What is Polywood? Complete explanation!

GBGian Boender·7 September 2024

When choosing garden furniture you naturally want something that not only looks good, but is also able to withstand the elements. A material that is becoming increasingly popular is Polywood. But what exactly is Polywood? In this blog, we delve deeper into this innovative material. You'll discover what it is, why it works so well for garden furniture and what the advantages are compared to traditional wood. Whether you're looking for a sleek modern look or want to make a sustainable choice, Polywood offers the best of both worlds!

What is polywood?

Polywood is the trend in the world of garden furniture, and for good reason! This material looks like wood, but is actually made of plastic. It's becoming increasingly popular and we understand why! The process is simple: the plastic is recycled, cleaned and then compressed into sturdy boards. The result? A sustainable and environmentally friendly material that's perfect for outdoor furniture.

Are you looking for the warm, natural appearance of wood, but don't want to spend every summer maintaining it? Then polywood is for you! Also known as polyteak, this material closely resembles teak wood in both colour and structure. The big difference lies in the price and convenience. Polywood is generally cheaper than teak wood and retains its colour much better. Whilst teak wood can quickly turn grey, polywood stays beautiful for years and requires hardly any maintenance. Moreover, it's dirt- and water-repellent, making it ideal for outdoor use. In short, with polywood you get durable, maintenance-free garden furniture that gives your garden a stylish appearance, without the hassle!

Where does polywood come from?

Polywood was developed in the 1990s with a simple but brilliant idea: to combine the beautiful appearance of wood with the practical advantages of plastic. Initially it consisted mainly of a mix of wood and plastic, which we now know as wood composite (HKC). This was particularly used for fencing and decking and was a great replacement for real wood. However, the quality of HKC was heavily dependent on the materials used and the production process.

But there was one major drawback: HKC was not recyclable because it was a combination of two different materials. This problem led to the development of a new and better product: plastic lumber. This fully plastic material offers the look of wood, the durability of plastic and is fully recyclable. A clever and environmentally friendly choice!

Properties of polywood

Polywood is a great choice for garden furniture, and that's down to a number of strong properties: it's weather-resistant, incredibly durable and requires virtually no maintenance! It looks like wood, but has the convenience of plastic. What makes polywood so special is that nowadays it's almost indistinguishable from real wood. The wood grain, colour nuances and even knots are imitated so well that it has the same warm appearance as natural wood types. But unlike wood, polywood is far more resistant to UV radiation, so it doesn't fade quickly. Moreover, fungi have no chance due to the synthetic composition of the material.

However, there are a couple of things you should be aware of. A hot cup of coffee on a wooden table is no problem, but with polywood it's wise to always use coasters or trays. Heat can cause damage, such as burn marks from the magnifying glass effect of glasses sitting in the bright sun. Polywood can also slightly warp at extreme temperatures, for example if it's in the sun all day. This is rare and doesn't affect the quality of your furniture, but it's good to keep in mind.

Although polywood has enormous advantages, it's always good to think about what you value in garden furniture. After all, every material has its own pros and cons.

Advantages of polywood

Maintenance-free: Polywood requires virtually no maintenance, unlike real wood.
Weather-resistant: Resistant to rain, wind and sun without quickly wearing or becoming damaged.
UV-resistant: Fades less quickly than wood thanks to strong UV resistance.
Durable: Made from recycled plastic and lasts for years.
Natural appearance: Imitation of wood grain, colour nuances and knots for a warm, natural look.
Mould-resistant: Fungi and other organisms cannot attach themselves to polywood.
Environmentally friendly: Recycled material, which contributes to sustainability and environmental awareness.
Stain- and water-repellent: Spills are no problem, dirt and water don't soak into the material.
Lightweight: Easy to move without much weight.
Affordable: Often cheaper than traditional wooden garden furniture, without compromising on quality.

Maintaining polywood

The beauty of polywood is that maintenance is incredibly simple! Unlike wood, you don't need to sand, paint or oil polywood. The material is naturally resistant to weather conditions, stains and discolouration. All you need to keep your polywood garden furniture clean is a soft cloth, some lukewarm water and a mild cleaning agent. Got stubborn dirt? Then you can use a soft brush, but be careful with abrasives or high pressure, as this can damage the surface.

Want to make sure your polywood looks great for years to come? Then it's recommended to store your furniture in winter or cover it with a cover, especially in extreme weather conditions. That way you'll enjoy your maintenance-free garden furniture for even longer!

Would you like to read a comprehensive guide on how to maintain your polywood garden furniture? Read this article!

Our range of polywood garden furniture

At Boender Outdoor Garden Furniture, we offer an extensive range of polywood garden furniture, perfect for every garden. Whether you're looking for a sleek, modern dining table, comfortable lounge chairs or a complete garden set, our range has something for everyone. Our polywood furniture combines the warm appearance of wood with the benefits of maintenance-free plastic. They're available in various colours and styles, so you'll always find something that perfectly suits your outdoor space. Moreover, all our polywood furniture is sustainable, weather-resistant and lasts for years, so you can enjoy your garden carefree!