PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, has become a popular material for outdoor furniture in recent years. PVC is lightweight, weather-resistant, and easy to maintain, making it seem like an ideal choice. However, there are some important factors to consider before deciding if PVC is the right material for your outdoor space. In this article, we will examine the pros and cons of PVC outdoor furniture to help you determine if it is a good option for you.
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What is PVC?
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a versatile plastic polymer used to make a wide variety of products, from pipes and siding to furniture and toys. PVC is created by polymerizing vinyl chloride monomers together. It can be rigid or flexible depending on the amount of plasticizers added during manufacturing. For outdoor furniture, rigid PVC is typically used to create durable, weather-resistant pieces.
Some key properties of rigid PVC include:
- Lightweight yet strong – PVC outdoor furniture is lighter than wood or wicker, but still provides sturdiness and structure.
- Weather-resistant – PVC’s polymer bonds make it resistant to corrosion and degradation from sun, rain, salt and humidity.
- Low-maintenance – PVC does not require paint, stain or sealants to protect it from outdoor elements.
- Mold/mildew resistant – The non-porous surface deters growth of mold, mildew and bacteria.
- Durable – PVC lasts for years with minimal wear and tear.
- Affordable – PVC furniture is typically cheaper than wood or metal alternatives.
- Customizable – PVC can be manufactured in a vast array of colors, shapes and designs.
With these beneficial attributes, it is easy to see why PVC has become popular for patios, decks, poolside lounging and other outdoor spaces.
Pros of PVC Outdoor Furniture
Let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the key advantages of choosing PVC outdoor furniture:
Weather Resistance
One of the biggest pros for PVC outdoor furniture is its innate weather resistance. PVC contains stabilizers that prevent weathering and breakdown from exposure to sunlight, water and temperature fluctuations. Essentially, the plastic polymers that make up PVC are not reactive to UV radiation or atmospheric components.
Whereas wood may crack, warp or rot when left uncovered outdoors, and metals can rust and corrode, PVC remains unfazed. It will not peel, chip, crack or splinter after seasons of sun, rain, snow and humidity. Tables, chairs, loungers and other PVC furniture can be left outside year-round without damage.
Low Maintenance
Another advantage of PVC’s durable, non-reactive material is that it requires very little maintenance compared to other outdoor furniture materials. PVC does not need to be painted, sealed, stained or otherwise refinished to protect it from outdoor elements.
You can simply wipe down PVC furniture occasionally with soap and water to keep it clean. No need for sanding, re-varnishing or re-painting year after year. This quality makes PVC a very low-maintenance material.
Resists Wear and Tear
PVC outdoor furniture is made to last. It holds up well to regular outdoor use without significant nicks, dents, scratches or other wear and tear issues.
Parts are typically reinforced with steel or aluminum frames for added stability. High-quality PVC furniture can look like new for 5-10 years or longer.
Mold and Mildew Resistant
Since PVC is non-porous and contains anti-microbial additives, it does not readily allow mold, mildew or bacteria growth. This is a big advantage for outdoor furniture which often gets wet from rain and humidity.
Porous natural woods can develop dark mold spots and rot over time outdoors. With PVC, you do not have to worry about icky mold buildup even with frequent precipitation.
Kid and Pet Friendly
PVC outdoor furniture can withstand rowdy kids and pets without trouble. It is durable enough to handle being climbed on, jumped off, scratched and chewed. Spills and messes are simple to wipe up.
You do not have to stress over kids and pets damaging expensive wood or cushioned outdoor furniture. PVC withstands active outdoor play nicely.
Eye-Catching Styles and Colors
Another great feature of PVC outdoor furniture is the wide variety of vibrant colors and patterns available. From bright solids to wood grain finishes, tropical prints to contemporary color blocking, there are many eye-catching looks to choose from.
PVC takes paints and prints very well, allowing for customizable furniture designs. This versatility suits any outdoor decor, from modern to cottage-chic.
Cost-Effective
PVC outdoor furniture provides durability, weather resistance and low maintenance at a budget-friendly price point. It is significantly cheaper than wood or metal outdoor furniture. Sets made from cedar, teak or aluminum can cost several thousand dollars, while similar PVC sets range from $500-$1500.
