Outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular in recent years. With more people spending time relaxing and entertaining outdoors, quality outdoor furniture is a must-have.
Two popular brands known for their durable and low-maintenance outdoor furniture are POLYWOOD and By the Yard. But with different materials, styles, and price points, which is the better option for your needs?
This comprehensive guide compares POLYWOOD and By the Yard outdoor furniture, weighing the pros and cons of each.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | POLYWOOD | By the Yard |
| Materials | HDPE plastic lumber | Teak, wicker, aluminum, other natural materials |
| Durability | Extremely durable and weather resistant | Varies by material, teak is very durable |
| Maintenance | Virtually no maintenance needed | Teak and wicker require seasonal cleaning and sealing |
| Style | Signature POLYWOOD look across collections | Wide range of styles across 200+ collections |
| Comfort | Moderate, flat plastic lumber seats | Plush cushions available for superior comfort |
| Price | Affordable, starting around $200 per piece | Expensive, most furniture over $1,000 |
| Custom Options | Limited colors and sizing | Cushions and covers fully customizable |
| Shipping | From POLYWOOD or local dealers | Ships nationwide directly from By the Yard |
| Warranty | 20 years for residential use | Varies by collection and manufacturer |
Overview of POLYWOOD Outdoor Furniture
POLYWOOD is a leading manufacturer of outdoor furniture made from HDPE (high-density polyethylene) lumber. Their furniture is designed to withstand the elements while requiring virtually no maintenance.
Some key features of POLYWOOD outdoor furniture include:
- Durable construction – Made from HDPE polywood lumber with stainless steel hardware, POLYWOOD furniture is extremely durable and weather resistant. It won’t crack, chip, peel, rot or splinter like natural wood furniture.
- Low maintenance – POLYWOOD requires no painting, staining or waterproofing. Simple soap and water cleaning is all it needs to keep it looking like new.
- Fade resistant – POLYWOOD lumber contains UV inhibitors that prevent fading from sun exposure. The colors look vibrant for years.
- 20 year warranty – Backed by a 20 year warranty, POLYWOOD offers excellent coverage for residential use of their outdoor furniture.
- Variety of styles – From traditional to contemporary, POLYWOOD has a wide selection of outdoor furniture styles and colors to choose from. Adirondack chairs are one of their most popular offerings.
While POLYWOOD is weather resistant and low maintenance, the HDPE lumber has a distinctively plastic appearance that some people find unnatural looking. And the signature style of POLYWOOD may not suit every home’s aesthetic.
Overview of By the Yard Outdoor Furniture
By the Yard is an e-commerce company selling custom outdoor furniture and cushions. Their catalog includes wicker, aluminum, teak, and all-weather wicker furniture from a variety of high-end brands. Some key features include:
- Customizable style – With over 200 furniture collections, By the Yard offers an enormous range of materials, colors and styles to fit your taste. Custom cushions and covers are also available.
- Luxurious natural materials – By the Yard carries fine outdoor furniture made from teak, all-weather wicker and aluminum. These natural-looking materials provide an upscale aesthetic.
- Quick shipping – As an e-commerce retailer, By the Yard provides quick nationwide shipping. Your furniture arrives within 3-7 business days.
- Higher prices – The luxurious furniture and custom options come at a cost. Expect to pay significantly higher prices compared to mass-market outdoor furniture retailers.
While By the Yard allows you to highly customize your outdoor space, the lead times and uncertainty buying solely online can be drawbacks for some. And the higher end materials do require more maintenance than POLYWOOD.
Key Differences Between POLYWOOD And By the Yard Outdoor Furniture
- Comparing Durability
Durability is a key factor when shopping for outdoor furniture. You want pieces that can withstand sun, rain, snow and other elements year after year.
POLYWOOD is extremely durable and resistant to weathering. The HDPE lumber lacks natural wood’s vulnerabilities to cracking, splintering and rotting. You never need to paint or stain it, and it retains its color in the sun.
POLYWOOD can stand up to saltwater environments and easily sheds rain, snow and debris. Even after years outdoors, POLYWOOD maintains its structural integrity and looks new again after cleaning.
By the Yard’s selections vary in durability depending on material.
Teak is a tropical hardwood known for weather resistance.
Quality teak stands up well outdoors with proper seasonal maintenance like cleaning and sealing.
But no wood is as impervious to weathering as POLYWOOD’s HDPE lumber.
All-weather wicker resists moisture and mildew, but still requires some upkeep. Aluminum frame construction is also durable, but cushions and other accessories will wear faster than POLYWOOD.
For the absolute lowest maintenance and longest lasting outdoor furniture, POLYWOOD is the most durable choice. But By the Yard offers fine materials like teak and wicker that also perform well outdoors with proper care.
- Comparing Aesthetics
When it comes to style, POLYWOOD and By the Yard represent two ends of the aesthetic spectrum.
POLYWOOD has a distinct look synonymous with the brand. Made from HDPE plastic lumber, it often has visible wood grain texture but an obviously synthetic appearance.
While colors vary, POLYWOOD furniture frequently utilizes their signature Hunter Green, Slate Grey and Teak tones. The style leans traditional, with popular silhouettes like curved Adirondack chairs.
