If you’ve been furniture shopping lately—whether as a homeowner or a retail buyer—you’ve likely seen more and more outdoor collections made with eucalyptus wood. But is it just a trend? Or is eucalyptus genuinely a smart, long-lasting choice for garden furniture?
In this post, we’ll look beyond the marketing claims and dive into the scientific characteristics, durability metrics, sustainability credentials, and real-world performance of eucalyptus wood in outdoor environments.
Let’s explore what the data actually says.
What is Eucalyptus Wood, and Why Is It Used in Outdoor Furniture?
Eucalyptus is a dense hardwood native to Australia but now grown in subtropical and tropical regions worldwide—including South America, Africa, and Vietnam. It belongs to the Myrtaceae family, and over 700 species exist, though Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus camaldulensis are the most common in furniture production.
What makes it appealing for outdoor use?
1/ Hardness: Eucalyptus typically ranks between 1,100–1,200 lbf on the Janka hardness scale—comparable to oak and slightly softer than acacia. This means it resists denting and scratching reasonably well.
2/ Oil Content: Eucalyptus naturally contains oils and resins that provide some water resistance and natural insect repellency, making it suitable for humid or buggy environments.
3/ Grain & Appearance: The reddish-brown tone and straight grain are aesthetically similar to teak, especially when oiled. It gives off a warm, classic look that pairs well with modern or rustic garden settings.
How Durable Is Eucalyptus for Outdoor Use?
Durability is the top concern when it comes to outdoor furniture. Eucalyptus performs impressively in this category, especially when properly maintained. According to USDA Forest Service data, eucalyptus has a Janka hardness rating between 1,125–1,200 lbf, which is similar to red oak. This makes it suitable for moderate to heavy outdoor use.
Water Resistance:
Eucalyptus contains natural oils and tannins that help resist moisture absorption and deter insects. However, it is slightly more porous than teak, meaning it needs regular sealing or oiling to prevent water damage over time.
Weathering:
Like all wood species, eucalyptus will fade to a silvery-gray patina if left untreated. This graying is caused by UV exposure breaking down surface lignin (the same mechanism seen in acacia and teak). The underlying structure remains intact, but for aesthetic purposes, many users prefer to re-oil or seal their eucalyptus furniture once or twice a year.
Lifespan:
With proper care, eucalyptus garden furniture can last between 15 to 25 years. This makes it a solid mid-range option: more affordable than teak, but with significantly better longevity than softwoods or unsealed fast furniture.
While it doesn’t contain as much natural oil as teak (which explains the cost difference), it still holds up to sun and rain better than many untreated softwoods like pine or fir. However, some precautions are necessary to prevent:
1/ Surface checking (small cracks) from rapid drying or intense sun exposure
2/ Greying over time from UV exposure (like any natural wood)
3/ Mold or mildew if water is allowed to pool on surfaces
Moisture Management
Like all natural wood, eucalyptus is hygroscopic—it absorbs and releases moisture depending on the environment. This is why kiln-drying and proper seasoning of the wood before manufacturing are critical. At Dai Phuc Hung Thinh Furniture, for example, all eucalyptus is kiln-dried and moisture-tested to below 12–14% to reduce the risk of warping or splitting after shipment.
For homeowners, applying a UV-blocking oil finish once or twice a year helps retain color and moisture balance. If you’re in a cold or wet climate, we also recommend covering your furniture or storing it during winter months.
Sustainability: FSC® Certification and Fast Growth Cycles
Perhaps one of the strongest arguments in favor of eucalyptus is its environmental profile.
Eucalyptus trees grow rapidly—many species reach harvestable maturity within 7–10 years, compared to 30–40 years for teak. That means plantations can produce more usable timber on less land and over shorter cycles, reducing pressure on natural forests.
Additionally, many eucalyptus products today are FSC® certified, which ensures the wood comes from responsibly managed forests with traceability across the entire supply chain.
Vietnam, where we operate, is one of the leading exporters of FSC®-certified eucalyptus furniture. These fast-growing plantations are typically located near manufacturing hubs like Quy Nhơn, making the logistics more efficient and further lowering the carbon footprint.