If you want stylish outdoor furniture that lasts but does not want to overspend, PVC provides great value. It makes decorating an outdoor space affordable and approachable.
Easy to Clean
Spills and messes are inevitable outdoors, but PVC furniture cleans up easily. You can simply wipe down PVC with mild detergent and water when needed. More stubborn stains like bird droppings or tree sap can be removed with diluted bleach or ammonia-based cleaners.
A pressure washer is also effective for deep cleaning PVC outdoor furniture and restoring it to like-new condition each season.
Outdoor Heating Friendly
PVC holds up better than wood furniture when exposed to outdoor heating sources like fire pits, patio heaters and chimineas. It resists scorching, burning and cracking when subjected to high levels of radiant heat. This makes it very outdoor heating friendly.
Comfortable
PVC outdoor furniture is not inherently cushioned or padded, but it can be designed with comfortable contoured seats and backs. Quality construction provides ergonomic shapes, lumbar support and smooth surfaces.
Added cushions can provide extra coziness as well. The lightweight nature of PVC makes it easy to reposition for comfort.
Space Saving
PVC outdoor furniture is lighter weight than wood, wicker and metal options. This makes it easier to move and rearrange to accommodate changing space needs. Chairs and tables can be stacked to clear room when not in use.
The space-saving design provides flexibility for smaller decks and patios.
Cons of PVC Outdoor Furniture
While PVC has its merits, there are some downsides to consider as well:
Can Become Brittle Over Time
One of the drawbacks of PVC is that over many years in the sun, it can start to become brittle and crack. The plasticizers that make it flexible can slowly leach out, causing rigidness. This mainly happens with low-quality PVC furniture after 5+ years of use. Higher density, UV-resistant PVC lasts significantly longer before becoming brittle.
Can Develop a Chalky Finish
Long-term sun exposure can also cause some PVC items to develop a chalky, faded surface layer. This is mostly a cosmetic issue that does not affect the strength of the furniture. Again, higher quality PVC is less prone to fading and chalking issues.
Not Biodegradable
Like all plastics, PVC does not biodegrade. It will remain in landfills indefinitely. However, most PVC outdoor furniture is recyclable, allowing it to be reused. Still, the environmental impact of mass plastic waste is a concern for some consumers.
Can Get Hot in Direct Sunlight
PVC absorbs heat from the sun and can get quite hot to the touch on sunny days. Cushions and towels may be needed for comfort on extra hot days. Seeking shady spots or using umbrellas helps mitigate this issue.
Less Cushioning
Uncushioned PVC has a firm, flat seating surface rather than padded comfort. Some consumers prefer softer seating options. Adding separate cushions helps make PVC more comfortable.
Heavy to Ship
While PVC furniture is lightweight overall, it is still bulky and fairly heavy to ship relative to its size. This can add to costs for online or specialty retailers. For the end customer, it also makes PVC furniture harder to transport from the store without a vehicle.
Limited Customization Options
There are fewer options for custom-building PVC outdoor furniture compared to wood furniture. Specialty pieces like built-in benches and pergolas are harder to source. However, custom colors and patterns are still possible.
Can Show Signs of Daily Wear
PVC is durable, but not impervious to signs of regular use. Drag marks, surface scratches and scuffs can occur over time with day-to-day use. These are mostly superficial and do not affect structural integrity.
Is PVC safe?
PVC has received some safety concerns due to its chlorine content. When produced or burned, PVC can release dioxin compounds that may produce toxic fumes or accumulate in the environment. However, within most PVC products like furniture, the chlorine is stable and bonded within the plastic polymer.
With outdoor furniture, as long as the PVC does not burn and is produced by a reputable manufacturer, it is considered safe for use. Make sure any PVC furniture has met quality control standards. Avoid burning or incinerating PVC products. Also take precautions to store PVC items away from direct high heat sources.
How does PVC furniture compare to other outdoor furniture materials?
