
Plastic wood is a composite material made from recycled plastic and wood dust or fibres. It is used for decking, outdoor furniture, docks, boardwalks, and other outdoor projects. Plastic wood is available in a variety of colours, including earth tones, bright colours, and standard colours like black, yellow, red, and blue. The colour is typically blended throughout the material during production, so no painting is required, and the colour remains vibrant and fade-resistant for years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Polywood, American Plastic Lumber |
| Colors | Yellow, Red, Blue, Black, Earth Tones |
| Composition | High-density polyethylene (HDPE), UV inhibitors, pigments, protective compounds, recycled plastic, wood dust/fibers |
| Features | Fade-resistant, vibrant colors, textured surface, UV blockers, maintenance-free |
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What You'll Learn

Plastic wood comes in a variety of colours, including earth tones
Plastic wood is a highly versatile material that comes in a wide array of colours, catering to diverse aesthetic preferences and design needs. One of its standout features is its ability to mimic the appearance of real wood, offering a range of wood tones that seamlessly blend with natural wooden elements. From rich, earthy hues to vibrant shades, plastic wood can be tailored to suit any style or setting.
Elevating the design possibilities, plastic wood is available in a spectrum of earth tones, providing a sophisticated and natural colour palette. These hues include shades reminiscent of soil, clay, and stone, offering a subtle and elegant option for those seeking a more subdued aesthetic. The earth tones available in plastic wood can create a harmonious connection between structures and their natural surroundings, making them an ideal choice for outdoor settings.
Beyond the realm of earth tones, plastic wood also comes in an array of vibrant colours, such as yellow, red, and blue. These bold hues offer a modern twist to traditional wooden elements, adding a pop of colour to any space. The versatility of plastic wood's colour options allows for creative expression and customization, making it a designer's dream.
The colouring process of plastic wood involves blending UV inhibitors, pigments, and protective compounds with the plastic material itself. This ensures that the colour is not just a surface veneer but is thoroughly blended throughout the material. As a result, plastic wood maintains its vibrant hues for years, resisting fading and retaining its rich, saturated appearance.
While plastic wood offers a diverse range of colours, it's important to note that the specific colour options may vary depending on the manufacturer and the production run. Some colours may be considered standard, while others, like yellow, red, and blue, might be available at different price points. Nonetheless, the variety of colours available in plastic wood makes it a flexible and aesthetically pleasing choice for various projects, whether it's decking, outdoor furniture, or something entirely unique.
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The colour is blended throughout the material, so no painting is required
Plastic wood is a composite material made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood dust/fibres. It is designed to look and act like real wood, offering a more durable and low-maintenance alternative.
When it comes to colour, plastic wood offers a range of options. The colour is not just applied to the surface but is blended throughout the material. This means that the colour you see on the surface is not a veneer but is thoroughly mixed with the plastic itself. As a result, no painting is required, and the colour will remain vibrant and fade-resistant for years.
POLYWOOD, for example, blends UV inhibitors, pigments, and other protective compounds with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic before turning it into lumber. This process ensures that the colour runs continuously throughout the material. The vibrant hues are fully saturated into the lumber, resulting in a long-lasting colour that stays bright and rich.
Other plastic wood products also offer a range of colours. For instance, plastic lumber is available in various colours, including standard options like black and more unique colours like yellow, red, and blue. These colours may vary slightly between production runs due to the recycled content of the materials.
The advantage of having the colour blended throughout the material is that you avoid the need for painting or additional surface treatments. This not only saves time and effort but also ensures that the colour remains consistent and does not chip, crack, or peel over time. This feature makes plastic wood ideal for outdoor applications where exposure to the elements can cause traditional paint to deteriorate.
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Recycled plastic lumber products may vary slightly in colour
Recycled plastic lumber is made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic, which is blended with UV inhibitors, pigments, and other protective compounds. This results in a variety of colour options, from vibrant hues to more subdued earth tones. The colour is not just on the surface; it permeates the entire material, ensuring that the plastic wood maintains its colour for years.
