Recycled HDPE Construction:
Manufactured from post-industrial recycled high-density polyethylene for a durable, environmentally conscious lumber alternative.Wood-Like Appearance:
Cross-sectional grain and a distressed surface texture create highlights and visual depth similar to natural wood.Low-Maintenance Material:
Will not rot and requires no painting or staining for routine outdoor use.Outdoor Resistance:
Resists mold, mildew, algae, and insects for dependable performance in exposed environments.UV-Stabilized:
Formulated to help protect the material's color during long-term outdoor exposure.Easy Fabrication:
Cuts and works with standard woodworking tools for straightforward DIY fabrication.Multiple Size Options:
Offered in several board profiles and 48" or 72" lengths to suit different non-structural projects.Non-Structural Use:
Designed for non-structural applications and should be properly reinforced where sagging could occur.
Product Details
Advantages and Limitations
- NO water rot or insect infestation
- Water and weather-resistant materials requires no waterproofing or staining
- Mold, mildew & algae resistant
- NO Special Maintenance Required
- Easily fabricated with standard woodworking tools
- Superior resiliency and endurance
- UV stabilized to protect color from fading
- Stain or Paint won’t adhere to the product
- Thermal expansions and contraction will occur naturally similar to natural lumber
- Not made to be welded, glued, sanded, or refinished
- Static electricity is naturally occurring
- Polytech Lumber is not made for structural designs and will sag slightly over time under its own weight
Common Applications
- Exterior Applications
- Outdoor Furniture
- Swim Platforms
- Sun Decks
- Seating
- Mail Boxes
- Playgrounds
- Planters & More!
FAQ
PolyTech Lumber Frequently Asked Questions
How do I install Polytech Lumber?
PolyTech Lumber can simply be installed as you would wood lumber using the same methods and tools.
How do I cut PolyTech Lumber? Can you cut the board to my specific size and shape?
You can cut PolyTech Lumber using any standard woodworking tools. Please make sure to take the same precautions (eye protection, gloves, dust mask, etc.) as you would when cutting any lumber.
Interested in lengths larger than 72”? We are happy to cut your PolyTech Lumber to any required size up to 144”. Please note that an engineering charge and/or a cut charge may apply depending on the shape of your pattern.
What is the current PolyTech lumber span width without supports?
PolyTech lumber is not a structural material and will sag slightly over time thus all lumber should be properly supported. We suggest keeping spans at a minimum of 10” for 0.75” thick planks, 12” for 1” thick planks, and 18” for 2”+ thick planks. We also recommended keeping overhangs under 4” long. If material starts to sag before installation, straighten it out by flipping the lumber over and letting it straighten itself out.
Will the color fade or change like other composite lumber products do?
Somewhat yes, all products fade to some degree over time when exposed to sunlight. PolyTech lumber have UV stabilizers compounded into the resin for a long-lasting color. The change is not detectable to most customers and is in line with industry standards, representing a relatively small change over a long lifetime.
What is the Life Expectancy of PolyTech Lumber?
Studies show that products made from HDPE last an excess of 50 years.
Will it rot?
No, PolyTech Lumber is made of long-lasting HDPE material and will not rot. .
How do I clean PolyTech Lumber?
Simply wash off PolyTech Lumber with soap and water or a power washer when needed.
Is PolyTech Lumber Recyclable?
Yes! PolyTech lumber is made of post-consumer and post-industrial recycled HDPE and is recyclable as well. Contact your local recycling plant for how to properly recycle lumber or
Tangent for their buy back program.
Can static electricity build up while walking on PolyTech Lumber?
Yes, given perfectly dry or extremely low humid environmental conditions static electricity is a naturally occurring phenomenon. The potential to occur is no different than walking across your brand-new carpet inside your house in the same conditions.
Is it slippery when wet?
Yes, but the textured surface increases traction and is not anymore slippery than wet, painted or sealed wood.
Does it expand or contract with temperatures changes?
PolyTech Lumber will naturally expand and contract in temperature changes similar to regular lumber so please keep that in mind during your designing process. HDPE is much stronger than other plastic materials and changes are minimal.
For example, common lumber, such as pine, expands at 0.0000028 inches of length per degree (F) of temperature increase, our structural molded fiber lumber expands at 0.000033 inches of length per degree (F) of temperature increase.
We recommend the use of our material in temperatures above -40 degrees Fahrenheit. By -50 degrees Fahrenheit, it may become significantly embrittled and could crack if struck.
How does PolyTech Lumber Ship?
It depends on the size piece you are ordering. If you order a 72” board, it will have to ship freight. We are happy to get freight shipping quotes if you will send us your zip code and destination type (either commercial or residential). Please note that with freight shipping commercial addresses are significantly less expensive to ship to.
When will my order ship?
Everything listed on the website is in stock available to ship. Our standard lead time is 2-3 days for PolyTech Lumber.
Additional Resources
View PolyTech Lumber Specifications
| Actual Size | Nominal Size | Radius Corner |
|---|---|---|
| 0.75" x 1.75" | 1" x 2" | 1/4" |
| 0.75" x 3.5" | 1" x 4" | 1/16" |
| 0.75" x 5.5" | 1" x 6" | 1/16" |
| 1.0" x 5.5" | 5/4" x 6" | 1/16" |
| 1.5" x 3.5" | 2" x 4" | 1/16" |
| 3.5" x 3.5" | 4" x 4" | 1/16" |