Outdoor furniture faces more abuse than almost anything else in your home. Blazing sun, salt air, humidity, rain, and daily use quickly expose which materials are truly built to last and which ones aren’t. Poly lumber vs teak, wicker & metal isn’t just a style decision; it’s a long-term investment that affects comfort, maintenance, and durability over time.
At LaPorte Products, we design outdoor furniture specifically for these demanding conditions, using Tangent Poly Lumber, premium hardware, and Sunbrella marine-grade fabrics. Here’s how poly lumber stacks up against teak, wicker, and metal and why choosing the best material for outdoor furniture matters more than ever.
What is Poly Lumber?
Poly lumber is an engineered outdoor material made from high-density recycled plastics designed to withstand extreme outdoor exposure. At LaPorte, we use Tangent Poly Lumber, one of the most respected poly materials in the industry.
Why LaPorte Uses Tangent Poly
– Made in the USA from recycled materials
– Color is solid throughout, not a surface coating
– Will not absorb moisture, rot, crack, or splinter
– Safe for coastal, marine and poolside environments
Unlike lower-grade plastic furniture, Tangent Poly is dense, heavy, and structurally strong, delivering the look of wood without the maintenance.
Teak Furniture: Beautiful, But Labor Intensive
Teak is often seen as a premium outdoor material and visually, it can be stunning. However, teak requires consistent maintenance to look its best, especially in coastal climates.
Pros
– Classic, natural wood appearance
– Naturally resistant to insects
– Strong hardwood construction
Cons
– Requires regular oiling or sealing
– Weathers to gray if left untreated
– Can chalk or crack over time
– Sensitive to salt air and moisture without upkeep
For customers who want the warm look of wood without sanding or sealing, LaPorte’s poly lumber offers a low maintenance alternative that performs better long term. Check out our Brazilian Walnut, Antique Mahogany or Natural Teak for the wood look.
Wicker Furniture: Comfortable, but Not Built for the Elements
Wicker (especially resin wicker) is popular for covered patios and indoor-outdoor spaces. However, it struggles in full sun, high heat, and humidity.
Pros
– Lightweight and comfortable
– Casual, inviting style
– Works well in shaded areas
Cons
– UV exposure causes fading and brittleness
– Weaving can stretch, crack, or unravel
– Traps moisture, pollen, and dirt
– Shorter lifespan outdoors
– Sourced mainly from Indonesia and China
LaPorte avoids woven materials in exposed environments and instead focuses on solid poly lumber frames paired with Sunbrella marine-grade cushions for durability and comfort.
Metal Furniture: Strong, But Not Always Comfortable
Metal furniture (typically aluminum or steel) offers a clean, modern aesthetic but comes with trade offs outdoors.
Pros
– Rigid and structurally strong
– Aluminum resist rust better than steel
– Sleek, modern look
Cons
– Retains heat in direct sun
– Powder coatings can chip or peel
– Steel can rust over time
– Requires cushions for comfort
LaPorte uses marine grade aluminum components where strength is needed (such as umbrella frames and hardware) but relies on poly lumber for seating surfaces that stay cooler and more comfortable.
Why LaPorte Poly Lumber Excels Outdoors
LaPorte furniture is built for uncovered patios, docks, pool decks, and coastal environments where other materials fail.
– Won’t corrode in salt air
– Won’t warp or swell from moisture
– Won’t crack or peel under UV exposure
– Easy to clean with soap and water
– Made in the USA using premium materials
Paired with Sunbrella marine-grade cushions and stainless or marine grade hardware, LaPorte furniture is designed to stay outside – season after season.
Which Material Is Right for You?
Choose LaPorte Poly Lumber Furniture if:
– Your furniture lives outdoors year round
– You want minimal maintenance
– You live in a coastal or high sun environment
– Long term durability matters more than trends
Other materials may work in controlled environments, but poly lumber is built for real outdoor living. Teak, wicker and metal all have their place – but durability, comfort, and longevity matter, poly lumber stands apart. With Tangent Poly Lumber, Sunbrella marine-grade fabrics and American-made craftsmanship, LaPorte furniture is designed to outlast traditional outdoor materials while staying comfortable and beautiful.
