Is Polywood Good?
If you’ve searched for durable, low-maintenance outdoor furniture, you’ve undoubtedly seen the name "Polywood." It's everywhere, and for good reason: The company has done a masterful job of becoming the brand name for an entire industry.
But here is the critical truth: POLYWOOD (capitalized) is a specific brand, and just like asking for a Kleenex when you really want a tissue, most people ask for "Polywood" when they just mean poly lumber furniture.
This confusion is costing homeowners thousands because while poly lumber is the gold standard for outdoor furniture, the POLYWOOD brand itself is often a low-quality entry point disguised by massive marketing budgets.
🛑 Why the Big Brand Name Doesn't Equal the Best Quality
The POLYWOOD brand is known for being affordable, but achieving that low price requires compromises you might regret:
Assembly Challenges: Many reviews point to frustrating assembly with pieces that don't align perfectly. This is a common shortcut used by mass manufacturers to save on labor, but it puts the quality control burden squarely on the buyer.
Thinner Lumber: To reduce material costs, big brands often use thinner, lighter-weight lumber, which sacrifices the rock-solid stability and hefty feel that true premium poly furniture is known for. This can lead to furniture that shifts in strong wind or feels flimsy.
The Mass-Market Model: POLYWOOD is a giant, publicly recognized corporation. While they make eco-friendly claims about recycling, their focus is on volume and shareholder value—not on meticulous, individual craftsmanship.
For a long-term investment, you should look beyond the famous name and focus on the superior build and material quality of a specialist.
🇺🇸 American Patio Designs: The Better Alternative
If you’re seeking true, lifetime-quality poly furniture, American Patio Designs is a far superior investment that delivers on the promise of poly lumber.
1. Superior Craftsmanship (The Amish Difference)
American Patio Designs is a small business that works directly with the most experienced Amish builders in the country. This isn't just a marketing tag—it's a fundamentally different business model:
Enriching Community: We are a direct channel to independent, expert Amish craftsmen. When you buy from us, you enrich their communities and help share their centuries-old tradition of meticulous woodworking (applied here to modern poly materials) with the world.
Hand-Built Integrity: Unlike mass-manufactured pieces, our furniture is hand-built with superior joinery techniques. This ensures flawless alignment, stability, and a piece that feels substantial and permanent.
2. Built for Life, Not Just for Sale
Yes, American Patio Designs is slightly more expensive than the entry-level POLYWOOD brand, but this difference is minimal compared to the decades of durability and pride of ownership you receive.
When you invest in American Patio Designs, you’re not just buying a chair; you are buying a piece of furniture hand-built by a master craftsman who is proud of their work. Stop buying the brand name, and start buying the quality, stability, and longevity that true poly lumber furniture was meant to deliver.
Discover the difference quality American-made poly furniture makes for your home, your community, and your peace of mind by exploring our collections today.