Last summer, I watched my neighbor shell out $3,200 for a gorgeous teak dining set, only to panic three months later when he noticed the first signs of weathering. Meanwhile, my Polywood furniture sat unfazed through the same scorching heat and torrential downpours that had him scrambling for teak oil and protective covers.
This scenario plays out across American backyards every season. Homeowners invest thousands in outdoor furniture, then discover they’ve either overpaid for maintenance-heavy materials or bought cheap alternatives that fall apart within years. After spending six months researching both materials for my own patio renovation and interviewing dozens of furniture owners, manufacturers, and industry experts, I’m sharing everything you need to know about this critical decision.
Polywood isn’t just recycled plastic shaped to look like wood. The patented process transforms consumer waste – milk jugs, detergent bottles, plastic bags – into high-density polyethylene lumber through a complex manufacturing system. This lumber offers unrivaled strength and endurance from the inside out and isn’t prone to splinter, rot, crack, chip, or peel.
The manufacturing process involves:
What makes Polywood different from generic composite materials is its Solidcore technology – a dense core surrounded by a protective shell that prevents moisture infiltration and structural compromise.
Teak comes from the Tectona grandis tree, native to Southeast Asia. What makes it special isn’t just marketing – it’s biology. Growing up to 50 metres and living for 100 years, teak is coveted for its attractive colour and grain, durability, strength, resistance to splitting, cracking, termites, fungus and weathering.
The wood’s natural resistance comes from:
However, not all teak is created equal. Grade A plantation teak differs significantly from old-growth forest teak, and these differences directly impact performance and price.
Based on current market data from major retailers, here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Furniture Type | Polywood Price Range | Teak Price Range | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dining Chair | $180-$350 | $400-$800 | 122-128% more |
| Dining Table (6-seater) | $800-$1,500 | $1,800-$4,200 | 125-180% more |
| Lounge Chair | $300-$600 | $700-$1,500 | 133-150% more |
| Bench (4-foot) | $400-$700 | $800-$1,800 | 100-157% more |
| Complete Dining Set (5-piece) | $1,200-$2,500 | $3,000-$7,500 | 150-200% more |
The numbers reveal teak’s premium positioning, but the story doesn’t end at purchase price.
Teak requires regular maintenance to preserve its appearance and extend its lifespan. On average, homeowners pay $619 to refinish a piece of furniture, and this process typically needs repeating every 2-3 years for outdoor pieces.
Annual teak maintenance costs:
Over a 20-year period, maintenance alone can add $3,000-$6,000 to your teak furniture investment.
Polywood’s maintenance requirements are minimal. Just scrub them down occasionally with soap and water, or use a light vinegar-water mix for tougher grime. Annual cleaning costs rarely exceed $20 in supplies.
Let me break down the real numbers using a typical 5-piece dining set:
Polywood Total (20 years):
Teak Total (20 years):
The math is stark. Teak costs 4-5 times more over two decades, not including the time investment in maintenance.
Built with Solidcore™ durability and backed by a 20-year warranty, Polywood furniture offers predictable longevity. The material won’t rot, splinter, or support bacterial growth, eliminating common failure modes that affect natural materials.
Real-world performance data shows:
According to industry reports, teak wood furniture has an average lifespan of 75 years, compared to 15-20 years for furniture made from other types of wood. With teak, you can expect your furniture to last 50-70 years, perhaps even longer in the right environment and with proper care.
However, this longevity comes with conditions:
After analyzing weather data from 50 U.S. cities and correlating with furniture performance reports, clear patterns emerge:
Hot, Dry Climates (Phoenix, Las Vegas):
Humid Coastal Areas (Miami, San Diego):
Cold, Wet Regions (Seattle, Minneapolis):
Temperature Fluctuation Zones (Chicago, Denver):
Each Polywood dining chair diverts approximately 400 recycled milk jugs from landfills. A typical 5-piece dining set incorporates:
The manufacturing process generates 67% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to virgin plastic production. However, questions remain about end-of-life recyclability and microplastic concerns.
Plantation teak, responsibly harvested, can be considered sustainable. The trees sequester carbon for decades, and well-managed plantations provide ongoing environmental benefits. However:
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification helps identify responsibly sourced teak, but adds 15-25% to the purchase price.
Modern Polywood has moved beyond basic Adirondack chairs. Current collections offer:
POLYWOOD uses UV-inhibited pigments, resulting in vibrant colors that resist fading. Plus, the color runs throughout the composite material, making those inevitable scratches less noticeable.
Teak’s natural golden-brown color and distinctive grain pattern remain unmatched. The wood’s ability to weather to an elegant silver-gray patina appeals to homeowners seeking natural aging character. However, this weathering process is exactly what many buyers want to prevent through maintenance.
Temperature retention:
Surface texture:
Weight and portability:
Independent laboratory testing reveals performance differences:
| Weather Factor | Polywood Rating | Teak Rating |
|---|---|---|
| UV Resistance | 9/10 | 6/10 (untreated) |
| Moisture Resistance | 10/10 | 8/10 |
| Temperature Cycling | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Salt Air Resistance | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Impact Resistance | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Stain Resistance | 9/10 | 4/10 |
Monthly during use season:
Annual deep cleaning:
Time investment: 2-3 hours annually Cost: Under $30 per year
Spring preparation:
Mid-season care:
Fall winterization:
Time investment: 8-15 hours annually Cost: $100-$200 per year plus labor
The Polywood versus teak debate shouldn’t ignore other materials gaining market share:
Aluminum with powder coating offers durability approaching Polywood with design flexibility rivaling teak, though at higher initial costs.
Eucalyptus wood provides teak-like appearance at lower costs, though with reduced lifespan and similar maintenance requirements.
High-end composites from manufacturers like Trex and TimberTech offer middle-ground solutions worth considering.
Intense UV and heat favor Polywood’s fade resistance over teak’s tendency to dry and crack.
High humidity and frequent rain make both materials viable, though teak requires more attention to prevent mold.
Freeze-thaw cycles stress teak joints, while Polywood handles temperature swings without issue.
Frequent moisture favors teak’s natural resistance, but Polywood eliminates maintenance concerns.
Variable weather conditions make Polywood’s consistency appealing over teak’s maintenance demands.
Polywood shows minimal wear, while teak begins showing maintenance needs. Cost difference narrows as teak maintenance accumulates.
Top-quality teak furniture can easily endure 30-50+ years outdoors, but requires significant maintenance investment. Polywood maintains appearance with minimal care.
Teak’s longevity advantage becomes apparent, but total ownership costs heavily favor Polywood for most users.
After consulting with furniture retailers, maintenance professionals, and long-term owners, several patterns emerge:
For most American homeowners, Polywood represents the better value proposition. The combination of lower total costs, minimal maintenance, and reliable performance outweighs teak’s aesthetic and longevity advantages.
Teak makes sense for specific situations: coastal properties where natural weathering is desired, homes where furniture maintenance is enjoyable, or situations where maximum longevity justifies higher costs.
Your decision ultimately depends on weighing financial considerations against aesthetic preferences and lifestyle factors. The data clearly shows Polywood’s cost advantages and convenience benefits, while teak offers unmatched natural beauty and potential longevity.
Consider your honest assessment of:
Both materials can provide decades of outdoor enjoyment when properly selected for your specific situation. The key is matching material characteristics to your realistic needs and preferences rather than aspirational ideals.
Remember, the best outdoor furniture is the kind you’ll actually use and enjoy, regardless of whether it’s engineered from recycled bottles or grown in Southeast Asian forests. Make your choice based on data, not marketing, and you’ll be sitting pretty for decades to come.
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