Yes, Polywood outdoor furniture is worth it if you prioritize long-term durability and low maintenance over a low upfront cost. The brand excels at creating weather-proof furniture from high-density recycled plastic that genuinely withstands harsh sun, snow, and rain for decades without rotting, cracking, or needing to be repainted. It’s an investment in a product you buy once and barely think about again.
While the initial price is higher than wood or wicker options from big-box stores, its longevity and near-zero upkeep costs provide excellent value over time. You're paying a premium for American-made quality and a product that won't end up in a landfill after three seasons.
How Is Polywood's Quality?
Polywood's quality is consistently high, delivering on its promise of all-weather durability. The construction is solid, heavy, and specifically designed to combat the issues that ruin most outdoor furniture. Here's a detailed breakdown:
- Materials: The core of every piece is Polywood's signature HDPE (high-density polyethylene) lumber, made from recycled milk jugs and detergent bottles. This material is non-porous and infused with UV-inhibitors and color throughout, so it resists moisture, fading, and scratches. Frames are often reinforced with marine-grade stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum hardware that prevents rust, even in coastal air.
- Construction & Durability: Pieces are heavy and sturdy, designed to stay put in windy conditions. The furniture feels substantial, not flimsy like cheaper plastic alternatives. Joints are secured with heavy-duty hardware to ensure stability. Real-world users consistently report their furniture lasting 10, 15, or even 20 years with minimal signs of wear beyond subtle cosmetic fading on darker colors.
- Weather Resistance: This is where Polywood shines. Unlike wood, the HDPE material will not splinter, warp, rot, or absorb moisture. Unlike metal, it won't rust. It can be left outside year-round through intense sun, heavy rain, and freezing snow without structural damage.
- Common Complaints: Issues are rare and typically minor. Some customers note that after 5-7 years, hardware may need to be tightened. In extremely cold climates, the plastic can become slightly brittle, though reports of cracking are uncommon. The weight can also make it difficult for some people to rearrange frequently.
Is Polywood Good Value for the Price?
Polywood offers excellent long-term value, even though its upfront cost can seem high. The value proposition is centered on total cost of ownership, not just the initial purchase price.
Price Positioning
Polywood sits in the mid-to-high end of the outdoor furniture market. A classic Adirondack chair typically costs between $250 and $400, while a five-piece dining set can range from $1,200 to over $2,500. This is more expensive than a comparable wood set from a store like Target or Home Depot, but significantly less than heirloom-quality teak brands like Barlow Tyrie.
What You're Paying For
You are paying for a "buy it for life" solution to outdoor furniture. The price accounts for the durable, recycled materials, American manufacturing, extensive 20-year warranty, and the elimination of future maintenance costs. You will never need to spend time or money on sanders, sealants, stains, or weatherproof covers, which can add hundreds of dollars and many hours of labor to the cost of wood furniture over its lifespan.
Where You Get Good Value
- Harsh Climates: If you live in an area with brutal sun, heavy snow, or salt air, Polywood provides exceptional value by simply surviving where other materials fail.
- Low-Maintenance Lifestyles: For anyone who wants a "set it and forget it" solution, the value is clear. The time saved on upkeep is a significant benefit.
- High-Use Areas: For decks, patios, and commercial spaces that see frequent use, Polywood's durability ensures it will hold up to wear and tear without looking worn out.
Where You Don't Get Good Value
- Strict Budgets: If your priority is the lowest possible upfront cost, Polywood will feel overpriced. Cheaper options exist, but they come with a shorter lifespan.
- Indoors or Covered Spaces: If your furniture is fully protected from the elements, the extreme weatherproofing of Polywood may be overkill, and you could get a similar look for less.
- Frequent Style Changes: Because this furniture lasts for decades, it's not ideal for someone who loves to completely redecorate their outdoor space every few years.
Polywood Quality by Category
While the core material guarantees a consistent base level of quality, construction varies slightly across furniture types.
Adirondack Chairs & Loungers
This is Polywood’s most iconic category. The chairs are constructed with wide slats of HDPE lumber and stainless steel hardware for superior stability. Ranging from $250-$500, they are heavy, comfortable, and a flagship example of the brand’s durability. Verdict: An excellent, worthwhile investment that will likely outlast your deck.
