Why Do OEMs Prefer Plastic Lumber for Furniture Over Wood?
Poly or composite lumber has become popular in more industries than ever, but why do OEMs prefer plastic lumber over wood furniture? The answer is in the longevity and value plastic lumber affords OEMs and customers.
Learn more about the benefits of plastic lumber furniture below.
Longevity
There are many reasons why OEMs prefer plastic lumber for furniture over wood, but perhaps the primary motive is the durability and longevity that plastic lumber affords. Wood is certainly durable, but it has weaknesses and decays at a much faster rate than the plastic of composite lumber does.
Poly lumber is completely waterproof, giving it an immense advantage over organic wood, which can rot and mold from years of water exposure. Due to its immunity to water and pests, plastic lumber furniture could last two to three times as long as furniture made of standard wood.
Environmentally Friendly
There’s a growing emphasis for OEMs to produce materials and products that are more environmentally conscious and sustainable. OEMs must cut down billions of trees every year to create the lumber needed for furniture and other products.
Plastic lumber, however, is synthetic and doesn’t require trees to be cut down. This means that poly lumber helps preserve our rainforests and saves OEMs the effort of procuring and replacing millions of trees.
Low Maintenance
Besides being more durable and tougher than organic wood, plastic lumber also requires much less effort and money for maintenance. Chemical treatments and protective seals are needed to keep wood lumber furniture moisture-free and protected from the elements.
Since poly lumber is waterproof, there’s no need to constantly treat the furniture with chemicals and stains. Plus, the plastic material is much stronger than organic wood and can better withstand the elements without splintering or cracking.
Affordability
In a one-to-one comparison, plastic lumber is typically more expensive to purchase than standard wood furniture. However, its value is evident once you take into account the longevity, durability, and low maintenance costs of plastic lumber furniture.
Throughout poly lumber furniture’s lifespan, a standard wood unit could require twice the amount of care to only last half the time. When it comes to plastic lumber furniture, customers are paying more in the short term for greater value in the future.
Assortment of Colors
The reasons for plastic lumber furniture aren’t all functional and practical—there are also aesthetic motivations for OEMs preferring plastic lumber. Since it’s a synthetic material, there are many more options and colors of poly lumber for sale than for standard organic lumber.
More options mean more customers are getting the look they want for their furniture, which means satisfied and loyal consumers for OEMs. If you’re looking for plastic lumber or lumber alternatives, reach out to our experts at Tangent Materials today