It seems like everyone is buying outdoor furniture made from polyethylene plastic. And for good reason! Polyethylene plastic is a material that can withstand the elements, so it’s perfect for outdoor furniture. It’s incredibly low-maintenance, ideal for busy people who don’t have much time to spend on upkeep.

Greater Southern Game Room & Patio is a family owned retailer that has sold home recreation and outdoor living products since 2001, with showrooms in Atlanta and Alpharetta and complimentary delivery and setup on patio furniture across the metro area. This poly furniture comparison covers what matters most when choosing long-lasting patio furniture: durability, maintenance, price, warranty coverage, and available styles, plus how poly compares with other outdoor furniture materials.

Two popular brands of polyethylene plastic outdoor furniture featured in the original comparison were Breezesta and Polymer Lumber.

Both were popular choices because they combined durability and easy maintenance with style and comfort. Both were designed for long-term outdoor use, although actual service life depends on exposure, care, and product condition.

In addition, both brands look fantastic. For example, this set of Breezesta Outdoor Furniture is very stylish and comes in a variety of vibrant colors and designs, though the brand is now limited to remaining inventory. So if you’re looking for stylish and functional furniture to create your outdoor oasis, polyethylene plastic is the way to go.

What You Will Learn

• What polymer lumber is and how it relates to polyethylene outdoor furniture
• The main polymer lumber benefits, including durability and low maintenance
• How Polymer Lumber and Breezesta compare in price, warranty, and product selection
• What to consider before choosing poly furniture for your patio

What is Polyethylene Plastic Furniture?

Recyclable polyethylene plastic furniture is a type of furniture that is made from a plastic called high-density polyethylene. The material is exceptionally durable and resistant to the elements, making it a popular choice for patios and decks.

What Is Polymer Lumber?

Polymer lumber, often called poly lumber, is the same family of material described above, named for how the plastic is milled into boards rather than for the plastic itself. Manufacturers melt high-density polyethylene, frequently sourced from recycled plastic, then form it into solid planks that can be cut, drilled, and fastened much like wood, which is how most poly lumber furniture is built. One structural difference matters: the color runs all the way through the board instead of sitting on the surface the way stain or paint does.

Designed to look and feel like natural wood, polyethylene plastic is made by blending different types of plastic together and then forming the mixture into planks or beams. The material can be sawed, sanded, and drilled just like natural wood, making it a versatile building material.

In addition, it is resistant to rot, mold, and insects, making it an ideal choice for outdoor furniture. Because poly lumber can incorporate recycled material, its specific composition should be confirmed with the manufacturer.

It is easy to care for, usually requiring only occasional cleaning with soap and water. In addition, the material is available in various colors and styles, so it is easy to find furniture that will complement any outdoor space.

It is Durable and Low Maintenance

Polyethylene plastic can incorporate recycled content and is designed for long-term outdoor use. Polyethylene plastic is UV resistant, can withstand extreme temperatures, and is designed to resist fading and cracking from outdoor exposure. In fact, polyethylene plastic is resistant to mildew, as well as most chemicals (acids, alkalies, salt spray). As a result, this material is an excellent choice for outdoor furniture.

Durability is one reason poly lumber stands out when comparing outdoor furniture materials. It does not require the same routine staining or sealing as many natural wood products, which can make it a practical option for homeowners who want outdoor seating and tables without extensive seasonal upkeep.

For a broader look at materials and accessories for an outdoor space, see our guide to Must-Have Outdoor Furniture and Accessories to Upgrade Your Patio This Summer.

It’s Environmentally Friendly

Polyethylene plastic can provide an alternative to natural lumber because wood is not its primary material. Poly lumber can be made with post-consumer recycled plastic, including materials such as milk jugs and detergent bottles, which keeps existing plastic in use. Product composition and end-of-life recycling options vary by manufacturer, so shoppers should verify those details for the specific furniture they are considering.

Polyethylene Plastic Furniture Retains Color

One of the most distinguishing features of polyethylene plastic is its color. It is available in various colors, from natural wood grain tones to bright, bold hues. This means you can find outdoor furniture in any color scheme you can imagine.

So if you’re looking for outdoor furniture that looks great and is suitable for the environment, polyethylene plastic is worth considering. Through-color construction is designed to help the furniture maintain a consistent appearance, although outdoor exposure and care can affect how a piece looks over time.

That through-color construction also makes coordination easier, whether you are matching an existing patio, deck, outdoor kitchen, or entertaining area.