While durability is a major perk, some homeowners find the plastic lumber looks too artificial for their taste.
By the Yard offers tremendous variety when it comes to aesthetics. Collections range from traditional wicker patio sets with classic cushions to sleek modular aluminum loungers with Sunbrella fabric.
The custom cushions and covers allow you to match your decor. Materials like teak and wicker have an elegant, natural look. However, the diversity of options means no uniform By the Yard style. Options span charming and classic to ultra-modern.
With hundreds of collections, By the Yard allows you to completely customize your aesthetic. POLYWOOD’s signature appearance lacks the same personalization but does provide a consistent look.
- Comparing Comfort
Once you select your outdoor furniture, comfort is paramount. You want to relax and unwind, not sit on hard, unwelcoming pieces.
POLYWOOD furniture provides moderate comfort.
The HDPE lumber has some flex but is still fairly firm.
There are no padded cushions, just the flat plastic lumber seats.
Some collections like the POLYWOOD Nautical line have contoured, ergonomic shapes for added comfort.
But the signature Adirondack chairs have a straight, upright seat design.
While POLYWOOD isn’t uncomfortable, it can’t compete with cushioned sets.
By the Yard offers numerous comfortable, cushioned seating options. Chairs and sofas come with plush seat cushions in a range of fabrics like weather-resistant Sunbrella.
Cushion fill like high-density foam, down and down-fiber blends can be customized. With deepest seat cushions over 6 inches thick and premium filling materials, By the Yard furniture offers superior comfort. Additional back and accent cushions complete the luxurious feel.
If maximum comfort is essential for you and your family, the cushioned By the Yard selections beat the simple plastic lumber seats of POLYWOOD. But POLYWOOD does provide basic comfort suitable for short-term relaxation.
- Comparing Price and Value
Price often dictates what type of outdoor furniture makes sense for your budget. Comparing cost and value is key.
POLYWOOD is priced affordably for the durable plastic lumber construction. A basic Adirondack chair starts around $200, with more elaborate sets costing up to $1,000 or more.
Given the weather resistance and longevity of POLYWOOD, the pricing provides excellent value. You can leave POLYWOOD outdoors year-round without need for storage or major upkeep. For affordable low-maintenance outdoor furniture, POLYWOOD delivers.
By the Yard commands premium pricing with most furniture costing well upwards of $1,000. However, you get premium weather-resistant materials like teak, custom sizing and cushions made to order.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Some disadvantages of POLYWOOD outdoor furniture include:
1. Plastic appearance – The HDPE lumber lacks the natural look of real wood. The visible wood grain texture is purely aesthetic.
2. Limited styles – POLYWOOD’s catalog focuses on signature designs like Adirondack chairs. Options are more limited versus other brands.
3. No cushions – Without padded cushions, POLYWOOD furniture lacks plush comfort.
4. Heavy weight – HDPE lumber is dense and heavy, making POLYWOOD furniture hard to rearrange or move.
5. Expansion and contraction – Although weather resistant, POLYWOOD still undergoes slight expansion and contraction which can loosen furniture joints.
1. Trex Outdoor Furniture – Made from Trex composite decking lumber, it offers similar durability and low maintenance to POLYWOOD.
2. Oakland Living Plastic Furniture – Affordable HDPE plastic lumber outdoor furniture. Comparable look and weather resistance to POLYWOOD.
3. Amish-made Poly Furniture – Handcrafted poly lumber furniture made in the USA by skilled Amish woodworkers. Very similar to POLYWOOD.
Major competitors to POLYWOOD include:
1. Trex – Trex composite lumber decking brand also offering outdoor furniture.
2. O.W. Lee – High-end outdoor furniture brand making aluminum, wrought iron, and all-weather wicker collections.
3. Brown Jordan – Luxury outdoor furniture company started in 1945 featuring powder coated aluminum frame construction.
4. Hanamint – California brand making affordable patio furniture from aluminum, wrought iron, and all-weather resin wicker.
5. Westminster Teak – Known for high-quality teak outdoor furniture. More upscale and expensive than POLYWOOD.
Yes, POLYWOOD is widely considered one of the best outdoor furniture brands. Reasons POLYWOOD stands out include:
1. Extreme durability and weather resistance from HDPE lumber construction. It won’t crack, splinter or rot when left outdoors like natural wood.
2. Attractive style blending wood grain textures with colorful, fade-resistant polymer lumber.
3. Needed almost no maintenance, just occasional soap and water cleaning.
4. Generous 20 year residential warranty backed by excellent customer service.
5. Made in the USA from recycled milk jugs and detergent bottles to produce eco-friendly HDPE lumber.
6. Comfortable, ergonomic chair designs including curved seats and contoured backs.
For shoppers seeking worry-free outdoor furniture that’s built to last decades, POLYWOOD is a top choice thanks to their quality materials, construction, and warranty coverage. Their furniture performs as well as it looks.
Final Thoughts
For luxury outdoor furniture, By the Yard offers superb value. The pieces can serve as lifelong investments. And the breadth of collections with custom options makes high prices worthwhile for many homeowners seeking their dream outdoor living space.
POLYWOOD wins for budget-friendliness, while By the Yard justifies higher pricing through custom options and premium construction that lasts.