While recycled plastic lumber offers a range of colour choices, slight variations in colour may occur between different production runs due to the recycled content of the materials. This means that the colour of the lumber may not be accurately represented on your computer screen or other digital devices. To ensure that you receive the desired colour, it is recommended to request actual material samples before placing an order.
The cost of recycled plastic lumber can also vary depending on the colour. For example, black may be the most economical option, while red might be more expensive and require a larger order quantity to warrant a production run.
Additionally, plastic lumber can be made to simulate wood grain, providing a more natural appearance. This type of plastic lumber is ideal for decking, outdoor railings, and outdoor furniture. It offers excellent durability in outdoor conditions, resisting damage from moisture, mould, sunlight, and insects, which can affect real wood over time.
Overall, recycled plastic lumber provides a wide range of colour options, but slight variations in colour may occur due to the recycled nature of the product. By requesting samples and considering the intended use and desired appearance, you can choose the best colour for your project while taking advantage of the durability and low-maintenance benefits of plastic lumber.
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Yellow, red and blue are non-standard colours
Plastic wood is available in a wide range of colours, including those that mimic the appearance of real wood. However, yellow, red, and blue are considered non-standard colours for plastic wood products. While these colours are available, they may not be offered in all lumber sizes and may require a larger order quantity to warrant a production run.
The availability of specific colours often depends on the manufacturer and the type of plastic wood product. For example, Polywood lumber is made from recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic and is known for its vibrant colours, which are achieved by blending UV inhibitors, pigments, and protective compounds with the plastic during production. This process ensures that the colour runs continuously throughout the material, eliminating the need for painting and providing long-lasting colour retention.
In contrast, plastic wood products designed for outdoor use may have a more limited colour range, focusing on natural wood tones to simulate the appearance of real wood. These products often have UV blockers added to minimise fading and maintain their colour over time.
It is worth noting that due to the recycled content of plastic wood, slight variations in colour may occur between different production runs. Therefore, it is always advisable to request actual material samples before placing an order to ensure the desired colour is achieved.
While yellow, red, and blue are non-standard colours, they can still be special-ordered or offered by specific manufacturers. These colours can add a unique touch to projects, but it is important to consider the availability and potential additional requirements associated with these non-standard options.
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Black is the most economical colour option
Plastic wood is a composite material made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood dust/fibers. It is a popular choice for outdoor decking and furniture due to its durability, weather resistance, and low maintenance.
When it comes to colour options, plastic wood is available in a variety of colours, including wood tones that closely resemble real wood. However, the specific colour options vary depending on the manufacturer and the type of plastic lumber.
One notable aspect of plastic wood colouring is the presence of UV inhibitors and pigments. Manufacturers often blend UV inhibitors and pigments with the plastic to create vibrant colours that are fade-resistant and long-lasting. This ensures that the colour remains bright and vibrant for years.
While various colours are available, black is often highlighted as the most economical colour option for plastic wood. For example, American Plastic Lumber, a company that provides recycled plastic lumber products, mentions that black is their most economical colour option, while red is the most costly. This pricing difference may be due to factors such as production costs, demand, or the specific pigments and additives used.
It is important to note that the colour options may vary based on the size of the lumber as well. Some colours may not be available in all lumber sizes, and there can be slight variations in colour due to the recycled content of the materials. Therefore, it is always advisable to request actual material samples before placing an order to ensure the desired colour and consistency.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic wood comes in a variety of colors, including earth tones, vibrant hues, and standard colors like black, yellow, red, and blue.
Yes, not all colors are available in all lumber sizes, and some colors may have minimum order requirements for production runs.
Painting plastic wood is generally not recommended as it may void the warranty. Plastic wood is designed with UV inhibitors and pigments to maintain its color and resist fading over time.
Yes, there are different types of plastic wood, such as composite boards made from recycled plastic and wood dust, PVC trim boards, and solid plastic stock, each offering a range of color options.











































