Pressure Treated Wood Furniture vs. Poly Furniture

No doubt about it, there is a big difference between wood furniture and polywood furniture. The price tag is one obvious difference, and you may be wondering if it’s worth the extra cost. Truthfully, only you can decide that.

Let’s break down some of the differences between poly outdoor furniture and wooden outdoor furniture.

Polywood Furniture: Made from polyethylene recyclable man-made plastic.  Poly furniture typically contains no harsh chemicals that will negatively impact the environment or people using poly furniture. Polywood is typically considered as maintenance-free. Polywood, being made of plastics, colors have been known to fade and actually warp when exposed to direct sunlight. Like many other consumer products, polywood comes in various quality levels which also has a factor in pricing. Some manufacturers offer a “lifetime warranty”; however, there is a price to pay in initial costs.

Wood Furniture/Pressure Treated:  Made from solid #1 and premium grade southern yellow pine that has been pressure treated with a special preservative solution. Treated wood is done by chemical pressure impregnation, EPA approved and supported by many environmental groups, and used by The Nation Parks Service and Wildlife Federation. Treated Solid Wood is made to withstand all types of weather. You do not need to worry about it rotting over time. As with any product exposed to the outdoor elements, periodic maintenance is recommended to assist in prolonging your furniture.

In any case, whether solid wood or man-made polywood, anything in constant direct weather exposure has its pros and cons. Longevity ultimately always depends upon the owner giving proper care.