Furniture manufacturer Polywood Furniture was the first to join the industry. In the early 1980s in Indiana, Polywood’s initial attempts at making durable outdoor furniture started. They used recycled plastic to create their own HDPE wood planks. This method of collecting recyclable polymers and making HDPE poly timber is being used by the firm today.
Located in Holmes County, Ohio, Berlin Garden manufactures Berlin Gardens outdoor poly patio furniture in the United States. Amish craftsmen created this poly outdoor patio furniture, which comprised 95 percent recycled material. Berlin Gardens also uses HDPE wood, which is similar to Polywood. They are provided with HDPE by Tangent Lumber, one of the industry’s leading producers and suppliers.
HDPE or PEHD is a thermoplastic polymer produced from petroleum. HDPE, a UV-inhibiting pigment, foaming chemicals, and additives are used to make poly lumber. In addition to having a high strength-to-density ratio, HDPE is also one of the most adaptable polymers owing to its ease of repurposing into new goods. It doesn’t attract insects, rats, or termites, and it doesn’t soak up wet.
What is Polywood?
A pioneer in the business, Polywood Furniture was the first company to enter the market. Polywood’s first attempts at creating lasting outdoor furniture began in the early 1980s by recycling plastic and creating their own High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) timber boards. The company still uses this technique of obtaining recyclable plastics and producing their own HDPE poly lumber today. Besides MGP and HDPE, all premium poly brands utilize HDPE as well (Marine Grade Polymer). For outdoor use, HDPE is suitable since it is colorfast, chemical resistant, and non-porous. Like the name “elevator” originated with a single firm and brand, the brand “Polywood” has become associated with all poly furniture in the industry.
What is Berlin Garden?
Berlin Gardens Outdoor Poly Patio Furniture is produced in the United States in Holmes County, Ohio, by the company Berlin Garden. This poly outdoor patio furniture was built by Amish craftsmen and contained 95 percent recycled material. Because of its excellent durability, it may be left outside in every weather condition throughout the year. As a result of the thick material used, the Berlin Gardens Outdoor Patio Furniture does not fracture, splinter, or harbor bacteria. The material is UV stabilized and resists fading, requiring little to no care, and is unaffected by salt spray for coastal life.
Also, Berlin Gardens employs HDPE timber, much like Polywood (the brand). However, Tangent Lumber, one of the industry’s premier manufacturers and suppliers, provides them with lumber (again, imagine wood boards). For a good reason, many luxury poly furniture companies rely on Tangent for their raw poly timber. Durable, colorfast, and creative products have been provided by Tangent timber for the outdoor living market for decades.
Why Should You Buy Polywood or Berlin Garden
Maintenance and Durability: Lumber made from recycled plastic does not rot or corrode, nor does it split or splinter. No matter the weather, it’s a wonderful choice for outdoor furniture in every environment. Aside from that, poly furniture is resistant to the sun, sleet, and snow. Neither salt spray nor petrol or oil can harm it. Many different solvents won’t harm it, but soap and water will. Power washers under 1,500 psi for poly lumber are safe. When working with seams and surfaces, you might require a soft bristle brush.In severe conditions, poly furniture may be left outside without fading or chipping. As a result, the product does not require any sanding or stripping. Furniture that’s made using corrosion-resistant stainless steel fasteners will survive for years.
Effortless, modern style is here to stay! POLYWOOD’s outdoor patio furniture lines have something for everyone from classic Adirondack Chairs to modern European-inspired designs. It is possible to find historical designs that have been modernized for individuals seeking a classic but imbued with current themes. Your POLYWOOD outdoor patio furniture, whether nautical or urban, is designed for comfort and enjoyment. This product has a good color retention rate. Because HDPE is rather opaque, it may be dyed with bright and natural colors. UV stabilizers are incorporated into the procedure to prevent color fading. For this reason, scratches and dents will be less visible.
Friendly to the Environment
Polywood is manufactured from recycled plastic containers extruded into timber and lowers the quantity of plastic in our landfills, as previously indicated. Strong and durable, it reduces the demand for wood from threatened rainforests. Because POLYWOOD is free of harmful preservatives, this furniture won’t require any insect or moisture protection. It is a perfect alternative for families with small children and people who are sensitive to the scent of chemicals.
Versatility
Furniture made from Polywood can be made in any shape you choose. It may be made into a chair, a table, or a bench for house and outdoor furniture.
Colors and textures range from smooth surfaces to wood-like appearances to earthy brown tones to brilliant red and charcoal marble, to mention a few.
Polywood vs. Berlin Garden Differences
It was Polywood Furniture that was the pioneer in the field in the 1980s. HDPE wood planks were made from recycled plastic. The company still uses this process of gathering recyclable polymers and converting them into HDPE poly wood today. Polywood is located in Indiana
Poly patio furniture manufacturer Berlin Garden is based in Holmes County, Ohio. Amish artisans in Pennsylvania manufactured a 95-percent-recycled poly outdoor patio furniture set. A comparable material to Polywood is used in Berlin Gardens, which is HDPE. From Tangent Lumber, a leader in the sector, they receive HDPE.
