Will it be teak, or will it be cedar that you purchase to decorate your patio?  In answering a question put so plainly, one has to look at the properties of the wood, as well as your intentions as the owner of such outdoor furniture and your ability and desire to take care of it.  What sort of maintenance do you have the time and patience to afford?  Both materials – cedar and teak – are sturdy woods often used when water-resistant materials are needed.  However, each have their own properties that make them better for certain users.

Teak furniture is very common because of the wood’s weather resistant properties.  It is a very durable wood and often used for construction of important structures such as boat docks and flooring.  However, teak garden furniture also requires frequent care, as it can easily build mold and mildew in wet and damp conditions.  You’ll need to wash your furniture frequently to be certain that this doesn’t become unmanageable, and you’ll want to make sure that no insects begin to delve into it or moths or termites decide to eat it.

On the other hand, cedar patio furniture requires another sort of maintenance.  While less likely to mold and mildew and not attracting moths and other insects (thus its popularity for use in constructing hope chests and closets, as well as all furnishings on boats), the wood survives best with a good annual sanding.  This is best completed when you bring the cedar furniture out for spring and intend to use it through the warm season.  You may also choose to do this briefly before putting it away for the summer, just to scrub away the weather, dirt, dust, and other elements that have crept in over the summer.

Depending on the style of furniture you prefer, you may choose a particular type of wood.  For example, teak has an older, more worn look to it and would provide a good material for rustic wood furniture.  However, cedar tends to remain lighter and fresher in color and wear and would create a better contemporary set of furniture for your patio.  It would not look good in rustic style.  Teak would also provide a nice appearance for cottage style or contemporary design.