Welcome to the 855th Metamorphosis Monday! Hope you had a great weekend! One of my future goals for the Dollhouse is to purchase outdoor furniture for the patio. That may not happen this year, but I definitely want to do that by next summer. (The photo below is from when the home was listed for sale several years back.)
Here’s another view of the patio looking back toward the house. Before I purchase patio furniture, I’d like to have the driveway and patio pavers cleaned, resanded, and sealed. In the meantime, with summer fast approaching, I’ve been trying to imagine what kind of outdoor dining furniture I would buy for a round patio, and where I would position it. If space allows, I’d probably place a round table and chairs in the center, then add a couple of sets of chairs near the edges to create a few seating areas. One thing I do know for sure is that I don’t want an outdoor-wicker set of furniture, like a sofa and chairs. I’ve had issues in the past in Georgia with squirrels eating my outdoor wicker that was on my deck. Argh.
I’ve heard so many great things about the brand, Polywood, that I wanted to see it in person. I know Polywood isn’t squirrel-proof, in that squirrels have been known to chew on it, but I thought I’d have a better chance with it in the harsh Ohio winters than I would with outdoor-style wicker. I did a quick online search to see if there were any companies near me that sold Polywood, and I found one by the name of Watson’s of Dayton.
When I first started thinking about adding a set of Polywood furniture to my patio, this was the set I thought I’d want. I came so close to ordering it a few times. I liked the clean, crisp look of the white color and that I could add color via chair cushions to match whatever umbrella I used..
But when I arrived at Watson’s and saw a similar white set of Polywood out front under a covered overhang, I was shocked by how not-white it appeared. It was a rather unattractive off-white with dark brown stuff down inside the grooves of the table’s surface.
The salesman who greeted me said that it was probably from sitting outdoors and that the dark was most likely dirt. It looked like it would take a lot of scrubbing and time to remove all the dirt I was seeing in the grooves. I was pretty disappointed in how the white set looked and soooo glad I had not ordered a set online without having first seen it in person!
Behind me, on that same patio area out in front of the store, was this chair. I loved the surface I was seeing and feeling on this chair! It felt so nice and smooth as I ran my hand over the arm of the chair.
Here’s a closer view. It wasn’t grooved like the Polywood, just silky smooth.
Here’s another one of the same chair, but in a pretty turquoise color.
Not sure how it’s coming across in this picture, but as I ran my hand over the arm, it felt silky smooth. I asked what this was, and the sales guy said that it was the same type of plastic furniture as Polywood, and made by a company out of Canada named C.R. I looked them up online, and their official name is C.R. Plastic Products. He said their products are very popular and extremely well-made. Update: Forgot to mention this: The sales guy who was helping me said that C.R. has changed how they make their Adirondack-style chairs. Before, they were tricky to get up/out of due to the depth and shape of the seat. They’ve changed that now. I sat in both an older style and the new style, and I did notice a big difference. The newer one was much better.
After seeing the dirt all down in the grooves of the Polywood table, I became very interested in learning more about the smooth surface I was seeing on the C.R. furniture. I asked the sales guy who was helping me if they had any C.R. dining sets on the floor. The only one they had on the floor was this style, which is my least favorite style for a table. C.R. calls this a “pub” style. I really don’t care for this style of table. Whenever I’ve sat at high-up tables like this, I find myself fighting to keep my feet in a comfortable position for the entire meal. It’s exhausting and not relaxing at all! I will say, this set looks like it includes a much better foot rest than most pub style sets that I’ve seen, but I would still much prefer a dining set where my feet can rest on the ground.
But this was a great opportunity to see the C.R. product in a dining set.
Here’s how the surface of the table looked, nice and smooth, just like the chairs outside. Love that!
This was the cost for this set. I was just thinking, it might be fun to have a normal dining set in the center of the patio with a pub set nearby for those who like to sit up high, especially if the footrest allowed for a comfortable way to sit without having to fight to keep your feet in place. I should go back to Watson’s (when I’m back in Ohio) and try sitting at this table to see how it feels. Or, maybe I can find a place here that carries C.R. products.
Polywood is coming out with a whole new line of furniture that looks similar to the C.R. furniture that I saw that day. It’s two-toned, and I was surprised how much I liked the two-tone look.
I remember the top of the table feeling a lot smoother that it looks in this photo. It probably wouldn’t be as hard to keep clean in a neutral color like this.
If I’m remembering correctly (it’s been a few weeks) my sales guy said that it wasn’t yet being marketed because it’s so new. Maybe it can be ordered—not sure. It will be available in a bunch of different colors.
Again, I really did like the two-tone look. I remember thinking the surface was smoother than the regular Polywood, but I may be wrong about that because it looks pretty grooved in these pictures.
This was the price.
Here’s one more set of two-tone Polywood that I saw while in Watson’s of Dayton. Again, it’s that high-up Pub style that I don’t like. I kinda like the handles across the back of the chair. It would make it easy to pull the chair out when climbing up to sit. I wonder how the metal handles would hold up in bad weather, if they would change color.
I didn’t like the footrail nearly as much as the one I saw on the C.R. pub furniture, but the color of this set was pretty. It felt very beachy.
