Article by Leila Waldron
The ultimate green lumber is a term you may know only if you are in the building industry. Decks and deck furniture are common uses of this product, which any environmentally aware man or women will endorse wholeheartedly. Eco-lumber and plastic lumber are two of the more common names for the ultimate green lumber, but there are a number of others, including polywood, permowood and enviro-wood. The industry for patio furniture has been radically transformed by the coming of this material, which is not merely eco-friendly but cost-effective to use also.
the product may look like typical lumber in shape, but it is made out of plastic containers, including recycled milk jugs. Although it is made from plastic, this green product has the feel of wood, and can be cut, sawed, and screwed just like a regular 2×4. This earth-friendly product has found numerous applications in addition to decking, such as patio furniture, outdoor tables and benches and playground equipment. This green product is a superb way to use the ever-growing amount of plastics that are being recycled. In the last decade, recycling of plastic bottles has increased to 1.5 billion pounds, from just 234 million pounds.
Hardwood lumber does have a few disadvantages, such as the chemical treatment it requires to protect it against insects. The surface needs sanding and re-coating frequently, in order to keep wood exposed to weather looking good and to stop it from decomposing over time. Plastic lumber will not leak and negatively affect the soil since it has no dangerous chemicals. It’s really low on maintenance also, calling for only an intermittent hose-down. It doesn’t matter where you live, the eco-wood has been made to withstand tropical sun, hard winters, and coastal weather that is salty and windy.
You usually see moulded plastic products, like chairs on decks, which should not be mistaken for plastic lumber. The ultimate green lumber is a heavy material, and is supplied at 2×4 and 2×6 thicknesses. Poly-lumber is used just like regular hardwood; cut in the same way and screwed down in the same way. Typical uses of poly-lumber were for deck and poolside applications, but new applications are always showing themselves. Plastic created into lumber is something you can use rather than normal hardwood which you will also find economical. The ultimate green lumber does not rot, it does not splinter, insects don’t care for it and it can be used in numerous ways.
If you buy furniture made out of recycled products, you are helping reduce the need for killing trees. Preserving trees is one of the most important issues with environmentalist, and those who are into green living. Because of that reason, all sorts of applications are being attempted for recycled plastic lumber, with both economical advantages, and also environmental. Undoubtedly, the ultimate green lumber is environmentally friendly.
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