Is Composite Deck The Same As Polywood

Composite decking and Polywood, though both durable and low-maintenance, serve different purposes. Composite decking, made from a mix of wood fibers and plastic, is mainly used for outdoor decking. Polywood, crafted entirely from recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE), is commonly used for outdoor furniture but can also be applied to other outdoor structures. While both materials resist weathering, their uses differ: composite decking provides a wood-like look for long-lasting outdoor surfaces, while Polywood offers an eco-friendly option for stylish and versatile outdoor designs.

Table of Contents

• Understanding Composite Decking

• Understanding Polywood

• Composite Decking vs. Polywood: Key Comparisons

• Can Polywood Be Used for Decking?

• Is Composite Decking as Eco-Friendly as Polywood?

• Conclusion

Understanding Composite Decking

What Is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is a modern material designed to provide the look of natural wood while offering enhanced durability and minimal upkeep. It is made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic, creating a synthetic product that resists many of the issues associated with traditional wood. Unlike wood, composite decking does not warp, crack, or splinter, making it an excellent choice for outdoor spaces exposed to varying weather conditions.

This material is particularly popular among builders and wholesalers because of its ability to mimic the aesthetic appeal of wood without requiring frequent maintenance. You can enjoy the beauty of wood without worrying about staining, sealing, or replacing damaged boards.

Composition and Manufacturing Process

The composition of composite decking combines wood powder and recycled plastics, such as PVC and HDPE. These materials are carefully mixed to create a durable and eco-friendly product. The ratio of wood to plastic may vary depending on the manufacturer, but the goal remains the same: to produce a material that balances strength, flexibility, and longevity.

The manufacturing process involves several steps:

Material Collection: Recycled wood fibers and plastics, such as milk jugs and detergent bottles, are gathered.

Blending: These materials are combined with bonding agents and pigments to achieve the desired color and texture.

Extrusion: The mixture is heated and shaped into boards using molds, ensuring consistency in size and appearance.

Cooling and Finishing: The boards are cooled, trimmed, and sometimes embossed with wood grain patterns for a more natural look.

This process not only creates a durable product but also contributes to sustainability by repurposing waste materials.

Common Applications of Composite Decking

Composite decking is primarily used for outdoor flooring, but its versatility allows it to serve various purposes. Here are some common applications:

Residential Decks: Homeowners often choose composite decking for patios, pool decks, and backyard spaces due to its low maintenance and long lifespan.

Commercial Spaces: Restaurants, resorts, and event venues use composite decking to create attractive and durable outdoor seating areas.

Boardwalks and Pathways: Its resistance to moisture and rot makes it ideal for walkways near water bodies.

Pergolas and Gazebos: Builders use composite decking to construct outdoor structures that complement the surrounding environment.

By choosing composite decking, you gain a material that combines functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Its ability to withstand harsh conditions while maintaining its appearance makes it a preferred choice for outdoor projects.

Understanding Polywood

What Is Polywood?

Polywood is a revolutionary material designed for outdoor furniture. It is crafted from 100% recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a durable plastic known for its resilience. Unlike traditional wood, Polywood does not crack, splinter, or rot, making it an excellent choice for outdoor settings.

Polywood emerged in the late 1980s as part of the recycling movement. The brand aimed to create eco-friendly furniture by repurposing plastic waste into high-quality products. Today, Polywood furniture enhances outdoor living spaces with its stylish designs and weather-resistant properties.

Composition and Manufacturing Process

The composition of Polywood relies entirely on HDPE plastics, such as recycled milk jugs and detergent bottles. This approach not only reduces plastic waste but also ensures a non-toxic and sustainable product. The manufacturing process transforms these recycled materials into durable lumber with a wood-like appearance.

Here’s how Polywood is made:

Plastic Collection: Recycled HDPE plastics are gathered and sorted to ensure quality.

Cleaning and Processing: The plastics are cleaned thoroughly to remove impurities.

Melting and Flaking: The cleaned plastics are melted down and processed into small flakes.

Pigment Addition: UV-inhibited pigments are added to the material to create vibrant colors and prevent fading.

Shaping and Finishing: The mixture is molded into lumber and embossed with a wood grain texture for a natural look.

This process results in a material that withstands harsh weather conditions, including sun, rain, and snow. The use of Color-Stay Technology ensures that Polywood retains its appearance and durability over time.

Common Applications of Polywood

Polywood is primarily used for outdoor furniture, but its versatility allows it to serve various purposes. Here are some common applications:

Patio Furniture: Polywood is ideal for chairs, tables, and benches that can endure outdoor elements without losing their charm.

Poolside Loungers: Its resistance to moisture makes it perfect for furniture near pools or water features.

Garden Accessories: Products like planters, swings, and Adirondack chairs enhance the aesthetic appeal of gardens and backyards.

Commercial Spaces: Resorts, cafes, and parks use Polywood furniture to create durable and stylish seating areas.

By choosing Polywood, you invest in a material that combines style, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Its ability to withstand the elements while maintaining its beauty makes it a preferred choice for outdoor furniture.

Composite Decking vs. Polywood: Key Comparisons

Durability and Longevity

Both composite decking and Polywood are highly durable, excelling in their respective uses. Composite decking, made from wood fibers and plastic, resists rot, warping, and insects, making it a reliable choice for outdoor flooring that can last up to 30 years with proper care.

