When compared to traditional wooden lumber products, plastic lumber is waterproof, virtually maintenance free and last longer then wood.
These qualities and due to advanced engineering such as fiberglass being added have helped plastic lumber products to be used in many more types of structural applications.
It is generally made from recycled high-density polyethylene plastics.
Many of the most common recycled plastics that are used in making plastic lumber are recycled milk and large water jugs.
Since traditional plastic lumber is not reinforced, it makes the lumber more flexible then wooden lumber.
Structural plastic is almost made the same way, but fiberglass is added to increase the tensile strength of the plastic.
Structural lumber is used more in industrial construction applications.
These types of structures generally consist of bridges, fencing, railing, docks and marinas.
Structural plastic is used instead of traditional plastic because there is fiberglass mixed into the plastic lumber, which in turn gives it a higher tensile strength.
With it being a stronger building material it can support more weight being placed upon it.
For example, bridges that are made out of structural plastic materials can support the weight of heavy vehicles.
One of the most important advantages of structural plastic over traditional wooden lumber is the fact that it is impervious to water and chemicals.
This is a huge advantage over wooden lumber when it is used in the construction of bridges, boardwalks, docks and marinas.
Since structural plastic lumber can stand up to saltwater, oil and fuels that it might be exposed to when used in a marina application.
Structural plastic is very low maintenance and does not need to be painted, sealed, sanded or stained like traditional wooden lumber.
Weather resistance, colorfast and extremely fade resistant means that the structural plastic will continue to look new after it was installed in a structure.
Wooden structures need to have yearly basic maintenance done to it such as painting and sealing, where plastic lumber does not.
Insects and fungi can wreak havoc on wood.
Insects see wood as a food source and can literally eat away at wooden lumber that can cause major structural damage.
Certain types of fungi are attracted to wood also.
Fungi will impregnate wood and continue to grow causing structural damage.
Fungi that are growing on wood can also cause health risks to those that work on or around wooden structures.
Since plastic does not attract insects or fungi, makes it a better choice in construction materials.
Structural lumber is becoming a more common material that is being used in many different types of construction applications.
Water and chemical resistant, higher tensile strength and low maintenance makes structural plastic lumber a popular and more cost effective choice in building materials.