What Is Furniture Grade PVC and Its Applications
What Is Furniture Grade Pvc?
Furniture grade PVC refers to a type of PVC pipe that is specifically designed for outdoor use.
Unlike regular PVC pipe, which is not suitable for outdoor applications, furniture grade PVC is made with a glossy, highly-pigmented, and weatherable outer cap.
This outer cap helps to protect the pipe from damage and degradation caused by sunlight.
In addition, furniture grade PVC is more impact-resistant compared to regular PVC pipe.
It is important to note that SCH40 and 80 PVC, as well as regular PVC pipe used outdoors, should be painted with a light-reflective paint coating to prevent UV degradation and color change.
Acrylic or latex paint compatible with PVC is recommended for outdoor use, while oil-based paints should be avoided for PVC piping.
Key Points:
- Furniture grade PVC is specifically designed for outdoor use
- It is made with a glossy, highly-pigmented, and weatherable outer cap
- The outer cap protects the pipe from damage and degradation caused by sunlight
- Furniture grade PVC is more impact-resistant compared to regular PVC pipe
- Regular PVC pipe used outdoors should be painted with a light-reflective paint coating to prevent UV degradation and color change
- Acrylic or latex paint compatible with PVC is recommended for outdoor use, while oil-based paints should be avoided for PVC piping.
Did You Know?
1. Furniture-grade PVC is a type of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material that is specially formulated and designed to be used in the construction of furniture, such as tables, chairs, and shelving units.
2. Unlike plumbing-grade PVC, furniture-grade PVC has a higher impact resistance, making it more durable and sturdy. This superior strength allows for the construction of stable and long-lasting furniture pieces.
3. One of the key advantages of furniture-grade PVC is its versatility. This material can be easily cut, shaped, and assembled, giving designers and DIY enthusiasts the freedom to create unique and customized furniture designs.
4. Furniture-grade PVC is available in a wide range of colors and finishes. In addition to the traditional white color, you can find furniture-grade PVC in various shades, including black, gray, and even transparent options, allowing for greater aesthetic flexibility.
5. An interesting fact about furniture-grade PVC is that it is also considered an eco-friendly material. PVC can be recycled and repurposed, reducing waste and contributing to a more sustainable approach to furniture manufacturing.
Outdoor Use And Furniture Grade PVC
When it comes to creating durable and long-lasting outdoor furniture, one must consider the material used. While regular PVC pipe is commonly used in plumbing applications, it is not suitable for outdoor use. Regular PVC lacks the necessary properties to withstand the harsh outdoor elements, such as intense sunlight and fluctuating temperatures.
This is where furniture-grade PVC comes into play. Furniture-grade PVC is specifically designed for outdoor use, making it an excellent choice for constructing outdoor furniture. It possesses certain features that distinguish it from regular PVC and make it the ideal material for enduring outdoor conditions.
Features Of Furniture-Grade PVC
One of the key features of furniture-grade PVC is its glossy, highly-pigmented, and weatherable outer cap. This protective layer not only gives the PVC pipe an attractive appearance but also shields it from the damaging effects of prolonged exposure to sunlight. The outer cap prevents the PVC from becoming brittle, discolored, or deteriorating over time.
In addition to its weather-resistant properties, furniture-grade PVC also offers increased impact resistance. This means that the pipe and fittings are less likely to crack or break when subjected to external forces. This durability ensures that outdoor furniture made from furniture-grade PVC will be able to withstand the rigors of everyday use and remain in excellent condition for years to come.
- The outer cap of furniture-grade PVC provides protection against sunlight damage.
- Furniture-grade PVC maintains its appearance and resists deterioration over time.
- Outdoor furniture made from furniture-grade PVC is durable and long-lasting.
- Furniture-grade PVC has increased impact resistance to prevent cracks or breakages.
- The weather-resistant properties of furniture-grade PVC make it suitable for outdoor use.
