Polyethylene Coated Steel vs. Wood: Which Is Better for Outdoor Furniture?
Wood has been a go-to material for outdoor furniture for generations. It’s classic, natural, and timeless. But when it comes to furnishing commercial outdoor spaces—like parks, schools, restaurants, or public plazas—polyethylene-coated steel often comes out on top.
Let’s break down why more property managers, cities, and business owners are choosing coated steel furniture over traditional wood.
1. Durability That Goes the Distance
Wood looks great when it’s new, but over time, the elements take their toll. Sunlight fades it, rain causes swelling or rot, and if it’s not sealed regularly, it starts to splinter and crack.
Polyethylene-coated steel? It’s built like a tank. The steel gives it strength, and the polyethylene coating seals it completely, so no moisture gets in, no UV damage occurs, and it holds up through every season, year after year.
👉 Bottom line: If you're looking for something that can take a beating from the weather and still look great, coated steel wins.
2. Maintenance: One Requires Work, the Other Doesn’t
If you’ve ever owned wood outdoor furniture, you know the drill—sand it, stain it, seal it… and do it all over again next year.
With polyethylene-coated steel furniture, you can forget about all of that. Cleaning usually takes nothing more than a hose and some soap. The color doesn’t fade. The surface doesn’t chip or splinter. No painting, no varnishing, no hassle.
👉 Time is money, especially for commercial spaces. Coated steel saves both.
3. Comfort Without Compromise
You might not think a steel bench sounds comfortable, but once it's coated in polyethylene, it's smooth to the touch and doesn’t absorb heat the way metal normally would.
Wood can crack or splinter over time, which isn't ideal when guests are sitting down in shorts or kids are climbing around. Polyethylene-coated steel stays safe, smooth, and splinter-free.
4. Built for Heavy Use
In a backyard, wood might be fine. But in a public park, at a busy shopping center, or outside a restaurant? That furniture is going to get a lot of use.
Polyethylene-coated steel is engineered for commercial spaces. It can handle thousands of uses, rowdy kids, rowdy adults, and even a bit of vandalism. And because it’s so heavy-duty, it’s less likely to be damaged or disappear.
5. Eco-Friendly Bonus
Believe it or not, wood furniture isn’t always the greener option. Many polyethylene coatings are recyclable, and coated steel furniture lasts so long that you're not replacing it every few years.
That longevity reduces waste, and even more so if the furniture is made with recycled steel (as many manufacturers do).
6. Looks Matter—And This Furniture Delivers
Sure, wood has a natural charm. But polyethylene-coated steel furniture comes in vibrant, fade-resistant colors that help you match your brand, theme, or community look.
Whether you’re going for a fun, colorful playground or a sleek, modern patio, there are color and design options to fit the mood. And it stays looking new for much longer than stained wood ever could.
Final Verdict: Coated Steel > Wood for Commercial Use
We’re not saying wood doesn’t have its place. But when you need outdoor furniture that lasts, looks great, and doesn’t ask much of you, polyethylene-coated steel is the clear winner—especially for commercial and high-traffic spaces.
Want to see the difference for yourself? Check out our full selection of coated outdoor furniture here, or reach out if you’re looking for recommendations for your space.
