RECYCLED DECKING

As spring approaches, many of us are looking outside in anticipation to a wonderful summer of backyard bar-b-ques, planting flowers, and possibly relaxing. If your idea of relaxing starts with building a new deck, you are in luck. Today, with the increased number of synthetic and recycled decking companies, many green architects and homebuilders are looking toward the future, as outdoor decks come of age.

Synthetic decking offers a number of advantages over traditional pressure treated pine, cedar, or redwood. Most forms of synthetic/recycled decking are made from from recycled plastics and/or wood products to form a wood-polymer composite. Synthetic /recycled decking is virtually impervious to moisture and insects, and never requires preservative treating, staining, or sealing. You can purchase these decking materials in a range of colors, and textures, to complemnt any homes exterior. Synthetic /recycled decking is dimensionally stable, and will not delaminate, swell, shrink, twist, or warp, or rot.

Synthetic/recycled decking and lumber products can be used in many different applications including decking, railings, balusters, porch columns, park benches, picnic tables, patio furniture, trash receptacles, etc…Most anything you can make out of traditional lumber can be made from synthetic/recycled lumber. Many of the products can be cut, screwed, or nailed in a traditional manner, yet some products are glued together, or are joined by use of hidden fasteners, or tongue and groove.

Another advantage to synthetic/recycled decking is its ability to bend, making circular decking forms possible. Circular railings are also possible by cutting strips of plastic lumber, and gluing and clamping them with pvc cement. The only drawback to synthetic/recycled decking and lumber is its lack of structural strength. Due to its flexibility, traditional structural lumber must be used as framing, such as pressure treated pine. For most residential applications, plastic lumber will require joist spacing similar to traditional lumber. When using 5/4”x6”, or 2”x6” decking boards, the joist spacing should be 16” on center. In other commercial applications, additional support may be required. Also, due to the additional weight of plastic lumber, framing may need to be increased, or spans decreased.

Synthetic/recycled decking is currently being developed and tested by a number of companies. Most companies are employing strict environmental standards to produce a 100% recycled product that can be used in an unlimited number of situations. New uses such as truck bed linings, dock pilings and bumpers, speed bumps and parking blocks, shopping carts, etc… have broadened the use of plastic lumber, relieving strain on the environment caused an overabundance of plastic bags, milk jugs, and plastic soda bottles. The exploration of new uses, and the development of improved processing methods continues in a concerned effort to help save the environment and improve our living conditions through the use of environmentally friendly building materials. The use of synthetic/recycled decking has come of age, and is being used successfully on many building projects. As you look out your back window and anticipate a wonderful summer full of relaxing evenings on your new deck, think about the alternatives in synthetic- /recycled decking. Think about the hassle free lifetime warranties, without the need to stain and seal yearly. Think about the dimensional stability, with no worry of cracking or peeling, twisting or warping. And most importantly, think of the environment…

For more information concerning Synthetic/Recycled Decking, read through the NEW BUILDING MATERIAL REVIEWS.