LuxCraft Vs. POLYWOOD: A First-Person Comparison of Poly Furniture Giants

I’ve spent countless summers dreaming of the perfect outdoor setup—furniture that’s stylish, durable, and doesn’t demand constant upkeep. That’s why I turned my attention to poly furniture, and two brands stood out: LuxCraft and POLYWOOD.

In this article, I’ll walk you through my experience comparing these industry leaders, weighing their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which is best for your patio.

From craftsmanship to cost, I’ll break it all down in a way that’s clear and relatable, so you can make an informed choice for your outdoor oasis.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Journey Into Poly Furniture

When I first started shopping for outdoor furniture, I was tired of replacing cheap wooden sets that warped or faded after a single season.

I wanted something that could handle scorching summers, rainy springs, and the occasional snowstorm without me hovering over it with a paintbrush or sealant.

That’s when I discovered poly furniture—made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a recycled plastic that’s tough, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance. It sounded like a dream, but with so many brands out there, I needed to narrow it down.

LuxCraft and POLYWOOD kept popping up as the top contenders, so I decided to put them head-to-head.

What Is Poly Furniture?

Before we get into the comparison, let’s talk about what makes poly furniture so special. It’s crafted from HDPE, a material derived from recycled plastics like milk jugs and detergent bottles.

Unlike wood, which rots or splinters, or metal, which rusts, poly furniture is built to withstand the elements—rain, sun, snow, even saltwater. It’s UV-protected, fade-resistant, and requires little more than a quick wash with soap and water to stay looking fresh.

Both LuxCraft and POLYWOOD use HDPE, but their approaches differ in ways that impact performance, style, and price.

LuxCraft: The Artisanal Heavyweight

I first encountered LuxCraft at a local outdoor furniture showroom, and I was immediately struck by the heft and quality of their pieces.

Based in Sugarcreek, Ohio, LuxCraft is a family-owned, Amish-run company that’s been crafting poly furniture since 1990.

Their focus on meticulous craftsmanship and customizable designs gives their products a premium, handcrafted feel.

Pros of LuxCraft

• Unmatched Durability: LuxCraft uses thicker HDPE lumber, which makes their furniture feel substantial and sturdy. I sat in one of their Adirondack chairs, and it felt like it could survive a hurricane. Tests show their HDPE resists fading by up to 95% after five years of sun exposure, which is impressive for anyone with a sunny patio.
• Customizable Designs: LuxCraft offers a wide range of colors, styles, and configurations. Want a specific shade for your dining set or a unique glider design? They’ve got you covered. This flexibility made me feel like I was designing my own furniture.
• Lifetime Warranty: For residential use, LuxCraft offers a lifetime warranty, which gave me peace of mind. Their commercial warranty is five years, still solid for high-traffic settings.
• Eco-Friendly Craftsmanship: Like POLYWOOD, LuxCraft uses recycled HDPE, reducing landfill waste. Their commitment to sustainability aligns with my values, and I appreciated knowing my purchase supported eco-conscious practices.
• Comfort and Ergonomics: LuxCraft’s furniture is designed with comfort in mind. Their chairs have contoured seats and wide armrests, which I found perfect for long evenings outdoors. The lack of splinters or warping was a bonus.

Cons of LuxCraft

• Higher Price Point: Quality comes at a cost. LuxCraft’s furniture is pricier, often $50–$100 more per piece than comparable POLYWOOD items. For example, a LuxCraft Adirondack chair might cost $300, while a similar POLYWOOD model is around $239.
• Longer Lead Times: Because LuxCraft focuses on made-to-order pieces, delivery can take weeks or even months. If you’re impatient like me, this can feel like an eternity.
• Heavier Feel: While lighter than POLYWOOD (a LuxCraft Adirondack chair weighs about 25 pounds compared to POLYWOOD’s 30), some pieces still feel bulky, which might be a hassle if you rearrange your patio often.

