DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES

100% Polyethylene and 50/50 mixtures of Polyethylene and wood fibers are available.

There are two types of plastic lumber:

- co-mingled from post industrial and post municipal waste. As strong as or stronger than pine or fir products. It warps less than polypropylene, but is less consistent in color, and weight.

- Polypropylene from HDPE has a lower melting point. Can be 100% recycled plastic and recycled again. Lengths up to 40' x 8,10,12,16,and 24. Used in retaining walls, furniture, decks.

Bolt and screws, not nails.

Long lasting material, especially under water.

Its durability is not tested, yet.

Recycled plastics materials save landfill space, energy consumption, and resources depletion.

Environmental concerns with plastic lumber are minimal. Waste water generation during manufacture process.

Can be dissembled but not sure if it can be reused/recycled again. No information is available.

Consider the texture of the plastic product.

Plastic wood does not have the structural qualities of wood (are not yet proved), and therefore requires closer joist spacing.

 PROS

Benefits of using 100% recycled materials is an important consideration.

Lumber does not have problems from chemical treatments.

Initial costs can be higher than wood, however the durability, depending on application, may outweigh in the long run.

 CONS

Significantly more expensive than all treated wood.

A wide range of additives of various type are used. that could make recycling difficult after dismanteling.

Its structural strength is less than that of most woods, so unsupported span must be shorter.