If you’re shopping for outdoor furniture for your backyard or patio, you’ve probably come across a few “poly lumber” options. These vibrant and wood-patterned pieces were deemed a trend for outdoor living in 2025. While wood is an outstanding and highly sought-after material for indoor furniture, it may not be the best option for an outdoor space. Here are three reasons why poly furniture is better than wood furniture:
Poly Furniture Is Eco-Friendly
Despite the name, there is no wood in poly lumber. Poly furniture uses high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a thermoplastic polymer made from petroleum. Although poly furniture is made from plastic, it’s better for the environment than wood. This is because it uses recyclable plastic, reducing pollution by keeping plastic products out of landfills. It also saves all the trees that need to be cut down to fashion furniture out of wood. Lastly, poly furniture lacks harmful chemicals that can impact you or the environment.
Poly Furniture Offers Long-Lasting Comfort
Unlike wood furniture, which can warp and decay (especially if left out in the rain), poly furniture usually lasts around 20 years. This decades-long investment is guaranteed to last you through rain and shine. Poly furniture won’t warp, corrode, or rot. It can withstand high and low temperatures, so it’s perfect for the outdoors.
When you think of plastic furniture, comfort is usually not the first word that comes to mind. However, the HDPE used in poly furniture offers back and lower body support, perfect for deep seating collections and Adirondack chairs. Its heavy-duty, sturdy fibers are ideal for holding more weight than a standard wood plank, and you’ll never have to worry about it giving you a splinter.
Poly Furniture Needs Less Maintenance
Poly furniture tends to be a bit more expensive than wood furniture, although its extra cost can save you money in the long run. With poly furniture, you won’t need to worry about maintenance. Its composition also resists mold and mildew, which makes it easy to clean. Just use soap and water. You won’t need to apply additional insect or moisture barriers to the furniture, which means you can further minimize exposure to potentially harsh chemicals.
The colors will never fade because they use UV stabilizers in the manufacturing process. You’ll never need to stain or paint it, making it a sturdier choice than wood furniture. And because colors are distributed throughout the furniture, you won’t notice any scratches or dings like wood furniture.
On the other hand, wood furniture must be shielded from the elements to prevent decay or rot. You’ll need to cover or move wood furniture every time it rains or snows, and if you live near the salty sea air, you run a higher risk of wood rot. Then, you’ll have to replace your furniture completely. If you’re lucky enough, the most damage you’ll encounter is minor splitting and fading. If that happens, wood furniture must be sanded and given a new coat of stain or paint.
Poly Furniture: Simple and Attractive
Poly furniture has many environmental and financial benefits, making it a better choice than wood furniture. Because poly lumber can be designed with wood color and texture, you can have the same aesthetic as wood without sacrificing trees. Poly lumber can be molded into whatever shape you like, from traditional to modern styles to authentic wood textures. With so many reasons to love poly lumber over wood, poly furniture is a clear winner.
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