Why Use Plastic Lumber for Deck Building

Households looking for a cost-effective decking material should consider choosing plastic lumber. Since genuine hardwood is scarce due to strict logging regulations, even in authorized forests, expect the materials to be expensive, and the construction may cost more. Therefore, with plastic lumber, the entire construction project may cost less.

Other than a lower cost, there are several other benefits in building a deck made of plastic lumber which a household can enjoy. It’s important to note that the finished product is not purely plastic but a composite of wood fiber and plastic. The strength of this product, however, is far greater than its traditional counterparts, which makes it a good option for deck building.

The most common type of plastic used for manufacturing plastic lumber is foamed high-density polyethylene. This plastic is known to have very low stiffness and flexural strength. For other building applications, this may sound like bad news as high flexural strength is an essential property, especially when dealing with compression. For deck building, however, this is efficient as very little compression from loading may be involved.

Aside from strength and durability, plastic lumber is also known to resist insect infestation and decay due to moisture. Unlike real wood that still requires a special coating to prevent mold and mildew from growing on its surface, plastic lumber is definitely insusceptible. Thus, it’s not surprising that many modern home builders recommend such material for an array of building projects.

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Fantastic Plastic! The Wonders of HDPE

As far as construction materials are concerned, the use of plastic is fairly recent. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), for instance, was developed during the 1930s, but only saw widespread use about twenty years later. That said, this doesn’t mean that HDPE is an unproven material. Indeed, many construction contractors are starting to favor this type of plastic for their projects due to various reasons.

One of them is that HDPE has a very high resistance to bases, acids, and alcohols. In the commercial world, this means that HDPE is excellent for storing chemicals, beverages, and different types of solid food. In the construction industry, this means that HDPE can adapt to various kinds of paints, lubricants, and oils, making it a very resilient material.

This high resistance to different compounds also gives HDPE added toughness and tensile strength. Another reason why HDPE is favored by construction contractors is that it is very light and convenient to use. What’s more, HDPE is actually an eco-friendly material because it is absolutely recyclable.

However, builders may want to keep in mind that unlike other materials, HDPE has a much lower tolerance to temperature extremes. In addition, glues and adhesives are not recommended for HDPE planks and boards, partly because of the material’s resistance to chemicals, so instead they require mechanical bonding techniques, like welding.

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Using Plastic Lumber on Outdoor Construction Projects for the Home

Add living spaces outside your home by building a gazebo or a pergola, which would be perfect for mini-gatherings. A wide array of plastic wood styles and colors awaits you, giving you more flexibility in design and construction.

If gazebos are not plausible, expand your living space through a roof deck. Make sure to use plastic decking materials from brands like Evolve, as distributed by reputable suppliers like Premier Building Supply, Co. You may also ask these companies for help in designing your deck, to optimize the beauty, versatility, and durability of plastic lumber.

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Four Reasons to Choose HDPE Products over Wood for Home Remodeling

Although wood is a sought-after material, construction and architecture experts admit that it entails significant upkeep. In contrast, HDPE lumber does not require as much maintenance; occasional pressure washing is all that’s needed to keep it clean, a feature that can save you lots of money down the line. Unlike wood, HDPE won’t rot or succumb to mold.

In time, wood may develop cracks, warps, and splinters that make areas or surfaces like decks, playgrounds, and rails hazardous. Conversely, HDPE plastic products are highly durable, weather resistant, and impervious to these deformities. Brands like Trimax, offered by reputable contractors like Premier Building Supply, Co. even add industry-leading product and labor warranties.

http://www.premierbuildingsupply.com/1/post/2014/05/four-reasons-to-choose-hdpe-products-over-wood-for-home-remodeling.html

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Why Use Plastic Lumber on Your Home

Let’s face it: when it comes to the improvement of our home’s outdoor space, we want to use materials that can make our property look good and can also last a long time. Unfortunately, some materials can only do either one. 

 

For outdoor furniture or fixtures, using wood is normally the choice because it looks good but the material can only last a couple of years. On the other hand, there are some plastic products which are serviceable for several years, yet may not go well with the home’s overall style. Coupled with harmful chemicals that are found in some plastics, it is quite understandable why wood is still the choice for many homeowners.

The home improvement sector continues to develop ways to give us a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly way to improve our homes. One solution they have come up with is the “plastic lumber”. Composed of recycled High-density polyethylene (HDPE), some additives, and fiberglass, plastic lumber mimics the look and feel of natural wood, however, plastic lumber is more durable and has a longer service life than plastic.

Using plastic lumber on decks, fences and other improvements is beneficial in many ways. It helps you avoid maintenance and replacement costs associated with wooden materials. Plastic lumber does not rot, crack, or peel, and takes a long time to fade. From a health standpoint, it’s advantageous too because hazardous mold cannot grow on it and is created without any hazardous chemicals that can seep into the ground.