Here’s the surface of the table—again, quite grooved looking. Being a dark color, maybe it wouldn’t be too hard to keep clean. Do you own any Polywood with a surface like this? Is it hard to clean and keep clean?
This set, called Coastal, was in the colors Kona and Sea Mist. Here’s how it was priced the day I was visiting. That’s a really good sale!
I don’t like how the legs look on most of the Polywood furniture. It looks like they took a million plastic bottles and smushed them all together into a big ole blob. I’m glad the table surface doesn’t look this way. Having the legs look like this wouldn’t stop me from purchasing this set if I liked the higher pub style and everything else about it.
When I was taking photos in the store, I wasn’t thinking about sharing them in a post. I was more focused on the material and how the surfaces felt and looked, so I could remember that once I got back home. So, that’s why there are so many close-up photos in this post. If you would like for me to visit the store again when I return to Ohio, I can take more distant shots to share in a future post. This store (Watson’s of Dayton) had it all! They even had furniture available from the brand that Disney World uses for their outdoor furniture. It was way more expensive than I wanted to pay, but you know it’s going to last if it’s used in Disney World!
I would love to buy patio furniture made here in the U.S., but I must say that I was very impressed with the C.R. furniture that’s made in Canada. I loved how smooth the surface felt! Do you or anyone you know have C.R. Plastics outdoor furniture? What is your favorite brand for outdoor furniture? If you have Polywood furniture, do you find it hard to clean down in the grooves? How do you like their two-tone furniture?
Looking forward to all the wonderful Before and Afters linked for this week’s Met Monday! Like to know when a new blog post is up? Subscribe for email updates (it’s free), and your email will never be shared. Subscribe for free email post updates here: Subscribe.
Metamorphosis Monday: Metamorphosis Monday is a party that’s all about Before and Afters. Please link up your Before and After projects like DIY projects, room makeovers, craft projects even recipes. Please do not link up Table Settings; save those for our Tablescape Thursday party on Thursday. If you are participating in Met Monday, link your post to the party using the “permalink” to your MM post and not your general blog address. To get your permalink, click on the name of your post, then copy and paste the address (that shows in the address bar at the top of your blog) into the “url” box for InLinkz when prompted.
Susan,
Thanks so much for hosting this wonderful party!! I really appreciate the time and effort that goes into it along with visiting all the links!! I hope you are having a great week!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Out of curiosity, what was the brand that Disney World uses for their outdoor furniture?
I can’t remember now, but when I go back, I’ll ask.
Hi Susan… we have about 8 pieces of Polywood here in Georgia. Once a year we use our pressure washer on the lowest setting and ALL of the Georgia pollen just washes away. After an heavy rain, anything that gets on the pieces just wash off. Our pieces are probably over 10 years old & they look brand new after a bath. I will be waiting to see which you select. You always do the homework for us on so many products & it is most appreciated.
36 years & love it still our wrought iron furniture. Yep, squirrels, chipmunks will do a number on most anything but iron. We have a double deck, 3 tables & 18 chairs were a good buy, for us. Good Luck!! franki
We have Kettler polytek chairs that can be used for dining or lounging. I love the seat height for dining, but they recline so are comfortable for reading or hanging out. They are true white and look as good today as when we purchased them in 2014. There is a table that matches, but we use them with a teak table. The name of the line within the Kettler brand is Roma. I think you can find them on Amazon. They are made in the USA and have a lifetime warranty. They will never rust because the joinery isn’t metal. Important for us since we are at the oceanfront.
If you are in Dayton, Homes County is less than two hours away. I am sure there are multiple Amish and Mennonite places that make this furniture at a lower price. In our area there are so many stores and garden centers with handmade tables and chairs made from this poly wood.
We’ve had wrought iron for almost 40 years! In NE kansas between the harsh winters & the brutal wind & storms it’s what has survived. We’ve only had to take a wire brush & some white paint to it periodically to touch up. It’s what we recommend to last forever!
I love the way your share your shopping trips. I learn so much! We finally ditched our picnic table about 20 years ago and bought a wrought iron round table and four chairs. I have also purchased more chairs for our fire pit and use at the table. I love them! Every Spring, I spray them off and then spray Rustoleum flat black paint on any areas that look like they need it. I like the fact that the chairs are easy to move around, and the table is not too heavy either.
Thanks for all the info Susan. Polywood is new to me so it was interesting to learn about it. I want to add a sitting area outside so this was very helpful! Have a great week. XO- MaryJo
Originally had polywood sets for my entire large patio in different groupings. Moved 2 years later to NC from PA. Managed to sell the former deck furniture with the house as I was not happy with the weathering and the cleaning/upkeep required. I bought CR and two years later am still in love with it! It has held up so much better in appearance and is very comfortable. In my experience there is no doubt, CR Plastics is the way to go.
What about imitation wicker, which is essentially plastic? I have teak outdoor furniture, not really my favorite, but teak is very durable and it happens to go with my house. However you live in an area of the country that experiences colder, harsher weather, while I live in California. I love iron, and if I were looking for new outdoor furniture, that is what I would choose. The C.R. product is very good looking, but wouldn’t it become very hot if left in the sun? I always love your detailed posts about the things that you find. Thanks Susan.
