Why HDPE Plastic Is Ideal 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.

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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

Outdoor passive infrastructure, such as picnic benches, garden benches, and dining sets are subject to harsh weather conditions all year-round. The British climate with its frequent rain and fluctuating temperatures, can quickly degrade traditional materials like wood. However, plastic offers a superior solution across a variety of areas.

If we start by looking at durability, plastic is resistant to moisture, rot, and decay, which makes it perfect for outdoor environments. Wood and wood alternatives will rot, crack or splinter over time whereas plastic products maintain their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.

Another beauty about plastic is that it is virtually maintenance-free. It does not require regular painting, staining or sealing which saves a great amount of time, effort and costs. It is easy to clean, simply requiring a gentle wash with mild soap and water. Take a look at our blog on the cost and maintenance savings possible by adopting recycled plastic products.

Want more information on Plastic Outdoor Furniture Manufacturers? Feel free to contact us.

Plastic products are also designed to last, at Circular11 we provide a 10 year warranty with all our products and an expected lifespan of 30-50 years! When compared to wood or wooden alternatives, this provides a huge saving across the lifetime of the products.

The most important factor about using recycled plastic products for outdoor furniture and sustainable building materials is the positive environmental benefits. At Circular11, we recycle plastic waste streams destined for landfill or incineration to manufacture our products in order to create real impact not just use the ‘good’ plastic, we’re on a mission to turn the global waste problem into a supply-stream for the materials we need in a net-zero world. The longer the products last, the less the need to replace them, thereby minimising the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and disposal.

There’s a growing variety of great recycled plastic outdoor furniture and recycled plastic garden furniture products available on the market. Some of our favourites are:

Recycled Plastic Picnic Benches

Recycled plastic picnic benches are the core of outdoor spaces, providing a comfortable and convenient place to relax, socialise and enjoy the surroundings. While wooden picnic benches have long been the norm, recycled plastic picnic benches offer several advantages that make them a logical alternative.

Recycled plastic picnic benches are highly resistant to moisture, UV rays, and extreme temperatures which means they will not rot, crack or splinter, regardless of the climate. This means they last for years and enables manufacturers like us to offer 10 year warranties with a life expectancy of 30-50 years. Wooden benches are known for fading and staining when exposed to the elements which can make the outdoor space look tired and in need of attention, plastic alternatives avoid this.

Another key point to consider is how easy recycled plastic picnic benches are to clean, just some mild soap and water will keep the bench looking new. Recycled plastic picnic benches also offer an advantage from a hygiene point of view. You can use your typical kitchen cleaning products to ensure the surface stays sterile and suitable to eat on, without any long-winded cleaning processes or specialist products.

Fencing

Fencing is a perfect example of how recycled plastic outperforms the traditional solutions. Typical fencing materials, such as wood and metal can rust, corrode or rot, requiring frequent repairs and replacements. Recycled plastic fencing offers a more durable and sustainable alternative. Recycled plastic fencing is also weather resistant and is impervious to moisture, UV rays and extreme temperatures, which means it does not rust, corrode or rot, even in the harshest weather conditions.

Unlike wooden or metal fencing, recycled plastic fencing does not require painting, staining or regular maintenance. It is easy to clean and requires minimal upkeep so if your fencing covers a large space or area, this could save hours of work and cost each year. By eliminating the need for frequent repairs and replacements, plastic fencing can be a more economical choice in the long run.

Recycled Plastic Planter and Raised Beds

Planters and raised beds are typically exposed to moisture and soil, making them susceptible to rot and decay. Recycled plastic planter and raised beds offer a durable and low-maintenance solution. Recycled plastic is inherently resistant to rot, making it an ideal choice for planters and raised beds, it will not decompose or deteriorate even when constantly exposed to moisture.

Recycled plastic planter and raised beds are easy to clean and maintain, they can be simply rinsed with water or scrubbed with a mild detergent. Recycled plastic planter and raised beds also come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, styles and colours allowing you to choose the perfect option for your garden or outdoor space.

While plastic has rightly faced criticism for its environmental impact, many of the same properties that have contributed to concerns about pollution can also be beneficial when used in the right way. The durability of plastic, which can contribute to long-term environmental issues when improperly disposed of, can also be a significant advantage in outdoor products when recycled in the correct way. Durable recycled plastic products can last for longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimising the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and disposal. Recycled plastic is also a versatile material that can be moulded into a wide range of shapes and sizes, this versatility allows for the creation of innovative and functional products that meet specific needs.

So next time you’re thinking of purchasing some outdoor furniture or sustainable building materials, think about the recycled plastic options available to you, this could not only save you time and money, you could be taking a big step towards a circular, low-carbon built environment.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Tolix Stools with Backs. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.