When it comes to outdoor furniture made from recycled materials, two names often stand out: Trex and POLYWOOD. Both brands are widely recognized for their durable, environmentally friendly, and stylish outdoor furniture. However, many consumers are unclear whether Trex and POLYWOOD are the same company, if they use the same materials, or whether there are meaningful differences between their products. In this article, we’ll explore every angle of Trex and POLYWOOD, from brand identity and product composition to design aesthetics, durability, and customer satisfaction, helping you decide which might be the best fit for your outdoor living space.
Understanding the Brands: The Background of Trex and POLYWOOD
Before diving into product comparisons, it’s important to understand where each brand comes from and what their mission entails.
What Is Trex Company?
Trex Company, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of wood-alternative composite decking and railing products. Founded in 1987, Trex revolutionized the outdoor living industry by introducing a high-performance, low-maintenance decking material made primarily from recycled wood fibers and plastic. Over the years, the company has expanded its product offerings to include outdoor furniture under the Trex brand name.
The Trex Outdoor Furniture collection was launched to provide a sustainable, long-lasting alternative to traditional wood furniture. The line is designed to complement Trex decking and railing systems and is often marketed to contractors, builders, and homeowners who are already invested in Trex decking products.
What Is POLYWOOD?
POLYWOOD, on the other hand, is a brand that was founded earlier, in 1990, and has been producing outdoor furniture made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic for over 30 years. POLYWOOD furniture is also marketed as being eco-friendly—most of its lumber is made from recycled milk jugs—and is well-known for its weather resistance, low maintenance, and clean, modern designs.
Both companies are U.S.-based, emphasizing sustainability and the use of recycled content in their manufacturing processes.
Comparing Materials: Are They Using the Same Lumber?
One of the most common questions is: Is Trex furniture made with the same HDPE lumber as POLYWOOD?
Material Composition: HDPE vs. Composite Materials
Here’s where it gets a bit tricky. While both Trex Outdoor Furniture and POLYWOOD use high-density polyethylene (HDPE) lumber, they are not the same product.
POLYWOOD lumber is made by taking recycled HDPE plastic—mainly post-consumer milk jugs—and manufacturing it into durable plastic lumber. This is 100% plastic, without the wood-fiber filler that is used in Trex decking products.
Trex Outdoor Furniture, however, uses a material known as “poly-lumber,” similar to POLYWOOD’s HDPE lumber, but there may be variations in the exact composition, additives, and performance depending on the product line and where it is manufactured.
Importantly, Trex Outdoor Furniture was not always affiliated with POLYWOOD, though at one point, the furniture line from Trex was actually made using POLYWOOD lumber components. This has led to confusion in the marketplace today.
Historical Manufacturing Relationship
In the early 2010s, Trex acquired the lumber products business from POLYWOOD (then privately held), which included the molding machinery and materials needed to produce the HDPE lumber used in their furniture. This means that after the acquisition, Trex began producing its own poly-lumber for use in Trex Outdoor Furniture products.
So while both brands use HDPE-based lumber, they now manufacture their own proprietary versions of this material. Thus, although they originate from the same foundational material, today Trex furniture and POLYWOOD furniture are distinct in terms of manufacturing, material additives, and potential variances in quality and performance.
Product Lines: Design and Types of Furniture Offered
When evaluating these two brands, it’s important to consider the style and variety of furniture each offers.
Trex Outdoor Furniture: A Focus on Comfort and Matching Decks
Trex Outdoor Furniture includes a broad range of products intended to match Trex’s composite decking lines. The furniture features classic, casual, and sometimes more formal styles, such as:
- Adirondack chairs
- Rocking chairs
- Slat-back and dining chairs
- Benches
- Tables
- Lounge chairs
- Swing sets
Trex furniture is well-known for its sleek paint finishes and multiple color choices. Many of these pieces are available in colors that coordinate with Trex decking collections, such as “Trex Coastal”, “Trex Tropical”, and “Trex Transcend.”
One key design element of Trex furniture is that the poly-lumber used in their pieces often features a paint-on finish, giving the furniture a more wood-like appearance.
POLYWOOD Furniture: Modern Simplicity and Clean Lines
POLYWOOD furniture, in contrast, takes a more modern and minimalist approach to design. Their pieces often showcase clean, structured lines and neutral aesthetics. Available furniture types include:
- Adirondack and slat-back chairs
- Chaise lounges
- Dining sets
- Gliders and swings
- Porch swings
- Cabana and bar-height seating
- Sheds, mail boxes, and other HDPE accessories
POLYWOOD offers an even wider selection of accessories and standalone outdoor pieces, including storage benches and children’s furniture. The color selection for POLYWOOD tends to lean into more nautical and high-contrast choices, and the plastic lumber retains its color throughout, much like vinyl siding.