Polywood, crafted from 100% recycled HDPE, resists cracking, splintering, and weather damage, making it ideal for outdoor furniture. Its UV and moisture resistance ensures long-lasting appearance and performance. While both materials are built to endure, composite decking is best for structural applications, while Polywood is perfect for furniture.

Maintenance and Care

Both composite decking and Polywood require minimal maintenance compared to traditional wood. Composite decking eliminates the need for staining, sealing, or painting. You only need to clean it occasionally with soap and water to remove dirt and debris. Its low-maintenance nature makes it a favorite among builders and homeowners who want to save time and effort.

Polywood also offers easy care. It does not require painting or staining, and cleaning involves a simple wipe-down with mild soap and water. Its Color-Stay Technology ensures that the material retains its vibrant color without fading. Whether you choose composite decking or Polywood, you can enjoy their benefits without the hassle of frequent upkeep.

Cost and Affordability

The initial cost of composite decking tends to be higher than that of Polywood. However, composite decking offers long-term savings due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. You avoid the recurring costs of repairs, staining, or replacing damaged boards, making it a cost-effective choice for outdoor flooring over time.

Polywood, while generally more affordable upfront, also provides excellent value. Its durability and resistance to weather damage reduce the need for replacements, ensuring that your investment lasts for years. When comparing costs, consider the specific application and the long-term benefits of each material.

Appearance and Aesthetic Options

When selecting materials for outdoor projects, appearance plays a significant role. Both composite decking and Polywood offer aesthetic versatility, but they cater to different design preferences and applications.

Composite decking provides a natural wood-like appearance, making it an excellent choice for those who want the charm of wood without its drawbacks. Manufacturers often emboss composite boards with realistic wood grain patterns, enhancing their visual appeal. You can choose from a wide range of colors, including earthy tones like brown, gray, and tan, or opt for more modern shades. Composite decking also retains its color over time, resisting fading caused by sunlight exposure.

Polywood, on the other hand, focuses on creating stylish and vibrant outdoor furniture. It offers a variety of bold and neutral colors, such as white, black, navy, and green, allowing you to match your furniture to your outdoor décor. The material’s Color-Stay Technology ensures that the colors remain vivid even after prolonged exposure to the elements. Unlike composite decking, Polywood does not mimic wood grain but instead emphasizes sleek, modern designs.

By choosing composite decking, you achieve a timeless wood-like look for your outdoor spaces. If you prefer colorful and contemporary furniture, Polywood offers the perfect solution.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Sustainability has become a critical factor in material selection. Both composite decking and Polywood contribute to environmental conservation, but they do so in unique ways.

Composite decking incorporates recycled wood fibers and plastics, reducing the need for virgin materials. This approach minimizes deforestation and repurposes waste products like milk jugs and detergent bottles. By choosing composite decking, you support a sustainable alternative to traditional wood decking. Its durability and long lifespan—up to 30 years—further reduce environmental impact by decreasing the frequency of replacements.

Polywood takes sustainability a step further by using 100% recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastics. This process diverts significant amounts of plastic waste from landfills and transforms it into durable outdoor furniture. Polywood’s manufacturing process avoids the use of harmful chemicals, ensuring a non-toxic and eco-friendly product. Its longevity also reduces waste, as Polywood furniture can last for decades without losing its functionality or appearance.

Composite Decking VS. Polywood

Can Polywood Be Used for Decking?

Polywood is not suitable for decking. Its design and composition make it ideal for outdoor furniture rather than structural applications. Polywood’s 100% HDPE plastic structure lacks the strength and density required for decking. While it resists cracking, splintering, and weather damage, it cannot support the weight and stress that decking materials endure.

Composite decking, however, is specifically engineered for outdoor flooring. Its blend of wood fibers and plastic provides the necessary strength and durability for decks, boardwalks, and other structural uses. The wood component in composite decking enhances its load-bearing capacity, making it a reliable choice for building outdoor structures.

If you’re considering materials for a deck, composite decking offers the durability and aesthetic appeal you need. Polywood remains an excellent choice for furniture but should not be used as a decking material.

Is Composite Decking as Eco-Friendly as Polywood?

Both composite decking and Polywood promote sustainability, but their environmental impacts differ slightly. Composite decking incorporates recycled wood and plastic, reducing the need for virgin materials. This approach minimizes deforestation and repurposes waste, making it a greener alternative to traditional wood decking. Its long lifespan—up to 30 years—further reduces environmental impact by decreasing the frequency of replacements.

Polywood takes eco-friendliness a step further by using only recycled HDPE plastics. This process diverts significant amounts of plastic waste from landfills and transforms it into durable furniture. Polywood’s manufacturing avoids harmful chemicals, ensuring a non-toxic product. Its longevity also reduces waste, as Polywood furniture can last for decades without losing its functionality or appearance.

Conclusion

Composite decking and Polywood cater to different outdoor needs, each with distinct benefits. Composite decking is ideal for flooring and structures, offering durability and a natural wood-like look. Polywood, designed for outdoor furniture, blends sustainability with style. The best choice depends on your specific application, maintenance needs, and environmental considerations.