A Guide to Plastic Patio Furniture

Plastic patio furniture is a popular choice for those looking for affordable, low-maintenance, durable, and stylish options. 

The modern look of plastic furniture won’t go out of style anytime soon, so you can be confident in your purchase. This guide will help you choose the best plastic patio furniture to enhance your outdoor living area.

Why You Should Use Plastic Patio Furniture

Here are some of the benefits that make plastic patio furniture a great choice.

1. Low-Maintenance 

Plastic patio furniture is incredibly easy to care for. It requires minimal maintenance; it only needs a rinse with soapy water or a quick wipe-over with a damp cloth. 

This makes it an ideal choice for busy homeowners who don’t have time to invest in extensive seasonal maintenance of their outdoor furniture and decor.

2. Durability

Plastic patio furniture offers good durability, especially compared to other materials like wood or wicker, which can quickly succumb to rot, fading, or cracking due to harsh weather conditions. Many types of plastic are also UV-resistant, meaning they won’t fade easily under the hot sun.

3. Versatility

This furniture type comes in various styles, colors, and shapes, giving you plenty of options for creating your perfect outdoor space. So whether you’re looking for a classic design or something more contemporary, there are plenty of plastic furniture pieces to choose from.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

Plastic patio furniture is also an economical choice when it comes to furnishing your outdoor space. 

Not only is it less expensive than other materials like wood or metal, but the low maintenance requirements mean it’ll last much longer and won’t need replacing as often.

5. Eco-Friendliness

Lastly, plastic patio furniture is an eco-friendly option due to its ability to be recycled at the end of its life cycle. Many pieces are also made from recycled materials, so you can rest easy knowing your purchase doesn’t negatively impact the environment.

Types of Plastic Used in Outdoor Furniture

Now, let’s go over the different types of plastic used for patio furniture.

Polycarbonate 

Polycarbonate is a lightweight and transparent plastic with exceptional strength, stiffness, and impact resistance. It’s perfect for patio furniture as it’s more durable than glass and offers natural UV filter protection. 

However, unlike glass, polycarbonate can be scratched easily despite its durability. So if a branch falls on the canopy or anything else made of polycarbonate, you may find yourself with a scratch or two. 

Polycarbonate is also a great material for outdoor furniture because it has good thermal resistance and can withstand extreme temperatures.

Resin or Polypropylene 

Resin, or polypropylene, is a plastic polymer composed of by-products from natural gas processing and refining crude oil. It’s highly resistant to fading and harsh weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture. 

It has excellent durability (more than that of wood) and is scratch-resistant and waterproof. It can also be molded into various shapes and colors, giving it a unique look for your patio furniture. 

Additionally, resin is lightweight, so furniture made of this plastic is easy to move around when needed. 

HDPE or PEHD 

Manufactured from petroleum, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or Polyethylene High-Density (PEHD) is a robust and reliable thermoplastic polymer. It’s one of the most commonly used engineering plastics, and its properties include superior chemical resistance and environmental stress cracking resistance.

Poly lumber (composite wood), which is made of HDPE, foaming compounds, and other additives and pigments, is a popular material used in outdoor furniture. Many manufacturers use it because of its high level of recycled materials content, durability, weather resistance, and flexibility.  Our synthetic wicker rattan is made from HDPE wicker.

PVC 

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a thermoplastic material made of polymers of vinyl chloride. It’s a versatile plastic, and PVC patio furniture can be found in many different styles and colors. 

And since PVC furniture is affordable compared to other materials. It’s also lightweight and easy to move around when needed but it can be flimsy.

However, note that this plastic furniture can break apart easily and is NOT recyclable. Most cheap patio furniture sets use PVC with exterior paint or coating on the outside. This leaves it vulnerable to scratching, chipping, and quickly fading.

We do not recommend buying cheap, thin, unrecyclable PVC patio furniture like many big box retailers carry.

How to Select the Right Plastic Patio Furniture

When choosing plastic patio furniture, it’s essential to consider factors such as durability, cost-effectiveness, and style. 

Here are some factors you need to consider to make the best choice for your outdoor area.

