Ethan Clarke
If you're looking for an environmentally friendly and long-lasting alternative to wood, recycled plastic boards are a great option. They are made from recycled plastics, such as detergent bottles and milk jugs, that are pulled from landfills and transformed into lumber. Recycled plastic boards are durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to issues that typically affect wood, such as rotting, splintering, cracking, and chipping. They are also waterproof, making them suitable for various construction projects, including landscaping, retaining walls, fences, decking, and boardwalks. You can purchase recycled plastic boards from companies such as Plastic Lumber Yard, PlasTEAK Inc., Markstaar, BestPLUS, Eco Plastic Wood, and British Recycled Plastic, which offer a range of sizes, colours, and grades to suit your specific needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Websites | Plastic Lumber Yard, PlasTEAK Inc., Markstaar, BestPLUS, Eco Plastic Wood, British Recycled Plastic |
| Materials | Recycled plastic, detergent bottles, milk jugs |
| Grades | Molded, structural, premium |
| Colors | Black |
| Durability | Resistant to rot, splintering, cracking, chipping, moisture absorption, salt, acids, bacteria, termites, rodents, worms, marine parasites, insects, mold, mildew, weathering, damage, vandalism |
| Maintenance | Virtually maintenance-free, no need for painting, staining, or treatment |
| Eco-friendliness | Eco-friendly, made from recycled materials, reduces plastic waste, reusable |
| Use cases | Decking, landscaping, retaining walls, fences, boardwalks, construction projects, outdoor furniture, picnic tables, benches, raised beds, playground systems, signage |
| Customer service | Responsive, helpful, friendly, professional |
| Shipping | Free shipping |
| Guarantee | 25-year guarantee, 50-year warranty |
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What You'll Learn
Online retailers
There are several online retailers that sell recycled plastic boards. One such retailer is Plastic Lumber Yard, which offers boards made from recycled plastics that were once land and ocean-bound. Their products are available in Premium, Structural, and Molded grades, and can be used to build any structure. Plastic Lumber Yard's recycled plastic lumber is waterproof, low-maintenance, and durable, with structures built from their lumber lasting for generations in all climates. In addition to their lumber, they also offer pergolas, fences, and vinyl fencing.
Another option is PlasTEAK Inc., which sells recycled plastic lumber that is molded rather than extruded. Their lumber is eco-friendly and offers several advantages over wood, including being long-lasting and virtually maintenance-free. It can be cut and shaped with normal woodworking tools and is resistant to graffiti, splintering, cracking, chipping, absorbing moisture, and rotting. It is also resistant to salt, acids, bacteria, and insects.
BestPLUS is another online retailer that manufactures plastic lumber from 98% recycled plastic. Their lumber is sustainable, long-lasting, and affordable, and can be used for a variety of applications such as retaining walls, landscape edging, raised garden beds, planters, outdoor steps, and walkways.
MARKSTAAR is an online retailer that offers pre-cut plastic lumber boards made with 100% recycled plastic. Their products include decking, railing, structural plastic lumber, marine pilings, furniture, and more.
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Eco-friendly credentials
When considering the eco-friendly credentials of recycled plastic boards, several key factors come into play. Firstly, the source of the recycled plastic and the process of recycling itself are important. Many companies, such as British Recycled Plastic, Eco Plastic Wood, and Plastic Lumber Yard, use plastic waste from landfills, including detergent bottles and milk jugs, to create their recycled plastic boards. This reduces the amount of plastic waste released into the environment and gives new life to materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Another key aspect is the durability and longevity of the recycled plastic boards. Recycled plastic is highly durable and resistant to various elements such as moisture, rotting, splintering, cracking, and chipping. It is also resistant to UV radiation, mould, mildew, and weathering. This means that structures made from recycled plastic boards will last for decades without the need for frequent maintenance, repair, or replacement. The long lifespan of these boards contributes to their eco-friendly nature by reducing the demand for new resources and the associated environmental costs of frequent maintenance.
Additionally, recycled plastic boards offer advantages over traditional construction materials like wood when it comes to sustainability. They are made from recycled materials, reducing the need for harvesting and processing new timber, which helps preserve natural resources and reduce deforestation. Recycled plastic boards are also versatile and can be installed in various environments, including wet areas, without the risk of damage. This makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, from landscaping and construction projects to boardwalks and decking.
Furthermore, recycled plastic boards are maintenance-free, which adds to their eco-friendly benefits. Unlike traditional wood boards that may require regular painting, staining, or treatment, recycled plastic boards do not need any additional treatments. This not only saves time and effort but also prevents the release of potentially harmful chemicals into the environment during the maintenance process. The lack of maintenance required for recycled plastic boards contributes to their overall sustainability and reduces their environmental footprint over their lifespan.
