On Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at 9:00:01 AM UTC-7, Greg Guarino wrote:
We've had thoughts about finally revamping our back yard....
I'm thinking primarily of an outdoor dining table; simple, farmhouse
style.

There are a number of woods that will weather gracefully, give over
a decade of service. Redwood, alaskan yellow cedar, teak are all
traditional, some new and less familiar woods (Ipe?) are available.
Slat-with-gaps tabletop is a good idea, keeps water from accumulating on
a cupped surface.

Joinery is important, too: you can't use long screws (the wood
will swell and shrink, and long screws will work loose), and glue
choices are limited. Best is to use dowels or pegs or wedges, maybe with SS
hardware secured with short screws...

Avoid treated lumber; it is OK with damp, but doesn't take sunlight and
wet/dry cycling gracefully. Most finishes are less durable than the
woods, so i'd leave the surface bare, and plan on a yearly scrub-down,
maybe a light sanding when needed. Pumice scrub on teak was how
old sailing ships kept a splinter-free deck!