That's an excellent question! As someone who's passionate about sustainable and durable outdoor furniture, I'm happy to break down the real-world differences. While both are popular alternatives to traditional wood, they serve distinct purposes.
The core difference lies in the material. Our recycled plastic benches are made from 100% post-consumer plastic waste—think milk jugs and detergent bottles—diverted from landfills. Wood composite benches, however, blend wood fibers (often sawdust) with plastic polymers. This fundamental distinction drives their performance.
In terms of durability, recycled plastic is virtually impervious to moisture. It won't rot, splinter, or crack, and it's highly resistant to insects and mold. A quick rinse is often all the cleaning it needs. Wood composite is also low-maintenance compared to natural wood, but the wood fibers can absorb moisture over time, potentially leading to swelling, warping, or mold growth if not properly sealed or maintained.
Sustainability is another key area. Our benches give a permanent new life to plastic waste, requiring no trees to be cut down. Wood composite uses industrial wood by-products, which is good, but it's not fully circular in the same way. Both are long-lasting, reducing the frequent replacement cycle of traditional wood.
When it comes to feel and look, wood composite often has a texture and color that more closely mimics real wood. Recycled plastic has a solid, uniform feel and comes in a variety of fade-resistant colors, but its aesthetic is more modern and consistent.
So, which is better? If your top priorities are maximum durability in wet climates, absolute minimal maintenance, and a fully circular eco-profile, recycled plastic is the champion. If you prefer a more wood-like aesthetic and are in a drier climate where moisture absorption is less of a concern, wood composite is a solid choice. Both are fantastic, long-lasting options that move us beyond the limitations of traditional timber.