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HDPE For Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture comes in a range of shapes and sizes, depending on the needs of the manufacturer and consumer. Often made of wood, metal, or plastic outdoor furniture is designed to endure a long time with relatively little maintenance. Picnic tables and benches, chaise lounges, playground equipment, planters, low tables, bars, and bar stools are just a few examples of outdoor furniture in which HDPE plastic sheet is a perfect material component.

Advantages of HDPE Plastic Sheet

HDPE plastic sheet is made to be low-maintenance, long-lasting, and environmentally safe. It’s also extremely flexible when it comes to shaping coloring.

While consumers have several options for outdoor furniture materials such as teak, aluminum, steel, PVC, etc., HDPE offers the most flexibility and durability. HDPE outdoor furniture can withstand rain, sun, cold, heat, and the general wear and tear of daily use while still maintaining a good, stylish look.

Here is a breakdown of the many advantages of HDPE plastic sheet.

  1. HDPE plastic sheet is impact-resistant and enjoys an excellent strength-to-density ratio. Both features make it highly durable and ideal for outdoor furniture. It won’t easily break or crack. With minimal care and maintenance, outdoor furniture made from HDPE plastic sheet can last for years. 
  2. HDPE’s high melting point keeps it rigid under very high temperatures. Similarly, it’s also resistant to low temperatures and won’t become brittle in cold environments. There’s no reason HDPE furniture couldn’t be used all year-round.
  3. HDPE plastic is waterproof and resists mildew, fungus, bacteria, mold, and rotting. Because HDPE plastic sheet is non-porous, it’s simple to clean and creates a strong barrier from external elements.
  4. While some plastics and other outdoor materials fade or discolor after prolonged exposure to sunlight, outdoor furniture made from HDPE plastic sheet is treated with UV-inhibiting stabilizers to prevent fading.
  5. It is not easily damaged by common chemicals, cleaning fluids, or detergents.
  6. During HDPE poly lumber construction, colors can be mixed and distributed evenly throughout the piece. Outdoor furniture made of HDPE plastic sheet won’t ever need repainting or touch-ups.
  7. HDPE plastic is reliable and safe. This is why it can also be often seen used for food containers. It contains no formaldehyde, is non-carcinogenic, and doesn’t off-gas chemicals.
  8. HDPE can be reused and recycled. Rather than filling landfills or being shipped to the middle of the ocean, discarded HDPE plastic can become new, recycled products. They can even find life again as new pieces of outdoor furniture.

Is POLYWOOD® the same as HDPE?

One is made from the other.

POLYWOOD® lumber is made from HDPE and enjoys all the same benefits and advantages, including UV resistance and even coloring. It most often comes with either classic or vintage-style finishes.

The classic finish is probably the most widely chosen option as it features a smooth texture that gives the appearance of satin-painted wood. However, unlike actual wood, it’s easy to keep clean and will better endure exposure to harsh weather and other environmental stressors.

Vintage finish POLYWOOD® lumber offers a subtle, wire-brushed texture giving the appearance of rich, matte painted wood. Like the classic finish, it is also easy to clean and will stand up to all sorts of weather.

In both cases, another notable advantage of POLYWOOD® over traditional woods is that it won’t suffer damage to insects or mold.

How Does HDPE Plastic Compare to PVC Wicker?

HDPE is one of the best plastic materials for making wicker patio furniture. Its excellent weather resistance and high durability mean it performs better and lasts longer than most other resin materials.

Compared with materials such as PVC wicker, however, means that it can cost a little bit more. While PVC wicker offers advantages similar to HDPE in many respects, HDPE outdoor furniture tends to last longer and is stronger, offsetting the price difference. While both will last for years, HDPE plastic outdoor furniture will not require replacement as often.

Also, PVC wicker furniture is more challenging to recycle, and its relatively light weight can make it more prone to be picked up and moved by heavy winds.

HDPE Plastic Sheet at Piedmont Plastics

Piedmont Plastics carries a wide choice of sheet sizes, widths, and colors to meet every design need. We have years of experience, and our professional sales agents are dedicated to providing high-quality products. Allow us to assist you in selecting the best material for your outdoor furniture manufacturing needs. Contact us today to get started.