Differences Between Furniture-Grade PVC And Regular PVC
One of the main differences between furniture-grade PVC and regular PVC is their intended use. While regular PVC is suitable for indoor plumbing applications, it is not designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the outdoors. Regular PVC lacks the weather-resistant properties and the protective outer cap that make furniture-grade PVC suitable for outdoor use.
Furthermore, furniture-grade PVC is more resistant to UV degradation. When exposed to sunlight, regular PVC can undergo color change and become discolored over time. Furniture-grade PVC, on the other hand, maintains its vibrant and attractive appearance even after prolonged exposure to the sun.
Sunlight Resistance And UV Degradation
Sunlight resistance is one of the primary benefits of furniture-grade PVC. Unlike regular PVC, furniture-grade PVC is resistant to damage and degradation caused by sunlight. The protective outer cap acts as a shield, preventing the PVC from being damaged by UV radiation.
UV degradation is a common issue with exposed PVC, resulting in color fading and deterioration. Furniture-grade PVC is specifically formulated to resist these effects and retain its original color and finish even when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
Painting Recommendations For Outdoor PVC
When it comes to outdoor PVC, it is important to keep in mind that regular PVC should be painted with a light-color reflective paint coating. This coating helps to minimize heat absorption and prevents the PVC from becoming overly hot, which could potentially cause warping or distortion.
When selecting a paint for outdoor PVC, it is crucial to choose an acrylic or latex paint that is specifically designed for PVC. These types of paint adhere well to PVC surfaces and offer a durable finish. It is advisable to stay away from oil-based paints as they may not provide sufficient protection against the elements and can lead to adhesion issues.
To summarize, furniture-grade PVC is the recommended choice for outdoor applications, especially in the construction of durable and weather-resistant outdoor furniture. Its glossy and highly-pigmented outer cap, resistance to UV degradation, and increased impact resistance make it superior to regular PVC. However, when using regular PVC outdoors, it is recommended to paint it with a light-color reflective coating using acrylic or latex paint to provide additional protection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does PVC furniture mean?
PVC furniture refers to furniture made primarily or entirely using Poly-Vinyl Chloride material. While PVC is commonly associated with plumbing or construction applications, its versatility has expanded its use into the furniture industry. PVC furniture is valued for its durability and low maintenance requirements, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor settings. With its wide range of colors and styles, PVC furniture offers a practical and cost-effective option for individuals seeking modern and long-lasting furniture solutions.
What is furniture grade?
Furniture grade refers to the highest quality of plywood commonly utilized in furniture construction projects. Grade A plywood is exclusively chosen due to its durability, strength, and aesthetic appeal. This top-grade material ensures that furniture pieces, including cabinets, tables, and chairs, possess excellent structural integrity and a visually appealing finish. Consequently, furniture grade plywood is an essential component in creating long-lasting and visually pleasing furniture pieces.
What PVC pipe is used for furniture?
PVC pipe is commonly used for furniture construction due to its impressive qualities. Formufit Furniture Grade PVC Sch. 40 PVC pipe specifically is designed to be used for furniture as it offers various benefits. Not only is it UV resistant, ensuring it won’t fade or discolor over time, but it is also impact proof, making it highly durable for furniture use. Additionally, this type of PVC pipe is non-toxic, making it safe for indoor and outdoor furniture applications. With its vibrant color and appearance, Formufit PVC pipe enhances the aesthetic appeal of furniture while providing 5x more strength and durability than traditional plumbing-grade PVC pipe.
What are the grades of PVC?
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is classified into three grades: Type I, Type II, and CPVC. Each grade offers distinct properties and advantages. Type II PVC and CPVC are notably superior in terms of heat and chemical resistance, as well as impact resistance. These grades are particularly suitable for applications where durability and resistance to external factors are paramount. Type I PVC, while not as resistant as Type II and CPVC, still demonstrates reliable performance and is commonly used in various industries. Overall, the grades of PVC provide options that cater to different needs and requirements, ensuring versatility and effectiveness in a wide range of applications.