Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of our most commonly asked questions. If you have a question of your own feel free to reach out to us.
All of our products are made of high-density polyethylene which is ideal for outdoor use. The Polly Products formulation will withstand cold without cracking and heat with a negligible increase in flexibility. Some of our larger picnic tables tops are reinforced underneath with powder-coated aluminum tubing for extra stability. We have a client that uses our benches near the beach and the salt and sand whip at them daily. This client informed us recently that the benches are still in the same great condition as when they were first purchased! We’ve had tables in Dubai for 5 years, enduring the scorching sun and heat, and no problems there, either. We have products in Canada, Alaska, Minnesota, North Dakota, Michigan, Maine – where cold weather is extreme – again, all is well. Our HDPE components are solid and very dense, with very minimal thermal expansion and contraction, and are non-porous so moisture cannot be absorbed. These facts also make them quite comfortable to sit on in both hot and cold climates, because the components are not good conductors of temperature extremes, and they can be wiped dry.
The product must be placed on a level surface to assure no warping occurs. Placement is important! Individual bench and table slats rarely warp if assembled correctly.
Polly Products does not require you to anchor your bench/table down. It is the customer’s preference. We do sell optional anchor kits that are appropriate for many applications, including attaching to concrete or wood decks, or in-ground. The brackets for concrete/wood mounting are L-shaped and screws are included to mount it to the legs of your product (or the side slats on the trash and recycling containers). We don’t include the fasteners to attach to the substrate, because wood and concrete use different and specific fasteners. Those are available at any hardware store or lumber yard. We also offer an auger-style anchor, for securing your items to the ground, and a spike-style anchor for mounting posts in the ground.
Yes, but with caution. High-pressure power washers used with a concentrated tip can cosmetically damage the product. Using a fan tip is highly recommended. Experiment on the underside until the correct amount of pressure and water focus is achieved without causing cosmetic damage. Most grime can be removed with soapy water and a soft brush. If you choose to use a power washer, remember that it can remove a toe – use the minimum pressure required with a fan tip. Cleaning Video Here
100% high-density polyethylene is a very earth-friendly plastic. It is the same plastic as the gallon milk jug from your refrigerator. Plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose so buying recycled plastic products keeps that plastic out of our country’s landfills. It is non-porous, so it cannot harbor moisture or bacteria internally; is inorganic so it cannot rot, mold or harbor insects; and it’s non-leaching which makes it safe for aquatic use, children and pets. Being non-porous also makes it easy to clean and sanitize with the disinfectant of your choice.
We do not recommend painting. There are color additives that are molded into the product. No staining or painting is needed. Due to the nature of plastic, the paint would most likely NOT stick and would peel and flake off almost instantly. This also makes the product graffiti resistant.
Plastic is very similar to wood when machining. For high production applications consult with the supplier of your cutting tools for proper tools and feed rates. For simple cutting, drilling and routing, regular woodworking tools will work well. It is not recommended to plane.
Slight color variance is common in our operation as we use recycled materials. Most continuous suppliers use wide spec virgin plastics and can control the colors better because they have consistent virgin feedstock. We remain honest with our claims of a recycled plastic product. We strive to produce consistent colors with computerized color mixing, and are successful, especially considering what we have as raw material.
We update our website often and add pictures showcasing the variety of colors we offer. All products on our website provide dropdown lists to choose the base and board colors, so you can see the finished color combination. Keep in mind that settings on computer monitors vary. If you need to see the actual colors in hand, we provide free color samples so you can be confident everything will match in your setting.
We sell individual bench ends because some benches require 2, 3, or 4 bench ends. Or a customer might just need one bench end replaced.
All of our bench ends are universal so you can use them for the left side, the right side or in the middle.
We use a #12 x 3″ screw – screwed directly into pilot holes in the center line of the bench end. Our plastic lumber requires a maximum of 32″ on-center spacing for stability. The product comes pre-drilled and countersunk to make assembly easier, but it’s important not to overtighten screws into plastic lumber. Snug is recommended and prevents the creation of stress points in the boards and stripping out pilot holes.
Assembly videos are available on our YouTube channel or flip through our catalog to see how benches are assembled. You may also download the footprint pdf drawing from the product page to get a line drawing of that particular bench.
Each bench is different based on the lumber used and the span, but they are all designed with safety in mind for the wide variety of people who may use them. For specific weight limits, view the specification on our website, in our catalog, or contact Customer Service.
We do not make any products with metal posts that ‘plant’ or are cemented permanently into the ground. It is our mission to utilize recycled plastic, not metal, in our furnishings. However, we do offer various anchor kits that will secure our products to concrete and wood pads, or in-ground. You are welcome to set your product in a cement bed, but that is not a recommended application.
They come in kit form with all holes predrilled, an assembly package with step-by-step, illustrated instructions, and the required stainless steel fasteners. Some assembly is required on most products. A screwdriver will do the trick, but a power screwdriver is recommended.
We pre-assemble many components to make your assembly easier. The Hexagon tables come with pre-assembled tops and sections of the frames. All of the straight table tops are assembled and 2-board seats will be, as well.
All of our tables have fully illustrated step-by-step instruction packages and have pilot holes marking part placement. There is a legend to confirm you have all your fasteners before you start. Polly tables were designed with the customer in mind.
A 2-inch Umbrella hole will be in all Hex and plastic sheet tables unless the customer specifies they do not want one when they order. Umbrella Holes on standard tables are an additional option on some standard tables.
Classic picnic tables have 4″ x 6″ plastic lumber legs for superior strength. We also have step-in models, one with 4″ x 4″ framing and another with a proprietary molded leg/frame/seat support that’s also made of recycled plastic. The GreenScapes tables have black decorative frames which are solid recycled plastic.
Some of the trash receptacles do not have bottoms. They come with a rigid liner inside to place the trash bag into. Others are pre-assembled and have a bottom in place with the addition of a plastic liner for placing the trash bag into.
The lid does not come attached to most of our trash receptacles. The lid fits inside the receptacle to hold it in place and is not secured for easy access when replacing trash bags. We offer a Lid Lanyard on products with removable lids to secure the lid to the base.
It does include a rigid liner and our exclusive ‘Easy Bag System’ that you’ll come to appreciate. The EBS provides ‘arms’ to wrap your trash can liner around which helps prevent the bag from coming loose and collapsing into the liner. You can imagine what a mess that would be!
Another benefit is the recycled plastic lumber construction is not affected by dog urine, and can be clean/sanitized with the disinfectant of your choice.
All message centers, kiosks, and specialty viewing centers include built-in locks. All doors are mounted with stainless steel piano hinges from the inside, so they can’t be unscrewed, providing further security.
The planters are designed to have potted plants set inside and do not have bottom plates. Proper drainage should be maintained and having an open bottom allows for drainage.
Squirrels, for example, have a constant need to gnaw to keep their ever-growing front teeth in check. Unfortunately, the texture and sometimes even the scent of recycled plastic can be irresistible to these bushy-tailed rodents. Read more
You can contact customer service toll-free 1.877.609.2243 or Email customerservice@pollyproducts.com. A pre-qualifying distributor package will be sent to you. After completing forms in the package, simply return to Polly Products and pricing and product information will be provided once approved.
If there are any questions our trained customer service staff has or will find the answer for you. Call toll-free 1- 877-609-2243 extension 221. Or email customerservice@pollyproducts.com