Polywood vs. Berlin Garden Pros
Polywood has a strong focus on the consumer. For Polywood, it’s all about creating furniture that’s affordable while still being broadly available in retail, large box, and internet channels. Polywood furniture may be the ideal option for you if you’re on a budget when it comes to poly furniture. Furthermore, Polywood’s principal product is their Polywood timber, which is a splinter, crack chip, and rot proof. It includes powder-coated aluminum frames and all-weather wicker. Polywood’s Polywood lumber is available in a variety of colors.
Berlin Garden uses tangent lumber furniture, which is a little simpler to keep clean and less prone to collect dirt than Polywood’s timber. Therefore, Berlin Garden lumber is a bit smoother, less pitted, and grooved than Polywood lumber. Other luxury poly furniture manufacturers, such as Berlin Gardens, will emphasize more comfort and elegance than pricing and value in designing their products. Larger timber is typically utilized, along with curves, contours, and motion components.
Polywood vs. Berlin Garden Cons
Most poly furniture, regardless of its manufacturer, shares the same disadvantages. This is due to their primary component (Polyethylene with a high-density HDPE). Although these are minor drawbacks to Polywood furniture, they do exist.
- Pricey
Polywood furniture is more expensive than other types of furniture because of the HDPE. In the quest for high-quality outdoor furniture, the cost may be a deterrent. A greater price is always associated with a higher quality in the realm of economics. For example, internet retailers sell Polywood furniture for as little as $200 and as much as $3,000. Dimensions, color, and surface texture all affect the price.
- Super Heavy
In particular, this is true if you have close relatives who are physically unable to carry heavy objects. However, it can be a benefit for many people. It’s so heavy that even a strong breeze can’t move it. It would be difficult to shift this furniture if you are the sort of person who likes to rearrange their outside space. Having to transfer this heavy furniture from one area to another would be taxing.
- It doesn’t adjust to your body shape throughout the years
It’s essential to pick a Polywood chair or bench that is already a comfortable fit for you when shopping. Why? HDPE is highly rigid; therefore, it will not adapt to your body shape with time, unlike other wood types. It’s not a big deal, though.
- The heat of the sun
Darker colors Polywood may also hold heat for a more extended period than lighter colors. Be cautious when sitting on a sun-exposed poly chair. It’s conceivable that chairs should be covered with a towel first.
How to Make Your Decision?
It’s no wonder that poly furniture has become one of the most popular categories in the outdoor living industry today because of its minimal maintenance and durability. There are so many companies and manufacturers that it’s difficult to know what to select.
- Outdoor Seating: Try It Before You Buy It
A piece of patio furniture may look great, but that doesn’t guarantee it’s comfy. Before making a purchase, always do a sit test. If you’re going to use your patio furniture frequently, especially in the summer, it must be comfy. Uninviting patio furniture will make you and your visitors less inclined to use it. You can add soft pillows to metal or wood furniture to make it more comfortable. To avoid color fading or mildew growth, make sure all materials are weather-resistant before using them.
- It’s Important to Think About Your Location
When shopping for furniture, consider your location’s climate. How hot and dry is the weather in your area, or do you live near a beach? Is there a lot of rain? Is your outside space scorched by the midday sun? Before purchasing outdoor furniture, these concerns must be answered because outside exposure is harsh on all furniture, regardless of climate. As a result of hot, dry circumstances, wood can splinter and fracture, while moisture can rot the wood’s surface. It’s possible to have aluminum furniture blown away by strong winds; iron, on the other hand, won’t hold up to saline air. The sun is probably the worst. There is also a degrading effect on plastic and other synthetic materials.
- Consider the size of your patio.
Get a comfortable glider that fits nicely on your patio, not one that doesn’t. Be aware of the size and form of the space you’re working with when picking furniture. How big is the deck? Use the size and form of your outside space, just as you would when arranging a living or family room. Remember to allow adequate room around your furniture so that you may move around quickly. As you would indoors, apply the same traffic flow concepts to the outdoors.
You should sketch the room before shopping for furniture, measure the measurements, and write them down on the drawing. A tape measure, as well as the sketch, should be brought to the store for comparison. When it comes to picking furniture, it’s simple to make a mistake with the proportions if you’re not spatially talented.
- Aim for a sense of comfort
Don’t buy anything made entirely from metal or wood. Your joints and spine might be irritated by these materials without cushioning. So, make sure your outdoor furniture is comfy. Buying or making your cushions and pillows is an option if chairs and lounges do not come with them. Always choose fade- and mildew-resistant outdoor fabrics.
Think about the fact that the furniture itself will endure far longer than any upholstery. Therefore you’ll likely need to replace the pillows one or more times during their lifespan. When you’re not using them, store your upholstery and textiles. If you can, put them away after each use, but store them away from the weather in the winter.
- Think about your budget
What you can afford will ultimately be determined by your budget. Still, it’s a good idea to get the finest furniture you can buy since quality furniture is more valuable than cheap goods that won’t endure.
Finally
Polywood is unquestionably a high-quality product at an affordable price. Polywood is a durable, robust, lightweight, and UV resistant substitute to wood furniture. In addition, this material is low-maintenance. As a result of its longevity, poly lumber furniture is a sensible investment compared to big-box shop items. Furniture made of polythene is not only beautiful, but it is also quite durable, lasting you for many years.