Good Lumber to Use for Landscaping

Softwoods

• Softwoods such as redwood, Western red cedar, cypress and pressure-treated pine serve well for outdoor projects. Pressure-treated pine is best for below-ground projects such as fence posts and arbor posts. Redwood and cedar accept stains beautifully and the pungent resin of the woods repel wood-chewing insects. The availability of softwoods for landscaping rely greatly on geographic location. Redwood is widely available across the United States, but cypress and Western red cedar may require special order and may cost more, as well. When selecting softwood lumber, avoid the lighter-colored sapwood as this part of the wood decays rapidly.

Hardwoods

• Hardwood lumber is generally more expensive than softwood for exterior landscaping, but hardwoods are noticeably more attractive, more durable, and accept stain and paint more easily and evenly. The stiff, hard and tightly grained wood resists moisture and rebuffs boring insects. White oak is a fine choice and available in most lumber yards. Teak is one of the best hardwood woods for landscaping, used for boat decks and seats. Since hardwoods are so expensive, they are best used for smaller projects such as benches, chairs and other outdoor furniture.

Exotic Woods

• Exotic foreign woods, once prohibitively expensive to import, have become more available but may still require special order. Ipe from South America and mahogany from Africa or the Honduras constitute some of the finest lumber available. As with native hardwoods, these woods are best used for special projects in the garden.

Composite

• While not natural lumber, composite wood has become more prevalent in landscaping, due to its incredible durability and low maintenance. Composite woods are manufactured products, consisting of wood by-products, such as discarded wood chips or sawdust, mixed with plastic resins and pigment. This type of lumber functions similarly to natural wood: composite lumber can be cut, sanded, painted and milled. The material resists rot and decay and some types need no paint or stain. This type of wood is suitable for below-ground landscaping projects or for wood that comes in contact with soil, and also for regions where wood-chewing termites are prevalent. Composite lumber is usually more expensive than softwood lumber, on par with hardwood materials.