What is recycled plastic lumber?

There are a variety of types of plastic lumber available.

Some are made of recycled plastic from sources such as shampoo bottles, detergent bottles and milk jugs.

Other types are composites made of a mixture of recycled plastic, wood fibers, rubber, fiberglass, or other plastics. Plastic lumber composites offer a stronger longer lasting alternative to wood when a painted surface is required.

What are the design limits of plastic lumber?

Although plastic lumber can be used almost anywhere wood lumber can be used, it has not been approved yet for load-bearing applications though testing is under way.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) now has uniform design guidelines for the outdoor use of plastic lumber. Eventually, ASTM would like to set up a grading system that allows users to know the design limitations of plastic lumber products.

What can plastic lumber be used for?

• general construction
• marine construction
• docks
• boardwalks
• flooring for containers
• truck beds
• all-weather furniture
• fencing
• anything that requires the unique benefits of plastic lumber

What are the buoyancy, density and mechanical properties of plastic lumber?

Recycled Plastic Lumber has a density of .79, therefore it will float on water. The product tends not to absorb water and will maintain its buoyancy over time.

Recycled Plastic Lumber has greater flexibility than wood. This makes the product more impact resistant than wood, but requires more support when installed in a load carrying application. In a typical deck or dock application, supports should be placed 12" on center for minimum deflection. For heavy load bearing applications additional support may be necessary.

What is the recommended spacing for fence posts and spindles?

Posts should be placed 4-6 feet on center. Posts should not be notched more than 1/4". Spindles should be spaced according to local building code.

What are the thermal expansion properties of plastic lumber?

Recycled Plastic Lumber will expand and contract over a wide temperature range. On standard applications, expansion/contraction of .25" (6.35 mm) per 96" (243.8 cm) length should be incorporated into design considerations. Thermal expansion occurs lengthwise only. Test service temperatures range from 20ºF to 110ºF.

What is the chemical resistance of plastic lumber?

High density polyethylene has a very good resistance to most acids and chemicals. For this reason, Recycled Plastic Lumber is not affected by exposure to most substances.

What types of fasteners and tools can be used with plastic lumber?

Recycled Plastic Lumber can be sawed, nailed, screwed, stapled, or stacked just like wood. It does not split and has no slivers. Nail holding characteristics are similar to wood. It is recommended that ring shank nails or screws be used in applications that exert pressure on the fasteners. Common hand tools can be used such as drills, saws, or routers.

What are the electrical properties of plastic lumber?

Recycled Plastic Lumber is not a conductor of electricity.

How does plastic lumber react to ultraviolet weathering?

When color is added to Recycled Plastic Lumber, an ultraviolet stabilizer is also incorporated. This assures that the product will not fade in exterior applications.

What are the environmental considerations for plastic lumber?

The manufacturing process that creates Plastic Trading Company Recycled Plastic Lumber generates no harmful air, water, or solid waste pollutants. Post consumer milk jugs are crushed and ground. Then color and other additives may be added during the extrusion process. Unwanted Recycled Plastic Lumber or scrap product can be reground and extruded many times over without degradation in quality.

Is plastic lumber combustible?

Plastic lumber will soften at 180F and has a melting point of 435F. It has a higher kindling point than wood but tends to self extinguish when the flame is removed. The gas that is produced from burning is non toxic.

What about the color and size of plastic lumber?

Plastic Trading Company Recycled Plastic Lumber is available in standard colors and sizes. The color is locked consistently throughout the product. Many other color combinations and size configurations can be extruded. If you are interested in a specific application, please inquire on availability and cost.

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