POSTED BY Taylor Casale September 20, 2024
When it comes to outdoor projects like retaining walls, garden edging, or raised garden beds, your choice of materials plays a critical role in the durability, sustainability, and long-term value of your construction. Traditionally, pressure-treated wood has been the go-to material for such applications, but recycled plastic lumber is quickly emerging as a superior alternative. Here’s a closer look at the pressure-treated wood vs. recycled plastic lumber, and why BestPLUS plastic lumber stands out as the better choice.
Pressure-Treated Wood: Traditional, But with Trade-offs
Pressure-treated wood has been a popular choice for outdoor projects due to its affordability and availability. Treated with chemical preservatives, this wood is designed to resist rot, decay, and insect damage. However, there are several drawbacks to using pressure-treated wood:
1. Chemical Leaching: One of the most pressing concerns with pressure-treated wood is the potential for chemical leaching. The preservatives used to protect the wood—often containing copper, arsenic, or other harmful chemicals—can seep into the surrounding soil over time. This poses risks not only to the environment but also to human health, particularly in applications like raised garden beds where food crops are grown. Contaminants may be absorbed by plants, creating concerns for those prioritizing organic or chemical-free gardening.
2. Structural Integrity and Flexibility: Pressure-treated wood may offer initial strength, but it is prone to splitting, cracking, and breaking over time. The tangent modulus of elasticity (MOE), a measure of a material's ability to deform under stress, averages 7,300 psi for pressure-treated wood, while BestPLUS plastic lumber’s tangent MOE is 136,339 psi. Meaning that while wood initially bears more load, it is also much more prone to cracks and splits, especially in fluctuating weather conditions.
3. Maintenance: While pressure-treated wood is more resistant to decay than untreated materials, it still requires consistent upkeep to preserve both its structural integrity and visual appeal. Periodic staining, sealing, or painting is necessary to protect the wood from moisture, UV rays, and the wear and tear caused by fluctuating weather conditions. If this maintenance is neglected, the wood’s protective layer will eventually erode, exposing it to cracking, warping, and potential insect damage. Over time, the aesthetic quality of pressure-treated wood also begins to degrade, with the surface often becoming discolored, splintered, or rough. This diminishes the overall visual appeal of outdoor structures like garden beds, fences, and decks, requiring either resurfacing or eventual replacement to restore the wood’s appearance and functionality.
4. Shorter Lifespan: Despite being treated, pressure-treated wood is far from immune to the ravages of time and weather. Exposure to moisture, particularly in wet or humid environments, can accelerate its deterioration. Over time, pressure-treated wood may warp, crack, or splinter, leading to structural weaknesses and safety concerns. In high-moisture applications, like garden beds or retaining walls, the wood may rot faster than expected, necessitating repairs or replacement much sooner than initially planned.
5. Environmental Impact: The environmental costs of pressure-treated wood are twofold. First, the use of chemical preservatives contributes to soil and water contamination, and second, the production process requires the harvesting of trees, contributing to deforestation. As the chemicals leach into the soil, they not only pose a threat to vegetation but can also harm surrounding animal communities by contaminating their habitats and food sources. This can disrupt local ecosystems, affecting both plant and animal life over time. Pressure-treated wood’s eventual disposal in landfills only adds to its environmental footprint, making recycled plastic lumber a more sustainable and eco-friendlier alternative.
6. Fastener Retention: When comparing the retention of fasteners like staples, BestPLUS plastic lumber maintains better integrity across different temperatures. Under ASTM Method D1761-12 at 72°F, BestPLUS holds up to 31 lbf with a 9/16" T-50 staple, while pressure-treated wood retains only 17 lbf. This means that BestPLUS plastic lumber holds fasteners better, even in varied temperatures, making it more secure for long-term use.
Recycled Plastic Lumber: A Sustainable, Long-Lasting Solution
Recycled plastic lumber, like the products offered by BestPLUS, provides a modern solution to many of the challenges posed by pressure-treated wood. Made from recycled plastics, this material is not only environmentally friendly but also offers several benefits that make it an ideal choice for outdoor applications.
1. Weather & Insect Resistance: BestPLUS plastic lumber is naturally resistant to moisture, rot, and insects, ensuring a long-lasting product that doesn’t require chemical treatments.
2. Environmentally Friendly: BestPLUS plastic lumber is made from recycled materials, reducing waste and supporting sustainability. Choosing this option helps reduce the demand for virgin timber and the environmental impact of deforestation.
3. Maintenance-Free: Unlike pressure-treated wood, BestPLUS plastic lumber requires virtually no maintenance. It doesn’t need to be stained, sealed, or painted, saving you time and money in the long run. Plus, with its superior structural flexibility—average MOE of 81,223 psi—BestPLUS plastic lumber is far less likely to break or splinter, ensuring longer-lasting durability.
4. Longevity: BestPLUS plastic lumber is designed to withstand the harshest outdoor conditions without cracking, splintering, or warping. It offers a significantly longer lifespan than pressure-treated wood, making it a cost-effective investment over time
5. Safe for Ground Contact: BestPLUS landscape timbers are perfect for ground contact applications, such as retaining walls, garden edging, and raised garden beds. They will not rot or decay, making them an ideal choice for projects that require durability and stability in damp or wet environments.
Why BestPLUS Plastic Lumber Is the Best Choice
BestPLUS is proud to offer sustainable and long-lasting plastic lumber for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re building retaining walls, landscape edging, or raised garden beds, BestPLUS products provide the durability and environmental benefits you need. Our lumber boards, made of 98% recycled plastic, are the perfect choice for anyone looking to create a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space.
By choosing BestPLUS plastic lumber, you’re not only investing in a product that will stand the test of time but also making a positive impact on the environment. Say goodbye to the drawbacks of pressure-treated wood and embrace the future of sustainable construction with BestPLUS. Contact us to learn more about how you can utilize BestPLUS plastic lumber today.
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