Discover how recycled plastic decking provides a durable, maintenance-free alternative to traditional timber decking. In this customer success story, a DIY decking project using British Recycled Plastic decking boards transformed a rotting wooden deck into a long-lasting outdoor space designed to withstand UK weather without rot, splintering, or ongoing maintenance.
Table of Contents
- Replacing Rotten Timber Decking with a Long-Lasting Alternative
- A customer decking success story using British Recycled Plastic lumber
- Glyn replaced an area of decking measuring 6.5m x 3m.
- A Decking Case Study Video
- Materials Used in This Decking Project
- Timber vs Recycled Plastic Decking: Whole-Life Value
- Planning a Decking or Boardwalk Project?
- Recycled plastic decking replaces rotten timber with a long-lasting solution
- Rot-proof, splinter-free, weatherproof, and maintenance-free
- Ideal for homes, councils, parks, and commercial outdoor spaces
- Made in the UK from recycled plastic with a 25-year guarantee
- Cuts and drills like timber while offering superior whole-life value
DIY Decking Success Story: Replacing Rotten Timber with Recycled Plastic Decking
Recycled plastic decking is a long-lasting, maintenance-free alternative to timber for outdoor spaces. In this customer success story, Glyn Jones replaced his old rotting wooden deck with British Recycled Plastic decking boards — creating a durable outdoor surface designed to last for decades.
- Rot-proof, splinter-free and weatherproof
- Zero painting, staining or treatment required
- Ideal for councils, parks, housing estates and DIY projects
- Guaranteed for 25 years (View our Warranty Page here)
- Made in the UK from recycled UK plastic waste
Replacing Rotten Timber Decking with a Long-Lasting Alternative
Timber decking can look great when it’s first installed — but in the UK’s damp climate, wood often deteriorates faster than people expect.
That was exactly the challenge Glyn Jones faced. His old timber decking had started to rot, warp and degrade over time, and he wanted a replacement that would last.
Glyn decided to rebuild his outdoor space using British Recycled Plastic decking boards, creating a smart, durable deck that requires virtually no maintenance.
This is the kind of long-term solution that’s increasingly relevant not only for homeowners, but also for councils, parks departments, housing estates and facilities teams looking for low-maintenance outdoor infrastructure.
A customer decking success story using British Recycled Plastic lumber
Glyn replaced an area of decking measuring 6.5m x 3m.
After preparing the ground, he installed a weed-stopping membrane and built the substructure using recycled plastic lumber.
To manage cost efficiently, he used:
- black recycled plastic lumber for the supporting frame
- brown decking boards for the finished surface
The result is a beautifully finished outdoor deck with clean edges and a professional look
“The recycled plastic cuts and drills like timber, and will hopefully last a lifetime,” Glyn told us.“The product was easy to work with, and I was able to carry out the project on my own. Highly recommended.”
When it comes to outdoor projects, durability and sustainability are key concerns for homeowners. Traditional timber decking may look great initially, but it requires ongoing maintenance and is prone to weathering over time. That’s why more and more people are turning to recycled plastic decking—a long-lasting, sustainable alternative that looks just as good as wood but comes with none of the hassle.
By choosing recycled plastic decking, Glyn not only created a stunning outdoor space but also contributed to reducing plastic waste, making an environmentally responsible choice.
A Decking Case Study Video
Meet John, one of our many customers turning waste into something wonderful. We think the UK needs to be a little more John — here’s why
- UK households throw away around 90 billion pieces of plastic packaging every year (Greenpeace/Everyday Plastic, 2024)
- Less than 1 in 5 is recycled in the UK
- Over half is burned — wasting valuable resources
View more video case studies on our Youtube page
At British Recycled Plastic, we’re closing the loop by transforming waste into sustainable, heavy-duty products like the decking in this project.
Each product helps prevent waste by being:
- Made in the UK from recycled UK plastic
- Fully recyclable again through our Take Back Scheme
- Guaranteed for 25 years
- Zero maintenance — no rot, splinters or leaching
Materials Used in This Decking Project
For the substructure, Glyn used: RPL023 120 x 50 x 3100mm in black
For the decking surface: DECK001 150 x 40 x 3150mm in brown
Fixings: Stainless steel decking screws (recommended to prevent corrosion over time)
Timber vs Recycled Plastic Decking: Whole-Life Value
Even high-quality treated timber may only last 5–10 years in demanding outdoor conditions, and it often requires:
- staining or sealing
- repairs
- replacement due to rot
- slippery surfaces in wet weather
In contrast, British Recycled Plastic decking is:
- guaranteed for 25 years
- resistant to mould, algae and moisture
- UV stable and fade resistant
- suitable for wet environments, including coastal areas
- maintenance-free for decades
This makes it a strong long-term investment for councils, contractors and homeowners alike.
Planning a Decking or Boardwalk Project?
Whether you’re a homeowner, contractor or council designing an outdoor space, British Recycled Plastic decking provides a long-lasting, rot-proof alternative to timber. You can speak to our friendly team on 01422 419 555 or info@britishrecycledplastic.co.uk.
You can also view the full range here.
Written by the British Recycled Plastic Team
Updated May 2026
British Recycled Plastic decking boards are designed for long-term outdoor use and come with a 25-year guarantee. Unlike timber, they won’t rot, splinter or require repainting, making them ideal for councils, facilities teams and homeowners seeking a durable solution.
No. Recycled plastic decking requires virtually zero maintenance. It does not need staining, sealing or treatment — an occasional clean is purely cosmetic
Yes. British Recycled Plastic products are manufactured in the UK using recycled UK plastic waste, supporting circular economy and sustainable procurement goals.
Stainless steel decking screws are recommended to ensure fixings remain durable over the lifetime of the structure.
Once worn in, recycled plastic decking is often less slippery than treated timber in wet conditions. Correct installation and drainage design are important.
Yes. Councils and contractors use recycled plastic decking in parks, housing estates, boardwalks and other public realm environments because it is weatherproof, splinter-free and long-lasting.
Like most outdoor materials, recycled plastic lumber expands slightly with temperature. Correct installation spacing and joist support (typically 450–500mm centres) ensures long-term stability.
Yes. Recycled plastic decking is a practical timber alternative, especially in wet environments where wood can rot or become slippery over time.
