A few years back, I moved into a house tucked into the mountains with a big wraparound deck. The kind of view that makes you want to sink into an Adirondack chair with a hot coffee—or maybe a glass of wine. But I quickly learned that not all Adirondack chairs are made equal. When I started comparing wood to Polywood options, I realized I wasn’t just buying a chair—I was choosing something I’d live with for years, both in comfort and style, not to mention the environmental impact.
After months of digging, sitting in countless chairs (even in the snow), and visiting a bunch of showrooms, I pulled together everything you might want to know if you’re facing the same choice. Here’s what I found.
Why Adirondack Chairs Are a Classic
The Adirondack chair goes all the way back to 1903, when Thomas Lee made the first one for his summer house in New York’s Adirondack Mountains. It’s stuck around ever since, thanks to a few standout features:
- The slanted seat and wide armrests make it perfect for lounging
- Its original design used just a single plank of wood—simple but sturdy
- It works just about anywhere: beach houses, forest cabins, patios, rooftops—you name it
They’re comfy, easy on the eyes, and have a classic vibe. But if you’re buying one today, you’ve got a choice: traditional wood or modern Polywood.
Wood vs. Polywood: What’s the Real Difference?
Let’s break it down. Here’s how wood and Polywood stack up:
| Feature | Wood Adirondack Chairs | Polywood Adirondack Chairs |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Teak, cedar, pine, eucalyptus | Recycled HDPE plastic (milk jugs) |
| Cost | $150–$600+ (teak can hit $1,000) | $200–$500 (some brands up to $700) |
| Weather Resistance | Varies—teak and cedar are solid, pine less so | Very resistant to water, sun, bugs, salt |
| Maintenance | Needs sealing/staining; can crack or rot | Easy to clean; no sealing needed |
| Sustainability | Renewable if certified; deforestation risk | Recycled, eco-friendly, made in the USA |
| Weight | Medium-heavy; depends on wood type | Heavy—won’t blow away in storms |
| Look | Natural, warm, ages to a silvery gray | Clean lines, bold colors, modern finishes |
| Lifespan | 10–20 years (less for softwoods) | 20–25+ years, minimal effort needed |
Real-Life Examples
- Beach House: Salt and sun will wreck most wood. Polywood holds up way better here.
- Mountain Cabin: Real cedar or teak looks perfect in the woods. Just seal it before snow season.
- City Balcony: Space is tight, rain is common. Polywood’s compact, colorful styles work great.
Stuff Most People Don’t Know
- Polywood is actually a brand name, not a material. They use HDPE and follow strict sustainability rules. Other brands may call it “polywood,” but it’s not always the real deal.
- It takes up to 1,000 recycled milk jugs to make one Polywood chair.
- Teak naturally fights off rot and bugs—there’s a reason it’s used on yachts.
- EPA data shows that (such as the EPA’s plastics recycling data)HDPE is among the most recyclable and low-impact plastics out there.
Pros & Cons
Wood Chairs
✔ Classic, natural feel
✔ Renewable if responsibly sourced
✔ Tons of wood grain options
✔ Can be painted or refinished
✘ Needs regular upkeep
✘ Can rot or crack over time
✘ Colors fade
✘ Pricey, especially for hardwoods
Polywood Chairs
✔ Super durable, even in rough weather
✔ Low-maintenance—just hose it off
✔ Made from recycled materials
✔ Comes in lots of colors and styles
✘ Doesn’t have that real wood look
✘ Heavy to move around
✘ More expensive than cheap softwood options
Cost Over Time (20-Year Outlook)
| Material | Upfront Cost | Maintenance | Lifespan | Total Cost (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood (Teak) | $600 | ~$200 | 15–20 yrs | ~$800 |
| Wood (Pine) | $200 | ~$300 | 5–10 yrs | ~$500–$600 |
| Polywood | $400 | ~$0–$50 | 20–25 yrs | ~$400–$450 |
👉 Best bang for your buck? Polywood—especially if you plan to leave it outside year-round.
Eco Impact
- Wood: Go for FSC-certified if you want sustainable wood. It breaks down naturally but may not be eco-friendly if it leads to deforestation.
- Polywood: Made from recycled plastics, so it keeps waste out of landfills. It doesn’t decompose, but it’s incredibly durable and often certified for low emissions.
GreenSpec says HDPE production creates about 30% less CO2 than new plastic.
Helpful Tips
- Even though Polywood is tough, covering it in winter keeps it looking new.
- Cleaning wood naturally? Mix warm water, vinegar, and a splash of dish soap.
- Polywood looking faded? A Magic Eraser or light sanding works wonders.
- Skip dark colors in full sun—hot chairs and bare legs don’t mix.
So, Which One’s Right for You?
- Tight Budget? Go with pine or fir if you’re cool with upkeep. Or grab a mid-range Polywood chair.
- Style Lover? Teak or cedar adds rustic charm. Colorful Polywood fits modern setups.
- Eco-Minded? Polywood’s the clear winner.
- Hate Maintenance? Go Polywood. Sit, relax, and forget about sealing anything.
My Final Take
After years of using both, I lean toward Polywood for convenience. It’s weatherproof, low-fuss, and still looks great. But if you’re chasing that cozy cabin feel or love the grain of real wood, a handmade cedar or teak chair has unbeatable charm.
Whatever you pick, get something you’ll actually want to sit in for hours. That’s the whole point.