Dining Furniture
Dining sets feature sturdy tables and chairs built to withstand constant use and weather exposure. Prices for a 5-piece set typically start around $1,200. The tabletop surfaces are easy to clean and resist staining from food and spills. Verdict: A smart long-term purchase for anyone who regularly dines outdoors.
Deep Seating & Sectionals
The frames for sectionals and sofas share the same indestructible HDPE construction. Prices for these larger sets can run from $2,000 to $5,000+. The primary consideration here is the cushions, which are a different material. Verdict: The frames will last a lifetime, but the cushions are the weak link and will likely need replacing every 5-7 years, depending on care.
Cushions & Soft Goods
Polywood uses outdoor-grade, high-performance fabrics (like Sunbrella) that are designed to resist fading, mold, and mildew. While very durable for outdoor cushions, they will not last as long as the HDPE frames. With proper care and storage during the off-season, expect 5+ years of life. Verdict: High-quality for what they are, but a consumable part of the furniture system.
Our Verdict: Is Polywood Worth It?
Polywood is an outstanding investment for consumers seeking durable, sustainable, and virtually maintenance-free outdoor furniture. It is one of the few brands where "heirloom quality" can be used to describe plastic furniture, as its performance and longevity justify the premium price point for nearly any climate.
Quality Grade: A-
Polywood uses top-tier materials for the task, with recycled HDPE lumber and stainless steel hardware engineered for maximum weather resistance. The American-made construction is robust, and the furniture’s proven track record of lasting over 15-20 years earns it a top mark. It falls just short of a perfect 'A' only because plastic as a material will never have the same luxurious finish as Grade-A teak or the intricate craftsmanship of high-end wicker.
Value Grade: B+
Polywood presents a strong value proposition based on total cost of ownership. While the initial investment is higher than many big-box brands, this cost is recuperated over time by eliminating the need for sealant, stain, covers, or replacement furniture. For homeowners in harsh climates, the value is an A+, but the high barrier to entry makes it a B+ for the average consumer who has more budget-friendly (if less durable) options available.
More Quality Brands Like Polywood
If you love Polywood’s commitment to durable, American-made, and eco-conscious outdoor furniture, here are some other brands that uphold similar standards:
Loll Designs
Offering a distinctly modern and minimalist aesthetic, Loll Designs also crafts furniture from recycled HDPE in Duluth, Minnesota. Their pieces come at a higher price point but are perfect for those who want Polywood-level durability with a more contemporary, designer-forward look.
Shop now at loll-designs.com
Trex Outdoor Furniture
Made by the same manufacturer as Polywood with a similar commitment to quality, Trex offers a wide range of styles from classic to contemporary. They use the same durable HDPE material and provide a comparable 20-year warranty, making them a direct competitor with a slightly different design selection.
Shop now at trex-outdoor-furniture.com
Outer
Outer focuses on extremely comfortable deep-seating furniture with an innovative, built-in "OuterShell" cover to protect cushions from morning dew and light rain. They use all-weather wicker, aluminum, and teak frames with cushions made from eco-friendly materials, occupying a similar premium, 'buy-it-once' space in the market.
Shop now at liveouter.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Polywood furniture get hot in the sun?
Yes, particularly the darker colors like black and dark gray, which can become quite hot in direct sunlight, similar to any dark plastic or metal furniture. Lighter colors like white, light gray, sand, or teak finishes remain significantly cooler to the touch and are a better choice for unshaded areas.
How do you clean Polywood furniture?
Cleaning is incredibly simple. For most dirt and grime, a mixture of mild soap and warm water applied with a soft-bristle brush is all you need. For tougher stains, a high-pressure power washer (used at 1,500 psi or less) is also a safe and effective option.
Does Polywood fade over time?
Polywood contains UV-inhibitors to protect against fading, making it far more fade-resistant than painted wood or cheap plastics. However, after many years of intense, direct sun exposure, darker colors may show some minor, uniform fading. Because the color is solid throughout the material, an even fade maintains a consistent look without chipping or peeling.
Is Polywood furniture heavy?
Yes, it is intentionally heavy and dense. An average Adirondack chair weighs between 35 and 50 pounds. This weight ensures the furniture won't get tossed around by strong winds, which is a common complaint with lightweight aluminum or cheap molded plastic chairs.
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