Polyurethane Vs. Vinyl Furniture

If you want your furniture to look professional and withstand daily usage, go for industrial textiles like polyurethane and vinyl. They are efficient, artificial-coated materials that establish an insulating layer between the furniture and the environment. 

Polyurethane and vinyl are both plastics, but they’re created using different methods and have very different qualities, making them distinct.

Most businesses find polyurethane furniture more accessible and more comfortable to use than other types of office furniture. On the other hand, Vinyl upholstery assures that your furniture will stay in excellent condition even after extensive use. 

The choice between polyurethane and vinyl furniture can be confusing. In this post, we’ll examine the differences between the two to assist you to zero in on the one best for your needs.

What Is Polyurethane?

Polyurethane is a solid, flexible, and durable material frequently used in the building and design industries. You’ll find them in coat roofs, industrial floors, and the insides of tunnels. Polyurethane’s durability and its multitude of applications are why its popularity has grown in recent times.

It was initially designed to extend the longevity of industrial surfaces by coating them with it. But, despite being made of plastic, it’s incredibly airy and does not retain heat. Moreover, it can be transformed into a fabric-like substance since it’s plastic.

Also, unlike leather, it doesn’t break down, show signs of wear and year, or suffer sun damage under typical circumstances.

Benefits of Polyurethane

Here are six reasons why you should consider opting for polyurethane furniture:

Strength & Durability

A thin polyurethane coating is all that’s required to protect the upholstery from abrasion for a long, long time.

Resistant to Cleaning Chemicals

Polyurethane is resistant to a wide range of regularly used industrial cleaners and disinfectants, as well as alcohol and bleach solutions. The material will hold up to repeated cleanings without becoming brittle or discolored.

Resistant to Stains

Use high-quality polyurethane resins to make your valuable furniture stain-resistant from the get-go. 

Maintains the Temperature

High-quality PUs maintain their coolness when applied to the furniture surface. This feature will come in handy when you leave your furniture unattended for long periods, for instance, when you go on a vacation.

Softness

Polyurethane can be used to create a soft and pliable sitting surface.

Cost of Polyurethane Furniture

Polyurethane furniture pieces are slightly costly. An industrial polyurethane chair can cost anywhere between $250 and $450. On the other hand, if you book a high-end single-seater polyurethane sofa, the price can go up to $2500.

That said, you’ll also find slightly cheaper chairs with adjustable height within $120 to $150 should you be on a tight budget.

When Should You Use Polyurethane Furniture

Since polyurethane boasts of a unique combination of strength and comfort, here are a few situations in which it’s best to stick to polyurethane furniture:

• If you want a furniture item for frequent indoor use
• If you want a high-quality faux leather  
• If you want something soft and plushy for domestic use
• If flexibility is your priority. Polyurethane works equally well on complex designs.

What Is Vinyl Upholstery?

Vinyl doesn’t come from resins but from ethylene found in crude oil, making it a different form of plastic altogether. Vinyl upholstery is made by fusing vinyl with polyester (in most cases).

Vinyl fabric is at par with polyurethane material in terms of versatility for industrial and commercial applications. Designed and favored by many, this industrial fabric is more straightforward to manufacture than others–it consumes less electricity. 

Due to their chlorine content, PVCs are believed to be long-lasting and fire, oil, and chemical resistant. Moreover, it’s both waterproof and weatherproof.

Pelletier and synthetic leather are synonymous with vinyl fabric. It’s available in every hue imaginable and has various finishes, ranging from opaque and matte to transparent. 

Did you know that vinyl is often embossed with a grain-like texture that resembles leather due to its origins as a leather substitute?

Advantages of Vinyl

Vinyl has become one of the most commonly used materials in the furniture industry in the last several decades. Here are four reasons why you should choose vinyl:

Versatile

As mentioned above, vinyl is among the most adaptable materials. It can be used for both hardy industrial tarps and delicate food wraps.

Resistant to Damage

Vinyl’s chloride base is what makes it fire-resistant. Neither igniting nor burning is possible with this composition. Moreover, vinyl fabrics feature a weather-resistant coating that keeps water and moisture away.

Durable

Vinyl has a unique molecular structure. Solid and durable, it also doesn’t get affected by fraying.

Simple to Clean

A moist cloth is all that you need to clean vinyl fabric.

Cost of Vinyl Furniture 

Vinyl furniture is much cheaper as compared to polyurethane furniture. You can find a pack of four regular folding chairs at just $80 to $100. If you’re looking for a little comfier seating, go for premium-grade vinyl chairs ranging from $200 to $350.  

When Should You Use Vinyl Furniture

Vinyl furniture is known for its sturdiness and ability to withstand rough use. Here are a few cases in which you should opt for vinyl furniture:

• For outdoor spaces where it’ll be subjected to harsh weather and dust
• If the furniture will frequently be exposed to harsh cleaners and disinfectants
• If the functionality and durability of the furniture are more important to you than its visual appeal and design
• For frequent and commercial use like hotel waiting rooms where the furniture will be used by countless visitors

Polyurethane vs. Vinyl Furniture: What Should I Choose?

Both polyurethane and vinyl are incredibly viable options if sturdy yet professional-looking furniture is what you seek. The final selection may come down to your personal preferences regarding appearance, feel, and cost. 

Polyurethane furniture is a hallmark of convenience and style. On the other hand, vinyl upholstery can withstand rugged and extensive use better than other upholstery types.

Final Thoughts

The right piece of furniture can make a huge difference in your home and office’s overall visual appeal and comfort level. Furniture is a considerable part of your day-to-day life, and they require extra attention since they are a long-term investment. So make sure you pick the one that excels on each criterion of your checklist or seeks professional help if needed.