Building outdoor projects in Los Angeles presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Our climate is defined by intense UV radiation, months without rain followed by heavy winter storms, persistent termite pressure (both subterranean and drywood species), and wide daily temperature swings. Choosing the right wood species for these conditions is the single most important decision you will make for any outdoor project.
Western Red Cedar is the most popular choice for LA outdoor projects, and for good reason. Its heartwood contains natural extractives (thujaplicins) that are toxic to decay fungi and wood-boring insects. It is lightweight, easy to work, dimensionally stable, and weathers to an attractive silver-grey patina. Cedar requires no chemical treatment for above-ground outdoor use. The downsides: it is relatively soft (prone to dents and scratches on high-traffic surfaces), and clear grades are increasingly expensive. For decking, we recommend a minimum #2 grade; for furniture and visible structures, B grade or better.
Redwood is the premium choice for Southern California outdoor use. Like cedar, its heartwood is naturally resistant to rot and insects. Redwood is slightly harder and denser than cedar, weathers beautifully, and has a warmer reddish tone that many prefer. Critical distinction: only the heartwood (darker reddish center wood) has natural resistance. The sapwood (lighter-colored outer wood) has no resistance and will decay quickly outdoors. Specify "heart" grades for any outdoor application. Reclaimed old-growth redwood heartwood is the gold standard — it has tighter grain, greater density, and higher extractive content than new-growth redwood.
White Oak is the hardwood choice for outdoor projects. Unlike red oak (which has open pores and absorbs water like a sponge), white oak has closed, plugged pores called tyloses that make it naturally water-resistant. This is why white oak has been used for centuries in barrel making, boat building, and outdoor furniture. It is extremely hard (Janka 1360), strong, and durable. Reclaimed white oak from whiskey barrels, ship planking, or old bridges is outstanding for outdoor use. The wood is heavy, so plan accordingly for structures and furniture.
Ipe (pronounced EE-pay), also called Brazilian Walnut or Ironwood, is the ultra-premium deck and outdoor furniture wood. With a Janka hardness of 3,684 and a specific gravity of 0.91, it is one of the hardest and densest commercially available woods. Ipe is virtually impervious to rot, insects, and weathering. It lasts 40-75 years in outdoor applications without any treatment. The downsides: it is very heavy (about 70 lbs per cubic foot), extremely hard to work (requires carbide-tipped or diamond tools), expensive, and has sustainability concerns regarding tropical forest harvesting. Reclaimed ipe from commercial decking projects is available periodically and offers the performance benefits without the environmental concerns.
Douglas Fir is the most affordable structural softwood for outdoor framing and is widely available reclaimed. It is strong and workable, but it has no natural rot resistance. For outdoor use, Douglas fir must be either pressure-treated, coated with a quality exterior finish, or used only in covered applications where it stays dry. Reclaimed Doug fir timbers are excellent for pergola posts and beams when kept above ground and protected from persistent moisture. Old-growth reclaimed fir has significantly more resin content than new fir, giving it somewhat better weather resistance.
Pressure-treated lumber (typically Southern Yellow Pine treated with ACQ or CA copper-based preservatives) is the standard for ground-contact applications: fence posts, deck support posts, anything that touches or is embedded in soil. Modern PT lumber is safer than the old CCA-treated wood, but it still contains copper compounds and should not be used where it contacts food, drinking water, or sensitive ecosystems like koi ponds. Never burn pressure-treated wood. For raised beds and food gardens, use untreated cedar, redwood, or white oak instead.
For any outdoor project in Los Angeles, also consider termite resistance. Subterranean termites are present throughout the LA basin and can attack untreated wood in ground contact. Drywood termites are airborne and can infest any exposed wood above ground. Cedar, redwood heartwood, white oak, and ipe all have good natural termite resistance. Douglas fir, pine, spruce, and other common softwoods are highly susceptible and should be treated or protected when used outdoors.
UV protection is the final consideration. Southern California sun is relentless, and it will grey and degrade any unprotected wood surface within months. If you want to maintain the original color of your outdoor wood, apply a UV-protective penetrating oil finish (Penofin, TWP, or Armstrong-Clark are excellent products for the LA climate) and reapply every 1-2 years. If you prefer the silver-grey weathered look, simply let the wood age naturally — it is a perfectly valid aesthetic choice that requires zero maintenance.
At LA Lumber, we stock reclaimed and new options for all of these species. Our team can help you select the right material for your specific outdoor project, taking into account your exposure conditions, termite risk, budget, and aesthetic preferences. Bring your project plans to our yard and let us help you make the right choice.