Polywood is worth it if you’re looking for outdoor furniture that lasts for decades with virtually no maintenance. The high price tag is a long-term investment in durability, convenience, and eco-friendly design, making it an excellent choice for anyone tired of replacing a rotted wood or rusted metal patio set every few years.
Polywood furniture is made from recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a robust material that withstands harsh weather without cracking, rotting, or splintering. While it’s more expensive upfront than basic resin or wood options, its 20-year warranty and zero-maintenance profile deliver exceptional value over time. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you get for the price.
How Is Polywood's Quality?
Polywood’s quality is consistently high, centered around a durable, weather-proof material and solid American manufacturing. Unlike brands with wide variations in quality, what you see with Polywood is generally what you get - a product built to endure.
- Materials: The core of every piece is recycled HDPE plastic lumber, which resists moisture, insects, salt spray, and decay. The hardware used for assembly is stainless steel or galvanized, preventing the rust and corrosion that commonly ruin other outdoor furniture.
- Construction: Manufactured in the USA, Polywood furniture is made from thick, heavy slats that give it a substantial and sturdy feel. This weight prevents it from being easily blown around by the wind, a common issue with cheaper plastic or aluminum furniture.
- Durability and Longevity: This is where Polywood excels. The material is infused with UV inhibitors to minimize fading, and its non-porous surface won't absorb water. With a 20-year limited warranty, the company stands behind its claim that the furniture will last for decades even when left outside year-round.
- Common Complaints: The most significant issues are minor. Some customers report hardware loosening over time, which requires simple tightening. The textured "wood grain" surface can trap dirt and require scrubbing, and while durable, the surface can still get scratched with heavy use.
Is Polywood Good Value for the Price?
Polywood provides excellent long-term value by eliminating the maintenance, repair, and replacement costs associated with less durable outdoor furniture. While the initial sticker shock is real, the cost per year of use is impressively low.
Price Positioning
Polywood sits in the mid-to-high end of the outdoor furniture market. An Adirondack chair typically costs between $400 and $700, while a complete dining set can range from $1,200 to $3,500. This is significantly more than a basic set from a big-box store but competitive with other premium, long-lasting materials like powder-coated aluminum or high-grade teak.
What You're Paying For
You are paying for a "set it and forget it" product. The cost includes the durable HDPE material, color-stable compounds, UV inhibitors, quality stainless steel hardware, a 20-year warranty, and the convenience of never having to stain, paint, or waterproof your furniture. You're also paying for an eco-friendly product made in the USA from recycled materials.
Where You Get Good Value
- Harsh Climates: If your furniture is exposed to intense sun, heavy snow, or coastal salt air, Polywood's weather resistance provides unmatched value.
- High-Use Areas: For patios, decks, or poolside settings that see constant use, the durability prevents wear and tear seen on other materials.
- Long-Term Homeowners: Anyone planning to stay in their home for 5+ years will see a clear return on investment through longevity alone.
Where You Don't Get Good Value
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: If your priority is the lowest possible upfront cost, brands like Lifetime offer functional furniture for a fraction of the price.
- Temporary Living Situations: For renters or those who move frequently, the high cost and heavy weight of Polywood may not be practical.
- Aesthetic Purists: If you love the natural patina and classic look of real wood, even high-quality plastic lumber won't be a satisfying substitute.
Polywood Quality by Category
Because Polywood uses the same core material and construction methods across its product lines, quality is remarkably consistent. However, the value proposition can differ slightly based on the product.
Adirondack Chairs
This is Polywood’s signature category. Priced from $400-$700, these chairs are heavy, incredibly sturdy, and ergonomically designed. They are left outside year-round by owners in all climates and show minimal signs of wear after years of use. Verdict: An excellent investment and one of the brand's best products.
Dining Sets
Ranging from $1,200-$3,500, Polywood dining sets are a serious commitment. Their weight ensures they stay put in windy conditions, and the easy-to-clean surface is great for outdoor meals. The primary drawback is that the textured finish on some tables can trap grime, requiring a good scrub. Verdict: A fantastic long-term solution for a permanent outdoor dining space.
