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Helpful Tips

Poly v. Wooden Outdoor Furniture – What’s the Difference?

Know Your Options

Knowing the right furniture to purchase for your outdoor space can be intimidating. You’ve probably heard about poly furniture but may be wondering why the price is significantly higher than wooden furniture?

If you’ve owned wooden outdoor furniture for years, you know what it’s like. It’s absolutely beautiful and sturdy when you first buy it but it starts changing quickly with weather and moisture. Wooden furniture fades, splinters, and can have bug holes in it all too easily.

Below we’ll tackle a few major differences between poly and wood. We’re here to help answer your questions so you can be confident in your outdoor furniture purchase.

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amish outdoor furniture variety showroom

Material – Recycled Plastic Poly Lumbar v. Natural Wood

Poly is made of recycled plastic milk jugs and detergent bottles. This use of recycled bottles makes for a beautiful and strong poly material. These bottles are broken down into small pieces, then made into pellets and finally dyed and melted down to create poly lumbar boards.

Wood is a natural material which is beautiful but requires maintenance. If you choose to go with wood for your outdoor furniture, we suggest going with teak or cedar – both which are naturally rot and bug resistant and won’t require as much maintenance and replacement as other wood types outdoors.

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recyled plastic poly lumbar material outdoor furniture
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recyled plastic poly lumbar material outdoor furniture chair
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red cedar outdoor furniture amish made

Feel – Smooth and Textured Poly v. Natural Wood Finishes

Our poly outdoor furniture is offered in two unique finishes – smooth and textured. Our smooth finishes offer a sleek look in a variety of colors from neutrals to brighter colors such as coastal blues and lively cherry reds.

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smooth poly recycled plastic outdoor furniture texture

Our textured poly resembles wood but will never cause you splinters! This look is made to offer a more natural appeal and comes in neutral shades of brown, off-white, and grays.

Natural wood may come in a flat matte finish or a brighter high gloss finish. Regardless of the finish, most outdoor furniture will need to be sanded and either stained, clear coated, or oiled every 6 months to maintain its look.

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wood textured wooden poly plastic outdoor furniture
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wood textured wooden poly plastic outdoor furniture

Longevity – No Fade, No Bugs, No Rotting

Regardless of the poly finish you choose, you will never have to sand or refinish our poly furniture. Our poly lumbar is dyed all the way through and is UV protected against fading. No sanding, no staining, no painting, no refinishing – EVER!

Because of the strength and density of poly, you will not have to deal with bugs or rotting. In areas with high humidity, you may notice some mild mildew collected in corners that can hold moisture. In that case, you can take a mild mix of bleach and water to clean the poly and get it back to looking brand new.

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Poly outdoor furniture recycled plastic

Without regular maintenance, wooden furniture outside will fade and become gray. Heat and moisture changes can cause the furniture to dry out and splinter.

If your furniture is made of wood that is not bug or rot resistant, you may need to treat it for bugs regularly. Try to keep your wooden furniture out of direct weather conditions if you choose wood furniture. Bring in the pieces during the winter months or keep them covered when unused to help avoid premature rotting.

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outdoor wooden furniture

Aesthetic Over Time – Poly Looks the Same for Years and Years

Poly’s UV protectant keeps it looking brand new for decades! We love that you can purchase a piece today and count on the same great look in 15+ years. Without refinishing or maintenance, you can maintain a great aesthetic outdoors.

Wooden furniture outside will have a changed look fairly quickly. Don’t be surprised if your furniture is exposed to the elements and begins to gray and fade a few months in.

Some people enjoy the look of worn wood. If that’s the case, pick a stronger wood like teak or cedar ensuring that even though it grays, it will be strong and functional for years.

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Poly outdoor furniture recycled plastic outdoor dining table

Maintenance – Virtually None for Poly v. 6 Month Maintenance on Wood

Poly requires nothing more than to be wiped down as needed. Of course in Spring months, you may have to wipe it down more regularly when pollen is all around.

Use a hose or even a pressure washer from a safe distance for quick and easy clean up on poly. If you’d rather do it by hand, use a gentle sponge or microfiber cloth with soap and water or even water and bleach to clean the poly.

With a lifetime warranty, replacing your outdoor poly won’t even be on your radar. Feel confident in your outdoor furniture investment for years to come!

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poly furniture outdoor furniture pollen cleaning tips
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poly furniture outdoor furniture pollen cleaning tips

Wooden furniture will need to be dusted as needed and sanded and refinished 1-2 times a year to maintain a brighter, natural look. We suggest an outdoor grade clear coat over your wooden furniture to protect it for longer. Depending on the wood type, expect to replace your wooden outdoor furniture in 5-8 years.

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wooden swing over time weathered

Style – Innovative Designs v. Traditional Looks

One of the most exciting features of poly outdoor furniture is the innovation behind the designs. Our Amish furniture vendors are constantly pushing the envelope on styles and trends.

With new colorways and fun fabrics constantly coming out, you are guaranteed fresh looks regularly. If you like traditional styles, modern looks, contemporary pieces, or minimalistic looks, poly has it all.

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Poly outdoor furniture recycled plastic urban adirondack chair
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upholstered outdoor furniture sunbrella lounge seating poly

 

Wooden furniture is more often than not offered in traditional looks. As materials have updated and trends have changed, wood isn’t always as easy to bend and create with as poly lumbar. When shopping for wooden outdoor furniture, expect a more traditional selection.

Conclusion – Beautiful, Lasting, and Low-Maintenance Poly Outdoor Furniture

We know you moved to the mountains so you could enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery. Stop wasting time and money upkeeping wooden furniture and opt for our high quality Amish made poly outdoor furniture.

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blue ridge mountains north georgia scenery