How does teak compare to pine in outdoor seating resistance to checking?

When choosing wood for outdoor seating, resistance to checking—a common issue where cracks form due to weathering—is a critical factor. Teak, a tropical hardwood, is renowned for its natural oils and dense grain, which make it highly resistant to checking, even in harsh conditions. Its durability and low maintenance needs make it a premium choice for outdoor furniture.

Pine, a softwood, is more affordable but lacks the natural resistance of teak. Untreated pine is prone to checking and requires regular sealing or staining to withstand outdoor elements. While pressure-treated pine offers better resistance, it still falls short of teak's long-term performance.

In summary, teak outperforms pine in outdoor seating resistance to checking, offering superior longevity with minimal upkeep. Pine may be cost-effective but demands more maintenance to prevent cracking and decay.