Recycled Plastic Lumber Products

Plastic lumber is a great recycled product made from recycled plastic. It is extremely durable and long-lasting, low maintenance, and a great alternative to wood in many situations. Typically it is made from high-density polyethylene plastic waste diverted from landfill with ultraviolet stabilizers and colorants. ultraviolet stabilizers provide longevity in situations where it is exposed to the sun. Let’s drill into the detail a bit more of how we can take our plastic milk jugs and other waste plastic materials and create an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional construction materials.

Plastic Lumber (PL) Is Not Wood Plastic Composite (WPC)

Plastic Lumber is not one of the groups of wood composite products. The term plastic lumber (PL) refers to a plastic version of lumber (timber) made from virgin plastic or recycled plastic (in the latter case it is referred to as RPL). In contrast to wood-plastic composite lumber (WPC) which includes waste plastic and wood products, it is made entirely of plastic.

Additionally, its products include a wide variety such as picnic tables, garden furniture like park benches and moldings, trims and outdoor furniture. When installed properly, plastic lumber is resistant to cracking and splitting. Even though PL has a wood grain design, it can be visually distinguished from natural timber because the grains are uniform in color. As compared with wood/plastic composites or rot-resistant treated lumber, manufacturers claim plastic lumber is more environmentally-friendly. After its original purpose, plastic lumber can be recycled 100%.

Structural Properties Of Recycled Plastic Lumber

Plastic lumber’s ability to be molded to almost any spatial condition gives it a significant advantage over real wood. In addition, strong arching curves can be formed by bending and fixing it. Woodworking tools can shape, drill, and cut plastic lumber like wood. Although it isn’t as rigid as wood and may slightly deform in extremely hot weather, it is waterproof and water-resistant and resists all types of rot and mold. Most staining agents cannot stain plastic lumber. It is low-maintenance and does not require painting, which makes it an attractive material. Grays and earth tones are widely available, and it is manufactured in a variety of colors.

In spite of the fact that plastic lumber has compression properties that are equal to or greater than wood, it has a very low modulus of elasticity. Plastic lumber also exhibits a greater amount of creep than wood. For structures that support loads, there are different considerations from those that apply to wood. The use of plastic lumber presents fire containment challenges: it performed worse in a test than various wood and composite materials. The deformation of plastic lumber at high temperatures also needs to be considered when planning for fires.

Why Choose Plastic Wood Lumber For Building Materials?

There are a few good reasons to choose plastic wood lumber over traditional wood lumber, besides the obvious fact that there is a worldwide timber shortage since the covid pandemic as logistical processes are challenged.

One reason is that plastic wood lumber is more durable than traditional wood lumber. It is resistant to rot, mildew, mould, insect damage, and weathering.

Another reason to choose plastic wood lumber is that it requires less maintenance than traditional wood lumber. It does not degrade and does not need to be painted or stained, and it will not splinter or crack.

Finally, plastic wood lumber is made from recycled materials, and the end product is fully recyclable so it is an eco friendly choice.

Plastic Lumber Canada

A Canadian company (in Halifax), converting waste material into plastic lumber. More Info