What is the difference between Polywood and Luxcraft outdoor furniture? Both brands are reputable manufacturers of poly outdoor furniture. This article compares these two outdoor furniture brands, based on various factors such as durability, product range and price.
What is Polywood ?
Polywood was one of the first companies to manufacture outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic. They produced their own HDPE (High density polyethylene) lumber boards, which they milled and cut, to produce furniture. Since then, many poly outdoor furniture companies have entered the market, producing their own furniture lines made out of HDPE.
What is Luxcraft ?
Luxcraft has grown in popularity in recent years, based in Ohio it is an Amish based company which also produces high quality outdoor furniture from HDPE. They purchase their poly from Tangent Lumber company (as do many other poly furniture manufacturers).
1. Materials and Sustainability
LuxCraft :
- Specializes in poly-lumber furniture made from recycled plastics.
- Often associated with durability and weather resistance.
- Focuses on Amish craftsmanship, with an emphasis on long-lasting quality.
POLYWOOD :
- Pioneered the use of HDPE for outdoor furniture.
- Uses proprietary materials derived from recycled milk jugs and detergent bottles.
- Strong emphasis on sustainability, including carbon-neutral manufacturing.
2. Design and Aesthetic
LuxCraft :
- Offers more traditional, rustic designs, which often appeal to those who prefer a classic or Amish-inspired aesthetic.
- Color options are typically natural or earth tones, but vibrant colors are also available.
POLYWOOD :
- Leans toward modern, sleek designs with clean lines.
- Offers a wide variety of colors, including bold and neutral tones, for a more contemporary look.
3. Durability and Performance
LuxCraft :
- Known for thick construction and robust hardware.
- Offers a lifetime warranty, highlighting its confidence in durability.
- Heavy and stable, resistant to tipping and strong winds.
POLYWOOD :
- Highly durable, designed to withstand harsh weather conditions (sun, rain, saltwater).
- Features UV-inhibiting materials to prevent fading.
- Comes with a 20-year residential warranty.
4. Product Range
LuxCraft :
- Focuses heavily on Adirondack chairs, swings, gliders, and picnic tables.
- Primarily sold through specialty retailers and Amish furniture stores.
POLYWOOD :
- Offers a broader product range, including outdoor dining sets, benches, rockers, and sectional furniture.
- Easily available online and through major retailers.
5. Pricing
LuxCraft :
- Slightly higher price point, but often justified by the craftsmanship and warranty.
- More niche availability can sometimes lead to regional price variations.
POLYWOOD :
- Also premium-priced, but often perceived as more accessible due to wide distribution.
- Occasional sales and discounts make it more affordable for budget-conscious buyers.
6. Assembly and Maintenance
LuxCraft :
- Often comes pre-assembled or with minimal assembly required.
- Maintenance is low; cleaning requires soap, water, and a soft brush.
POLYWOOD :
- Some assembly is required for most products, but instructions are user-friendly.
- Maintenance-free beyond periodic cleaning.
Product Range and Marketing
As a smaller-scale manufacturer they focus on product design and comfort, rather than being influenced by factors to do with marketing to the mass-scale market. Whereas Polywood focus on being available across the country both in retail stores and on national ecommerce sites. Due to their mass-market approach, lead times for Polywood items will be much shorter than for Luxcraft items. However we have yet to come across a customer who says that their Luxcraft furniture was not worth the wait !
