If you want outdoor furniture that is durable, lightweight and will never rust, PVC patio furniture may be the perfect choice for you. Available in classic lines or modern styling, PVC furniture is made to last for many years to come.
What Is PVC Furniture?
PVC, also called polyvinyl chloride, is a very durable type of recycled plastic that is specially treated when it is used for making furniture. Once it is treated it is called furniture grade PVC pipe. It is extremely durable and made to withstand the harshest weather and climates.
The frames of PVC furniture are constructed from pieces of furniture grade PVC pipe that are cut to size and attached together with various types of PVC pipe fittings.
Furniture grade PVC pipe has added:
- Ultraviolet light inhibitors to prevent discoloration, fading or crazing
- Impact modifiers that increase the overall strength of the pipe and reduce the chances of chipping on impact
The Advantages of PVC Patio Furniture
In addition to its extreme durability, PVC outdoor furniture made with furniture grade PVC has many advantages. PVC furniture:
- Will not rust
- Will not corrode
- Will not peel or chip
- Will not fade or discolor even in climates that are very hot
- Is not damaged by water
- Is lightweight
- Is easy to clean
- Is low maintenance
- Is inexpensive
- Has a natural high gloss finish
- Will last a lifetime
The Drawbacks
The drawbacks to patio furniture made from PVC pipe include:
- The limited choice of furniture styles
- The limited choice of colors
- Concern about the chemicals in the polyvinyl chloride
- Not checking to make sure the furniture is made of furniture grade PVC pipe and not another cheap plastic pipe
Styles and Types of PVC Furniture Pieces
There are many different types of outdoor furniture pieces, in several style choices, made from PVC pipe. Not every piece of furniture is offered in every style or by every company.
Furniture Pieces
- Dining table and chair sets
- Dinette chair
- Club chair
- Recliner
- Ottoman
- Chaise lounge
- Single glider
- Double glider
- Three seat sofa
- Loveseat
- Bar
- Bar table
- Bar chair
- Bar stool
- Balcony chair
- Side tables
- Dining tables
- Tea carts
- Beach chair
Styles
- Classic style frames for cushions
- Modern style frames for cushions
- Sling
- Strap
- H frame
Where to Find PVC Patio Furniture Online
The Internet provides many websites that offer patio furniture made from PVC pipe. The following is a small sampling of these e-tailers.
Pipe Fine Patio Furniture
Pipe Fine Patio Furniture offers a wide selection of outdoor furniture in modern, classic, strap and sling styles. In addition to the PVC frames, the company also:
- Provides free replacement cushions for life
- Offers a choice of more than 400 stylish outdoor fabric choices for cushions and slings
- Offers vinyl straps in 50 colors
- Offers a choice of PVC pipe in white or bone color
- American made furniture grade PVC pipe
Patio PVC
Patio PVC carries outdoor furniture for patios, decks and pool areas in classic, modern, sling and classic H frame styles. All of the PVC pipe used at Patio PVC is furniture grade and made in the United States.
Pipe Creations
Pipe Creations offers a unique line of PVC furniture that they design. The pieces are hand crafted with furniture grade PVC and are available in Regular, Grande and Grande XL sizes. The Grande and Grande XL pieces are extra wide and extra large to accommodate big and tall people weighing more than 250 pounds. The custom design of the furniture made at Pipe Creations is rounded and curved rather than the straight lines of most PVC furniture.
For DIY Buffs
If you are a DIY buff, you may enjoy trying your hand at making PVC furniture. The following resources will help you plan your project:
- PVC Workshop provides plans and instructions for outdoor PVC furniture for a nominal fee.
- Patios To Go carries a full line of furniture grade PVC pipe, fittings, accessories and parts
- How to Make PVC Pipe Furniture: For Indoors and Outdoors by Steve and Edward Baldwin is available from Amazon.
A Word of Caution
Whether you are purchasing PVC patio furniture online or from a brick and mortar store, always make certain that the pieces you are buying are made from furniture grade PVC pipe. Once you choose the style and pieces you want, you will enjoy your outdoor furniture through years of fun with friends and family.