Lisa, that is what I was going to mention! We were in Alabama with about 9 months of summer a year, and unless your furniture (either Polywood or C.R.) is completely out of the sun, it gets TOO HOT to touch. If you have ever tried to walk across a TREX deck in the sun, you will get the idea!
POLYWOOD IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO ITS DURABLE CLEANS UP NICE.
Just make sure when you sit in the chairs they are confortable I like the waterflow seat They should last 20+ YEARS they don’t fade and you would never have to buy another.. They are expensive and but worth it. Mine were custom made by the AMISH and had to order online
Hi Susan,
We’ve had Polywood for at least 10 years and it still looks great and is very solidly made. Every spring my husband power washes all of the furniture and it looks great all summer.
I guess nothing is entirely maintenance free. 🙁
Kathy
I’ve had real wood and plastic and they did not last long. I’ve had cast iron for 27yrs now and LOVE it!!!
I suggest checking out “Summer Classics” on line, and there are stores in bigger cities also so you can walk in check the quality. They have oodles of materials and styles. They are pricey but last forever–and they have sales! I have a set with round table with four chairs made from aluminum, which looks like wrought iron but does not need the maintenance, and I can leave it out all year long. I’ve had my set over 10 years.
Try again. We love it when you do the research and legwork and share it with us. I just wanted to say, you might want to ask if there was a price increase on the Canadian furniture because of tariffs. I love the sea colors, but I wouldn’t be comfortable with the higher chairs. Do they sell covers for the furniture in winter ?
Is the Dollhouse bathroom finished ?
Susan, Maybe the Car Guys cleaner that you like so much could work to keep up with the Polywood if you really prefer that brand.You have time to figure it out.
Always fun and educational going shopping with you! I”ve seen that smooth material before and it looks great. Was really comfortable to sit in too. I’ll be curious to see what you end up with . Thanks for the info AND the party!
Susan,we have two Polywood glider rockers on our patio, two years old. I’ll send you some info to use while you’re comparing. We LOVE them!
You are in Ohio and need to look into the Amish made furniture that is made from recycled milk cartons. It’s FABULOUS!@ WEARS FOREVER. AND DOESN’T FADE!@
Susan, my little sister here (Dublin OH) has those older style Adirondeck chairs and we love that surface. They’ve held up for years and she doesn’t even cover them at all – even in our nasty icy winters. I think you’d be pleased with that choice. I like all the styles you shared.
Your outdoor area reminds me of lovely French patios. Iron is the way to go with beautiful cushions and settees and lovely plants and flowers. I have had iron in all my homes and is long lasting quickly cleaned anytime.
When I bought my patio furniture, I chose wrought iron made by Woodard. I got it on a close out sale so it was not as expensive as it usually would have been. Although my chairs are no longer being made, a close second to it is Woodard Constantine. They are stackable so are taken down to the basement for the winter. I am sure they could be left outside during the winter (I live in northern NY state near Rochester so it snows.) The chairs I purchased have arms and comes in various colors. I purchased the black ones and then purchased a similar table from Wayfair. This has been one of my favorite things for my current house. They look lovely, and are extremely comfortable, although you can buy cushions if you so desire. Altogether I spent less than $2000 for eight chairs and a table to coordinate with them two years ago. Woodard is the type of thing you put in your Will for the next generation. Good luck with your search; I know you will find something perfect for your new home.
Hi!
We have 3 black outdoor rocking chairs and 2 side tables from HighWood USA on our front porch. They sit out year round through Marylands hot summers and cold winters. They look brand new with a hosing off of the spring pollen from Tulip Poplars. The color has not faded, the chairs have not cracked or peeled.
We also have 2 King Hamilton reclining Adirondack chairs with footrests and a table between them . They are white and sit out on the grass in our yard in the perfect “ bat watching” site. The color is a nice white not gray. They stay in the yard all year long. My kids even sit on them while taking a break from snowball fights, sledding and building snowmen. We’ve had them for 4 years. We power wash them every spring and they look brand new!
Check out the LuxCraft Poly Outdoor Furniture website. We have had the LuxCraft Adirondack chairs for years. They are outside year round, never fade and are heavy enough that the wind doesn’t knock them over. They also sell dining sets.
Hi Susan,
I’ve had a couple of Highwood brand chairs and a small table on the back patio of my dental office for about 5 years. It still looks new! They are super comfortable and have held up so well. Perhaps check those out for another option. I would definitely buy them for my home!
We have outdoor furniture like you are looking at but it is made in Ohio. The name of the company is Berlin Gardens. This furniture is made very good! The color is not just on the top but goes all the way through the piece of furniture. You can power wash it and it comes out looking new. I would suggest you take a look at their furniture.
I suspect that the handles on the high pub chairs are not really handles but are made to support your upper and lower back since there is only a fabric-type back to the chair. Suggest you test-drive the chairs before going further. With my own back issues, comfort and support is always more important than style. Good luck. Also, traditional cast iron would look great with the cottage style of your home and the round patio. Other items too modern. Happy Hunting!