If you’re shopping for outdoor furniture that won’t fade, warp, or fall apart after just a few seasons—you’re going to want to read this. After dealing with an expensive wooden dining table didn’t hold up (even under a covered gazebo), I finally made the switch to Polywood. Was it worth the investment? And is it actually as low-maintenance and durable as everyone says? I’m sharing exactly what we bought, how much we paid, and the honest pros and cons after using it so far this summer.
When I first had our deck built in 2019, I bought a wooden outdoor dining table from World Market that I originally loved. It wasn’t exactly cheap (around $550), and unfortunately, it didn’t hold up the way I had hoped. Even under our fully covered gazebo, it warped, weathered, and split quickly. I refinished it twice and still found myself constantly managing upkeep. After just a few seasons, it was clear: we needed something more durable and way less high-maintenance.
Weighing the Options
If you’re in the market, here’s a quick breakdown of what I considered:
- Wood: Classic, but high-maintenance. Prone to fading, cracking, and weathering.
- Metal (steel or iron): Very sturdy but gets hot in the sun and can rust if not treated properly.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and rust-resistant, but can feel a bit flimsy and less premium.
- Teak: Gorgeous and naturally weather-resistant, but super expensive and still needs occasional sealing.
- Polywood: Made from recycled plastics, won’t fade or splinter, nearly indestructible, low-maintenance, and weather-resistant.
After so much research, I kept coming back to Polywood. Reviews were overwhelmingly positive, and people were calling it a “buy once, love forever” kind of product.
Why We Chose Polywood
With Polywood, I loved that:
- It won’t fade, weather, or splinter like wood.
- It requires little to no yearly upkeep (just scrub with a little soapy water and rinse off as needed).
- It won’t get blazing hot in the sun like metal.
- It’s backed by a 20-year warranty and made in the USA with sustainable materials.
It felt like a smart long-term investment—especially after spending hundreds on a wood table that didn’t last.
The Table We Chose + What We Paid
I ended up going with the Studio Parsons Polywood table. It’s 34″ x 64″ and seats six comfortably. The style is simple and minimal, which I love. I caught an early summer sale on Wayfair and paid around $700, though it’s currently listed for even less (closer to $650, depending on color).
I also snagged a new wet-rated outdoor light fixture with a gorgeous rattan shade – obsessed.
If you’re browsing, here are a few other great Polywood outdoor dining table styles I considered:
Choosing the Right Color
I debated hard between bright white, cream, and black. I loved the clean look of white, but read a few reviews saying dirt settles into the texture and it shows more easily (even though it’s easy to rinse off). Cream felt like it might blend too much with the wood tones on our deck.
Ultimately, I went with black, which ties in beautifully with our black metal roof on both the house and the gazebo. I’m so happy I did—it’s sophisticated, a little more moody and modern, and super forgiving when it comes to dirt and dust.
Delivery + Assembly
The table took a couple weeks to arrive and required scheduled delivery. It’s super heavy, so I was grateful that the delivery team carried it onto our deck for me.
Assembly was honestly a breeze. All we had to do was attach the legs with large screws. It took just a few minutes to put together, though I recommend having two people on hand to flip it upright.
First Impressions
Right away, I was impressed with how solid and well-built the table feels. It doesn’t wobble, it doesn’t creak—it’s sturdy. The Polywood material is thick and has a nice textured finish that feels incredibly durable. It doesn’t get overly hot, and it wipes clean easily.
I do plan to cover it during the winter months (just to keep it clean), but there’s truly no maintenance required – why did I wait so long to make the switch to Polywood?
Seating
Right now, I’m still using the black metal chairs we had with our old table since they match perfectly. But after seeing the quality of this table, I’m seriously considering switching over to Polywood chairs in the future when I can catch another sale. I also have white wooden Adirondack chairs that need constant touch-ups—Polywood might be next for those too.
Polywood Adirondack Chair Options:
Modern Curveback Polywood Adirondack Chair
Modern Polywood Adirondack Chair
Vineyard Polywood Adirondack Chair
Classic Polywood Adirondack Chair
Modern Polywood Adirondack Rocker
Vineyard Polywood Adirondack Rocker
Polywood Dining Chair Options:
Lakeside Polywood Dining Chair
Vineyard Polywood Dining Chair
La Casa Cafe Polywood Dining Chair
Veranda Polywood Dining Chair
Oxford Polywood Dining Chair
Who I Recommend This To
Honestly, I think Polywood is a great fit for:
- Families with kids or pets (super easy to clean)
- People who love to entertain outdoors
- Anyone living in harsh climates (sun, rain, snow)
- Homeowners tired of replacing outdoor furniture every few years
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