Durability and Weather Resistance: Which Holds Up Best?
Since both brands use HDPE, you’d expect similar performance in durability and weather resistance, but there are several factors worth considering.
Decomposition and UV Resistance
Both Trex and POLYWOOD incorporate UV-inhibiting pigments and stabilizers in their materials to resist fading and surface degradation from the sun’s UV rays. However:
- POLYWOOD uses a process called “co-extrusion” in some of its newer product lines, which creates a protective shell around the HDPE lumber. This can enhance UV protection and resist staining, especially in coastal areas.
- Trex Outdoor Furniture relies on premium paint finishes and material formulation to withstand sun exposure. These finishes provide a wood-like texture but may be more prone to checking or micro-cracking over time, especially in high-heat areas.
Importantly, products from both lines are completely waterproof.
Performance in Extreme Weather
Because both are made from HDPE, both POLYWOOD and Trex furniture withstand:
- Heavy rain and snow
- Freezing cold
- Extreme heat
- Humid and salty coastal climates
They won’t rot, crack, peel, or splinter like wood furniture might over time.
Maintenance Comparison
Maintenance for both brands is minimal — that’s part of the appeal. A simple rinse with a hose or soft scrub cleaning solution is generally sufficient.
However, where Trex employs paint finishes, those may eventually show signs of wear or require touch-up, especially if exposed to sharp objects or heavy use. POLYWOOD’s color-through-the-lumber approach means scratches are less noticeable.
Weight and Portability
Another factor to consider is how heavy the furniture is — especially if you plan to move pieces around seasonally or for cleaning.
Why Is HDPE Furniture So Heavy?
Both brands use solid HDPE lumber, which is heavier than aluminum or traditional wood furniture. Each chair can weigh between 40–70 pounds depending on design, so mobility becomes a consideration.
Despite the weight, this heaviness is often an asset — HDPE furniture doesn’t blow over in wind and feels solid and comfortable.
Price Comparison: Are They Similar in Cost?
When comparing Trex Outdoor Furniture and POLYWOOD from a financial standpoint, the pricing is quite competitive. Prices vary by product type, but generally you’ll find:
- Adirondack chairs start around $180–$250 for both brands
- Dining sets typically range from $400–$900
- Multipiece sets (3-piece to 7-piece) may be priced at $600–$1,800+
There isn’t a significant price difference between the core product lines of each, but some POLYWOOD collections, especially custom or commercial-grade pieces, can go higher.
Where Are Trex and POLYWOOD Available?
The availability of these two furniture brands may vary depending on where you live or the type of retailer you prefer.
Purchasing Options
| Brand | Retail Availability | Online Purchase Options | Special Order Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trex Outdoor Furniture | Available through authorized dealers, lumber yards, and outdoor living stores | Limited direct-to-consumer sales; mainly through partners | Sometimes requires special order depending on location |
| POLYWOOD | Sold at major retailers like Home Depot, Amazon, Wayfair | Direct website sales with a builder’s kit; highly accessible | Standard inventory at many retailers; widely available |
POLYWOOD boasts wider availability at major national retailers, while Trex Outdoor Furniture is often found through specialized outdoor building product dealers.
Eco-Friendliness: How Recycled Are the Products?
Both brands use recycled materials — this is a core part of their sustainability story.
Material Sourcing
- POLYWOOD sources nearly 90% recycled HDPE from post-consumer plastic, primarily milk jugs, and detergent bottles.
- Trex Outdoor Furniture utilizes similar materials, also sourced from post-consumer and post-industrial waste, and says their poly-lumber has a high recycled content percentage as well.
Both companies make their environmental impact a transparent subject on their corporate websites, and both operate in eco-conscious U.S. facilities.
Carbon Footprint and Local Manufacturing
Both brands are American-made and rely on domestic manufacturing facilities. POLYWOOD has manufacturing locations in Indiana and Phoenix, while Trex’s furniture division operates out of Virginia and other controlled sites.
This reduces shipping emissions and supports the circular economy principle, where reused consumer goods are transformed into new end products.
Consumer Perception: Which One Do People Prefer?
A key distinction between Trex and POLYWOOD sometimes comes down to consumer preference and market reputation.
Expert Reviews and Customer Feedback
Customer sentiments online frequently highlight:
- POLYWOOD tends to receive consistent praise for longevity, ease of cleaning, and modern design.