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Home Improvement using “Plastic Lumber”

Despite the availability of longer lasting materials like stone and metal, most homeowners still insist on using wood as the main proponent of their decks, fences, and pergolas. Apart from being easier to use, wood offers a look that comes across as both more natural and more welcoming.

However, in exchange for aesthetics, homeowners also have to deal with wood that will not last for a long time. It may be lighter than metal or stone, and more natural than other materials, but it is also very susceptible to rot and easily fades after enduring rain, snow, and sunshine for several years.

Thankfully, with the continued advancement of different technologies and the commitment of the home improvement industry to provide sturdier and more environmentally friendly materials, “plastic lumber” has now become the standard when building outdoor spaces.

Composed of high-density polyethylene or HDPE, additives and fiberglass, plastic lumber looks, feels, and functions like real wood, but does not require the same amount of maintenance as real wood. Without the risk for deterioration, homeowners can create the exact living space they want, and have it looking and functioning like new for a long time.

While similar to real wood and easy to maintain, plastic lumber still comes in a variety of styles, weight, and sizes. Homeowners are advised to hire the services of a building, design and supplies company that uses high quality plastic lumber.

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Plastic Lumber: Luxury for Tight Budgets

You love the appeal of wood. You love the way it looks on the floor and on your furniture. However, there is one small problem that prevents you from turning your entire house into a wooden paradise: the price of wood is continuing to spike, and there aren’t that many wallets (including yours) that can afford such a luxurious material.

Fortunately, there is a solution for homeowners who want to obtain the luxurious look of wood yet keep it within the tight parameters of their budgets. Plastic lumber is emerging as a great alternative for a lot of households.

One of the reasons why plastic lumber is a good choice to make can be attributed to the fact that it is extremely durable. It won’t be affected by insect and water damage. This lumber alternative also does not rot, so replacement will never be an issue and pockets will be happy with a solid purchase.

Secondly, plastic lumber is environmentally friendly. Plastic lumber is produced from recycled materials, which makes it a green product. Thirdly, plastic lumber can come in different colors and can take the form of a natural matte finish with a small amount of waste paper. Ultimately, plastic lumber is the perfect alternative for those who want luxury on a tight budget. 

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HDPE: Handling Dense Plastic in Engineering

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a popular material employed in engineering. Being petroleum, this type of polyethylene thermoplastic is malleable enough for melting, shaping, and segmentation. As its name suggests, HDPE is denser than other polymer plastics due to its linear crystallization structure. The lack of branching and result of carbon and hydrogen molecule bonding are the plastic's immense tensile strength, lightness, and high resistance to solvents and acids.

Using HDPE in Engineering and Other Industries

HDPE's durability and non-responsiveness to chemicals make it a practical plastic for a wide range of industries. In packaging, for instance, this plastic is suitable material for plastic grocery bags, detergent, and milk bottles. It also makes for good, tight storage of fuels and chemicals.

In manufacturing, engineers are becoming more partial to the use of HDPE lumber. Plastic lumber is used in the construction of fence posts, boardwalks, decks, and furniture among many others. Being plastic, this recyclable's inability to rot, be an attractive feast for insects, and become a suitable surface for painting is making it the go-to alternative for wood. Environmentalists can also be assured that it is 100% recycled as well as 100% sustainable. Who knew the material our detergent bottles are made of is the durable bulk that might eventually replace and outperform wood and other plastic products?

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HDPE Speed Bumps a Cost-effective Alternative for Pedestrian Safety

HDPE plastic is an ideal material for speed bumps because of its sturdiness. The material resists moisture, making HDPE impervious to rot. At the same time, the material repels insects. Unlike some other plastics, HDPE resists chemical changes brought about by UV radiation from the sun. This extra layer of protection prevents the plastic from melting or becoming brittle, allowing it to last for longer periods of time.

HDPE plastic can be used in a variety of applications, from speed bumps to decking. If you are interested in purchasing the material, do not hesitate to contact a trusted HDPE supplier like Premier Building Supply, Co.

http://www.premierbuildingsupply.com/1/post/2014/03/hdpe-speed-bumps-a-cost-effective-alternative-for-pedestrian-safety.html

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Top Plastic Lumber Provider Offers Construction Consulting Service

Leading plastic lumber supplier Premier Building Supply, Co. is now offering a construction consulting service. This focuses on providing professional assistance to customers, including do-it-yourselfers (DIYers), in both the planning and construction processes.

The company particularly aims to ease the intimidating process of choosing and working with new building materials. The consultation is a venue for Premier Building Supply, Co. to entertain questions a customer may have, and to teach the tricks that can make working with plastic products easier.

