Yes or No on Polywood Furniture?

I’m currently in the market for some new patio furniture. My current outdoor chairs have seen better days; I think it going to be just easier and a little more cost effective to buy new instead of trying to repair them. I’ve seen a few places running clearances and sales on sets so I thought now is as good a time as any.

As I was doing some research, I came across a few people extolling poly-wood furniture. There really wasn’t too much information out there but what I found sounds pretty hopeful; polywood offers some benefits. I especially like the fact that it is made from recycled plastics. Polywood Intelligent Design states on their website that “POLYWOOD™'s lumber is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), UV-inhibited pigment systems, foaming compounds, and selected process additives. The HDPE primary raw material is derived from post-consumer bottle waste, such as milk and detergent bottles or other HDPE post industrial material.” How awesome is that? I could be lounging comfortably and saving the planet at the same time.

Garden.com also lists some advantages of poly-wood furniture such as:

• Durability – It’s resistant to nearly any type of weather condition. It can withstand the sun, rain, sleet, snow, rain and mildew. It doesn’t fade over time.
• Low Maintenance – It requires no special coating, sanding or staining. Poly-wood also doesn’t mean any chemical treatments every few years.
• Variety – Poly-wood furniture is available in a variety of colors to match any type of outdoor décor. Imagine having outdoor furniture that isn’t made from plastic in your choice of white, sand, green, black, teak or mahogany.

Has anyone else tried recycled plastic furniture? I’d love to know your thoughts on it or how you made out.