Nearly all purchases are special order and custom; not stock items held in inventory.

At American Plastic Lumber, we do our best to ensure you are quoted the appropriate product and satisfied with your purchase, however: All sales are final. Orders cancelled after placement, during production or post-production require management’s review and may be subject to a 50% Restocking Fee for lumber or sheet goods and 60% on furniture or unassembled products. Please check your item(s) as soon as they arrive and contact us in writing immediately if order is incorrect or damaged, with notice of damage noted on freight bill before signing for delivery. Photos of damaged goods is required.

All returns or cancellations are subject to approval and require a Return Authorization (RA) number in advance. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the purchaser unless damages occurred in transit.

Our plastic lumber is less rigid than wood and as such may require more support and/or possibly a larger size or structural grade material. Because of the higher rate of expansion and contraction it may be recommended that the material be pre- drilled with a slotted hole to allow the material to move and prevent fasteners from breaking. We recommend high quality stainless steel screws and fasteners. Stainless screws are most commonly recommended.

It is recommended that an engineer review the design prior to installation in order to comply with technical specifications provided, relative to the expansion and contraction characteristics of the material(s), as well as the fastening method(s) used.

Recommendations for Installation:

1. Pre-drill and oversize all holes in order to allow for the expansion and contraction of the material.
2. Use good quality stainless steel or galvanized hardware.
3. Do not over tighten the hardware–the material has to be able to move.

The beauty of plastic lumber is its “maintenance-free factor”. Since it is impervious to stains and does not absorb water/moisture, grease/oil or any liquid for that matter, the product requires little maintenance other than perhaps an occasional washing with soap and water.

ADDITIONAL CLEANING INFO

Cleaning may be done with a power washer, taking caution to ensure nozzle does not get too close to lumber or using a brush with a mild soap/cleanser and water.

Lead times vary from a few days to numerous weeks depending upon the product profile, color, and quantity. An estimated lead time can be given when a material estimate is provided, however subject to change until order is scheduled into production.

While the initial cost to purchase recycled plastic lumber can run 2-3 times that of standard wood materials, it becomes considerably less expensive long-term when you factor in the maintenance cost avoidance plus removal and replacement labor. Plastic lumber carries A manufactures limited warranty against mold, termites, fungal decay, and will not split or splinter up to 50 years.

Friction is reduced in frost or snow conditions, or with oil spillage much like standard wood, steel or concrete, however plastic lumber is less slippery wet than dry. The material has a paraffin-like base and similarly, surfboards that are waxed so surfers can stand on them in the water, our plastic boards become tacky when they are wet. Numerous wood grain and industrial textured surfaces are also an option for added traction.

Since our recycled plastic boards do not absorb water, chemicals, oil etc. they do not absorb paint or glue, however there are brand name products that have some history of success.

Standard woodworking tools are used to cut, drill, or router the plastic boards and sheets including pneumatic nail guns and CNC routers. Material with fiberglass rods requires carbide tipped blades. Screws and nails are retained up to 30 percent better than in standard wood materials.

*See installation guidelines span charts: available upon request.

The plastic boards are not porous so they will not absorb stains or water. This makes them able to resist salt, gas, oil and water. Because they will not absorb water, they will not grow mold, rot, crack, split or warp. Occasional cleaning with a light detergent or power washing is recommended annually.

Plastic lumber is less rigid than wood, has a higher rate of expansion and contraction and performs well in even the most extreme weather conditions, however it is not a direct replacement for wood. Prior to installation, allow the product to adjust to the existing temperature, particularly if the material was stored for some time at a different temperature or sun exposure.

When pre-drilling, oversize holes in order to allow for expansion and contraction, allow gaps at each board end in cold installations. Expansion and contraction must be taken into consideration in the design stage to avoid installation issues over time.

*Please see our technical data: page for more details available upon request