Artificial lumber, also known as recycled plastic lumber, is a durable and sustainable alternative to traditional wood. Designed to look and feel like timber while offering far greater resistance to British weather, it provides a long-lasting solution for outdoor environments. Widely used across the UK in public spaces, schools, parks and coastal areas, plastic lumber requires minimal maintenance and can withstand harsh conditions without cracking, splintering or degrading. Read on to understand more about why plastic wood is the perfect choice for so many different projects.
British Recycled Plastic lumber is a durable and sustainable material made from 100% British waste plastic. The plastic has already had a life, perhaps as a drinks bottle, packaging, or even a car bumper.
Instead of being sent to landfill or incineration, it’s processed, cleaned, sorted, and then formed into timber-like planks or furniture using extrusion or injection moulding methods.
The result is a material that looks and feels like wood, but performs far better outdoors — particularly in climates where timber is prone to decay.
Plastic Lumber vs Wood
For public spaces, damage and deterioration are common issues – especially when using traditional wooden fences, benches and barriers.
One of the biggest advantages of using plastic wood is how simple it is to maintain.
Unlike wood, artificial lumber is non-porous; it won’t soak up water or provide a home for mould – keeping it looking fresher for longer. Animals such as horses, squirrels, or rodents often are able to chew through wooden fixtures, which can cause significant damage, while our plastic lumber is much less appealing.
A quick jet wash, or a scrub with soapy water and our artificial lumber looks as good as new.
Goodbye to graffiti
Due to the non-porous material, paint and graffiti aren’t absorbed into plastic lumber in the same way as they are on wood. This means it can quickly be removed.
British Recycled Plastic lumber doesn’t chip, splinter, crack, rot or degrade. And we’re so sure about its quality, all our products comes with a 25-year guarantee.
Where Is Plastic Lumber Used?
Recycled plastic lumber is now widely used across the UK, both in public spaces and commercial settings. It’s strong, safe and weather-resistant, making it an ideal choice for reducing recurring material and labour costs that come with traditional wood products.
Below are just a few ways British Recycled Plastic lumber is being used across the country.
Recycled Plastic Lumber Fencing
Timber fencing ages quickly, especially when posts are set into damp ground.
Recycled plastic fencing offers a solid alternative that’s simple to install and remains stable over time. It’s widely used for schools, parks and walkways. With no chemical upkeep needed, it’s also a great choice for wildlife reserves and equestrian centres where durability is key without contamination soaking into the land.
Plastic Lumber Boardwalks and Walkways
Recycled plastic lumber is ideal for high footfall areas such as access paths and viewing platforms at heritage venues, beaches or nature reserves. It stays clean and stable year after year through sea air, rainy seasons and muddy boots.
Coastal environments are particularly harsh on traditional materials. Salt spray, sand, and constant moisture exposure can shorten the lifespan of even treated wood. Recycled plastic stays strong through it all, and its natural resistance to mould and algae means it isn’t slippery or dangerous underfoot.
Artificial Lumber for Playgrounds and Schoolyards
In play areas, safety and longevity are key.
Our artificial lumber is commonly used for edging, fencing, decking, and outdoor classroom spaces. It doesn’t splinter, warp, or degrade, so children can play safely without leaving school staff responsible for expensive, recurring repair work.
Plastic Wood Raised Beds and Planters
Another use for our plastic lumber is public gardens, community allotments, and urban greening projects. Our ever-popular raised beds are maintenance-free and are perfect for ensuring moisture and warmth stay in the soil itself for better growing.
Recycled Plastic Lumber Decks and Footbridges
Recycled plastic decking boards are grippy, slip-resistant and won’t crack or become slimy like timber often does.
Small bridges and overpasses can also be built with recycled plastic components, providing a strong structure that lasts longer in British weather — no need for treatment or frequent checks for rot.
Signage and Plastic Lumber Trail Posts
Signage often goes unnoticed until it begins to deteriorate. With recycled plastic posts and boards, signs remain straight, clear, neat and secure for years. Signs can be engraved directly into the material or mounted with plaques that stay easy to read.
For countryside paths and heritage trails, this ensures long-term clarity without the need to keep replacing fading wooden boards.
Roofing Applications
Recycled plastic lumber is now being explored in more specialist construction uses, too.
One roofing contractor recently told us:
“We haven’t often seen recycled plastic used in roof construction, but we’re looking to avoid the rot that can often compromise roof integrity in the long term. These plastic battens should never need replacing and whilst the initial cost is a little higher than wood, the long-term savings and increased reliability easily justify the cost.”
