Inside POLYWOOD: Design, Durability, and a Circular Future with Lindsay Schleis

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What if the best-looking thing on your patio was also the toughest and the most sustainable? We sit down with Lindsay Schleis, VP of Business Development at POLYWOOD, to trace how recycled HDPE becomes design-forward outdoor furniture that survives salt air, summer storms, and years of use—without sacrificing style or speed.

Lindsay takes us from laser sorters and UV-stable pellets to CNC-milled “lumber” and an on-demand, just‑in‑time factory that ships most orders in 7–10 business days. We dig into finishes that move beyond the classic Adirondack look—vintage textures and woodlike select tones—plus a Designer Series with hidden hardware made for architects and interior designers. Collaborations get their moment too: Martha Stewart’s Chinoiserie collection pushed POLYWOOD to extrude 24-inch boards and laser-cut intricate backs, unlocking cast-metal detail in a recyclable material.

We explore what matters most to coastal clients: real durability. From hurricane-tested testimonials to hospitality-grade testing that meets ASTM and BIFMA standards, the brand’s 20-year warranty is grounded in engineering and an in-house lab. You’ll hear how mixed materials—sling seats and woven accents—elevate comfort and silhouette, why the modern Edge collection is trending (with sectional options), and how the trade program streamlines specs, drop shipping, and soon COM cushions with new Sunbrella fabrics. Distribution spans DTC, retail, specialty dealers, the design trade, and hospitality worldwide, with U.S. manufacturing in Indiana and North Carolina reducing lead times.

We also swap ideas for what’s next—outdoor bars, towel returns, and cabana storage that match the same sustainability and performance. If you’re designing by the coast, outfitting a boutique hotel, or refreshing a backyard to actually last, this conversation is your blueprint for durable, beautiful outdoor living.

If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, share it with a design friend, and leave a quick review—then head to polywood.com to explore the Designer Program and sample what’s possible.

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