- Trex Outdoor Furniture garners strong feedback for aesthetics, paint finish quality, and how well it coordinates with Trex decking.
If you’re buying Trex decking, they often market furniture made in coordination with these deck boards, making it a cohesive installation.
User Considerations
When buying for:
- Designers: POLYWOOD’s modular, minimalist aesthetic often appeals more.
- Homeowners: Trex’s paint-finished furniture may align better with color preferences and traditional backyard settings.
Warranty and Support
Understanding what each brand covers in warranties can be a strong deciding factor.
POLYWOOD Warranty
POLYWOOD offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on most products, covering:
- Structural defects
- Repair or replacement due to manufacturing flaws
- Fading from sunlight
The manufacturer is known for honoring these warranties with quick response times.
Trex Outdoor Furniture Warranty
Trex provides a similarly robust warranty. Their terms typically include:
- 20-year durability guarantee
- Protections against fading, moisture damage, cracking, and warping
- Support via local dealers or customer service team
With both warranties covering major wear scenarios and exposure issues, the decision between them often rests on personal preference and aesthetics.
Environmental Impact and Ethical Considerations
Recycling Efforts
Each year, both companies recycle hundreds of thousands of pounds of HDPE plastic. POLYWOOD often displays exact numbers on how many milk jugs go into a typical chair (approximately 1,000 per chair), helping consumers visualize the environmental impact.
Trex’s environmental efforts span more than just furniture, as the company diverts over 1 billion pounds of plastic film annually through its Trex Plastic Bag Recycling Program.
Commitment to Social Responsibility
Both companies support green building certifications like LEED, partner with non-profits focused on conservation, and invest in energy-efficient manufacturing facilities.
Which One Is Right for You? Choosing Between Trex and POLYWOOD
Ask Yourself These Questions:
| Consideration | Choose Trex Outdoor Furniture | Choose POLYWOOD |
|---|---|---|
| Matching with Trex Decking | Recommended for seamless design | May require additional color selection |
| Design Preference | Traditional or wood-grain textures | Modern or minimalist designs |
| Budget | Equal cost for similar models | Potential cost savings online or via retail |
| Warranty Requirements | Standard coverage up to 20 years | Lifetime warranty is reassuring |
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Trex Outdoor Furniture and POLYWOOD share many similarities but differ in key areas such as:
- Product design and appearance
- Color options and finish method
- Distribution and ease of purchase
- Slight variations in UV resistance due to formulation and application
Both have strong brand reputations, long-standing history, and a commitment to durability and sustainability.
If you’re installing on a Trex composite deck, choosing matching Trex furniture is a straightforward decision. However, if you value design versatility or prioritize direct online shopping, POLYWOOD may be the more flexible option.
Whether you choose the rich aesthetics of Trex or the streamlined modern design of POLYWOOD, you’re opting for eco-conscious, low-maintenance outdoor furniture that will outlast traditional wood.
Conclusion: Similar Roots, Unique Identities
To return to the original question: Is Trex furniture the same as POLYWOOD?
No, Trex furniture is not the same as POLYWOOD, even though they once shared a material relationship. Today, they are distinct brands with separate manufacturing, different finishes, and unique furniture lines. While both utilize HDPE lumber made from post-consumer plastic, each has developed its own proprietary material blends and design philosophies.
By understanding the history, product composition, design focus, and performance differences of these two leading outdoor furniture manufacturers, you’ll be better equipped to choose the brand that aligns best with your outdoor living space’s needs and aesthetics.
Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy all-weather performance, eco-friendliness, and a hassle-free outdoor experience that lasts for decades.
Are Trex and POLYWOOD the same company?
Trex and POLYWOOD are not the same company, although they are closely related. Trex Company is best known for its high-quality decking and railing materials. Over time, the company expanded into outdoor furniture production and acquired POLYWOOD, a leading manufacturer of all-weather furniture made from recycled plastics. While POLYWOOD operates as a brand under the Trex umbrella, it maintains a separate identity focused specifically on outdoor furniture.
This relationship allows POLYWOOD to leverage Trex’s expertise in durable, low-maintenance materials while continuing to innovate within the furniture space. The acquisition has enabled better resource sharing and sustainability efforts. However, POLYWOOD still produces its own unique furniture designs and maintains its own product line, catering to customers looking for long-lasting, eco-friendly outdoor furniture.
What materials are used in Trex and POLYWOOD furniture?
