Your new deck made of ... plastic bags!

[admin]

Lisa,

This is a great Green Freehold addition. I have used products like this before and never really thought about it so much from an environmental perspective, but one of functionality.

Composite products like this are as easy to use as wood and longer lasting. No splinters, no need for staining, water proofing. These products also clean up much easier than wood. In other words, the maintenance needs are far less, providing a long term investment.

The only two setbacks I have seen. The immediate cost is a bit more, but as mentioned, the long term costs and labor are far less than wood. Also, for decking, the stringers have to be closer together than wood. I forget the specs, but these composites are pliable and will bend over time if not properly supported.

A have seen some ocean board walks using this stuff. Point Pleasant has been slowly adding composites over the past few years in place of wood. Those areas are looking really good and holding up very well in that very harsh environment.

[admin]

and one more thing...these products don't shrink or swell like wood does which is good for keeping screw and nails in place instead of having them pop up causing hazards.

[ka19]

Mar 5, 2009 5:53:16 GMT -5 admin said:

and one more thing...these products don't shrink or swell like wood does which is good for keeping screw and nails in place instead of having them pop up causing hazards.

Is this the material that they use to build boardwalks now?

[admin]

Mar 5, 2009 10:37:55 GMT -5 ka19 said:

Mar 5, 2009 5:53:16 GMT -5 admin said:

and one more thing...these products don't shrink or swell like wood does which is good for keeping screw and nails in place instead of having them pop up causing hazards.

Is this the material that they use to build boardwalks now?

Ka19,

Amazingly enough, I missed this post when you made it. Some boardwalks are using these materials and some aren't. As mentioned the immediate costs may be prohibitive for some. Also, I would not recommend the composites in areas where the ocean may take it away during a storm. That is a big and costly loss, unless of course FEMA pays for it.

In recent years, some places came under fire due to using woods that are endangered or from the rain forests. The use of composites is a very environmental friendly alternative.

AS mentioned, at least Point Pleasant is one example of a place using these materials. I do not know what brand they are using. Trex is a brand name, but there are others out there that are similar.