Polywood Outdoor Furniture Review: Your Comprehensive Guide to Sustainable Style

Are you tired of replacing your patio furniture every few seasons due to fading, rotting, or splintering? What if I told you there‘s a better way to enjoy your outdoor space without sacrificing style or sustainability? Enter Polywood, the leading brand of durable outdoor furniture made from recycled plastics.

As an avid outdoor entertainer and environmentalist, I‘ve tried my fair share of patio furniture over the years. But nothing compares to the quality, comfort, and eco-friendly benefits of Polywood. In this comprehensive review, I‘ll share my firsthand experience with Polywood furniture and provide an in-depth look at the brand‘s products, materials, customer ratings, and environmental impact. Get ready to transform your backyard into a sustainable oasis with Polywood.

About Polywood: Turning Trash into Treasure

Polywood was founded in 1990 with a mission to create sustainable outdoor furniture that lasts a lifetime. The company‘s founders, Doug Rassi and Jim Kerstein, were inspired by the growing plastic waste problem and sought to find a solution. They developed a process for transforming recycled milk jugs and detergent bottles into durable, weather-resistant lumber that could be used to craft stylish outdoor furniture.

Fast forward 30 years, and Polywood has become the gold standard for eco-friendly outdoor furnishings. The company has diverted millions of pounds of plastic waste from landfills and oceans, all while creating jobs for American workers at its manufacturing facility in Indiana.

Polywood‘s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its recycled materials. The company uses sustainable manufacturing practices, such as a closed-loop water system and recycling 99% of manufacturing waste. Polywood is also partnered with the non-profit organization Keep America Beautiful to support environmental education and community improvement projects.

But sustainability isn‘t the only thing that sets Polywood apart. The company‘s signature HDPE lumber is built to withstand the elements, resisting everything from harsh UV rays to salty sea spray. Unlike traditional wood furniture, Polywood requires no painting, staining, or waterproofing, making it incredibly low-maintenance. And with a rainbow of fade-resistant colors and a variety of stylish designs to choose from, Polywood furniture can complement any outdoor aesthetic.

Putting Polywood to the Test: My Review

I first discovered Polywood a few years ago when I was searching for the perfect set of Adirondack chairs for my new deck. I wanted something stylish and comfortable that would hold up to the hot Texas sun and unpredictable thunderstorms. After researching various outdoor furniture brands, I kept coming across rave reviews for Polywood.

I decided to take the plunge and ordered a pair of Polywood Classic Adirondack Chairs in a lovely sage green. When the chairs arrived, I was immediately impressed by how substantial and well-constructed they felt. The HDPE lumber had a subtle wood grain texture that looked just like real wood, but without any risk of splinters or cracks.

Assembly was a breeze thanks to Polywood‘s clear instructions and high-quality hardware. In less than 30 minutes, I had two beautiful Adirondack chairs ready for lounging. The contoured seats and wide armrests provided excellent support, while the generous proportions offered plenty of room to relax.

Over the past three years, my Polywood Adirondack chairs have endured everything from blazing 100-degree days to severe thunderstorms and hail. The color hasn‘t faded one bit, and the HDPE lumber still looks like new. I simply wipe down the chairs with soap and water every few weeks to keep them clean.

Thrilled with the quality and durability of my Adirondack chairs, I‘ve since added a Polywood dining set and chaise lounges to my outdoor oasis. The Polywood Farmhouse 37" Dining Set is perfect for alfresco meals, with its spacious table and comfortable dining chairs. Like my Adirondacks, the dining set is holding up beautifully to regular use and exposure to the elements.

For poolside relaxation, I chose a pair of Polywood Nautical Chaise Lounges with Arms. These chaises have three reclining positions and wheels for easy mobility around the pool deck. The contoured design and waterfall front provide excellent support, while the fade-resistant cushions add an extra layer of comfort.

