Hey there! Great question—it’s one we hear all the time. The short answer is no, not all our wooden outdoor benches are pressure-treated, and the wood type really depends on the look, longevity, and maintenance level you want. Let me walk you through it so you know exactly what you’re sitting on.
We do offer some benches made from pressure-treated southern yellow pine. This pine undergoes a vacuum-and-pressure process that forces preservatives deep into the grain, giving it impressive resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay. It’s a hardworking, budget-friendly option that’s perfect for high-moisture climates. Straight out of the mill it often has a greenish cast, but it weathers to a silvery gray and takes paint or stain beautifully if you decide to change the color down the road. So yes—if you choose one of our value-range pine benches, it will be pressure-treated.
But many of our benches aren’t pressure-treated at all, because the wood itself doesn’t need it. Take teak, for example. Teak is naturally loaded with dense oils and rubber that act like a built-in raincoat, making it virtually immune to water damage and insect attacks without a single drop of chemical treatment. That’s why it’s the gold standard for luxury outdoor furniture. Then there’s western red cedar. Its aromatic oils are nature’s own preservatives, so it naturally resists decay and bugs while staying lightweight and stable. Neither teak nor cedar goes through a pressure-treatment tank—they’re 100% chemical-free from the start.
We also work with acacia and eucalyptus. These hardwoods are not pressure-treated either. They come with a solid natural durability, and we typically kiln-dry them and apply a light eco-friendly sealer to help them shrug off the first season of sun and rain. With an occasional rubdown of linseed or teak oil, they’ll hold their honey-toned warmth for years.
So why would someone pick pressure-treated pine? If up-front cost is your main concern and you don’t mind that the wood has been engineered for toughness rather than born with it, it’s a winner. On the other hand, if you want zero chemicals, a quieter aging process, and that instantly welcoming, furniture-grade look, teak or cedar is probably calling your name. Every bench we build—regardless of wood—is assembled with stainless steel screws and weatherproof joinery, so you’re getting a solid piece either way.
Ultimately, the choice boils down to your garden’s personality and your own. Pressure-treated gives you rugged, no-fuss durability. Teak and cedar bring natural luxury and a gentler footprint. Either route, you’ll get a bench that feels like it grew right out of the landscape. Let me know your style and budget, and I’ll help you pick the one that’ll become your favorite spot in the yard.