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This post is part of our How To Work With Recycled Plastic series. You can access all videos over on our FAQs page.
When you’re working with recycled plastic lumber, be it cutting, drilling, or moving, our technical team recommends a few things to help you get the most out of your lumber while staying safe.
1. Keep the work area clean
Before working with recycled plastic lumber, make sure to clean the work area. This is to ensure no debris can scratch the lumber surface while you’re moving it around the space.
2. Use a clamp to work out warping
Depending on how the plastic lumber is stored, there may be some warping or bending. However, this can be reversed by using a clamp when working with recycled plastic lumber, to help you get the cut you need.
3. Leave the lumber to sit
Keep the lumber in a cool area and leave it to sit for a day before cutting. We typically store our plastic lumber outside before use, which means the sun may warm one side more than the other. This temperature difference could impact the precision of your cut. By letting it sit in a cool space before working with recycled plastic, the temperature can even out, allowing you a smoother cut.
4. Work in pairs
Our recycled plastic is very dense. This makes even small planks quite heavy. We recommend working with an extra pair of hands when moving and working with recycled plastic lumber. Take precautions and use safe lifting processes to avoid strain or injury.
5. Use protective eyewear
When cutting multiple pieces in one sitting, it’s best to use protective eyewear and a mask. While there isn’t a lot of waste or debris when working with recycled plastic, it is best to stay safe.
6. Slow and steady
Don’t rush; for a smooth, easy cut or drill, use the machine at a slow, steady speed.
By following these simple tips for working with recycled plastic, you’ll get the most out of whichever lumber you choose for your next project. You can browse our full range here, view our installation guide, or speak to our technical team for more tips and tricks over the phone 01422 419 555 or via email: info@britishrecycledplastic.co.uk.
Written by the British Recycled Plastics Team
April 2026
British Recycled Plastic’s plastic lumber can be used in just about any project where wood and timber would be the go-to choice. The advantages of using plastic lumber are:
- There’s no risk of rotting, splintering, or warping
- It’s UV-resistant, staying looking fresh for longer
- No treatments, painting or preserving required
- Fully sustainable
- Wipes cleans
- Comes with a 25-year guarantee
Traditional timber comes with a long-term, repair and replace cycle, which recycled plastic lumber removes entirely. While the upfront cost is often a deterrent, it is more cost-effective over time.
Recycled plastic works like wood in most scenarios, but how you work with the material differs and factors such as thermal expansion need to be considered. Its crucial that you follow our technical Guidance on our Lumber Page.
For example, we would never recommend stapling, nailing or welding plastic lumber. At British Recycled Plastic, we always suggest pre-drilling holes and using mechanical fixings.
- Consistency: Reclaimed lumber often varies in quality and size, whereas plastic lumber is uniform and reliable.
- Durability: Reclaimed wood is prone to rot, warping, and pests, but recycled plastic lumber lasts 50+ years without degradation.
- Maintenance: Reclaimed wood requires regular upkeep, while plastic lumber is virtually maintenance-free.
- Cost: Reclaimed wood can be costly due to sourcing and refinishing, while plastic lumber offers long-term value.
- Availability: Reclaimed wood supplies are limited, but recycled plastic lumber is consistently available in a range of sizes and styles.
For a durable, sustainable, and hassle-free alternative, British recycled plastic lumber is the superior choice over reclaimed wood.
British Recycled plastic lumber has a 25-year guarantee but is designed to last for decades, often outlasting traditional wood by a significant margin. With its resistance to rot, moisture, insects, and UV damage, plastic lumber maintains its structural integrity and appearance even in harsh environments. Unlike wood, it won’t warp, splinter, or decay, making it a low-maintenance, long-term solution for outdoor and heavy-duty applications. In most cases, plastic lumber can last 50 years or more, offering exceptional durability and sustainability for your projects
You don’t need to paint plastic lumber. Our recycled plastic lumber is available in a range of colours, reducing the need for painting or finishing. While it is technically possible to paint recycled plastic, the material has a non-porous surface, meaning paint does not adhere well and is likely to peel or flake over time.
British Recycled Plastic lumber is designed to retain its colour and appearance without painting, staining, or sealing. With built-in UV resistance and long-term durability, recycled plastic lumber maintains its look for years, making it a low-maintenance alternative to traditional timber.