After several years of using Polywood furniture, I can confidently say it‘s worth the investment. Not only is it incredibly durable and low-maintenance, but it also looks great and offers superior comfort compared to other outdoor furniture I‘ve owned. Plus, I feel good knowing my purchase supports a sustainable company that‘s making a positive impact on the environment.

Polywood‘s Product Range: Something for Every Space

While Adirondack chairs and dining sets are some of Polywood‘s most popular items, the company offers a wide range of products for every outdoor living need. Here‘s a quick overview of Polywood‘s main product categories:

• Adirondack Chairs: Polywood‘s signature item, available in multiple styles and colors. Opt for the Classic Oversized Adirondack for a spacious seat, or the Quattro Adirondack for a modern spin on a timeless design.

• Rocking Chairs: Relax and unwind with a Polywood rocking chair. Choose from classic styles like the Presidential Rocker or more contemporary designs like the Palm Coast Rocker.

• Dining Sets: From compact bistro sets to expansive farmhouse tables, Polywood has a dining set for every space and style. The Lakeside Collection offers a rustic, weathered look, while the Euro Collection features sleek, modern lines.

• Chaise Lounges: Soak up the sun in comfort with a Polywood chaise lounge. The Nautical Collection offers stackable chaises with wheels, while the Captain Collection features a unique headrest pillow and hidden cup holders.

• Deep Seating: Create an inviting conversation area with Polywood‘s deep seating collections. The Club Collection offers generously proportioned sofas and armchairs, while the Harbour Collection features clean, contemporary lines.

• Benches & Gliders: Add a functional seating option with a Polywood bench or glider. The Chippendale Collection offers a classic park bench design, while the Vineyard Collection features a contoured seat and back for added comfort.

• Accessories: Complete your outdoor space with Polywood‘s range of accessories, including side tables, ottomans, cushions, and umbrellas. Mix and match colors and styles to create a cohesive look.

Polywood offers an impressive array of customization options, with 13 fade-resistant lumber colors and over 150 Sunbrella fabric options for cushions. Whether you prefer bold, vibrant hues or neutral, understated shades, Polywood has a color palette to suit your style.

Polywood‘s HDPE Lumber: The Secret to Sustainability and Durability

What sets Polywood furniture apart from traditional outdoor materials like wood, wicker, or metal? The answer lies in the company‘s signature HDPE lumber. HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene, a type of plastic that‘s commonly used in milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, and other household containers.

Polywood sources post-consumer HDPE plastics from recycling centers across the country. These plastics are then cleaned, shredded, and heated to a high temperature, creating a thick liquid that‘s pressed into durable lumber boards. The result is a material that looks and feels like real wood, but with none of the drawbacks.

Unlike wood, Polywood‘s HDPE lumber won‘t rot, splinter, or crack over time. It‘s resistant to moisture, insects, and fungi, making it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture that‘s exposed to the elements. Polywood lumber is also completely waterproof, so you don‘t have to worry about bringing your furniture inside during inclement weather.

One of the most impressive features of Polywood lumber is its fade-resistant color. The pigments are mixed directly into the HDPE material during the manufacturing process, resulting in vibrant colors that permeate the entire board. Even after years of sun exposure, Polywood furniture maintains its color without requiring any touchups or refinishing.

Polywood lumber is also incredibly low-maintenance compared to other outdoor furniture materials. To clean, simply wipe down with soap and water or spray with a garden hose. The non-porous surface resists stains and corrosion, so you don‘t have to worry about rust or mildew buildup.

From an environmental standpoint, choosing Polywood furniture can make a significant impact. Each pound of HDPE plastic recycled into Polywood lumber saves the equivalent of 8.7 milk jugs from ending up in landfills or oceans. A standard Polywood Adirondack chair contains the equivalent of 30,000 recycled milk jugs. By investing in Polywood, you‘re not only getting a durable, stylish product, but also supporting a company that‘s actively reducing plastic waste.

