"As interest in home gardening and outdoor space utilization grows, the garden furniture market has been showing significant growth. Environmentally friendly wooden products made from acacia and eucalyptus are particularly gaining popularity." - Yonhap News (April 28, 2025)
Hello everyone! Today we're going to take a detailed look at garden and outdoor furniture. In particular, I'll compare the characteristics and pros and cons of garden furniture made from acacia and eucalyptus wood, which are currently trending. I've prepared helpful information for those of you who want to beautifully and practically decorate your outdoor spaces such as gardens, terraces, and balconies.
What is Garden Furniture and Why is it Important?
Garden furniture refers to furniture specially designed for outdoor use. This includes all types of furniture used in outdoor environments such as gardens, terraces, balconies, and patios. It comes in various forms including tables, chairs, benches, hammocks, and parasols, providing comfort and functionality outdoors.
Garden furniture has value beyond its practical purpose of sitting or placing objects. It defines the atmosphere of outdoor spaces, influences our lifestyle, and changes how we connect with nature. A good piece of garden furniture can transform an ordinary outdoor space into a place of relaxation and inspiration.
What Are the Characteristics and Advantages of Acacia Wood Garden Furniture?
Acacia wood is a popular material widely used in garden furniture manufacturing. Acacia is hard and durable, allowing for long-term use even in outdoor environments. It's especially suitable for outdoor furniture as it's resistant to moisture and pests.
The Sturdiness of Acacia Garden Furniture
Garden furniture made from acacia wood is dense and hard, so it doesn't easily get damaged even when heavy objects are placed on it. Thanks to this sturdiness, it shows minimal deformation or bending even after long-term outdoor use. These characteristics of acacia wood are particularly ideal for large furniture like tables and benches.
The Natural Beauty of Acacia Garden Furniture
Acacia wood has a warm golden tone and beautiful grain, adding natural charm to any outdoor space. When exposed to weather over time, it changes to a natural grayish color, which offers another kind of appeal. Of course, with regular oil treatment, you can maintain its original color.
The Durability of Acacia Garden Furniture
Acacia wood is rich in natural oils and resins, giving it natural resistance to rain, sunlight, and temperature changes. This characteristic allows it to be used outdoors for a long time, and with proper care, it can maintain its beauty for years.
What Are the Characteristics of Eucalyptus Wood Garden Furniture?
Eucalyptus wood is also a popular material for garden furniture. Like acacia, it's highly durable but has some different characteristics.
The Lightness and Mobility of Eucalyptus Garden Furniture
Eucalyptus wood is relatively lighter compared to acacia. This is a significant advantage for outdoor furniture that needs to be moved or relocated frequently. Especially for furniture like chairs or small tables, making them with eucalyptus allows for easy mobility, making them practical.
The Water Resistance of Eucalyptus Garden Furniture
Eucalyptus wood has a high content of natural oils, giving it excellent waterproofing properties. Due to this characteristic, it withstands rain and humid environments well and shows strong resistance to mold and decay. It's therefore suitable for furniture in humid areas or around swimming pools.
The Eco-Friendliness of Eucalyptus Garden Furniture
Eucalyptus is a fast-growing tree and is recognized as a sustainable material. Many eucalyptus garden furniture pieces use FSC-certified wood, making them a good choice for environmentally conscious consumers.
What Are the Differences Between Acacia and Eucalyptus Wood Garden Furniture?
Both materials are excellent choices for garden furniture, but let's directly compare what differences they have.
Durability Comparison
Both acacia and eucalyptus wood are highly durable, but acacia is slightly harder and more sturdy. For tables or benches used by many people or with heavy items placed on them, acacia may be more advantageous. Eucalyptus, on the other hand, is lightweight but sufficiently durable, making it suitable for chairs or small tables.
Ease of Maintenance
Eucalyptus wood has a high content of natural oils, making it relatively easy to maintain. Acacia wood, meanwhile, requires regular oil treatment, but can be used for longer as a result. Both materials should be moved indoors or covered during winter.
Price Difference
Generally, acacia wood garden furniture tends to be slightly more expensive than eucalyptus wood garden furniture. This is because acacia grows more slowly and the wood itself has a higher density. However, both materials are much more economical choices compared to premium hardwoods like teak or mahogany.
What Important Factors Should Be Considered When Buying Garden Furniture?
When selecting garden furniture, you should consider several factors beyond just the material.
Purpose of Use and Space Size
You should first think about what purpose you'll use the garden furniture for and where you'll place it. It's important to make choices suited to your purpose, whether you need a dining table and chairs, a lounge chair for relaxation, or folding furniture for a small balcony. Also, be sure to check if the furniture size is appropriate for your space.
Climate and Environmental Conditions
The climate conditions of your area are also important considerations. If you live in an area with a lot of rain, eucalyptus with its excellent waterproofing might be advantageous, and if you're in a place with severe temperature changes, acacia with its superior durability might be better. You should also consider how much time the furniture will be exposed to direct sunlight.
Design and Style
Garden furniture is an important element that determines the atmosphere of outdoor spaces. It's good to choose a design that harmonizes with the overall style of your home. Both acacia and eucalyptus, with their natural grain and color, go well with various styles.
What Are the Methods for Garden Furniture Care and Maintenance?
Garden furniture made from acacia or eucalyptus wood also requires proper care. Let's look at the correct maintenance methods.
Regular Cleaning
Garden furniture is exposed to various contaminants like dust, pollen, and bird droppings. Clean it regularly using a soft brush and neutral detergent. It's best to avoid using pressure washers as they can damage the wood.
Oil Treatment
It's good to apply wood oil to acacia or eucalyptus wood once every 6 months to a year. This prevents the wood from drying out and prevents cracking or warping. It also helps maintain the wood's beautiful original color.
Seasonal Storage Methods
During winter or periods of non-use, it's good to store furniture indoors or cover it with waterproof covers. Be careful, as long exposure to snow or frost can shorten the life of the wood.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Garden Furniture for You
Garden furniture is an important element that makes outdoor spaces more beautiful and practical. Both acacia and eucalyptus wood are excellent choices, but each has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.
If you prioritize weight and sturdiness, acacia wood is a good choice, and if you prioritize lightness and mobility, eucalyptus wood is better. Also, make your decision by comprehensively considering various factors such as purpose of use, space size, climate conditions, and design.
Regardless of which material you choose, proper care and maintenance are important. You can use garden furniture beautifully for a long time through regular cleaning and oil treatment. Remember that while this maintenance may be a bother, it allows for longer use of your furniture.
Garden furniture has meaning beyond simple furniture. It is a medium that allows us to communicate with nature and spend comfortable time outdoors. Create a special outdoor space with garden furniture that matches your lifestyle and taste!
