Plastics - FAQs - NewLife Plastics - Recycled Outdoor Furniture

WHAT IS NEWLIFE PLASTICS LUMBER MADE FROM?

The feedstock is made from 100% recycled plastic packaging, consisting of polyolefin plastics used in the manufacture of bottle tops, plastic bags, milk bottles, cosmetic jars, for example. Plastics that fall into this category are HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE and PP.

WHAT MAINTENANCE DOES NEWLIFE PLASTIC LUMBER REQUIRE?

The lumber is maintenance free, will not stain from bird, animal droppings, borehole water or oil/fat around the BBQ. It does not rot, crack, warp, splinter, or decay. The lumber is non-porous, so there is no moisture absorption which cancels out problems with mould, mildew, or moss growth. In addition, our product is resistant to corrosive substances, oils and fuels, insects, fungi, sea salt spray and other environmental stresses.

A simple wash down with regular household cleaner is all that is required to keep it in tip-top condition.

IS NEWLIFE PLASTIC LUMBER SLIPPERY WHEN WET AND HOW HOT DOES IT GET?

NewLife Plastics lumber has a texture similar to wood.

The NewLife lumber does become warm, but is cooler than brick paving, slasto, slate, or many of the other outdoor ground covering options out there.

NewLife lumber is most suitable for perpetually wet areas, and will retain its colouring best in cool shady areas.

HOW DOES THE COST COMPARE TO WOOD?

Our lumber is more competitive than premium woods such as teak, mahogany and oak but more expensive than pine, costing is similar to balau. The cost will pay off in two to four years when you factor in the absence of maintenance and replacement costs with our product.

WHAT TYPE OF TOOLS DO I NEED?

Normal heavy-duty woodworking tools of a high torque and variable speed can be used during fabrication. Plastic lumber can be cut, drilled, nailed and routed much in the same way as traditional wood. The planks do not need to be pre-drilled. Carbide blades are recommended for best results. Due to polyolefin products having a greater coefficient of thermal expansion, allowance must be made for expansion and contraction over the length and width of the product, especially when constructing decking.

IS NEWLIFE LUMBER ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY?

The lumber is manufactured from plastic packaging waste that would have otherwise found its way into our country’s landfill sites. By purchasing our products, you are mitigating your personal use of plastic. The plastic lumber is, in turn, 100% recyclable. No toxic chemicals are used to treat the lumber, so there will be no leaching into the ground water. Plastic lumber saves our trees!

WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF THIS MATERIAL?

NewLife Plastics lumber is not recommended for structural use. When utilising the plastic lumber for decking and flooring, it is advisable to pay attention to joist spacing. Supports should be placed 300 mm to 350 mm apart. For heavy load bearing applications, additional support may be required.[i]

[i] All the information contained in this document is presented in good faith. This information is believed to be reliable at the time of preparation of this document.

WHAT COLOURS ARE AVAILABLE?

NewLife Plastics are available in dark brown, blue, green, and charcoal. Keep in mind, however, that the nature of the recycled plastic is such that colour can vary slightly. We believe this adds to the character of the products and although we endeavour to supply you with a product that is as close as possible to the colour samples in our extensive gallery of pictures, if you are uncertain, please request a sample of the colour you have chosen before production goes ahead.