Wood vs. Composite Decking

Wood composite decking is the product of a wood-plastic composite. It is a wood product made from two different materials bonded together with an epoxy resin. The composition allows for more flexibility than a regular solid piece of wood and gives more weight to resist bending. Wood decks are inexpensive compared to other decking materials, such as aluminum or vinyl. They require minimal maintenance and sustain water damage well because they release moisture through small holes in the surface where water can get in between the layers easier than if it was solid wood or plastic. Wood composite can be used on all decks because it can handle weather and temperature very well, but it does not do well in high-traffic areas.

Plastic outdoor furniture is manufactured from a wide range of materials and components, including:
Everyday plastic outdoor furniture products include lounge chairs, tables, loungers, and children’s toys. Plastic patio furniture products are typically polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic resin. Occasionally molded wood or steel frames support the plastic slings, chairs, tables, or lounger seats. Wood is used to produce plastic outdoor furniture for tables, chairs, and loungers. The type of wood used will depend on the intended use. For example, bamboo is commonly used for patio chairs. Manufacturers favor bamboo because it is a sustainable source and proliferates so it can be sawn into planks without depleting the resource. Bamboo has strength, but if not adequately treated or cared for, it may begin to decay after some time in contact with the soil or water.

Aesthetically Plastic Outdoor Furniture looks like other materials such as wicker, metal, or rattan. Some plastic outdoor furniture can ‘weather’ or patina naturally over time to create a more traditional look.
Plastic Outdoor Furniture is generally easier to clean. Because it does not rust, it leaves no residue upon removal and will not stain or leave a mark if you accidentally spill something on plastic furniture. It is essential to clean the plastic Outdoor Furniture before storing it away for the winter. Before putting your furniture away for the winter, you should also ensure that all stains are entirely out of the table. Objects such as metal poles and nails can stay embedded in plastic and can cause damage to the furniture surface over time.

Many of these products evolve beyond their original design as new materials become available, new manufacturing processes succeed, consumer tastes change, or materials become more expensive than initially planned. When these factors are considered, the price of plastic outdoor furniture may be lower in some cases than other materials.

Some of the elements that affect the price include:
Plastic is a versatile material and will be used in many different ways. The design process for plastic outdoor furniture is done through CAD software and a team approach that includes the designer, engineer, production manager, and the marketing department. All departments need to work together to determine what is most important in designing the product and ensure it stays within budget. Making mock-ups of the product with cardboard or paper can save money before making the final molds necessary for producing one-piece designs or multiple pieces.