By the nature of where it spends its life, outdoor furniture has to be designed, first and foremost, to withstand its toughest enemy - the elements. While makers of indoor furniture need to consider the swelling and contraction of wood due to seasonal changes in relative humidity, outdoor furniture builders must also allow for the fact that their pieces will occasionally be drenched in water, dried by the wind, and baked by the sun. With appropriate materials, design, joinery, and hardware, you can fashion pieces that will be as durable and long-lasting as any kitchen side chair or bedroom armoire.