Choosing outdoor furniture can be tricky. You want somthing that lasts long, looks nice, and fits your budget. Two popular choices are duraweather vs polywood. Both brands make furniture from recycled plastic, but they have some big differances.
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about duraweather vs polywood. By the end, you'll know which one is the right pick for your patio or backyard.
Key Takeaways
- DuraWeather is usually cheaper and good for people on a budget
- Polywood has better build quality and comes with a longer warrenty
- Both brands use recycled plastic that doesn't splinter or rot
- Polywood offers more color options and styles
- DuraWeather is easier to find on online marketplaces
- Both require very little maintainence compared to wood furniture
What is DuraWeather?
DuraWeather makes outdoor furniture from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. This material is recycled from milk jugs and plastic bottles. The company focuses on making affordable patio furniture that can handle all weather conditions.
Their product line includes chairs, tables, benches, and adirondack chairs. Most DuraWeather pieces have a simple design and come in basic colors like white, black, and brown.
DuraWeather Features
- Made from recycled HDPE plastic
- Resistant to fading and cracking
- Easy to clean with soap and water
- Budget-friendly pricing
- Lightweight but sturdy construction
What is Polywood?
Polywood is a more established brand in the outdoor furniture market. They also use recycled HDPE plastic but have a reputation for premium quality. The company started in Indiana and has been making eco-friendly furniture since 1990.
Polywood offers a wider range of styles, from modern to traditional. They have more color choices and their furniture often looks more like real wood. Many people consider Polywood the "luxury" option when comparing duraweather vs polywood.
Polywood Features
- Premium HDPE lumber construction
- 20-year residential warrenty
- Over 20 color options available
- Stainless steel hardware that won't rust
- Made in the USA
- UV-resistant colors that don't fade
DuraWeather vs Polywood: Key Differences
Now let's compare these two brands side by side. This table shows the main differances you should know about duraweather vs polywood.
| Feature | DuraWeather | Polywood |
| Price Range | $150 - $400 | $300 - $800 |
| Material | Recycled HDPE | Premium HDPE lumber |
| Warranty | Limited 1-2 years | 20 years residential |
| Color Options | 5-8 basic colors | 20+ colors |
| Weight Capacity | 250-300 lbs | 300-400 lbs |
| Assembly | Minimal, 15-30 min | Moderate, 30-60 min |
| Hardware Quality | Standard steel | Stainless steel |
| Manufacturing | Various locations | Made in USA |
Design and Apperance
When looking at duraweather vs polywood design, Polywood clearly wins. Their furniture has cleaner lines and more attention to detail. The wood grain texture looks more realistic, and the joints fit together better.
DuraWeather pieces are more basic. They get the job done but don't have the same polished look. If your just wanting something functional and don't care much about style, DuraWeather works fine.
Durability and Performance
Both brands hold up well outdoors. Neither will rot, splinter, or need painting. However, Polywood edges ahead in long-term durability.
Polywood advantages:
- Thicker material that feels more solid
- Better hardware that resists rust
- Colors stay bright longer
- Can handle heavier weight
DuraWeather performance:
- Holds up well for the price
- May show wear after 3-5 years
- Hardware might rust in salty or humid areas
- Some fading possible after extended sun exposure
Price Comparison
The biggest differance in duraweather vs polywood is the cost. DuraWeather is almost always cheaper. You can find a nice adirondack chair for around $150-$200. The same style from Polywood might cost $400-$500.
Is Polywood worth the extra money? It depends on what you need:
- Choose DuraWeather if: You're on a tight budget, need furniture for a rental property, or want something temporary
- Choose Polywood if: You want furniture that lasts 15-20 years, care about appearance, or want better warrenty protection
Pros and Cons
DuraWeather Pros
- Much more affordable pricing
- Easy to assemble out of the box
- Lightweight and easy to move around
- Available on Amazon and other online stores
- Good value for occasional use
DuraWeather Cons
- Shorter warrenty period
- Basic designs and limited colors
- Hardware may rust over time
- Not as sturdy as Polywood
- May need replacement sooner
Polywood Pros
- Excellent build quality
- 20-year warrenty coverage
- Wide variety of styles and colors
- Made in America
- Premium materials and hardware
- Better resale value
Polywood Cons
- Significantly higher price point
- Heavier weight makes moving difficult
- Longer assembly time required
- Less availability in stores
Which One is Better?
There's no single answer when comparing duraweather vs polywood. The best choice depends on your situation.
Pick DuraWeather if you:
- Need to stay under budget
- Want furniture for a vacation home you only use sometimes
- Don't mind replacing furniture every 5-7 years
- Prefer shopping on Amazon or similar sites
- Need something lightweight you can move easily
Pick Polywood if you:
- Want the best quality available
- Plan to keep furniture for 15-20 years
- Care about style and appearance
- Want strong warrenty protection
- Prefer buying American-made products
- Live in harsh weather conditions
Maintenance Requirements
Both duraweather vs polywood options need very little maintainence. That's one big advantage of plastic furniture over wood.
For both brands, just follow these simple steps:
- Clean with mild soap and water few times a year
- Rinse with a garden hose
- Let air dry compleatly
- Store indoors during winter if possible (but not required)
No painting, no staining, no sealing needed. This saves you time and money over the years.
Where to Buy
You can find DuraWeather on Amazon, Walmart, and various online furniture stores. Polywood is available through their official website, specialty outdoor furniture stores, and select retailers.
For more furniture comparisons and buying guides, check out bigwritehook.co.uk for helpful reviews and tips.
Final Verdict
After looking at all the factors in duraweather vs polywood, here's our take:
Polywood is the better overall choice if you can afford it. The quality, warrenty, and durability make it worth the higher price for most people. You'll probly save money in the long run becuase you won't need to replace it.
However, DuraWeather offers great value for budget-conscious buyers. It's not as fancy, but it does the job. If your spending less than $200 on a chair, your getting solid quality for that price range.
Think about how much you'll use the furniture and how long you want it to last. That should help you decide between duraweather vs polywood for your outdoor space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is DuraWeather the same quality as Polywood?
No, Polywood has higher quality materials and better construction. DuraWeather is good for the price but doesn't match Polywood's premium build.
Q: How long does DuraWeather furniture last?
DuraWeather typically lasts 5-7 years with regular outdoor use. Polywood can last 15-20 years or more.
Q: Can I leave duraweather vs polywood furniture outside all year?
Yes, both brands can stay outside year-round. They won't rot or get damaged by rain, snow, or sun. However, storing them extends their life.
Q: Does Polywood furniture get hot in the sun?
Both DuraWeather and Polywood can get warm in direct sunlight, but they cool down quickly. Using cushions helps with this issue.
Q: Which brand has better customer service?
Polywood generally has better customer service and their 20-year warrenty shows confidence in their product. DuraWeather's service is decent but more limited.
Q: Are there cheaper alternatives to duraweather vs polywood?
Yes, brands like Lifetime and Berlin Gardens offer similar recycled plastic furniture. Check out bigwritehook.co.uk for more comparisons.