POLYWOOD: The Modern Trailblazer

POLYWOOD, based in Syracuse, Indiana, is the brand that put poly furniture on the map.

Also founded in 1990, they pioneered the use of recycled HDPE for outdoor furniture, turning millions of milk jugs into stylish, durable pieces.

I first saw their furniture at a big-box retailer, and the sleek designs and vibrant colors caught my eye.

Pros of POLYWOOD

• Affordable Pricing: POLYWOOD’s prices are generally lower, making it a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers. Their Classic Folding Adirondack Chair, for instance, retails for $239, compared to LuxCraft’s $300+ for a similar model.
• Wide Availability: POLYWOOD’s mass-market approach means you can find their furniture at major retailers and online with shorter lead times. I ordered a dining set and had it delivered in under a week.
• Modern and Classic Designs: POLYWOOD offers a broad range of styles, from the timeless Nautical Curveback Adirondack Chair to the sleek PW Designer Series. I loved how their modern pieces fit my minimalist aesthetic.
• Durability and Crack Resistance: POLYWOOD’s proprietary HDPE blend is 15% more resistant to cracking than standard HDPE, according to independent tests. Their furniture is heavier, which adds stability in windy conditions.
• 20-Year Warranty: POLYWOOD’s 20-year residential warranty is reassuring, though it’s slightly less generous than LuxCraft’s lifetime offering.

Cons of POLYWOOD

• Thinner Lumber: POLYWOOD uses slightly thinner HDPE boards, which can feel less substantial. When I compared their chairs to LuxCraft’s, I noticed a difference in heft, though both felt sturdy.
• Less Customization: While POLYWOOD offers plenty of styles, they don’t match LuxCraft’s level of customization. I couldn’t tweak the design or color as much as I wanted.
• Mixed Customer Service: Some users report inconsistent experiences with POLYWOOD’s warranty and support. I read about a case where replacement parts took weeks to arrive, which was a red flag for me.
• Weight Concerns: The heavier build (30 pounds for an Adirondack chair) can be a pro for stability but a con if you need to move furniture frequently. I struggled to rearrange a POLYWOOD sectional on my deck.

Key Differences Between LuxCraft And POLYWOOD

• Durability: A Head-to-Head Battle

Both brands excel in durability, but their approaches differ. LuxCraft’s thicker HDPE lumber gives it an edge in extreme conditions—think coastal areas with saltwater exposure or high-traffic patios.

I tested a LuxCraft bench during a rainy summer, and it emerged spotless after a quick rinse. POLYWOOD’s furniture is no slouch, though. Its proprietary blend and marine-grade hardware make it ideal for humid or coastal environments.

I left a POLYWOOD table outside through a harsh winter, and it showed no signs of fading or cracking.

LuxCraft’s stainless steel fasteners add a layer of rust resistance, which I appreciated living near the ocean. POLYWOOD’s marine-grade hardware is equally corrosion-resistant, but I noticed their furniture’s heavier weight made it less likely to tip in strong winds. If you live in a windy area, POLYWOOD’s heft might be a deciding factor.

• Design and Style: Artisanal vs. Accessible

LuxCraft’s designs lean toward a handcrafted, artisanal vibe. Their Adirondack Swivel Glider Chair, one of their bestsellers, combines classic style with a heavy-duty swivel base that I found incredibly smooth.

The ability to customize colors and configurations made me feel like I was curating a unique outdoor space. However, their focus on traditional designs might not appeal to those craving a modern look.

POLYWOOD, on the other hand, balances classic and contemporary. Their PW Designer Series, with sleek lines and open frames, felt perfect for my modern patio setup. I also loved their Nautical Curveback Adirondack Chair for its ergonomic comfort and approachable price.

However, the lack of deep customization options left me wanting more flexibility.

• Comfort: Sitting Pretty

Comfort is where both brands shine, but they cater to slightly different preferences.

LuxCraft’s ergonomic designs, with wider armrests and contoured seats, made long conversations on my patio a breeze.

