The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to Composite Outdoor Furniture: Durable & Stylish Choices for Your Patio

Composite outdoor furniture has been around since the 1990’s, but the last few decades have been a time of innovation, elevation, and sophistication for this unique type of patio furniture. And you see it everywhere … luxury resorts and restaurant patios, social feeds and backyard parties. And it’s not going away anytime soon. Resilient, natural furniture is in-fashion¹, and the outdoor furniture market is only projected to get stronger.²

So, what is composite outdoor furniture and how do you shop for the best, most luxurious pieces? Well, today we’re talking all about this low-maintenance material that combines the beauty of wood and the durability of plastic.

What is Composite Outdoor Furniture?

But let’s start off by learning the basics. What exactly is composite outdoor furniture? Well, you’ll see a lot of different names for this unique outdoor material: composite wood, polylumber, polywood, poly wood lumber, resin wood (plus, one of the best-known makers of composite outdoor furniture is named POLYWOOD). But whatever you call it, it’s all basically furniture made from a combination of wood fibers and synthetic materials, usually plastics. This unique blend creates a material that looks like natural wood but has the durability and weather resistance of plastic.

Most modern luxury composite furniture is made from high-density polyethylene (often called HDPE). We prefer to partner with brands that use recycled HDPE, which is made from recycled milk jugs and other post-consumer plastics, making it an eco-friendly choice. This stuff is also rot-proof and splinter-free. And it resists the affects of insects, moisture, and UV rays.

Modern polylumber furniture can be found in a huge variety of colors, styles, and products. That means you can pretty much always find the right high-end solution for your outdoor space. And bonus, many leading composite manufacturers focus on environmentally-friendly production practices and products … so you’re actually keeping waste and plastics out of our oceans and landfills.

But maybe composite isn’t quite what you’re looking for. If you’re more interested in exploring other types of recycled plastic patio furniture, check out our comprehensive Recycled Plastic Patio Furniture Buyer’s Guide for even more eco-friendly plastic options!

Looking For a Cheaper Alternative to POLYWOOD?

This question pops up all the time. Shoppers love the style, durability, and eco-friendliness of high-quality composite outdoor furniture, but they might not love the price tag. There are other options out there, but please understand this is definitely a “you get what you pay for” situation. The well-respected brands like POLYWOOD, Berlin Gardens, and Seaside Casual carry their price tags for a reason. Finding cheaper solutions is just asking to have to replace them in a few seasons when they fall apart. Two thumbs down.

Resin vs POLYWOOD: Understanding the Differences

Here’s another question I get asked a lot, so let’s take a moment to clear things up. What’s the difference between resin and polywood? Both are terms used for outdoor furniture made from plastic materials, but it’s important that we define some terms up-front.

First of all, POLYWOOD is a specific brand. They’re well-known, and we love having their products on our showroom floor. (We touch on their high-quality composite patio furniture later in this article [link to Brands section]). But ‘polywood’ has also become a general term for the composite wood material itself (made by mixing wood fibers and a polymer like plastic). We try to refer to it as composite or composite wood for clarity.

So what’s resin, then? Well, that’s basically just the material made from recycled milk jugs and other plastics, but it contains no wood fibers. You can find some great recycled resin patio furniture, like resin wicker club chairs. But today we’re focusing on composite furniture, so let’s keep going!

Benefits of Composite Outdoor Furniture

So why should you choose composite patio furniture over other outdoor furniture materials? They have their strengths. Teak has a timeless, natural beauty, powder-coated aluminum has incredible lasting-power, and so on. But composite wood is unique because it brings a wide range of characteristics together … making it perfect for almost any outdoor space.

1. Durability: Composite furniture can withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. It won’t rot, warp, or splinter like wood, and it’s resistant to mold and mildew. This stuff was specifically engineered to bring longevity to your patio furniture (and we’ll touch more on this below [jump to section below].
2. Low Maintenance: Say goodbye to sanding, staining, and painting. Composite furniture requires minimal upkeep – just an occasional cleaning with soap and water. No more weekends spent refinishing your patio set!
3. Style Options: Composite furniture comes in a wide range of colors and designs, from classic Adirondack chairs to modern dining sets. You can find pieces to match any patio aesthetic.
4. Comfort: Many composite furniture pieces are designed with ergonomics in mind, offering comfortable seating and support. Plus, the material doesn’t get as hot in the sun as metal or plastic.
5. Eco-Friendly: As mentioned earlier, composite furniture is often made from recycled materials, making it a sustainable choice for your outdoor space.

