HDPE vs Wood: The Better Choice for Golf Course Applications
- By JFM Golf
When choosing between HDPE vs wood for your golf course—whether it’s for signage, trash and beverage stations, tee markers, or benches—it’s important to weigh the long-term benefits, costs, and upkeep. Many golf course owners still lean on traditional wood, but high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has become a better choice for many golf course applications, with unique benefits beyond just looks.
What is HDPE Lumber?
HDPE lumber is a plastic material made from recyclable post-consumer plastics like milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, cutting boards, and piping. It’s a form of high-density polyethylene, engineered for outdoor construction and furnishings. While it looks like wood, HDPE is far more durable with a non-porous nature that keeps out moisture, mildew and insects—problems that plague wood decking and hardwood fixtures.
Perfect for Golf Course Furnishing and Signage
Whether you’re installing benches, adding a beverage and waste station, or placing directional signage, HDPE is suitable for every golf construction project. It’s a sustainable, lightweight and resistant material that maintains both function and style for decades.
The Cons of Traditional Wood
Though widely used, traditional wood has several cons. It’s porous, so it absorbs water, swells and eventually splits, cracks or warps. Prolonged exposure to sun and rain will lead to stains, mold or worse—structural integrity issues. Even premium hardwood options will break down without regular treatment.
HDPE vs Wood
When comparing HDPE vs wood, HDPE wins on almost every front. Wood feels familiar, but it comes with splinter cons, high moisture absorption and ongoing issues like rot, mold, insects, and cracking. It requires more maintenance, regular paint, seal or even full replacement. HDPE—also known as plastic lumber—is a durable, resilient and eco-friendly alternative that performs well across many golf course applications.
Benefits of HDPE Lumber
Won’t Corrode, Splinter, or Decay
This is especially important in public and recreational spaces like golf courses, making it a safer and longer-lasting option.
Low Maintenance with Long-Term Value
Forget regular repairs, paint or seal schedules. HDPE’s easy maintenance is one of its biggest selling points. Just rinse with water or mild soap to clean and fully sanitize the surface—no harsh chemicals or sanding required. That means less downtime, less labor and fewer disruptions to golfers and guests.
Resistant to Spills, Chemicals, and Moisture
Thanks to its non-porous surface, HDPE does not absorb oils, chemicals, or water, making it ideal for environments where spills, moisture, and exposure to cleaning agents are common.
Does Not Harbour Bacteria
Unlike porous materials like wood, HDPE’s non-porous surface does not absorb moisture or harbor bacteria, making it a more hygienic and safer choice for shared spaces like benches, bars, and food service areas on the golf course.
Insect Resistant
HDPE is naturally insect resistant, meaning it won’t attract termites, carpenter ants, or other pests that commonly damage wood—making it a worry-free option for long-term outdoor use.
Vibrant Long Lasting Appearance
HDPE boards come in a wide range of attractive colors that go all the way through the material, so they won’t fade, peel or chip. Unlike wood, which often needs to be refinished to maintain its look, HDPE retains its appearance even after years of use and weather exposure.
No Need to Seal, Stain, or Paint
HDPE lumber never needs sealing, staining, or painting—the color is built into the material and lasts for years without fading, peeling, or chipping, saving time and eliminating ongoing maintenance.
Built to Withstand the Elements
Golf course features are often exposed to sun, rain and humidity. Thanks to its non-porous design, HDPE repels moisture, preventing common problems like mildew, rot and mold.
Strong and Resilient for Daily Use
HDPE has impressive density and structural integrity and can support heavy use without bending or degrading. It won’t warp or split under pressure—ideal for courses where products must perform year-round under foot traffic and changing climates.
Safer and More Comfortable
No splinters, cracking or uneven wear means HDPE is a safer option for golfers and staff. Whether it’s seating areas, fairways, or refreshment areas, HDPE helps you prioritize safety without sacrificing functionality.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Today’s golf courses are looking to reduce their environmental footprint. HDPE is recyclable, eco-friendly made from post-consumer waste. Choosing HDPE reduces deforestation and keeps plastic out of landfills, supporting a more sustainable environment.
Cost-Effective in the Long Run
Although the upfront cost of HDPE may be higher than wood, the long-term savings are undeniable. You won’t have to replace, refinish or constantly repair the material. That makes it a smart, economical choice over the life of your course.
Trusted by Builders and Golf Course Pros
Golf course designers and builders choose JFM Golf products made with HDPE because of its advantages in performance, appearance and lifespan. It meets professional specifications for durability, color selection and construction needs—giving you the flexibility to customize any project with confidence.
HDPE vs Wood – Verdict
In the HDPE vs wood debate, HDPE delivers better value, easier maintenance and superior performance for outdoor signage and furnishings—especially in demanding environments like golf courses. With JFM Golf as your supplier, you’ll find the right solutions to elevate your course with long-lasting, resilient, and sustainable materials.
JFM Golf: Your Source for Premium HDPE Course Essentials
Ready to upgrade your course with products that look great, last longer, and require less maintenance? Choose from a wide variety of JFM Golf’s HDPE products. From custom tee signs and directional markers to benches, waste enclosures, and more, JFM Golf offers a full range of high-quality HDPE furnishings and signage designed to withstand the elements and look great for years.
Browse our Shop to find the perfect HDPE solutions. JFM Golf helps you make a lasting impression on your guests.
