Types of Wood

When choosing wood for an outdoor planter box, keep in mind two factors: rot resistance and insect resistance. All wood will rot over time (especially if kept outdoors), but certain types of wood will last longer under harsh outdoor conditions.

Rot-Resistant Wood

The three major types of rot-resistant wood are cherry heartwood, redwood and walnut. These woods tend to be more costly, but they are best-suited when building indoor planter boxes. For outdoor planter boxes, consider using less expensive woods that also resist rot, like cedar or teak.

Insect-Resistant Wood

Some types of trees produce natural chemicals that insects find offensive. For planter boxes, which attract bugs naturally, woods like cedar, cypress or a tropical hardwood are ideal.

Price Considerations

Generally, the more expensive the wood is, the better it is at standing up to rot and insects. However, when building an outdoor planter box, choose wood that is inexpensive enough that you won't mind it getting damaged by being outdoors.

Environmental Considerations

While chemically treated wood will stand up to the elements and might be ideal for outdoor furniture, the chemicals in the wood might end up being harmful to your plants.

Source:

More Information on Hardwood

Resource:

All About Planters