If you’re shopping for outdoor furniture for your backyard or patio, you’ve probably come across a few options that use something called “poly lumber”. Poly furniture is made using high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a thermoplastic polymer that’s made from petroleum. Compared to wood furniture, poly furniture tends to be a bit more expensive, although its extra cost may end up saving you money in the long run.
Here are 3 reasons why poly furniture is better than regular furniture:
Poly Furniture Is Eco Friendly
Although poly furniture is made from plastic, it’s actually better for the environment than furniture made from wood. This is because it uses recyclable plastic, thereby reducing pollution by keeping plastic products out of landfills. It also saves all of the trees that need to be cut down in order to fashion furniture out of wood. Lastly, poly furniture is devoid of any harmful chemicals that can impact you or the environment.
Poly Furniture Lasts Longer
While poly furniture may carry a higher price tag up front, it will save you money in the long run. Unlike with wood furniture, which can warp and decay (especially if left out in the rain), poly furniture usually lasts around 20 plus years. This is a decades-long investment that is guaranteed to last you through rain and shine. With the ability to withstand both high and low temperatures, it’s perfect for the outdoors.
Poly furniture won’t warp, corrode, splinter, or rot. Because it uses UV stabilizers in the manufacturing process, the colors will never fade. You’ll never need to stain or paint it either, making it a sturdier choice than wood furniture. And because colors are distributed throughout the furniture, you won’t notice any scratches or dings the way you would with wood furniture.
Poly Furniture Needs Less Maintenance
In addition to staining and painting, wood furniture also needs to be shielded from the elements in order 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. With poly furniture, you won’t need to worry about maintenance at all. It can endure rain and snow without so much as a crack or a splinter.
Its composition also resists mold and mildew, which makes it easy to clean. You won’t need to apply any additional insect or moisture barriers to the furniture, which means you can further minimize your exposure to potentially harsh chemicals.
Poly furniture has many clear environmental and financial benefits that make 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 needing to sacrifice any 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.