Trex outdoor furniture is made from a proprietary composite material that includes reclaimed wood fibers and polyethylene. This blend is durable and offers the aesthetic appeal of natural wood with the added benefits of moisture resistance, UV protection, and minimal maintenance. It is designed to complement Trex’s decking products, ensuring consistency in appearance and performance for customers building cohesive outdoor spaces.
In contrast, POLYWOOD furniture is crafted entirely from recycled plastics, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which makes it completely wood-free. This material is highly resistant to the elements, preventing issues like rotting, cracking, and insect damage. POLYWOOD’s design philosophy centers around sustainability and durability, and its all-plastic composition requires no painting, staining, or sealing, making it ideal for cost-conscious consumers and environmentally aware buyers.
Do Trex and POLYWOOD furniture look the same?
While both Trex and POLYWOOD manufacture durable, all-weather outdoor furniture, their designs and aesthetics differ. Trex furniture is engineered to coordinate with Trex decking and railing lines, often featuring a grain-like texture and wood-like appearance that blends seamlessly into composite deck environments. The color options are thoughtfully chosen to complement their decking systems and provide a natural aesthetic.
POLYWOOD furniture, on the other hand, features a smooth, plastic-like finish that reflects its all-recycled HDPE construction. Its aesthetic is more modern and industrial, with a variety of bold and neutral color choices that appeal to a broad audience. Because POLYWOOD does not mimic wood, it stands apart from Trex in visual appeal, making it more suitable for homeowners who prefer a clean, contemporary look rather than the traditional wood grain style.
Are the price points of Trex and POLYWOOD furniture similar?
Trex furniture generally falls into the premium price range, reflecting the brand’s focus on quality, aesthetics, and integration with high-end building materials. Because it is positioned as a premium outdoor living solution, its furniture is often more expensive than some competitors, including POLYWOOD. The materials, craftsmanship, and alignment with their composite decking systems justify the higher cost for many homeowners seeking an upscale outdoor environment.
POLYWOOD furniture typically offers a slightly more budget-friendly option. While still considered high-quality, durable, and long-lasting, POLYWOOD benefits from a streamlined production process and a focus on plastic-only construction, which can reduce costs. Its pricing appeals to a wide range of consumers, especially those who value sustainability and practicality over the wood-like appearance that Trex provides. Although not drastically different, over the years, the positioning of these two lines has created distinct pricing segments in the outdoor furniture market.
Is the maintenance for Trex and POLYWOOD furniture the same?
Both Trex and POLYWOOD furniture require minimal maintenance compared to traditional wood furniture, but there are slight differences due to material composition. Trex furniture, while resistant to fading, staining, and mold, may occasionally require light cleaning with soap and water to preserve its appearance. In some cases, pressure washing is recommended for more thorough cleaning, though care must be taken to avoid damaging the surface.
POLYWOOD furniture, made entirely of HDPE, is completely resistant to moisture, insects, and decay. Its smooth surface is easy to clean, typically needing only soap and water to restore its look. Since it does not absorb moisture or degrade over time, POLYWOOD requires even less maintenance than Trex furniture. Both brands offer low-maintenance benefits, but POLYWOOD tends to be slightly easier to care for due to the inherently resilient nature of plastic composites.
Can you customize or mix Trex and POLYWOOD furniture in the same outdoor space?
Homeowners can definitely combine Trex and POLYWOOD furniture in the same outdoor living area. Since both brands are known for durability and various color options, it’s possible to create a cohesive design by coordinating colors and furniture styles. For example, POLYWOOD’s contemporary aesthetic can contrast nicely with Trex’s wood-grain appearance, adding visual interest to a space.
Additionally, mixing brands may help homeowners achieve both functional and artistic goals. POLYWOOD furniture can be used in more modern or minimal zones, while Trex’s furniture blends well with composite decking or pergolas for a more traditional feel. The durability of both materials ensures that they perform equally well in all weather conditions, making it practical to use them together without compromising quality or longevity.
Which brand is more environmentally friendly—Trex or POLYWOOD?
Both brands emphasize sustainability, but POLYWOOD is often considered more environmentally friendly due to its 100% recyclable HDPE construction. The company utilizes post-consumer plastics, such as milk jugs and detergent bottles, to create its furniture, significantly reducing landfill waste. POLYWOOD’s manufacturing process is also designed to minimize emissions and waste, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.
Trex furniture also has green credentials, using reclaimed wood fibers and recycled polymers in its composite material. This makes it a responsible choice in terms of using resources efficiently and supporting circular economy practices. While both brands are committed to sustainability, POLYWOOD’s entirely plastic-based construction gives it a slight edge in recyclability and environmental impact, making it the better option for those prioritizing an all-recycled product.