Cleaning Polyethylene Plastic Furniture is Easy

Polyethylene plastic outdoor furniture is a great choice for those who want the look of wood without the maintenance. However, over time, it can look a bit dirty or fade with grime build-up.

Luckily, cleaning polyethylene plastic furniture is a relatively straightforward process. For light cleaning, simply mix soap and water in a bucket and use a soft cloth to wipe down the furniture. Pressure washing is also an acceptable cleaning method for stubborn dirt and grime.

Routine maintenance generally focuses on removing pollen, dust, food residue, and grime according to the manufacturer’s care instructions.

Poly Furniture Comparison: Price, Warranty, and Product Range

So, knowing all the information about the material both companies provided, what’s the best choice for you and your home? The answer may vary from household to household, but we’re here to help narrow your decision down a little closer by going over a few categories applicable to both companies.

Both brands build from the same base material, high-density polyethylene poly lumber, so the real differences come down to price, warranty, and selection.

Price

Pricing between Polymer Lumber and Breezesta Poly Furniture was fairly close across most of the two brands. Across most of their products, Breezesta Poly Furniture historically carried a slightly lower price tag than Polymer Lumber, but the two brands come close in this category.

Price is only the starting number, so weigh it against construction, warranty terms, and the styles each brand actually offers.

Warranty

Warranty coverage matters most for furniture that stays outside year round. The original comparison listed a 20-year warranty for Polymer Lumber products, while Breezesta historically offered a limited lifetime residential warranty with prorated coverage.

Under Breezesta’s published warranty schedule, qualifying residential coverage was historically valued at 100% during years 0 through 15, 50% during years 16 through 25, and 25% beginning in year 26.

However, Casual Living Unlimited, the company behind Breezesta, ceased operations effective April 14, 2025. Warranty claims are now being administered as part of the company’s wind-down process. Shoppers considering remaining Breezesta inventory should confirm current availability, warranty support, and applicable terms before purchasing.

Product Range

Who between Polymer Lumber and Breezesta Poly Furniture offers the more extensive array of products? That can be hard to narrow down exactly, as it depends on how you define a collection of products. Polymer Lumber provides more comprehensive and varied static products and product categories compared to Breezesta Poly Furniture. However, the latter offers more extensive customization compared to Polymer Lumber in regards to the styling and coloring of specific products. Looking to see a comprehensive range of the Breezesta Poly Furniture available? Look no further than Greater Southern’s collection of Breezesta Poly Furniture.

Breezesta’s manufacturer has since ceased operations, so Greater Southern’s current poly lumber collection shows the poly furniture options currently listed online.

Frequently Asked Questions About Poly Furniture

What is polymer lumber?

Polymer lumber is a wood-like material manufactured from plastic polymers, commonly including high-density polyethylene. It is widely used for outdoor furniture because it resists moisture, rot, and insects while requiring relatively little maintenance. Many poly lumber products also incorporate recycled plastic and are available in numerous colors and furniture styles.

Is Breezesta furniture durable?

Breezesta furniture was designed for long-term outdoor use using high-density polyethylene that resists moisture, rot, and insects. However, Casual Living Unlimited, the company behind Breezesta, ceased operations effective April 14, 2025, so shoppers should confirm remaining inventory, replacement-part availability, and current warranty support before purchasing.

How long does poly lumber outdoor furniture last?

Poly lumber is built to last decades rather than seasons, which is why the original Polymer Lumber comparison cited a 20-year warranty and Breezesta historically offered a limited lifetime program. Frame quality and heavy sun exposure shape the outcome more than the color you choose.

Is poly lumber better than aluminum or wicker patio furniture?

It depends on what the space needs. Poly lumber is heavy, weather-resistant, and requires relatively little routine maintenance, which suits a patio that stays set up year round. Cast aluminum is lighter and easier to rearrange, and woven wicker reads softer and more lounge-oriented, so the better material is the one that matches how you actually use the space.

Compare Outdoor Furniture Options at Greater Southern 

Polyethylene plastic furniture can be a practical option for shoppers who value weather resistance and relatively low routine maintenance. Product lifespan, color retention, recycled content, warranty coverage, and availability vary by manufacturer, so compare the specific furniture and current support before purchasing.

Shopping for patio furniture in Atlanta or Alpharetta? Browse the patio furniture collection, call (404) 352-3088, or contact us with the dimensions of your space and we will tell you what fits.

Last updated on September 22, 2026