Substitute for Teak

[Stan Tilley]

I plan to build a Lutyens garden bench. I believe these were originally made from teak. Mine will be outdoors, so I do need to use wood suitable to that environment. However, I just priced teak and discovered that it is well outside my price range for this project. I am asking for your advice on suitable alternatives. Cypress, maybe? Is it structurally sound enough for a bench?

Thanks

[Matt Campbell]

Cumaru, a.k.a. Brazilian teak, is a great substitute.

[Matt Campbell]

Stan, I just noticed you live in Cartersville. I was there just yesterday.

[Greg Cole]

Cypress, white oak and cedar are all pretty good outside and readily available. Most of the exotics ring the cashiers bell per say...

[Tony Bilello]

Pronounced "E-Pay" is a good substitute for what you are doing.

If you want to use 2" stock, you can use cypress.