In at least some national parks, I’ve noticed benches and boardwalks that look like real wood, but are in fact recycled plastic (according to the little signs I’ve seen). It looks so realistic, I want to know where I can get it.
We are re-sealing our pergola. I have noted that the wood is splitting in some places. We will finish the re-seal, but in future when we have to do it again, I would favor just replacing it with this realistic artificial lumber. But where can I get it? I’ve seen a few products, but they look as fake as they are. The ones in Yellowstone (for example) looked like real wood unless you got up close and inspected. I want that one.
(Since I’ve held the stock for over 12 years (+872%), I suppose I should be pointing you toward TREX, but I really have no experience with the material.)
I used Timber Tech the last time I redid my deck, but its a hollowed board made just for decks, but they make other composite boards as well, but as noted there are a lot of other brands, just have to find what you like… Maybe call into Yellowstone, see if they can direct you to whoever did the work for them… Composites aren’t meant to be structural, generally surfacing, or trim, I’ve used some to replace rotted trim here n there… Good luck!
Plastic decking is one of the few markets for recycled milk bottles. I would encourage you to consider it carefully. They also make plastic railroad ties and plastic telephone poles are possible.
As a consumer, the main question is what will it look like in 20 years. Termites are not a concern but will it weather and still look attractive. What does Consumer Reports say?
Polywood is a specific material that you should explore. We have over 40 years experience with outdoor deck chairs. Based on 8 years with Polywood chairs do zero work, except hosing leaves and pollen out, they will last over 20 years.
I agree…. we have some adirondack chairs that sit outside in FL sun, and after several years they still look good as new.
I recommend this specific mfr of poly wood: Tangent, their wood grain line looks VERY good. We have a different table from a patio set that has a cheaper brand “poly” top. Come to find after a few years of sun exposure that the woodgrain texture was PAINT on that one. I’m about to buy some of the Tangent boards and redo the top. The Tangent poly wood has color throughout the material. It is NOT a coating.
Most materials do age and sunfade. Changes in appearance and caulking are very common. You used to be able to buy metal siding that was guaranteed for 40 years. The additives used to achieve that were expensive. Gradually they reduced content and relied mostly on insurance.
Equipment to test for weather resistance (Weather-ometer and QUV) are common in the paint industry. Can also be done with plastics. But best to test for one is better than another rather than predict long term appearance.
The paint industry is famous for test fences where they expose paint to various environments to see which perform best long term. There is nothing better than long term experience. Anything else can be risky.