As an aficionado of outdoor furniture, I’ve had the opportunity to explore and experience a variety of brands. Among them, two brands that have particularly stood out are Phat Tommy and Polywood. Both these brands specialize in crafting outdoor furniture from recycled plastic, also known as HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) lumber. Let me share my personal insights and experiences with these two brands.
Here’s a detailed comparison between Phat Tommy and POLYWOOD:
| Feature | Phat Tommy | POLYWOOD |
|---|---|---|
| Established | Founded in recent years | Established in 1990 |
| Material | High-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic | Recycled plastic |
| Sustainability | Uses 100% recyclable polyethylene plastic | Prevents 400,000 milk jugs per day from going to landfills or the ocean |
| Product Range | Offers a range of durable and affordable outdoor furniture, including Adirondack chairs, dining sets, and more | Offers a wide variety of outdoor products, including Adirondack chairs, dining sets, rocking chairs, chaise lounge chairs, benches, swings, tables, and more |
| Style | Focuses on durability and affordability | Offers a variety of styles ranging from rustic to elegant |
| Warranty | Not specified | 20-year warranty |
| Craftsmanship | Products are made in the USA by local artisans | Products are made in the USA |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance | Low maintenance, cleans easily with soap and water |
| Weatherproof | Built to handle various weather conditions | Built to handle the harshest conditions from hot sun and salt spray, to heavy winds and even blizzards |
| Color-Stay Technology | Not specified | UV inhibitors and stabilizers protect from environmental degradation and, along with light stable pigments, run throughout the lumber |
Polywood: The Trailblazer in Recycled Plastic Furniture
Polywood has been a pioneer in the industry since its inception in 1990, being the first to introduce outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic. Their commitment to sustainability is truly remarkable, saving approximately 400,000 milk jugs daily from ending up in landfills or oceans.
The product range offered by Polywood is vast and diverse, catering to a wide array of outdoor settings. From Adirondack chairs to dining sets, rocking chairs, chaise lounges, benches, swings, and tables, Polywood has something for everyone. Their designs span various styles, from rustic charm to modern elegance, ensuring that every customer finds something that resonates with their aesthetic preferences.
One of the standout features of Polywood is their impressive 20-year warranty. This long-term warranty not only illustrates their confidence in the durability and quality of their products but also their commitment to customer satisfaction.
Phat Tommy: The Value Proposition
Phat Tommy, while also producing furniture from 100% recyclable polyethylene plastic, places a strong emphasis on affordability. They take the recycled plastic, create small poly resin pieces, sort and wash them, and then mold them into durable poly lumber planks. This meticulous process results in high-end poly furniture products offered at a fair price.
Phat Tommy’s mission is to offer high-end poly furniture products at a fair price. They strive to maintain low margins, passing on the savings to the customer. This commitment to affordability does not compromise the quality of their products. Phat Tommy assures that their poly furniture is always premium, which is evident in the durability and aesthetic appeal of their products.
Final Thoughts
Both Phat Tommy and Polywood are committed to sustainable manufacturing practices and produce high-quality, durable outdoor furniture from recycled plastic. However, they differ in their history, product range, and pricing strategies. Polywood is an established brand with a wide variety of products and a long warranty period, while Phat Tommy emphasizes affordability and premium quality in their product offerings.
Choosing between the two ultimately depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you value a wide range of products and a long warranty period, Polywood might be the brand for you. If you’re looking for high-quality products at a fair price, Phat Tommy could be your go-to brand. Either way, you’ll be investing in sustainable, durable, and stylish outdoor furniture. Happy shopping!
