This Polywood Patio Dining Set Is the Best Patio Furniture I’ve Ever Bought

As someone who shops for a living, I test dozens of amazing products every year. But every so often, I get my hands on something that really wows me. I mean, it blows my mind and has me running to my computer, intent on telling everyone why they, too, need the treasure that I have found. My Polywood dining set is one such item.

Okay, well, I didn’t actually discover Polywood. My neighbor did. But I loved her set so much that I went and ordered one of my own. There were tons of options that allowed me to find the perfect set for my family of six. I was able to choose everything from the size and style of my table to various seating options, finish and texture. After two seasons of consistent use, I couldn’t be happier with my Polywood patio table and chairs. Here’s everything you need to know before ordering a set of your own.

I Tried It

Polywood Dining Set

All Polywood furniture is built-to-order in the USA and comes with a generous 20-year warranty.

Shop on Polywood

What is Polywood?

Polywood was founded in 1990 by two friends who were determined to leave the earth better off than they found it. They ultimately figured out that high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic is incredibly durable, weather-resistant and sustainable. In other words, it’s the perfect material for long-lasting, outdoor furniture.

Today, genuine Polywood lumber is made of recycled and reusable plastics in a circular, 99% waste-free process. Their waste stream includes everything from plastic bottles and shrink wrap to resin and scrap from their own production line. Nothing goes to waste!

Whether you’re shopping for a Polywood dining set or a simple garden bench, you can rest assured that your eco-friendly furniture will stand the test of time. It’s built to withstand all four seasons and doesn’t require any maintenance. It’s also backed by a generous 20-year warranty that promises furniture will be free from material defects. Better still, the brand warrants that furniture will not splinter, crack, chip, peel or rot—or suffer structural damage from insect infestation.

All Polywood furniture is made right here in the USA at the brand’s Indiana and North Carolina facilities.

How We Tested Polywood

As I mentioned above, I fell in love with my neighbor’s Polywood dining set. Every time I pulled out a chair and sat down on her deck, I was impressed by how sturdy it felt. But more than that, I couldn’t believe that after three years of being exposed to harsh New England winters and summer sunshine, it still looks brand new. Initially, I hemmed and hawed about purchasing a set of my own since Polywood isn’t exactly cheap. But my old patio furniture was literally falling apart, and my husband and I were about to pull the trigger on a full kitchen renovation. In short, our family needed something functional and durable for the outside.

I chose the Lakeside 6-piece dining set for my deck. The 73-inch table, 65-inch bench and four chairs are the perfect size for our large family and then some. And since this set was intended to be a permanent fixture on our deck, I opted for upgrades like trestle legs and the brand’s vintage Sahara finish. Not only did I love the color, but I was hopeful that the wirebrush texture would mask any nicks or scratches that are usually par for the course with four young children.

While this premium finish was an additional $1,000, knowing that my set is warrantied against splinters, cracks, chipping, peeling and rot for 20 years also made such a large investment more palatable. I also ordered four sky blue chair cushions to complete my set.

Delivery and Setup

The only thing I didn’t pay attention to when placing my order was the long lead time. My set had a lead time of 17 to 20 business days with an additional weeklong shipping window. It was almost a month before my Polywood dining set was delivered.

However, not all sets take that long. My parents and another neighbor ordered the Lakeside 7-piece farmhouse dining set in white and slate grey. Both sets were received in about two weeks. The good news is that Polywood provides a lead time for each item on its website. In my experience, these times have proven to be pretty accurate.

My Polywood dining set arrived in multiple boxes that were shrink-wrapped together on a giant pallet. The boxes arrived smushed on top, but none of the furniture pieces were damaged. I didn’t opt for white glove delivery, so we had to open and set everything up ourselves. I’ll point out here that Polywood furniture is heavy. Like, really heavy. If you plan on putting it together yourself, you’ll likely have to enlist some help.

Once my husband and I carried the table top up our deck stairs, it was smooth sailing. The assembly included attaching the legs to the table and bench. It did come with all of the necessary hardware and a small tool. We quickly discovered that some of the table hardware seemed to be too large for the pre-drilled holes, which made the screws hard to turn. Rather than force it by hand, my husband grabbed a power drill, and we wrapped up the assembly in just a few minutes.

After putting together the table and bench, I was thrilled to discover that the chairs arrived pre-assembled. All I had to do was put arms on the two end chairs and voila! My new dining set was ready for use.

