Unwinding at home in a comfortable outdoor space is a rite of passage to summer in Wisconsin, when relaxing and entertaining can finally move outside. But it’s still Wisconsin, so temperature swings, rain, hail, blazing heat and humidity and sun can take a toll on outdoor furniture, and there’s a lot of work involved in covering it up to protect it from the elements.
A trend that is gaining in popularity and is better for the environment is maintenance-free, outdoor luxury furniture made of recycled milk jugs. While that may sound like an elementary school project, the furniture is structurally sound, very comfortable and naturally weather-resistant. There’s no need to store it under cover over the winter.
“The biggest thing about plastic is its durability. We offer a 35-year warranty,” says Dan Darvell, marketing manager for By the Yard, which offers the furnishings. “The second thing is that plastic furniture is amazingly comfortable. Its ergonomic design is meant for every shape and body.”
Darvell explains that this plastic isn’t the lightweight dollar store brands, such as stackable children’s chairs. It’s a carefully manufactured product using No. 2 plastic that is ground and shredded and turned into lumber boards.
“We have zero waste,” says Darvell. “We sweep up the shreds and repurpose.”
Trent TerHaar, marketing manager for Sister Bay Furniture (another manufacturer of outdoor furniture made from recycled materials), agrees that plastic furniture withstands the elements, making it a popular choice in the Midwest.
“It won't warp, crack or split over time,” he explains. “There’s no need to stain or repaint.” And because there is no fading, customers can easily color match a piece of furniture years down the road.
While the classic outdoor piece of furniture made from recycled materials is the Adirondack chair, there are hundreds of products and styles. Two of the top-selling products at By the Yard are dining room sets and fire tables.
“Fire tables are engineered so that a metal bowl is sitting on rubber and will not melt the product,” Darvell explains.
Because of its comfort and durability and is easily customizable, luxury plastic furniture is a growing trend on the commercial side as well, such as at golf courses. “Our products are built for commercial use, so they're designed with thicker material,” says TerHaar.
Based in Minnesota, By the Yard has seen a 55 percent growth in its product in the last three years and is expanding around the country. Because the furniture is easy to get in and out of, its commercial sales for senior living facilities has taken off.
“Whether it’s 50 below or 110 degrees, our furniture doesn’t know the difference,” says Darvell. MKE
Find By The Yard in Mayfair Mall (414) 626-3648, www.bytheyard.net; and Sister Bay Furniture, W248 N5565, Executive Dr, Sussex, (262) 372-3868, www.sisterbayfurniture.com