What is polypropylene in furniture and why is it so popular for outdoor use?

Are you thinking of buying an outdoor table and chair set made of polypropylene? If so, you’ll want to know all the features and benefits that have made this material one of the most popular for outdoor spaces.

In this post, we tell you what polypropylene is and what it is used for, mentioning its main characteristics and advantages, and making a comparison with other materials used in garden furniture. Keep reading to find out!

Polypropylene: What is it and what are its characteristics?

Let us begin by defining what the material polypropylene is: it is a type of plastic obtained from the polymerisation of propylene, as its name suggests. It is one of the materials known as thermoplastics, which can be melted and moulded repeatedly without losing its properties.

In fact, its balance between strength, lightness and versatility make it the second most widely used plastic, only behind polyethylene, with applications in industries such as food, automotive, textiles and pharmaceuticals, among others.

In addition to its high resistance to both impact and use, polypropylene withstands humidity and is not easily affected by chemical products. It is also a recyclable material, which makes it an interesting option from an environmental point of view.

Is polypropylene a plastic?

As we have just discussed, polypropylene is a type of plastic, but it has certain distinctive characteristics that make it more suitable for certain uses.

Unlike other more rigid materials, polypropylene plastic offers great flexibility without losing strength, withstanding wear and tear and exposure to moisture without deteriorating.

For all these reasons, polypropylene is a material widely used in household items, where a good balance between durability and functionality is required, among which outdoor furniture stands out.

Uses of polypropylene

The characteristics of polypropylene, including its versatility and strength, make it ideal for multiple uses. Some of the main uses are:

• Packaging: containers, lids and packaging for food, medicines, cosmetics, etc.
• Textile industry: in products such as carpets and various types of upholstery.
• Automotive: interior and exterior components of automobiles, prepared to withstand impacts and temperature changes.
• Health sector: syringes, tubes, containers and sterilisable disposable material.
• Outdoor furniture: popular for chairs, tables, sun loungers and other furniture that must be weather resistant and lightweight to be easily moved.
• Household items: toys, kitchen utensils, containers, etc.
• Household appliances: housings, insulating parts and internal electronics.
• Construction: pipes, panels, profiles, cladding, etc.

Advantages of using polypropylene in outdoor furniture

Now that you know what polypropylene is and what it is used for, let’s see why it is such a popular material for outdoor furniture. The truth is that most of the properties of polypropylene that we have been mentioning make it a practical and economical alternative for those who are looking for functional furniture that will stand the test of time.

Thus, among the main benefits of using polypropylene in outdoor furniture are the following:

• Weather resistance: it withstands exposure to sun, rain and wind without problems.
• Lightweight: polypropylene furniture is easy to move from one place to another in the garden.
• Durability: withstands continuous use, as well as occasional knocks, without breaking or deforming.
• Moisture resistance: prevents the growth of mould and mildew, which can occur on wooden furniture, so you won’t have to worry about how to clean your mouldy furniture.
• Low maintenance: you will only need to clean the furniture with soap and water occasionally to maintain its appearance.
• Value for money: polypropylene for garden furniture has a very low cost in relation to the performance it offers, making it one of the most affordable materials on the market.
• Recyclable: so it contributes to reducing the environmental impact of furniture manufacturing and promotes a more sustainable industry.
• Versatile design: you can find polypropylene furniture in multiple shapes and colours, adapting to different styles.

Polypropylene versus other materials

Finally, we will answer some frequently asked questions about whether polypropylene is preferable to other materials for garden furniture.

Which is better: plastic or polypropylene?

If you are wondering which is better: polypropylene or plastic, the truth is that the former is a subtype of the latter, but not all plastics offer the same properties.

Polypropylene is stronger, lighter and more durable than other generic plastics, withstanding sun exposure and moisture better. It is also less prone to cracking or warping over time, so when compared to other types of plastics, polypropylene tends to perform better in garden furniture.

Which is stronger: polypropylene or resin?

Both polypropylene and synthetic resin are commonly used in outdoor furniture, but there are important differences.

Resin is usually stiffer and heavier, which makes it more stable. Polypropylene, on the other hand, is more flexible and retains its shape better without cracking, as well as being lighter and easier to move. In terms of strength, polypropylene tends to stay in better condition for more years with less maintenance, but synthetic resin also offers high durability.

So, to the question of which is better: resin or polypropylene, it really depends on your specific needs and preferences, as both are good options.

Which is better: PVC or polypropylene?

PVC is another plastic that is widely used in the industry, but it is not always the best choice for garden furniture. Although it is durable and water resistant, it is heavier and less flexible than polypropylene.

In addition, PVC can become brittle with prolonged exposure to the sun, something that polypropylene copes better with. Another difference is that PVC can contain less sustainable additives, while polypropylene is more easily recyclable.

So in this case, we opted for polypropylene because of its strength, light weight and better weatherability.

Which is better: polypropylene or stainless steel?

Stainless steel and polypropylene respond to different needs: stainless steel is an elegant and robust material, more expensive and heavier than polypropylene. Polypropylene, however, is lighter, cheaper and easier to clean, ideal for functional and comfortable furniture.

If you are looking for a sophisticated and classic aesthetic for your garden, steel may be your best option; but if you prioritise practicality and low maintenance, polypropylene is the best alternative for outdoors.

At Home Zentrum we sell all kinds of polypropylene outdoor furniture in the Canary Islands, available in different models, styles and colours so that you can find the one that best suits your needs. Take a look at our catalogue to discover our furniture!