “Tectona grandis” native to Southeast Asia, is one of the most durable and resilient woods. It is a dense, close-grained type of hardwood. It has been used in building boats, ships, furniture, and other products since ancient times. It's also resistant to decay even when it isn't treated.

Today, it is also used for making garden furniture and other items made from wood. Teak wood furniture can last up to 50-70 years with proper care.

The look of teak wood furniture is unique and appealing because of its natural color which changes with age. The grain pattern on teak wood furniture gives it a distinct look, which can be used for creating a unique design statement as well as providing a natural appeal for any interior space or outdoor area where it is placed.

Check out this teak serving table at Amazon.

 Learn about other uses for teak where water-resistance is key! Read: "How Long Does Teak Wood Last In Shower?"

What type of wood absorbs the most water?

Balsa trees are native to America and may be found from southern Mexico to Bolivia under the scientific name Ochroma pyramidale. Despite the wood's extreme softness, balsa trees, which may reach heights of 98 feet (30 meters), are however considered hardwoods. Being the most lightweight commercial hardwood, balsa is widely used.

Balsa timber has a coarse, open grain and is incredibly soft and light. Balsa wood has been used for a very long time in various commercial uses, including model-building, packaging, insulation, and even in flotation devices. It is used to produce calligraphy pens, table tennis bats, and wooden crankbaits for fishing. Balsa contains more than 90% air, making it very porous.

How do you make wood waterproof?

In terms of building materials, wood is the most traditional and widely used. Even though woods are extremely adaptable and resilient, exposure to direct sunshine, dampness, wind, or rain can cause damage and disfigurement.

You must waterproof it if you want to keep your hardwood furniture, flooring, doors, windows, or walls safe. You should do comprehensive weatherproofing, especially if you plan to place hardwood furniture outdoors. Weatherproofing or waterproofing increases the lifespan and tensile strength of the wood by creating a sturdy covering over it that keeps water from seeping.

There are three certain ways to keep your wood watertight for many years.

1. Oil the Wood

The first method is coating unpainted wood with linseed or tung oil is one approach to make it waterproof. Sand the wood to make it smooth and free of imperfections before applying linseed or tung oil. Then, clean away any dust with a dry cloth.

Apply more oil to any areas that appear dry, wipe off any extra oil with a dry cloth, and then leave the wood to completely dry overnight. Finally, use fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand the wood. To get the finish you want, repeat the process and add more coats.

Check out Hope's 100% pure tung oil on Amazon.

Want to find the best oil option for your teak wood? Read: "Teak Sealer Vs. Oil: Which Is Best For Your Furniture?"

2. Polyurethane

Another way you can waterproof unfinished wood is by sealing it with polyurethane varnish or lacquer. Begin by sanding and cleaning the wood then brush on the sealant and let it cure as per the instruction. Apply more coats until the wood gets the finish you want.

Check out Minwax polyurethane clear coat on Amazon.

3. Stain and Seal Combo

The third alternative is to waterproof the untreated wood using a stain sealer combination solution, which dries quickly and gives you more color selections. To waterproof painted wood, just use a paintbrush to apply the product to dry, clean, sanded wood, and then wait for it to dry as per instructions.

After washing the wood with soap and water and letting it dry, apply a coat of polyurethane wood sealer using a paint sprayer, and then wait 24 hours for the sealant to cure.

Conclusion

If your looking for weather-resistant lumber, cedar is a popular choice. However, you've now learned of other durable woods to use for outdoor projects and home exteriors that can outlast the weather.