If you’ve started shopping for premium outdoor furniture, chances are you’ve caught yourself asking a common question in the showroom:

“Is this POLYWOOD?”

It’s completely understandable. POLYWOOD® has become such a recognizable brand name that many people use it as a generic term to describe all recycled poly outdoor furniture—much like saying “Kleenex” for facial tissues or “Band-Aid” for bandages.

But here is the showroom truth: POLYWOOD® is simply a brand. Finch is an elite outdoor furniture manufacturer that also utilizes high-density, recycled poly lumber. While they share a category, they are built to entirely different standards.

For homeowners in Central New Jersey, Bucks County, and Montgomery County who want an elevated, furniture-quality outdoor living space, understanding the differences between the two is key to making the right investment.

First: What Actually Is Poly Furniture?

To understand the brand differences, it helps to understand the material. Both POLYWOOD and Finch use engineered HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic lumber. This material has exploded in popularity over the last decade because it is engineered to withstand the elements without the headache of traditional wood.

High-quality poly lumber guarantees your furniture won’t suffer from:

  • Rotting, splintering, or cracking
  • Peeling or fading under harsh UV rays
  • The seasonal need for painting, staining, or waterproofing

Because Finch uses this same foundational, eco-friendly material, it delivers all the low-maintenance benefits you expect from poly furniture. But Finch is not POLYWOOD. And for discerning homeowners, that is actually its greatest advantage.

Where Finch Stands Out: The Luxury Difference

If comparing standard poly to mass-market brands is like comparing a reliable sedan to a luxury vehicle, Finch is undoubtedly the luxury class. Here is where Finch elevates itself above POLYWOOD:

True Amish Craftsmanship

While POLYWOOD is mass-produced on a major corporate scale, Finch furniture is handcrafted by Amish artisans right here in the USA. This heritage of craftsmanship is evident in the details:

  • Hidden Fasteners: Marine-grade stainless steel hardware is strategically hidden to maintain a clean, sleek profile.
  • Mortise-and-Tenon Joinery: Finch utilizes traditional, interlocking wood-crafting joints for superior structural integrity, rather than relying solely on face screws.

A Substantial, “Furniture-First” Aesthetic

One of the first things local homeowners notice when they lift a Finch chair is its weight. Finch profiles are thicker, heavier, and distinctly more robust than POLYWOOD. It doesn’t look or feel like “plastic patio furniture”—it features rich textures, clean silhouettes, and timeless designs that seamlessly complement upscale patios, outdoor kitchens, and modern farmhouses.

Engineered for Premium Comfort

Durability doesn’t matter if you don’t want to sit in the chair. Finch designs prioritize ergonomics. With deeply contoured seats, perfectly angled backrests, and smooth-to-the-touch finishes, these pieces are built for hours of poolside relaxation or long patio dinners.

The Biggest Myth About Poly Furniture

The most common misconception we hear in our showroom is: “Isn’t poly furniture just cheap plastic?”

It’s vital to separate cheap, injection-molded plastic grocery store chairs from premium engineered poly lumber. Finch uses heavy-duty, dense structural profiles designed for lifetime performance and color retention. The difference in stability, wind resistance (critical for open PA and NJ properties), and luxury texture becomes immediately obvious the moment you see it in person.

Experience the Finch Difference at Buxtons

If you’ve been calling all outdoor poly furniture “polywood,” you’re definitely not alone. But once you experience the weight, the smooth edges, and the meticulous craftsmanship of Finch in person, the difference becomes clear.

Your backyard is an extension of your home—an investment in comfort, hosting, and relaxation. At Buxtons, we help you choose pieces that stand up to the Northeast winters while elevating your outdoor style. Buxtons is a partner for every chapter of life, and we are here to help you build an outdoor space that your family will enjoy for decades to come.

Stop by our showroom today to test out the Finch comfort difference for yourself, or browse our current collections online!