Polywood Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

Don‘t just take my word for it – Polywood has earned glowing reviews from thousands of satisfied customers. On the company‘s website, bestsellers like the Classic Adirondack Chair and Vineyard Deep Seating Sofa maintain ratings of 4.8 stars or higher, with hundreds of five-star reviews.

Here‘s what customers are saying about Polywood furniture:

"We absolutely love our Polywood Adirondack chairs! They are comfortable, durable, and look great. We‘ve had them for over a year now and they still look brand new. Worth every penny!" – Jane D.

"I was hesitant to spend so much on outdoor furniture, but I‘m so glad I invested in Polywood. The Nautical Chaise Lounges are incredibly comfortable and have held up beautifully to sun, rain, and pool water. No fading or cracking whatsoever." – John S.

"The Polywood Farmhouse Dining Set has transformed our patio into an elegant outdoor dining room. The table is spacious enough for family meals, and the chairs are surprisingly comfortable. The fact that it‘s made from recycled materials is the cherry on top!" – Rachel L.

Customers consistently praise Polywood furniture for its:

• Durability in all weather conditions
• Comfort and support
• Easy assembly and maintenance
• Fade-resistant colors
• Eco-friendly materials

Of course, no product is perfect, and a small number of customers have reported issues with shipping delays or missing hardware. However, Polywood‘s responsive customer service team seems to quickly address and resolve these rare complaints.

Comparing Polywood to Other Outdoor Furniture Brands

When shopping for outdoor furniture, you have no shortage of options. So how does Polywood stack up against other popular brands? Let‘s take a look:

Brand	Price Range	Durability	Style Options	Sustainability
Polywood	$-$$$	Excellent	Extensive	Recycled HDPE lumber
Trex	$$-$$$	Very Good	Good	Recycled materials
IKEA	$-$$	Fair	Limited	Some eco-friendly options
Pottery Barn	$$$-$$$$	Good	Good	Responsibly sourced wood
Neighbor	$$$-$$$$	Very Good	Limited	FSC-certified teak

While Polywood isn‘t the cheapest option on the market, its combination of durability, style options, and sustainability make it a worthwhile investment. Trex offers a similar recycled plastic lumber material, but with fewer style options and colors. IKEA and Pottery Barn have some eco-friendly collections, but they may not hold up as well over time. Neighbor offers high-quality teak furniture, but at a premium price point and with limited design options.

Ultimately, if you‘re looking for outdoor furniture that will last for decades with minimal maintenance, Polywood is hard to beat. The company‘s 20-year residential warranty is a testament to the confidence it has in its product quality and craftsmanship.

The Bottom Line: Is Polywood Worth It?

After years of using Polywood furniture in my own backyard, I can confidently say it‘s worth the investment. Yes, Polywood is more expensive than some other outdoor furniture brands. But when you consider the long-term durability, low maintenance, and environmental benefits, it‘s a small price to pay for furniture that will last a lifetime.

With Polywood, you don‘t have to choose between style and sustainability. The company‘s extensive product range and customization options make it easy to find furniture that complements your outdoor aesthetic, whether you prefer classic Adirondack chairs or sleek, modern sofas. And with fade-resistant colors and weather-resistant materials, your furniture will continue to look great season after season.

But perhaps the most compelling reason to choose Polywood is the positive impact it has on the environment. By transforming recycled plastics into durable outdoor furniture, Polywood is actively reducing waste and protecting our planet for future generations. In fact, since its founding in 1990, Polywood has recycled over 150 million milk jugs into its signature lumber.

If you‘re looking to create a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor space that you can feel good about, Polywood is the way to go. With its unbeatable combination of durability, style, and sustainability, it‘s the brand I trust for all my outdoor furniture needs.

So what are you waiting for? Invest in a set of Polywood Adirondack chairs or a stylish dining set, and start enjoying your outdoor oasis guilt-free. Your backyard (and the planet) will thank you.