PVC vs. Wood
PVC Advantages:
– More durable and weather resistant
– Requires less maintenance
– Resists mold, mildew, rotting
– Wider variety of colors/finishes
– Lower cost
Wood Advantages:
– More customizability and built-in options
– Natural beauty and appeal
– Can be sustainably sourced
– Unique variations in wood grain
PVC vs. Wicker
PVC Advantages:
– More durability
– Easier to clean
– Wider range of looks and colors
– Stands up to sun, rain, humidity
– Resists mold/mildew
– Lower cost
Wicker Advantages:
– Lightweight, easy to rearrange
– Softer natural texture
– Withstands salt air
– Classic styling
PVC vs. Wrought Iron
PVC Advantages:
– Lighter weight
– Doesn’t rust
– Lower maintenance
– More affordable
– Custom colors and designs
– Resists sun damage
Wrought Iron Advantages:
– Very durable and solid feel
– Withstands heavy use
– Timeless, elegant styling
– Can be repaired if damaged
PVC vs. Aluminum
PVC Advantages:
– Lower cost
– Lighter weight
– Doesn’t rust or corrode
– Easy to clean
– More custom colors/patterns
Aluminum Advantages:
– Very durable
– Withstands heavy use
– Quick to dry after rain
– Contemporary styling
– Excellent heat conduction
PVC vs. Resin Wicker
PVC Advantages:
– Lower cost
– Wider range of color options
– Seals are not prone to cracking
– Easier to clean
– Long-lasting color vibrancy
Resin Wicker Advantages:
– Very lightweight
– Intricate woven look
– Softer, warmer feel
– Withstands salt air
Best Uses for PVC Outdoor Furniture
PVC works well for:
– Patios, decks, balconies
– Poolside areas
– Outdoor kitchens, bars & dining sets
– Parks, resorts & hospitality furniture
– Campgrounds & recreational areas
– Business & restaurant outdoor seating
– Garden furniture
– Screens & privacy partitions
– Front porches
PVC is not ideal for:
– Indoor use
– Furniture that will be moved often
– Very windy conditions
– Extremely hot & sunny climates
– Areas with frequent shifts between hot & cold
Tips for Buying PVC Outdoor Furniture
To get the highest quality and longest lifespan from PVC outdoor furniture, keep these tips in mind when buying:
– Choose thick, heavy-duty construction with reinforced framing. Thin, flimsy PVC will not hold up.
– Look for UV-inhibitors to protect against sun damage. UV-resistant PVC lasts 4x longer.
– Select opaque rather than transparent PVC which fades faster.
– Ensure concealed surfaces are also UV-stabilized and not just external surfaces.
– Check for non-toxic food-grade formulations if using near edibles.
– Avoid cheaper hollow tube construction which can snap. Opt for thick, resilient pieces.
– Seek out premium virgin grade PVC vs cheaper recycled blends.
– Choose color pigments designed for outdoor use that won’t quickly fade.
– Look for durable, weatherproof hardware unlikely to rust or corrode.
– Seek out quality stitching, cushion seams and fabric if purchasing cushioned sets.
– Pick simple, cleanable fabrics like mesh, vinyl and smooth woods over porous fabrics on cushions.
– Choose ergonomic contours and lumbar support for maximum comfort.
How to Care for PVC Outdoor Furniture
Routine care is easy and helps PVC outdoor furniture look its best for years. Follow these tips:
– Wipe down regularly with a soft cloth and mild detergent, then rinse with water.
– For stains, clean with diluted bleach, ammonia or vinegar solution.
– Use a plastic cleaner/polish occasionally to restore luster.
– Rinse off any bird droppings, sap or dirt quickly before it dries.
– Wipe up spills when wet to avoid stubborn stains.
– Check hardware and tighten any loose screws/bolts.
– Consider using furniture covers during worst weather months.
– Bring cushions indoors when not in use to prevent mold and mildew.
– Deep clean annually with a pressure washer and plastic-safe cleaning agents.
– Avoid harsh abrasives that could scratch surfaces.
– Store furniture on a covered surface during winter months.
– Keep furniture away from reflective surfaces that could magnify sun damage.
Conclusion
PVC can make an excellent material for outdoor furniture with the right quality and construction. It is generally durable, low maintenance and cost-effective. PVC works well for most temperate climates and causal outdoor use. It should be avoided in extremely hot regions or for furniture that will be frequently moved. While no material is perfect, PVC balances weather-resistance, affordability and easy care when shopping for outdoor furniture. With proper maintenance, high-quality PVC patio sets, benches, chairs and tables can serve you well for 5+ years outside. For many homeowners, PVC is an ideal choice to create a comfortable,hard-wearing outdoor living space on a budget.