A common misconception about polypropylene is that it’s just another fancy plastic option. But it’s far from the dull, cheap plastic furniture varieties that you’re thinking of!

Thanks to modern technology, polypropylene is a thermoplastic polymer that becomes soft and moldable when heated and hardens when it cools down. One of the most versatile plastics available in today’s sustainability-focused market, polypropylene is the ultimate shapeshifter of materials, taking on the appearance of your favourite furniture colours, styles, and designs. 

In this article, we’ll discuss four interesting facts about polypropylene and how it stacks up against other popular furniture materials. 

4 Interesting Facts About Polypropylene Outdoor Furniture

Fact 1: Polypropylene resists and outlasts Australia’s harsh climate

Australia has long been known for its climate extremes, from blistering hot droughts to flooding rains and freezing temperatures. Left to withstand the harsh, diverse weather conditions, it’s crucial to prioritise weather and water resistance when selecting outdoor furniture for your home. You want your outdoor furniture investment to last over the years, not become prematurely brittle or damaged and require frequent replacement. 

Polypropylene furniture is waterproof and highly resistant to all weather elements, making it a strong and incredibly durable material choice for any outdoor setting. Whether the sun or rain is beating down, polypropylene has excellent thermal properties and is resistant to fading and cracking from prolonged exposure. 

Aside from maximising your investment, polypropylene furniture is also a breeze to clean and maintain, compared to other materials that require regular upkeep, like metal, timber, or rattan. Polypropylene also isn’t susceptible to scratches, stains, and dents, retaining its “like new” good looks for years.

Fact 2: Polypropylene furniture is super lightweight for easy portability

Like unboxing the new board game you’ve eagerly been waiting for, nothing beats the satisfaction (and relief) once your furniture is assembled and positioned in its designated spot. 

One of polypropylene’s biggest perks is that it’s exceptionally lightweight despite its strength, especially when compared to other popular heavy, bulky furniture materials like timber and metal. Whether it’s an outdoor dining table or a cosy balcony furniture set, moving your polypropylene furniture is easy and convenient, requiring minimal manpower. 

Whether you’re rearranging your furniture or moving houses, polypropylene will make light work of it.

Fact 3: Polypropylene is recyclable and the smartest choice for sustainability

We already know that while fast furniture may be more affordable, it’s also often lower quality and unrecyclable, ending up in mounting landfills that will cost the planet and future generations. Sustainability is not a “nice to have” trend or buzzword but a responsibility. 

Thankfully, polypropylene is an eco-friendly, sustainable furniture material that is fully recyclable and easily repurposable at the end of its life. While your polypropylene furniture is made to last, you can donate it to a new home or a business that can repurpose and transform it into new products when it’s time for an upgrade. 

By choosing polypropylene outdoor furniture, you’re making a mindful choice to create a more sustainable future and reduce waste. 

Fact 4: Polypropylene spoils you for choice when it comes to colours and styles

One of the most enjoyable things about furniture shopping is the opportunity to explore different furniture colours and styles to express your unique personality. However, certain furniture materials, like timber, offer limited colour choices unless they’re painted (which then detracts from their natural beauty).

Conversely, polypropylene can be easily moulded into different shapes to suit your style preferences. Whether you love soft, elegant curves or modern, bold lines, polypropylene is the most versatile material when it comes to design and style selections. 

Similarly, it can also be mixed with different additives to create an unlimited colour palette to match your desired colour theme. You’ll find polypropylene furniture in all colours, from vibrant yellows and reds to classic neutrals like pale creams and dark greys. 

How Does Polypropylene Stack Up Against Other Popular Materials? 

Now that you’ve discovered the benefits of polypropylene, let’s explore how it compares to other popular outdoor furniture materials!

Polypropylene vs. Wicker

Wicker outdoor furniture is often loved for its charming, natural woven aesthetic, which makes it perfect for gardens and coastal-style homes. 

However, natural wicker is susceptible to unravelling, brittleness and fading when exposed to UV and heavy rain over time. The good news is that you can still achieve the wicker look with polypropylene furniture designs that mimic the woven look while offering exceptional durability and resistance to the elements. 

Polypropylene vs. Timber

Timber outdoor furniture is a timeless, elegant choice that adds natural warmth and classic polish to any setting. 

However, maintaining the good looks of timber furniture requires great responsibility. Wood is susceptible to scratches, dents, rot, and weathering. 

You’ll need to regularly clean, buff, and polish your wooden furniture to restore its natural shine, while polypropylene only requires a quick dusting and wipe down. 

Polypropyelne vs. Metal

Metal outdoor furniture is solid and durable and can be versatile for modern and classic homes. However, in exchange for its strength, metal can be prone to scratches, rust and corrosion when exposed to diverse climates.

Unlike polypropylene furniture, which remains cool and doesn’t rust, metal readily absorbs heat, making it uncomfortable to use without appropriate covers and pads.

Polypropylene Furniture is Made for Modern Australian Outdoor Living

Whether you’re shopping for a new poolside set, outdoor dining furniture, or the world’s comfiest outdoor lounge set, Kinso has all your outdoor furnishing needs covered. We’ve scoured furniture and lifestyle trends from across the globe to curate a range for Australians who want to make the most of their outdoor moments. 

Check out our latest range of furniture for your outdoor oasis, with loads of helpful articles and furniture styling tips for your inspiration.