Benches & Sectionals
Polywood benches and sectionals offer the same resilience as their chairs. Hardware on gliders and moving parts is rust-proof, ensuring smooth operation for years. These pieces will not splinter, making them safer and more comfortable than aging wood furniture. Verdict: A reliable and safe choice for durable outdoor seating that stands the test of time.
Lounges & Chaise Lounges
Ideal for poolsides, these pieces won't be damaged by chlorinated water splashes and the HDPE material doesn't get as scorching hot in the sun as metal. The adjustable hardware remains functional and rust-free over time. Verdict: Well worth the price for durable, low-maintenance poolside or patio lounging.
Our Verdict: Is Polywood Worth It?
Polywood is absolutely worth it for buyers seeking a long-term, hassle-free solution for outdoor furniture. Its ability to withstand the elements for decades with zero-maintenance work makes the initial high cost a shrewd investment in convenience and durability. If you can afford the upfront price, you're unlikely to regret it.
Quality Grade: B+
Polywood earns a B+ for its robust, weather-proof HDPE material, high-quality stainless steel hardware, and consistent American manufacturing. Owners everywhere confirm it holds up to sun, snow, and rain for years with minimal wear. It loses points only because superficial scratches can occur and the material, while extremely durable, lacks the premium finish of heirloom-quality teak or cast aluminum.
Value Grade: A-
Factoring in the 20-year warranty and a total lack of maintenance costs (no staining, sealing, or painting), Polywood delivers A- value. When you divide the initial price over its effective lifespan, the cost per year is often lower than repeatedly buying cheaper sets. The high upfront price is the only factor keeping it from a perfect A grade, as it remains out of reach for budget shoppers.
More Quality Brands Like Polywood
If you appreciate Polywood's focus on all-weather durability and longevity, these other brands offer similar commitments to quality with different materials or aesthetics.
Trex Outdoor Furniture
Originally known for composite decking, Trex also manufactures excellent outdoor furniture from similar recycled material. Trex offers sleek, modern designs and often incorporates powder-coated aluminum frames for added strength at a comparable price point to Polywood.
Shop now at trex.com
Brown Jordan
For those looking for a step-up into luxury, Brown Jordan is a leader in premium outdoor furniture. They use high-end materials like expertly crafted aluminum and woven resin to create heirloom-quality pieces, though at a significantly higher price than Polywood.
Shop now at brownjordan.com
Trella Outdoor Furniture
Trella is focused on modern designs using high-quality resin and powder-coated aluminum frames. They offer fantastic weatherproofing and durability in a similar price tier as Polywood but with a more contemporary aesthetic and a wider range of styles.
Shop now at trellahome.com
Hanamint
If you prefer the look of metal, Hanamint specializes in durable cast aluminum furniture that is rust-proof and built to last. It offers a more traditional and ornate aesthetic than Polywood but shares its "buy it once" philosophy of durability.
Shop now at hanamint.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Polywood furniture fade in the sun?
Polywood furniture is made with UV-inhibiting pigments that significantly reduce fading. While very slight lightening may occur after many years of direct sun exposure, the color remains consistent and is covered by the company's 20-year residential warranty against noticeable fading.
Is Polywood furniture heavy?
Yes, Polywood is substantially heavier than hollow plastic furniture or most aluminum sets. This is a key feature, as it keeps the furniture in place during storms and high winds. However, it can make repositioning larger pieces, like dining tables, a two-person job.
How do you clean Polywood furniture?
Cleaning is simple and requires only soap and water. For persistent dirt trapped in the textured surface, a soft-bristle brush or a high-pressure power washer (used on a low setting, held at a distance) will effectively restore its clean look without damaging the material.
Is Polywood comfortable without cushions?
Many of Polywood's chairs and lounges are ergonomically contoured for comfort without cushions. While perfectly usable on their own, adding outdoor cushions can enhance comfort for long periods of sitting and allows you to customize the style.
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