[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

GBlist: GB List: Re: Plastic Wood



Hi, All--

I wonder if we could clarify what is meant by "plastic lumber"?

What we are using here for decks and such is either Trex (recycled plastic
plus wood fiber) or Trimax (recycled plastic plus fiberglass). Both are far
better quality than plastic alone. For example, they aren't slippery when
wet, as Richard describes plastic lumber at the BC Advanced House. Trimax
has very good structural characteristics.

Plastic (only) lumber made out of recycled polyethylene is being used for
"street furniture" like trash can holders, signposts, benches and such,
mostly by the local parks departments (who gave up on picnic tables after
vandals learned how to set them on fire). I don't think I've seen it used
for decks or as outdoor wood replacement in yards.

Both types are "plastic lumber". Should Trex and Trimax be referred to as
"composite plastic lumber" (a mouthful) or is there a better term?

Mike


>Several people have commented on the merits or otherwise of plastic wood.
>
>I'd like to add a couple of observations, from our use of the product at the
>BC Advanced house in 1993:
>
>The plastic lumber has marginal structural properties - it does get soft
>when hot, so a deck should be built over a wood joist system for optimum
>performance (In our case, we used the plastic wood for the joist system as
>well as the deck).
>
>The material seems to stand up reasonably well to UV exposure (I understand
>that UV stabilizers are added to the mix when the product is manufactured).
>The deck that we had was on the south west corner of the house (a worst case
>exposure), and is still in good shape.
>
>The material is SLIPPERY WHEN WET, so safety should be a consideration. If
>it's a discretionary use deck i.e. used only for fair weather use, and not
>part of a front entry or major circulation path, it's not a problem.
>Otherwise, abbrasion resitance should be considered.
>
>*****************************************************************
>Richard Kadulski Architect
>208 - 1280 Seymour St.
>Vancouver, B.C.  V6B 3N9
>Tel/Fax 604-689-1841
>e-mail: kadulski@cyberstore.ca
>
>"Climate adapted, energy sensitive, sustainable and healthy design"
>Editor: Solplan Review, the independent journal of energy conservation,
>building science & construction practice
>******************************************************************
>
>__________________________________________________________________
>This greenbuilding dialogue is sponsored by Oikos (www.oikos.com)
>and Environmental Building News (www.ebuild.com). For instructions
>send e-mail to greenbuilding-request@crest.org.
>__________________________________________________________________


O'Brien & Associates
Environmental Building Consultants
Portland General Electric Earth Smart program
obrien@hevanet.com


__________________________________________________________________
This greenbuilding dialogue is sponsored by Oikos (www.oikos.com)
and Environmental Building News (www.ebuild.com). For instructions
send e-mail to greenbuilding-request@crest.org.
__________________________________________________________________