BUYER BEWARE: PLASTIC RATTAN OUTDOOR FURNITURE

by | Nov 1, 2020

Synthetic weave furniture, also called
all-weather wicker, can be an excellent investment for our oceanside,
sun-drenched homes. Unfortunately, not
all manufacturers make synthetic weave furniture from the right type of
plastic. Some manufacturers use cheap
plastic that will crack and split within one year from purchase. That is why it is critical to know what
materials the manufacturer uses.

Since we have harsh conditions, including
strong, direct sunlight and nearby saltwater, it is prudent to ensure you buy
your outdoor furniture with caution. You
have worked hard for your money – the last thing you want to do is have to
replace your outdoor furniture every year.

Synthetics are an excellent option for
outdoor furniture if you select the right kind.
There are different types of synthetics and each performs
differently. The options include cheap
PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PP (polypropylene), PC (polycarbonate), PE (polyethylene)
to the best, which is HDPE (High-density polyethylene). Buy the correct
material, and your investment will last for decades. Buy the wrong type and you will end up
replacing it within one season because it cracks and peels. Even more problematic is that it could be
harmful to your health due to its toxicity.

Many of the synthetics available on the
market in the outdoor furniture category use PVC. Not only is PVC a less durable choice because
it will dry out and crack rapidly, but it also emits toxic compounds during
construction and decomposition. What may
appear to be a good deal at first will end up costing you financially and could
potentially cause you and other people in your home health issues.

So why do some stores sell low-grade
plastic furniture? 

Big box stores and department stores
compete amongst each other based on lowest prices. Outdoor furniture manufacturers who supply to
these retailers, many of whom are offshore in China and Taiwan, want to
maintain their margins and look for ways to save costs. As a result, they often reduce the quality of
the materials and manufacturing processes.
Manufacturing standards are not as rigid as in North America if they
exist at all.        

                                                               

HDPE is the highest quality resin
material. Its high density means that it
will not break, scratch, or chip. It is
also stain-resistant and 100% recyclable.
Most HDPE outdoor furniture pieces are also infused with UV inhibitors
to not fade in direct sunlight. One of
HDPE’s other advantages over lower grades of synthetic rattans is that the
furniture will not stick to your skin.
Don’t you hate that feeling?

How can you tell if that piece of outdoor
furniture is low-quality synthetic or high-quality HDPE? One sign that the item is cheap vinyl material
or low-grade synthetic is that it is shiny.
Good quality synthetics are usually matte/flat.

To ensure the manufacturer made the
furniture from the right resin, check its plastic resin identification
code. Usually, you can locate the code
on the packaging of the product. All
HDPE items will display the HDPE code, a triangle made up of three arrows
pointing clockwise and the #2 in the triangle’s center.

The best option is to purchase your
furniture from a knowledgeable company.
A good company will know about all the possibilities and take the time
to help you find the right solution.

Are you buying a new condo in
Vallarta? Check out our website at www.solutionsmexico.com where we
feature whole home furniture packages.
We can even customize one to your décor style, budget and items
required. And, join our Facebook Group
for ideas and inspiration of what is available in Mexico: Mexico Furniture and Décor.

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