What's so good about HDPE lumber?

Environmentally friendly, cost efficient, resistant to mould - what's not to love about HDPE lumber. Our new Eco White chairs are made from HDPE lumber and we couldn't be more excited about adding this product to our range. Here is what you need to know about HDPE lumber so that you can see why we love it so much!

1. HDPE lumber is environmentally friendly: It is made from recycled high-density polyethylene retrieved from recycled water bottles, milk jugs, detergent bottles and other plastic containers. It saves space in landfills because it is made of post-consumer recycled plastic. It reduces the demand for wood lumber, thus saving forests, and it can be seen as fighting climate change by reducing the demand for trees, which filter the harmful greenhouse gas carbon dioxide. The material reduces soil and water degradation by reducing the use of pressure-treated wood from which harmful chemicals can be released.
2. HDPE lumber looks like wood, but is better: While it closely resembles wood lumber, it is denser, heavier and more flexible. It does not require waterproofing, staining or painting.
3. HDPE lumber doesn't rot: It is extremely resistant to mold, bacteria and mildew. It does not absorb water, so it will not warp or rot. The material is maintenance-free even in extreme weather conditions.
4. HDPE lumber is cost efficient: Because of the material's unique characteristics, furniture built with HDPE plastic lumber can be expected to cost less over its lifetime than the same project made with wood. HDPE lumber does not deteriorate at the same rate as wood, and it does not require maintenance.

So, when considering which chair to buy, take a look at our Eco White chair, made from genuine HDPE lumber.

To fold or not to fold?

Folding Adirondack chairs - a good idea or not? At The Porch we have flirted with the folding Adirondack chair like many other outdoor chair companies. After many design trials we have come to the conclusion that to make the chair fold comes with comfort and durability compromises. At least they do in the case of some we've seen sold at other outlets.

Many folding Adirondack chairs sold elsewhere are flat across the back rather than have the curve which we prefer for comfort. A curved back means that you can sit back in comfort without a cushion.

Folding Adirondack chairs are mostly made lighter so that they can be lifted easily. This can make them unstable.

The paint finish can also be an issue for folding chairs as the legs of the chair are rubbed against in the folding action.

Our Adirondack chairs have been designed to withstand the elements, so there is no need to bring them in 'under cover'. We use an acrylic paint similar to the paint on the outside of your house, with the same durability. The wood is a hardwood so not likely to split and warp. So, if you want a chair without compromises then the non-folding Adirondack chair is the right choice.

In the meantime, we will keep working on making a folding Adirondack chair that doesn't compromise design, comfort and durability.

Launch of new kitchen garden at Kallista Primary school

We just spent a lovely afternoon at Kallista Primary school for the launch of their new kitchen. The school is part of Stephanie Alexander's Kitchen Garden Foundation. The aim of the program is for children around the country to get their hands dirty and learn how to grow, harvest, prepare and share fresh, seasonal food. At Kallista Primary School the new kitchen overlooks the vegie garden, so the children can walk directly from the garden into the kitchen to start cooking.

The Porch supplied the custom-made cypress pine tables which sit on the verandah between the kitchen and the garden, and we are very proud to be part of such a fantastic program.

Alternative eco materials for our chairs

We are very close to introducing a new range of chairs made from alternative materials, such as strand woven bamboo and plastic lumber, which looks and feels very much like painted timber. Very excited. Watch this space.

Plastic lumber

Woven bamboo