For FSC-certified eucalyptus pieces, we also conduct chain-of-custody audits to ensure compliance from forest to final product. Every single piece of outdoor furniture we manufacture and supply is FSC-certified (our certification number is FSC®️ C009028).
Rot Resistance Starts at the Source: How Manufacturers Prevent Decay in Eucalyptus Furniture
While eucalyptus is naturally resistant to pests and moderately resistant to moisture, it’s not immune to rot—especially if exposed to standing water, poor airflow, or improperly cured during production. That’s why preventing rot isn’t just about what happens in the garden—it starts long before the furniture reaches the customer.
At Dai Phuc Hung Thinh Furniture, we implement multiple stages of rot prevention and quality control to ensure our outdoor furniture is built to last.
1/ Proper Kiln Drying: Removing Moisture at the Core
Fresh eucalyptus logs can have a moisture content of over 50%—far too high for durable outdoor use. Left untreated, this moisture can create the perfect environment for fungal growth and internal decay.
That’s why we use controlled kiln drying to gradually reduce the moisture content of the wood down to 12–14%, ideal for outdoor furniture exposed to fluctuating climates. This process not only minimizes the risk of rot but also reduces the chances of warping, splitting, and mold growth after the furniture is placed outdoors.
2/ Quality Control at Every Step
After drying, each batch of wood undergoes moisture testing using digital meters to ensure internal consistency. Boards with uneven moisture levels or visible checking (early signs of cracking) are discarded or reprocessed.
Once the furniture is assembled, we perform:
Joinery checks to ensure tight, sealed joints (a common entry point for moisture)
Surface inspections for sanding quality and finish uniformity
Oil or sealer application to provide a first layer of UV and water protection
3/ Protection Built In—Not Just Applied
Even before oiling, our production methods are designed to create furniture that resists moisture ingress:
Raised legs or foot pads to reduce contact with wet ground
Angled slats and bevels that promote water runoff
Tight-grain selection to enhance long-term durability
These construction details are essential for reducing rot risk in real-world conditions like heavy rains, humidity, and winter storage.
Common Finishes and Maintenance Tips
Because eucalyptus doesn’t have the same high oil content as teak, it benefits from added protection:
1/ Use a UV-blocking oil like teak oil or eucalyptus-specific finishes to maintain color.
2/ Clean regularly with mild soap and a soft brush—especially after rain or pollen exposure.
3/ Re-oil 1–2 times a year depending on climate and usage (check out our tips on oiling and choosing the right oil).
4/ Store indoors or under cover in winter months for best longevity in temperate climates.
5/ Avoid using varnish or polyurethane coatings outdoors unless the product specifically states flexibility and UV resistance—these tend to crack over time due to exposure and expansion.
So, is eucalyptus a good wood for garden furniture?
Yes—when responsibly sourced and properly maintained, eucalyptus offers a durable, attractive, and sustainable option for outdoor living. Its balance of affordability and performance makes it a go-to choice for those who want real wood without the premium price of teak.
Whether you’re furnishing a balcony in Berlin, a terrace in Toronto, or a resort in Mallorca, eucalyptus is a material worth considering.
About Us
At Dai Phuc Hung Thinh Furniture, we’ve been manufacturing and exporting high-quality outdoor furniture from Vietnam since 2003. We specialize in 100% FSC-certified acacia and eucalyptus wood, trusted for their strength, sustainability, and timeless appeal.
Over the past 22 years, we’ve proudly supplied to major European retailers—including JYSK and Segmüller—offering a full range of garden furniture collections with custom finishes, retail-ready packaging, and reliable freight support.
Whether you’re a retailer sourcing for the next season or a buyer seeking durable, eco-conscious designs, we’re ready to help you bring the best of Vietnamese craftsmanship to your customers.
📩 Explore our latest eucalyptus collections: www.daiphuchungthinh.com.vn
📬 Reach us directly: sales@daiphuchungthinh.com.vn