Plastic Lumber
DESCRIPTION
Plastic lumber is
recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and sometimes other additives,
such as fiberglass, extruded into common lumber profiles. Apart from
availability in most of the familiar wood cross sections (2 x 4, 4 x 4,
etc), hollow sections or specialty shapes like speed bumps or bench legs
can also be achieved.
COLOR CHOICES

EXAMPLES OF USE
As you can see the uses
for plastic lumber are wide. If you would like further information on
plastic lumber please contact us so we can discuss your special project or need.

BENEFITS
HDPE is a very durable
plastic, making recycled plastic lumber a positive alternative to wood
in external environments.
For a comparison of recycled plastic vs. other materials, please view our
Comparison Page.
The most significant
benefits over wood are:
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Splinter free
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Impervious to marine borers
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Color impregnated, no painting required
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Does not contain harmful chemicals
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Attractive appearance
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USES
The uses, like wood, are
endless. As a rule plastic lumber is used to replace wood in areas
where exposure to the elements is frequent or high abrasion is likely.
Some of the more common applications include:
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Decking
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Picnic tables
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Trash bins
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Truck beds
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Fencing
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Benches
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Speed bumps
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Landscaping
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Signage
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Sea walling
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Agriculture
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Pilings
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Mail boxes
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Equestrian
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DESIGNING
Designing with plastic
lumber, instead of wood, needs to be treated in a similar way to the
difference in designing between steel and aluminum. With wood there are
various trees giving different performance characteristics and with
plastic lumber the composition mix can also change the properties. Some
boards can have fiberglass strands mixed in to add strength or stiffness
while another may be hollow to reduce weight. Unless you have design
experience using plastic lumber, designing should be completed with the
advice of an experienced user.

PROFILES
Many of the typical
sections you are used to with wood are available in plastic lumber
together with some specialty sections like hollows, "L" shapes, bullnose
and others. Here are some examples:
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1/2 x 1-1/2
1-1/2 x 1-1/2
2 x 10
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1/2 x 2-1/2
2 x 4
5/8 x 12 |
1 x 4
4 x 4
5/8 x 18 |
1 x 6 T&G
2 x 6
5/8 x 24 |
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