What to Consider Before Buying Your Composite Furniture

Knowing what composite furniture is – and why it’s unique – will only take you so far. You’re here for smart shopping tips! So before you click “add to cart,” you should stop and think about a few important things.

Budget	Composite furniture can be more expensive upfront than other materials, but it’s a worthwhile investment. Consider the long-term savings on maintenance and replacement costs, and how they fit into your overall budget.
Space	Measure your patio area and consider how much room you have for furniture. You’ll want to leave enough space for people to move around comfortably.
Style	Think about the overall look and feel you want for your outdoor space. Do you prefer a classic, traditional vibe or a sleek, modern aesthetic? Composite outdoor furniture can do both … and a lot more. Choose furniture pieces that complement your style.
Comfort	If you plan on spending a lot of time lounging on your patio, make sure to choose furniture that’s comfortable and supportive. You’ll want to look for pieces with plush outdoor cushions or ergonomic designs. (We highly recommend you explore Berlin Gardens if comfort is your priority.)
Quality	There are a lot of composite furniture makers out there today, folks. Look for pieces from reputable brands that use high-quality materials and construction methods. One easy way to check is by asking about warranties; the best brands always back up their products with incredible warranties.

Composite Furniture Flexibility: Choosing the Right Style and Design

Over the last few decades, the quality and diversity of composite outdoor furniture has exploded (in a good way). Today, you can find a wide variety of styles, designs, and furniture pieces available. So whether you’re going for a coastal, bohemian, or minimalist vibe, there’s a composite piece to match.

The Many Modern Faces of Composite Patio Furniture:

Durability and Weather Resistance – Composite Furniture’s Super Power

Composite’s unique blend of wood fibers and recycled plastics combines to make one seriously durable product. That’s what makes your composite furniture investment so good … with the right care it will last for a long time:

1. Sun Exposure: Composite furniture is resistant to UV rays, so it won’t fade or degrade in the sun like some other materials. However, it’s still a good idea to use furniture covers or store pieces in the shade when not in use.
2. Moisture: Composite materials are naturally resistant to moisture, so they won’t rot or warp like wood. They’re also less likely to develop mold or mildew, even in humid climates.
3. Temperature: Composite furniture can withstand extreme temperatures, from freezing cold to scorching heat. It won’t crack or become brittle like some plastics.
4. Insects: Unlike wood, composite materials are not susceptible to insect damage or infestation. You won’t have to worry about termites or other pests destroying your furniture.
5. Durability: Composite furniture is built to last, with many pieces coming with warranties of up to 20 years. With proper care and maintenance, your composite furniture can last even longer.

Maintenance Tips for Composite Furniture

Low-maintenance is one of poly lumber furniture’s long list of benefits. But as with all patio furniture, it’s not completely impervious to age, sun exposure, regular wear-and-tear, and everything else weather will throw at it. If you want a complete deep-dive into taking care of your composite furniture, we have a comprehensive composite patio furniture maintenance guide for you. But here’s a list of the highlights to give you an idea of just how easy it is.

Regular Cleaning	To prevent dirt and grime buildup, give your composite furniture a quick clean with soap and water every few weeks. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any stubborn stains.
Avoid Abrasives	Steer clear of abrasive cleaners or rough scouring pads, which can scratch the surface of your composite furniture. Stick to mild detergents and soft cloths.
Protect from Stains	If you spill something on your composite furniture, clean it up right away to prevent staining. For tough stains, use a mixture of bleach and water or a specialized composite cleaner.
Cover or Store	When not in use, consider covering your composite furniture or storing it in a shed or garage. This will help protect it from the elements and keep it looking new longer.
Check Hardware	Periodically check any hardware, such as screws or bolts, to make sure they’re tight and secure. Loose hardware can cause wobbling or instability.