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Lumber grades
Lumber is graded according to its quality, strength, and appearance to ensure it meets industry standards and is used appropriately in construction and manufacturing. The grading is performed by trained inspectors using standardised criteria such as knots, grain patterns, and defects.
Softwood lumber, predominantly used in construction, can be classified into three categories: stress-graded, non-stress-graded, and appearance lumber. Stress-graded and non-stress-graded lumber focus on the structural integrity of the wood, while appearance lumber is graded primarily for its visual quality. The highest grade of appearance lumber is Finish, followed by Select and Common. Lumber that is free of knots and blemishes is typically classified as "Clear" or "Select" grade and is suitable for high-quality woodworking projects where a smooth, flawless appearance is desired.
The American Lumber Standard Committee's classifications for softwoods include construction-oriented grades like No. 1 and No. 2, as well as the detailed criteria of appearance lumber. The Select Structural grade has few defects, and knots are only permitted if they are tight and well-spaced. No. 2 lumber, the most common grade for framing, contains slightly more defects, and knots of any quality are allowed as long as they are well-spaced and do not exceed size regulations. No. 3 lumber allows for even more defects and knots of any quality, as long as they are well-spaced and do not go all the way through the wood. This grade is often used as studs in walls due to its strength and stiffness values.
Hardwoods also have their grading systems established by the American Hardwood Export Council, with designations like FAS, FAS/IF, Selects, No. 1 Common, and No. 2A Common, emphasising the role of appearance.
When it comes to recycled plastic boards, while there is no explicit mention of grades, they are often marketed as being long-lasting, maintenance-free, and eco-friendly. They are available in various grades, such as moulded, structural, and premium, to suit different construction projects and are said to be durable, resistant to issues like rotting and splintering, and do not require painting or staining.
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Durability
Recycled plastic boards are highly durable and long-lasting. They are resistant to UV light, mould, mildew, salt, water, and stains. Unlike wood, they will not rot, splinter, crack, chip, or absorb moisture. They are also resistant to termites, rodents, worms, and other insects, and will not leech toxins or carcinogens into the soil. Recycled plastic boards are virtually maintenance-free and easy to clean. They are available in various grades, including moulded, structural, and premium, to suit different needs and projects.
The durability of recycled plastic boards makes them an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, including decking, railing, structural support, marine pilings, fenders, camels, children's play systems, signage, furniture, and park amenities. The boards can be cut and shaped with standard woodworking tools and do not require treatment or painting. They are also resistant to most graffiti.
One notable example of the durability of recycled plastic boards is the Plastic Lumber Yard's claim that their products are so durable that many customers who have used their plastic wood for decking have decks that are still in excellent condition decades later. This longevity is a testament to the durability and longevity of recycled plastic boards.
In addition to their durability, recycled plastic boards offer significant environmental benefits by reducing the amount of plastic waste released into the environment. Companies such as Plastic Lumber Yard use recycled plastic bottles and milk jugs pulled from landfills to create their products, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood lumber.
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Cost and availability
The cost of recycled plastic boards varies depending on the manufacturer, size, grade, and purpose of the board. Generally, recycled plastic boards are priced similarly to traditional wood lumber and are available in standard wood lumber sizes, such as 2x4, 2x6, and 2x10.
For example, Plastic Lumber Yard offers recycled plastic lumber in various grades, including molded, structural, and premium, but does not provide pricing information on its website. Similarly, PlasTEAK Inc. offers recycled plastic lumber that is molded and suitable for construction projects, but they do not disclose pricing details.
On the other hand, Markstaar offers a wide range of 100% recycled plastic lumber in different sizes, colors, and grades, with a 50-year warranty. Their products include decking, railing, structural lumber, furniture, and more, but specific pricing information is not readily available on their website.
Kedel, another supplier, offers recycled plastic lumber, decking, fencing, and gates, highlighting the reduced maintenance costs associated with their products. They suggest that the initial investment can be recouped within 2 to 5 years due to the low maintenance requirements.
While exact prices may not be listed on the websites, it is recommended to contact these suppliers directly to obtain quotes based on your specific needs. The cost will depend on factors such as the quantity, size, grade, and intended use of the recycled plastic boards.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several companies that sell recycled plastic boards, including British Recycled Plastic, Plastic Lumber Yard, Eco Plastic Wood, and PlasTEAK Inc.
Recycled plastic boards are long-lasting, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly. They are also resistant to UV rays, mould, mildew, and water.
Recycled plastic boards can be used for a variety of construction projects, including decking, fencing, boardwalks, landscaping, and furniture.
Yes, recycled plastic boards are very durable. They are resistant to cracking, chipping, rotting, and damage from termites, rodents, and other insects.