I spent hours in their glider without a hint of discomfort.

The thicker lumber also gives a solid, grounded feel that I found reassuring.

POLYWOOD’s furniture is equally comfortable, with a focus on ergonomic angles and adjustable features. Their chairs often have tilted seats and waterfall edges to reduce leg pressure, which I noticed during a long barbecue.

However, some users, especially taller folks over 6 feet, have complained that POLYWOOD’s chairs feel too small. I’m average height, so this wasn’t an issue for me, but it’s worth considering if you’re taller.

• Price and Value: Budget vs. Investment

Price was a big factor in my decision. LuxCraft’s premium craftsmanship comes with a higher price tag. A dining set might run $1,500–$2,000, while a comparable POLYWOOD set could be $1,200–$1,600.

For me, LuxCraft’s lifetime warranty and customization options justified the cost, especially if I planned to keep the furniture for decades.

POLYWOOD’s lower prices and wider availability make it a better fit for those on a budget or needing furniture quickly. Their 20-year warranty is still robust, and I found their quality-to-price ratio impressive.

If you’re furnishing a large patio on a budget, POLYWOOD’s range of affordable options is hard to beat.

• Eco-Friendliness: Green Living Outdoors

Both brands are eco-warriors, using recycled HDPE to reduce plastic waste. POLYWOOD’s zero-waste manufacturing process, recycling 400,000 milk jugs daily, blew me away. Their commitment to sustainability made me feel good about my purchase.

LuxCraft’s use of recycled materials and recyclable furniture at the end of its life cycle is equally commendable. I couldn’t find a clear winner here—both are excellent choices for environmentally conscious buyers.

• Customer Service and Warranty

LuxCraft’s customer service left a strong impression. When I contacted them about a custom order, they were responsive and detailed, guiding me through color options and delivery timelines.

Their lifetime warranty for residential use is a testament to their confidence in their products.

POLYWOOD’s customer service was a mixed bag. While their website and ordering process were user-friendly, I read reviews about delays in warranty claims or replacement parts.

Their 20-year warranty is solid, but I’d recommend checking their policies carefully before buying.

Real-World Testing: My Backyard Lab

To get a true sense of both brands, I turned my backyard into a testing ground. I left a LuxCraft bench and a POLYWOOD table outside for six months, exposing them to rain, sun, and even a freak snowstorm.

Both held up remarkably well. The LuxCraft bench’s thicker lumber felt more robust, but the POLYWOOD table’s heavier build stayed put during windy days. Cleaning was a breeze for both—just soap and water, and they looked brand new.

I also invited friends over to test comfort and style. They loved the modern look of POLYWOOD’s PW Designer Series but raved about the sturdy, handcrafted feel of LuxCraft’s glider. The consensus? LuxCraft felt like a luxury investment, while POLYWOOD was the practical, stylish choice.

Which Brand Should You Choose?

Your choice depends on your priorities. If you value customization, artisanal craftsmanship, and a lifetime warranty, LuxCraft is worth the investment. It’s ideal for those who want furniture that feels like an heirloom and can handle extreme conditions.

If you’re looking for affordability, modern designs, and quick delivery, POLYWOOD is the way to go. Its durability and style make it a fantastic option for most patios.

For me, LuxCraft edged out slightly because of its customization and warranty. But I can’t deny POLYWOOD’s value and accessibility. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either—they both deliver on the promise of durable, stylish, eco-friendly outdoor furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Your Patio, Your Choice

As I sit on my patio, sipping coffee from a LuxCraft glider or lounging on a POLYWOOD chair, I’m reminded that choosing between these brands comes down to what you value most.

LuxCraft’s artisanal quality and customization won my heart, but POLYWOOD’s affordability and modern flair are hard to resist. Whatever you choose, both brands offer durable, eco-friendly furniture that’ll transform your outdoor space into a haven for years to come.

So, take a moment, picture your perfect patio, and pick the brand that brings it to life.