Who Is POLYWOOD's Biggest Competitor? Top Outdoor Furniture Brands Compared

If you’ve shopped for outdoor furniture lately, you’ve probably seen POLYWOOD. Their sleek, colorful chairs and tables look like wood but don’t rot, crack, or need painting. They’re popular for patios, decks, and poolside spots. But if you’re comparing options, you’re not just wondering if POLYWOOD is good-you’re asking: POLYWOOD’s biggest competitor is who?

Why POLYWOOD Stands Out

POLYWOOD makes furniture from recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE), mostly from milk jugs and detergent bottles. That’s not just marketing-it’s real. Each bench uses about 400 recycled plastic containers. The material doesn’t absorb water, so it won’t warp in rain or fade under sun. Their frames are solid, not hollow, and come with a 20-year warranty. That’s longer than most wood or metal outdoor sets.

They offer a wide range: Adirondack chairs, dining sets, swing benches, even outdoor sofas. Colors are bold and fade-resistant. You can buy them in white, charcoal, seafoam, or coral. No staining. No sealing. Just wipe with soap and water. That’s why homeowners, resorts, and even public parks choose them.

Teak: The Traditional Rival

For decades, teak wood was the gold standard for outdoor furniture. Brands like Brown Jordan and Kingsley Bate still sell high-end teak sets that cost $2,000 to $8,000. Teak has natural oils that repel moisture and resist insects. It weathers to a soft gray, which many people love.

But teak has downsides. It’s expensive. It needs annual oiling to keep its golden color. If you skip maintenance, it cracks. And it’s not eco-friendly-deforestation in Southeast Asia is still a problem, even with FSC-certified suppliers. POLYWOOD beats teak on price, upkeep, and sustainability. But if you want that classic, rich wood look, teak still wins.

Aluminum: The Lightweight Contender

Aluminum frames are everywhere. Brands like Telescope Casual and Argent use powder-coated aluminum with woven resin wicker. These sets are lightweight, rust-proof, and often cheaper than POLYWOOD. You can find a full 5-piece dining set for under $1,000.

But aluminum doesn’t hold up as well over time. The wicker weave can crack after a few winters. Metal frames can get hot in direct sun. And if the powder coating chips, rust can creep in underneath. POLYWOOD doesn’t have those issues. It’s solid, not woven. No seams to pull apart. No metal to corrode.

Resin Wicker: The Most Popular Alternative

Resin wicker furniture is the most common type you’ll see at big-box stores like Home Depot or Target. It’s made from synthetic fibers woven over metal or aluminum frames. Brands like Hampton Bay, Best Choice Products, and Costway dominate this space.

Here’s the catch: most resin wicker isn’t built for long-term use. The frames are thin. The weave is often hollow. After two or three seasons, the cushions fade, the weave gets brittle, and the frame bends. POLYWOOD, by contrast, is one solid piece. No joints. No weaving. No hidden metal.

So while resin wicker might look similar at first glance, it’s not the same quality. POLYWOOD’s biggest competitor here isn’t just another brand-it’s the entire category of cheap, disposable outdoor furniture.

Polywood’s Real Rival: Recycled Plastic from Other Brands

Now we get to the real answer: POLYWOOD’s biggest competitor isn’t teak or aluminum-it’s other brands making the same recycled plastic furniture.

Recycled HDPE furniture has exploded in the last 10 years. Companies like Trex Outdoor Furniture, Loll Designs, and Highwood now make sets that are nearly identical to POLYWOOD in material, color, and durability.

Trex, known for decking, launched their outdoor line in 2020. They use the same recycled plastic, same 20-year warranty, same solid construction. Their designs are a bit more modern-think clean lines, minimalist silhouettes. And they’re often 10-15% cheaper than POLYWOOD.

Loll Designs is smaller but popular with eco-conscious buyers. They make chairs with bold, sculptural shapes. Their products are made in Minnesota, and they ship flat-pack to cut shipping emissions. Highwood, based in Wisconsin, uses 95% recycled plastic and offers custom colors. They even have matching planters and fire pits.

These brands aren’t just copying POLYWOOD-they’re improving on it. Better ergonomics. More color options. Lower prices. Better shipping. POLYWOOD still leads in brand recognition, but the competition is closing the gap fast.

What You Should Buy

If you want the most durable, low-maintenance outdoor furniture, recycled HDPE is your best bet. But you don’t have to buy POLYWOOD.

Here’s how to choose:

• Go with POLYWOOD if you want the widest selection, the most retail locations, and the strongest brand trust.
• Choose Trex Outdoor if you want similar quality at a lower price and like modern, minimalist styles.
• Select Loll Designs if you care about U.S. manufacturing and unique, artistic shapes.
• Try Highwood if you want custom colors or need matching accessories like fire pits or benches.

Don’t waste money on resin wicker from Target or Walmart if you plan to keep it for more than three years. Don’t pay $4,000 for teak unless you love the look and are ready to maintain it. For most people, recycled plastic is the smartest long-term choice.

What Most People Get Wrong

Many shoppers think all outdoor furniture labeled “all-weather” is the same. It’s not. Some brands use thin plastic shells over flimsy frames. Others use recycled plastic but skimp on thickness. POLYWOOD uses 1.5-inch thick material. Trex uses 1.3 inches. Cheaper brands? Often less than 1 inch.

Another mistake: buying based on color alone. Bright colors like yellow or red fade faster than charcoal, gray, or green. If you want your furniture to look new after 10 years, pick darker, earthier tones.

And don’t assume warranty = quality. Some brands offer 10-year warranties but use hollow frames that bend under weight. POLYWOOD and its top rivals use solid, one-piece construction. That’s what matters.

Final Verdict

POLYWOOD’s biggest competitor isn’t one brand. It’s the whole wave of recycled plastic furniture makers who are doing the same thing-better, cheaper, faster. Trex Outdoor Furniture is the closest in quality and price. Loll Designs brings innovation. Highwood gives you customization.

But if you want the most trusted name with the most options, POLYWOOD still leads. Just don’t assume it’s the only good choice. The market has caught up. You have real alternatives now-and they’re just as durable, just as eco-friendly, and often less expensive.