Pros

• Well-constructed in the United States
• Durable
• Low maintenance
• Tons of sizes, styles and finishes to choose from
• Some pieces arrive pre-assembled
• White glove delivery options available for a fee

Cons

• Some finishes have long lead times

Polywood vs. Adams

Before I invested in Polywood furniture, I collected a set of Adams Adirondack chairs and tables. Both brands are made in the U.S., designed for regular outdoor use and hold up well to the elements.

As mentioned above, Polywood is crafted from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. Many Polywood dining sets are made to order and are incredibly sturdy. The brand offers something for everyone, from planters and garden benches to full dining sets, sectionals and sofas.

Adams, on the other hand, is made of lightweight resin. Many pieces are stackable and incredibly affordable. In fact, I picked up most of my Adirondack chairs on sale for around $20 at my local grocery store. But don’t let the price tag fool you. This budget-friendly furniture is surprisingly durable. After four years of regular use in my backyard, my blue chairs have not faded, cracked or broken. Unlike Polywood, Adams has a limited selection of furniture. You’ll find plenty of Adirondack chairs, loungers and small tables but you won’t see full living or dining sets.

The best brand depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking to invest in high quality furniture that will stand the test of time, Polywood is for you. If you’re in the market for something temporary and budget-friendly, Adams is a great option.

Final Verdict

Polywood furniture is an investment, but in this case, you get what you pay for. After two seasons with my Polywood dining set, I truly can’t recommend it enough. It has been outside on my deck through all four seasons and it still looks brand new. Not only has it held up to the elements, but it’s held up to my four children and their friends. There’s not a nick or scratch to be seen. I’m so impressed that I surprised my husband with this backyard chat set with fire pit table for his birthday. And, as expected, it’s a purchase I do not regret.

Long-Term Testing Update

Shortly after receiving my set, we began a full kitchen renovation. For almost four months, my Polywood served as my main table for meals, games and hanging out. My family still uses it on a daily basis for meals and hanging out. My children even use it for arts and crafts. I love it so much that I went ahead and ordered the matching console table which is especially useful given the size of our family.

My only complaint, if you could really even call it a complaint, is that stuff gets stuck in between the tiny grooves of the wirebrush finish. I would love to say that it’s easy to wipe clean with a sponge or cloth, but that’s not the case for my particular set. Instead, I had to get a small dish brush. I can get most gunk out with a drop of dish soap and a few gentle passes with the brush. Some messes, however, take a bit of elbow grease.

Additionally, I wish that my chair cushions came apart for easy washing. Since they don’t, I just do my best to bring them inside when I know it’s going to rain. I’m not always successful. But in spite of being left out in the elements more times than I’d like, they too look brand new.

Where To Buy Polywood

Polywood dining sets can be purchased and customized directly on the brand’s website. Select styles are also available at Amazon, The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Costco.

FAQ

What is Polywood?

Polywood lumber is actually high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. According to the brand’s website, 99% of their waste stream is recycled materials including glass, plastic bottles, shrink wrap, cardboard, fabric, resin, aluminum, paper, pallets and scrap from their own production lines. Best of all? It’s infinitely recyclable.

How do you clean Polywood?

It’s quite easy to keep Polywood furniture clean. A soft-bristle brush or cloth plus a little dish soap and water is all you need in most cases. If you find that your Polywood needs a deeper clean, take a look at the brand’s comprehensive cleaning guide.

Does Polywood ever go on sale?

Yes! Polywood does run sales for seasonal moments and company milestones.

Can you paint Polywood?

The colors of Polywood lumber run continuously throughout the material, so no painting is required. If you choose to paint your Polywood furniture, you will void the warranty.

Why You Should Trust Us

At Taste of Home, we delight in sharing products that will elevate your lifestyle. And testing those products? That’s literally our job—and one we take very seriously! We thoroughly vet products through fair, accurate testing methodologies. Our team has combined decades of experience in all things house and home.

I have nearly a decade of experience in the e-commerce space. I’ve done my best to combine my expertise in product reviews and digital content creation for a thorough, insightful look at Polywood dining sets. Not only have I been using this set daily in my own home, but I’ve also had the opportunity to take a careful look at older Polywood furniture that has been exposed to the elements for several years. This has allowed me to assess whether or not this furniture is a worthwhile investment.