Recycled Plastic Lumber can be made from high-density polyethylene plastic; it is usually in the form of a solid foamed recycled product. Usually used to make detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, juice and water containers and gallon style milk containers. It should not have any wood filler as this usually just peels, weathers, blisters or rots. It should largely comprise of at least ninety percent plastic material that has been used before.
Recycled Plastic Lumber uses colorants that have been stabilized via ultra violet rays. This has occurred during the process of manufacturing, this is so that it lasts a long time and does not fade. It will not be necessary to seal, paint or stain it all. Even the cut sections show that it is colours. While special colours are an optional extra, it comes in standard colours. These are hunter green, redwood, and weathered teak, teak, black, dark gray, dove gray, oak, ivory and white.
The texture of Recycled Plastic Lumber is made to look like it has a wood grain. This means it is easy to clean. When wet it is as slippery as a wooden or painted deck. An invisible natural film remains on the surface after it has been manufactured. It will, however burn off with exposure to direct sunlight after a number of weeks. If this is not to your taste, then you can request a slip resistant (knurled) finish. Ordering this will prolong delivery of the finished product somewhat. The other side to this is that rougher surfaces are likely to accumulate more dirt than the smooth variety.
The longevity of Recycled Plastic Lumber is virtually unequalled. This has been tested with accelerated weather testing that has been accelerated to simulate more than two decades. Currently the total lifespan has yet to be seen. Product has been installed on boats as long as thirty-four years ago and it is still going strong, with no signs of wear and tear.
The best part of Recycled Plastic Lumber is that it is practically maintenance free. It will not be necessary to seal, paint or stain it. In normal conditions, all that is required is a wash with a mop and garden hosepipe. If you have a stain that will not go away, then bleach and water (ratio 1:10) should suffice. This will not harm the recycled lumbar plastic at all. It is worth remembering that bleach is delivered to the market in plastic bottles.
To work on or with Recycled Plastic Lumber you can use regular woodworking tools. When working with a router or planer, just go a bit slower. This is to avoid gumming the router or planer. It is suggested that you use carbide tipped blades and bits.
It is advisable to follow the manufacturer instructions when working with Recycled Plastic Lumber. Safety glasses and protective clothing are necessary when working with the material. In terms of weight, it is similar in weight to oak lumber.
Recycled Plastic Lumber has many uses and is built to last, as it is durable and tough. It is similarly a lot gentler on the environment. It is also known as Recycled Plastic Wood.
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