Consumer Facts About PVC

What is PVC?

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or, more commonly "vinyl", is one of the most versatile plastics in use today. About six billion pounds of PVC are used each year to produce a wide variety of products. You are probably familiar with many products made from PVC — such as vinyl floor covering, furniture upholstery, medical tubing, vinyl house siding, vinyl wallpaper, water piping, and many other consumer and industrial products.

Why is PVC used to make pipe furniture for lawn or patio use?

Your manufacturer of casual furniture selected PVC for pipe furniture because of its remarkable combination of qualities. These qualities include: strength, impact resistance, resistance to the sun's ultraviolet rays, and the ability to be formed into attractive shapes.

Is PVC pipe furniture better than metal or wood lawn furniture?

PVC pipe furniture will not rust, corrode or peel like steel or wood furniture. PVC requires little, if any, maintenance to keep it looking like new.

Is PVC pipe furniture made from standard "plumbing grade" PVC pipe and fittings?

IT SHOULD NOT BE. Standard plumbing grade PVC pipe and fittings are designed for use in the ground or inside a house. These pipes have a very low resistance to the sun's ultraviolet rays which can cause them to degrade and yellow. PVC pipe furniture should be made from a specially developed "furniture grade" formula which contains titanium dioxide and a special blend of stabilizers. These ingredients give furniture grade PVC greater resistance to constant exposure to the sun's rays.

When buying PVC pipe furniture, be sure it is constructed of PVC pipe and fittings made from a "furniture grade" formula.

If PVC furniture becomes dirty, how should it be cleaned?

A mild soap and water wash should remove normal dirt build-up. Excessively dirty furniture can generally be restored by using Casual Clean®

Abrasive cleaners should not be used, as they could permanently dull and scratch the surface finish.

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