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Looking for Alternatives to Wood? Consider Eco-friendly Plastic Lumber

Versatility

Eco-friendly plastic wood comes in a wide variety of colors, giving homeowners and builders a lot of design options. Additionally, the lumber pieces, which one can get from notable suppliers like Premiere Building Supply, are manufactured in varying textures to mimic the appearance of several wood types, such as mahogany, redwood, and cedar.

There is also good news to homeowners who like to dabble in carpentry—just like natural wood, plastic wood can be sanded, sawed, and fastened with nails or screws. Unlike rigid natural wood, however, heated plastic wood can also be bent, twisted, and fashioned into various shapes, making it an ideal material for DIY craft and carpentry work.

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Maximize the Benefits of a Deck by Using Quality Materials like HDPE

Materials

Today's decks don't necessarily have to be made out of wood, particularly since this material can succumb to elements. Do-it-yourselfers can instead consider other ideal materials like the durable HDPE lumber when planning to build their deck. Unlike wood, this type of lumber doesn't stain, mold, or rot; what's more, unlike typical lumber which is prone to splinters, this type is barefoot-friendly, even for babies.

A deck addition offers families many advantages, but it can also put a strain on one's budget. For this reason, those who know a thing or two about building can turn the project into a DIY. Still, these do-it-yourselfers must have the right design and materials, and Premier Building Supply can help in both aspects.

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Benefits of Using Eco-friendly Plastic Lumber

Wood is considered a staple construction material. Over the years, homeowners and builders prefer wood among other materials in the market since it is naturally beautiful and versatile. This is particularly true for outdoor home use such as the patio or the deck. However, wood also requires a lot of maintenance as it is prone to rotting, cracking, and splitting.

One alternative to wood that has recently been gaining popularity, particularly in outdoor uses, is durable plastic lumber.

Eco-friendly

Plastic lumber, aka plastic wood, is made from recycled plastic materials such as HDPE and PVC. Everyday plastic waste products like empty soda bottles and milk jugs, which would otherwise have gone to landfill, are used to produce plastic lumber. The finished lumber, in turn, can also be recycled for other future uses, making it a highly eco-friendly product.

Versatility

Eco-friendly plastic wood is available in different colors and can even be manufactured in different textures to imitate the look of several wood types, such as mahogany, redwood and cedar. There is also good news to homeowners who like to dabble in carpentry—just like natural wood, plastic wood can be sanded, sawed, and fastened with nails or screws. Unlike rigid natural wood, however, heated plastic wood can also be bent, twisted, and fashioned into various shapes, making it an ideal material for DIY craft and carpentry work.

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Ideas on Using Quality Materials like HDPE

Staycation is a new thing nowadays, with more families preferring to stay home for the holidays while everyone else is out of town. Not only does it give them more time to bond with the family minus the hassle of travel, it’s also much easier on the wallet. It doesn’t have to be all boring, too; for instance, you could consider adding a lasting investment to your home in the form of a deck, which will let you enjoy the nature right from your own backyard all year-round.

The costs involved in a deck addition vary depending on the size and feature, and if people choose to hire a builder for the job, they have to compute for labor costs too. Thus, those with handyman skills can consider taking on the project themselves and allot the extra money instead for quality materials like HDPE or High Density Polyethylene. Take note of these critical factors in deck construction.

Design

Home improvement websites and magazines can provide inspirations for a deck design. Ideally, it should be able to strike a balance between functionality and curb appeal, and this is where professional design services could come in to help.

Materials

Since wood is highly vulnerable to the ravages of outdoor elements, consider other ideal materials like the durable HDPE lumber for the deck. Unlike wood, this type of lumber doesn't stain, mold, or rot; what's more, unlike typical lumber which is prone to splinters, this type is barefoot-friendly, even for babies.

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Types of Plastic Lumber

Plastic lumber is also known as composite lumber, because it is made with various substances that improves upon the material’s strength and durability. This material often uses recycled plastic components, making for an environment friendly building material. Moreover, it can withstand wet weather more readily and efficiently than ordinary lumber.

Single Polymer

As the name implies, single polymer plastic wood is made up of just one type of plastic. The material commonly uses recycled high density polyethylene or HDPE, which is also used to make detergent bottles and plastic bags. Thanks to its composition, single polymer plastic is more consistent than other plastic lumber materials.

Bio-Composite

Essentially, the components of bio-composite plastic lumber include shredded wood, flax, straw, rice hulls, and similar materials, which are embedded in a thermoplastic matrix. However, as these materials have short fibers, bio-composite materials tend to weaker than wood. This is why bio-composite plastic lumber must have about 50% or less of these short fiber materials to be considered plastic wood.

Fiberglass Reinforced

Fiberglass is an excellent building material as it can significantly improve the strength of the material it’s added to without significantly increasing its weight. Hence, fiberglass-reinforced wood sees plenty of use in tall buildings, marine equipment and structures, and even massive load bearing structures, thanks to its outstanding properties.

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