Climate

When selecting plastic patio furniture , consider your local climate. Plastic furniture is highly resistant to heat, making it an excellent choice for warmer climates. However, in colder climates, plastic can become brittle and break easily if left outside without protection in the winter months. 

Additionally, plastic furniture is vulnerable to damage from UV rays and may need to be stored away during hot summer days. So explore the temperature range of your area before selecting plastic patio furniture to ensure it can withstand the climate.

Price 

Quality outdoor plastic furniture comes in a range of prices. So decide on a budget before you start shopping and stick with it to find the right balance between quality materials and affordability. However, the more you spend the longer, it will most likely last. Quality furniture should be looked at as a 5-10 year investment.

Don’t be tempted to purchase cheaper items that may not meet regular use or environmental conditions over time. 

When you analyze price points, consider the material and construction quality, size and design options, included features like cushions or umbrellas, warranties or returns policies, and of course, the cost. 

This will help you find a product that isn’t only within your budget but also offers the best value for your money in terms of long-term use.

Durability

The plastic patio furniture we carry is designed for durability and longevity. As mentioned, good plastic furniture should be UV-resistant to prevent fading, and look for smooth surfaces that resist scratching or cracking. When shopping with us, you do not have to worry about quality. We do not carry any products we would not put in our own homes.

Quality pieces will have good weight distribution, so they don’t become easily unstable in windy conditions. 

Additionally, stainless steel hardware and other fasteners should be used. If you’re looking for plastic furniture with a wood-like appearance, make sure it’s made from HDPE. This material is designed to mimic the look of wood yet offers superior durability and resistance to the elements.

Style

The variety of styles available makes it easy to find something that’ll fit whatever type of setting you’re looking for. So have fun selecting a style of outdoor plastic furniture that reflects your personality and complements the area where it’ll be used. 

Many plastic patio furniture pieces come in bright colors, and some even mimic natural wood finishes, making them eye-catching choices for any outdoor space.

How to Incorporate Plastic Patio Furniture in Your Home

Now that you know more about plastic patio furniture’s different types and advantages, it’s time to start incorporating it into your outdoor space. 

You can create a luxurious, comfortable area for entertaining or relaxing in the sunshine with the right pieces. 

Here are some tips to help you get started:

Consider the Theme of Your Home

When choosing plastic patio furniture for your home, make sure you select pieces that fit in with the overall design theme. If you have a modern home, opt for sleek, minimalist styles. For a more rustic and traditional look, choose furniture with ornate designs and curved lines. 

You can look for pieces in bright, vibrant hues to add a pop of color or subdued, earthy tones to give your outdoor area a more natural appeal. 

Measure the Space to Determine Suitability

Once you’ve chosen the style of plastic patio furniture you’d like, measure the space available on your patio to ensure that it’s suitable for the furniture size. 

This will help prevent overcrowding and give you an idea of what type of seating arrangement would work best in the space. Remember that larger furniture pieces may require extra space for access and movement.

Combine Plastic Patio Furniture with Other Materials

Plastics are often combined with other materials, such as metal or wood, to create interesting design statements on patios and decks. 

Combining the two will allow you to achieve greater depth and texture within your outdoor living space. Consider mixing different shades of plastic furniture with natural elements such as wood or stone to create a unique and inviting look.

Incorporate Lighting Solutions

Using lighting solutions can help give your patio an alluring, aesthetically pleasing ambiance, especially during nighttime. Consider installing solar-powered lanterns and lamps to provide gentle illumination, making spending time outdoors more enjoyable.

Accessorize with Pillows, Covers, and Cushions

Adding pillows, covers, and cushions to your plastic patio furniture will make it more comfortable and add texture and color to the area. Look for weatherproof materials in bright colors or bold patterns that’ll stand out against the plastic furniture and create an inviting atmosphere.

Use Plants to Enhance the Look

Incorporating plants into your outdoor living area is a great way to add life and color while increasing privacy and creating a sense of calmness. 

Place planters in various sizes on the deck or patio, and choose plants that’ll thrive in their environment. This can help make your plastic patio look complete and create a unique natural space you can enjoy all year round.