How to Spot Quality Composite Furniture: A Buyer’s Checklist

As was mentioned earlier, the composite outdoor furniture market just keeps growing and innovating. The best brands keep getting better, and new competitors keep fighting for a place on your patio. So, how can you be sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck? We’ve distilled Patio Productions’ years of industry experience into a quick, handy checklist to help you spot top-notch composite pieces:

1. Look for recycled HDPE: As we mentioned earlier, recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is the gold standard for composite materials. Make sure any furniture you’re considering is made with HDPE for maximum durability.
2. Check the Warranty: High-quality composite furniture should come with a robust warranty, typically around 20 years. If a manufacturer isn’t willing to stand behind their products, that’s a red flag. Our favorite brands – POLYWOOD, Seaside Casual, Berlin Gardens (and soon Harmonia Living) – all have incredibly long, reliable warranties!
3. Inspect the Hardware: Take a close look at the screws, bolts, and other hardware used to assemble the furniture. They should be made from rust-resistant materials like stainless or marine-grade steel.
4. Test the Stability: Give the furniture a gentle shake or wiggle to test its stability. Well-made pieces should feel solid and sturdy, with no wobbling or creaking. I mean, you test drive a car before you buy – you should do the same with your new outdoor sofa.
5. Feel the Finish: Run your hand over the surface of the composite material. It should feel smooth and even, with no rough patches or visible defects. Again, half the power of great outdoor furniture is how much it relaxes you. So make sure your composite patio furniture feels ‘just right.’

Now you’re well on your way to choosing composite furniture that looks great, enhances relaxation, and lasts for decades. And if you ever have any doubts, just give us a call at Patio Productions – we’re always happy to help!

Top Composite Brands You Should Know

You want to live your best life outside, right? That means knowing which names to look for on the tags when you’re shopping for composite outdoor furniture. The brand you choose can make a big difference in the quality, style, and your overall experience. Trust us, the Patio Productions team has seen firsthand how certain manufacturers consistently raise the bar.

Take POLYWOOD, for example. They’re a leading brand in the composite furniture market, known for their durable and stylish pieces. I’ve had the chance to see and feel POLYWOOD furniture in person, and I’m always impressed by the craftsmanship and attention to detail. From classic Adirondack chairs to sleek modern dining sets, they offer a wide range of collections to suit any taste. And they’re always helping push the industry forward. Their new, elevated Latitude collection is proof of that.

But POLYWOOD isn’t the only brand making waves in the composite furniture world. Harmonia Living’s been creating stunning patio pieces for years, and now they’re making a splash in the composite market. In 2025, Harmonia Living is set to release their highly anticipated Alpine collection – a line of composite furniture that promises to blend their signature sophistication and simplicity with the durability and low maintenance of eco-friendly composite wood.

Seaside Casual and Berlin Gardens are two other top composite patio furniture brands you really should explore. Here’s a deep-dive on the Top 5 Best Composite Brands, so you can really get to know what makes the best of the best stand out.

Where to Buy Composite Outdoor Furniture

Your shopping experience matters. And when it comes to finding your perfect composite outdoor furniture, you have two main options: buying online or walking into an actual store. And honestly, there are benefits to both.

For example, take a spin around our online catalog of luxury composite patio furniture. You get the convenience of browsing a wide selection from the comfort of your couch. Compare prices, read reviews, and then have your new furniture delivered right to your doorstep (with our White Glove installation team).

On the other hand, there’s something to be said for that in-store experience too. Walking into our San Diego store gives you the chance to put your eyes and tush on the furniture firsthand. You can test out the comfort of every composite club chair and get a true sense of the color and finish. Plus, you can talk to Patio Productions team members who learned about each polylumber piece right there on the showroom floor. (Plus, they’re just good people, but maybe I’m biased.)

So, Is Composite Furniture Right for You?

Whew … we’ve covered a LOT of ground in this ultimate composite outdoor furniture guide, from the basics of composite materials to tips for spotting quality craftsmanship. But at the end of the day, there’s really one important question: Is composite outdoor furniture the right choice for your patio, poolside, or outdoor space?

I’ve spent years admiring, designing, and enjoying outdoor spaces, and I can tell you this – composite furniture is eco-friendly, durability, and super low maintenance. If you’re tired of constantly refinishing wood or replacing rusted metal pieces, this unique material is a long-lasting solution that looks great year after year.

That means the right choice for your outdoor space comes down to your unique needs and priorities. If you’re looking for furniture that combines sustainability, durability, and style, composite is definitely worth your investment. And if you ever have questions or need guidance, remember that the team at Patio Productions is always here to help. What do we love? Helping people create outdoor spaces they love – spaces that tell a story, create memories, and bring joy for years to come.

So go ahead – dream big, shop smart, and create your unique outdoor living space. It’s all about Bringing Life Outdoors. And with the right furniture and a little creativity, your patio can become a place where memories are made and life is celebrated. And we say ‘Cheers’ to that!

Start shopping for your perfect composite outdoor furniture at Patio Productions: