Frequently Asked Questions

What is Recycled Plastic Lumber?

It is a building product made from 100 % post consumer waste using recycled milk jugs known as HDPE #2 (high density polyethylene). For every 2"x4"x8' we use 128 milk jugs are kept out of the land fill. It is available in any color; is maintenance free, will not be eaten by insects, is not affected by mildew, fungus, water fresh or salt and will never rot or splinter.

What can recycled plastic lumber be used for?

Recycled plastic lumber is ideal for any application where the product comes in contact with the elements. Specifically, uses include decks, docks, landscaping, outdoor furniture, fencing, signs, parking curbs and the list is only limited by your imagination. Ex: 1 Parking Curb = 400 milk jugs, 1 Park Bench = 1500 milk jugs, 1 Picnic Table = 3500 milk jugs, 5' x 100' boardwalk surface only = 23,000 milk jugs. So you do the math on your next project what can you do to help our environment today?

Does recycled plastic lumber cost more than wood?

It depends on what type of wood our recycled plastic lumber is being compared to. Recycled plastic lumber is very competitive with, or even less than, a premium wood such as mahogany, or teak. When compared to a board like Southern Pine #2 wood, recycled plastic lumber initially costs an average of 2-3 times more. However, that is comparing “acquisition cost” alone without factoring in “life cycle” cost. You cannot accurately compare two different types of products (apples & oranges) by using the acquisition cost alone.

What does “acquisition” cost and “life cycle” cost mean?

Acquisition cost means only comparing the initial purchase price of two products. It is not an accurate method of comparing costs when considering two different products like wood vs. recycled plastic lumber.

Life cycle costs take into account all the costs associated with each product over the life of the project. For example, A wood deck will also require the costs of sealing, painting, sanding (and how about the value of your time?). Add to that the aggravation of splinters, using a product that destroys trees, and the inevitable replacement of wood. Compare that to an initial expense higher than wood, and then that's it-- No sealing, No splinters, No replacement, No time. So, which product really costs more in the end?

How long does recycled plastic lumber last?

Test results have estimated that recycled plastic lumber will last over 400 years with only minimal degradation. Compare that to a deck made of wood or concrete!

Is recycled plastic lumber environmentally friendly?

Yes! Not only is recycled plastic lumber manufactured from recycled plastics (milk jugs, water jugs, detergent containers) that would have ended up in the landfill, it will never leach or contaminate the soil or the ground water, since it is non-porous and contains none of the toxic chemicals found in pressure treated lumber and PVC. Also, the use of recycled plastic lumber saves our trees since no wood (unlike composite decking 50/50mix) is used in our products! Finally, recycled plastic lumber is 100% recyclable.

Do I need special tools to work with recycled plastic lumber?

Plastic lumber is just as easy to work with as wood; in some cases recycled plastic lumber is even easier than wood! It can be cut, drilled, routed and nailed using standard wood-working tools. Carbide blades are recommended for best performance.

How about fasteners?

Virtually all deck fasteners can be used with our recycled plastic lumber. We use stainless steel hardware in the manufacture of our outdoor furniture. Recycled plastic lumber also holds nails and screws 40-50% better than wood. Pre-drilling is not necessary, but depending on the application might be preferred.

Does recycled plastic lumber burn?

Under normal conditions and use, temperature fluctuation will not affect plastic lumber. No profile distortions will occur within the temperature range of -60 degrees F (Fahrenheit) to 160 degrees F. Like wood, recycled plastic lumber will burn when exposed to a combustion source for a long period of time and fed by a cellulose material. Recycled plastic lumber has a flash point of 625 degrees F vs. wood at 425 degrees F.

What about the warranty on recycled plastic lumber?

We offer a 50 year limited warranty and do guarantee our lumber against damage caused by insects, dry rot, mildew, corrosion and fungal decay. Our warranty covers the composition or makeup of the lumber itself. Due to the millions of uses for this product, we obviously cannot cover issues of vandalism, poor or improper installation or any condition or environment that would be considered abnormal to recycled plastic lumber. On the rest of our products the warranty varies by manufacturer so contact us for more information.

Is recycled plastic lumber slippery when wet?

Our lumber product has a wood-like texture which is not slippery wet or dry. In fact, recycled plastic decking has been tested to be less slippery when wet than wood and concrete, which actually encourage the growth of molds and mildews that can be very slick. A knurled surface is available on our decking as an added safety feature if so desired.

What types of payment does Environmental Concepts of Ocala accept?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and personal or corporate checks. Orders require a 50% deposit, paid at time order is placed, with the remaining balance due when the order is ready to ship.

What is the return/exchange policy?

We will accept the return of items when the item:

Damaged:

If this is the case, notify us immediately at Environmental Concepts of Ocala and we will replace your order at no additional cost to you.

Defective or Wrong product:

Was shipped in error (i.e., wrong item or wrong color), and is returned in the same condition as shipped and the request is received no more than 5 days from receipt of product. Please contact us by telephone or email prior to your return and we will provide you with a Return Authorization Number and a return shipping address (some items may return direct to the manufacturer) and we will replace your order at no additional cost to you.

Other Reasons:

In all other cases except for those mentioned above, please contact us at Environmental Concepts of Ocala to obtain an authorization for return.

We regret that special order or custom-made items are not returnable.

How will my order be shipped?

Orders ship via LTL truck freight unless otherwise specified. Smaller residential items will ship UPS ground as long as the item's size and weight complies with UPS guidelines. We offer competitive freight rates and have multiple accounts nationwide to ensure our customers receive the best possible freight rate. We also offer no-obligation quotes that are valid for 15 days.