Introduction

Plastic wood is a composite material that imitates the appearance and functionality of real wood while providing superior durability and resistance to weathering, moisture, and insects. It combines recycled plastic with wood fibres, sawdust, or other natural fillers to create a strong, stable material that can be shaped, cut, and finished like wood.

Common Types of Plastic Wood in the Furniture Industry

● Polythene (PE) Plastic Wood:

This is the most common type of plastic wood used in furniture making. It is made by mixing recycled high-density polythene (HDPE) plastic with wood fibres or sawdust. PE plastic wood is lightweight, durable, and low maintenance, making it a cost-effective option for outdoor furniture.

● Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Plastic Wood:

PVC plastic wood combines PVC resin with wood fibres, sawdust, or other natural fillers. It can be moulded into various shapes and sizes, making it ideal for intricate furniture designs.

● Polypropylene (PP) Plastic Wood:

PP plastic wood is made by blending recycled polypropylene plastic with wood fibres or sawdust. It is strong, lightweight, and resistant to moisture and UV radiation, making it a popular choice for outdoor furniture.

● Polystyrene (PS) Plastic Wood:

PS plastic wood combines recycled polystyrene plastic with wood fibres or sawdust. It is a lightweight material that is easy to shape and finish, making it ideal for making decorative furniture.

● Polylactic Acid (PLA) Plastic Wood:

PLA plastic wood is made from corn starch or other natural sources, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly option for furniture making. It is a biodegradable material that is strong, durable, and resistant to moisture and UV radiation.

Advantages of Plastic Wood for Furniture Making

● Durability:

Plastic wood is highly resistant to weathering, moisture, mildew and pests, making it a long-lasting material for outdoor furniture.

● Low-Maintenance:

Plastic wood requires little to no maintenance, as it does not need to be stained, painted, or sealed like real wood.

● Eco-Friendly:

Plastic wood is made from recycled or sustainable materials, making it more environmentally friendly than traditional wood.

Production Flow of Plastic Wood

The production of Leisure Touch PS plastic wood typically involves the following steps:

1. Material Preparation:

The raw plastic materials and other auxiliaries are mixed in a blender to create a homogenous mixture.

2. Extrusion:

The first step in producing plastic wood is to mix and melt the raw materials together in an extruder. The raw materials typically include recycled plastic, wood fibres, and other additives such as colourants or UV inhibitors. The extruder heats, melts the materials, and then pushes them through a die to create a continuous plastic wood profile.

3. Cooling:

After extruding the plastic wood profile, it must be cooled down to solidify the material. This is typically done using a cooling bath or a series of water jets that rapidly cool down the hot plastic. Cooling helps prevent warping, cracking, or other defects if the plastic cools too slowly.

4. Finishing:

After the plastic wood boards are cooled, they may undergo additional finishing to achieve the desired texture, colour, and appearance. This can include sanding, brushing, embossing, or polishing the surface of the boards. Each finishing method produces a unique texture and appearance that can mimic the look of natural wood or create a completely new aesthetic.

5. Cutting and Shaping:

Once finished, the boards can be cut and shaped to the desired dimensions. This is typically done using saws, routers, or other cutting tools. The boards can be cut to different lengths and widths to create planks, beams, or other structural elements for furniture making. Using specialised tools, they can also be shaped into intricate designs, such as curved or angled pieces.

6. Drilling and Fastening:

After the boards are cut and shaped, they may need to be drilled and fastened together to create furniture pieces. This can include drilling holes for screws or bolts and using specialised fasteners to secure the boards together. The holes and fasteners can be concealed using wood plugs or caps, which give the furniture a seamless appearance.

7. Sanding and Finishing:

After the boards are cut and fastened, they may undergo another round of sanding and finishing to ensure a smooth, polished surface. This can include sanding rough edges or surfaces and applying a final coat of paint or varnish to protect the boards from moisture and UV damage.

8. Packing:

Once the plastic wood boards are produced and finished, they are carefully packed to ensure safe transportation. The boards are typically wrapped in protective material and secured with plastic or metal strapping. Depending on the order size and destination, the boards may be packed into wooden crates or placed onto pallets.

9. Shipping:

After the boards are packed, they are shipped to their final destination. Shipping can be done by truck, train, or boat, depending on the distance and transportation requirements. The boards are typically shipped to wholesalers, manufacturers, or retailers who will use them to create furniture or other products. During shipping, it’s important to protect the boards from moisture, extreme temperatures, and other hazards that could damage the product.

Four Types of Plastic Wood from Leisure Touch Rattan

Leisure Touch Rattan is a reputable Chinese plastic wood manufacturer that offers four types of plastic wood:

1. Embossed Plastic Wood Boards:

These boards have a textured surface that mimics the grain of real wood, making them ideal for outdoor furniture.

2. Brushed Plastic Wood Boards:

These boards have a brushed surface that gives them a natural, rustic look, making them perfect for outdoor furniture.

3. Planed Plastic Wood Boards:

These boards have a smooth, even surface ideal for making furniture with clean lines and modern design.

4. Polished Plastic Wood Boards:

These boards have a glossy, polished finish perfect for creating high-end furniture with a luxurious look and feels.

How to Evaluate Plastic Wood’s Quality

When evaluating the quality of plastic wood, there are several factors to consider, including:

● Material Composition:

The quality of plastic wood depends on the type and quality of the plastic and natural filler used to make it. Look for products that use high-quality, recycled or sustainable materials.

● Density:

The density of plastic wood affects its strength and durability. Look for products that have a high density and are resistant to bending, warping, or cracking.

● Colour Fading:

Plastic wood can fade over time due to exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors. Look for products that are UV-resistant and have a colourfast finish.

Plastic Wood Commercial Outdoor Furniture

Plastic wood is a versatile material to create a wide collection of outdoor furniture, including:

● Chairs and Tables:

Plastic wood chairs and tables are durable, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance, making them ideal for outdoor dining and entertaining.

● Benches:

Plastic wood benches are great for parks, gardens, and other outdoor spaces. They are durable, comfortable, and can be customised to fit any style or design.

● Lounges:

Plastic wood lounges are perfect for relaxing by the pool or patio. They are comfortable, durable, and can be customised with cushions and pillows for added comfort.

One of the on-trend designs for plastic wood furniture uses mixed materials, such as combining plastic wood with metal, glass, or stone. This creates a unique and modern look perfect for contemporary outdoor spaces.

Conclusion

Plastic wood is a durable, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly material ideal for furniture making, especially outdoor furniture. Leisure Touch Rattan is a reputable manufacturer of plastic wood products that offers a variety of types and finishes to suit any design or style. When evaluating plastic wood products, consider the material composition, density, and colourfastness.

Choose Leisure Touch Rattan as your plastic wood furniture business partner for high-quality products and excellent customer service.