The Benefits of Using Artificial Lumber
The appeal of recycled plastic lumber is clear. It has a long lifespan, requires minimal upkeep, and is a sustainable use of British waste plastic.
While upfront costs may be higher than those of untreated timber, the reduced need for repairs, replacements, and ongoing maintenance makes it a financially practical choice over time.
It’s a circular, resource-conscious approach — turning waste into long-lasting products that support parks, schools, and public infrastructures across the UK.
Artificial Lumber Suppliers: How British Recycled Plastics Can Help
British Recycled Plastic supplies a wide range of artificial lumber profiles, including:
- Rectangular
- Square
- Decking and edging
- Fence posts
We aim to make any project simple by providing:
- Quick quotes and expert project support
- Installation and handling tips
- Case studies
- FAQ videos
- Boardwalk calculator
Request a quote for your project or speak to the British Recycled Plastic team on 01422 419 555.
Written by The British Recycled Plastic Team
British Recycled Plastic supplies long-lasting, maintenance-free outdoor products including recycled plastic fencing, benches, picnic tables and lumber. We work with UK councils, parks departments, schools and contractors to deliver sustainable solutions designed for public spaces.
Last updated: March 2026
Recycled plastic tongue and groove boards outperform timber in almost every way. They won’t rot, warp, crack, or splinter, even in damp or exposed environments. There’s no need for painting, staining, or regular maintenance, and they’re resistant to insects, fungi, and frost. Over time, they offer significant savings in upkeep and replacement costs—plus, they’re made from 100% British waste plastic, helping to reduce environmental impact.
- Consistency: Reclaimed wood 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.
Treated lumber is wood infused with chemicals to resist rot, insects, and decay, often used for outdoor projects. However, it has significant drawbacks compared to British recycled plastic lumber:
- Maintenance: Treated wood needs regular sealing or painting, while plastic lumber is maintenance-free.
- Environmental Impact: Treated lumber’s chemicals can leach into the soil, while recycled plastic lumber is more eco-friendly and sustainable.
- Durability: Treated wood warps and decays over time, but recycled plastic lumber lasts 50+ years without degrading.
- Cost: Treated wood’s upkeep and replacement make it more expensive long-term, whereas plastic lumber offers lasting value.
- Appearance: Treated wood fades and splits, while plastic lumber retains its colour and texture.
For a durable, low-maintenance, and sustainable choice, British Recycled Plastic lumber outperforms treated wood in every way.
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
This is unnecessary and not recommended as the material is chemically inert and the paint won’t penetrate the surface. British Recycled plastic lumber is designed to maintain its coloor and appearance without the need for painting, staining, or sealing. Its durable, UV-resistant surface resists fading, ensuring it looks great for years without additional maintenance
Yes, recycled plastic lumber is comparable in strength to traditional wood, and in many cases, it outperforms wood in durability. Unlike wood, it won’t rot, warp, splinter, or absorb moisture, making it an excellent choice for outdoor and heavy-duty applications. While natural wood may be prone to damage over time, our artifical lumber maintains its structural integrity even under harsh conditions, offering a long-lasting, low-maintenance alternative. It should be noted that it doesn’t have the same tensile proprties though, so unsupported wide spans are likely to be shorter. For projects requiring a reliable, sustainable material, British Recycled Plastic lumber is a strong and eco-friendly solution.
You can purchase high-quality recycled plastic lumber directly from British Recycled Plastic. We not only supply a wide range of durable, sustainable materials like plastic lumber but also provide unparalleled support through our highly experienced sales team, available 5 days a week. Whether you need help selecting the right products or assistance in creating your custom project, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to start building with sustainable, long-lasting materials!
We would strongly recommend using stainless steel bolts and screws for any recycled plastic structure, whether boardwalks, platforms or anything else, otherwise the fixings will need replacing long before the planks, rails and posts
It is difficult and can be frustrating. We always advise drilling a pilot hole.
Yes, we can cut your material to your specified sizes for a small charge (see price list).
We strongly recommend using 100x100mm posts (RPL005) spaced at a maximum of 1.5 metres apart, centre to centre.
In many scenarios, recycled plastic lumber can be worked like hardwood, however it is worth noting that it should never be cut lengthwise. This is to do with differing tensions between the “skin” of the recycled plastic and the inside. Nor should deep notches over 50% of the width of the plank be cut into it. Cutting a notch into a lumber plank weakens it as would be the case with timber. Therefore if notched planks are integral to your design, we suggest this is only as part of a finished product which remains static, ie. not something which is regularly moved or dismantled.
It can be cut and drilled like hardwood, but please be aware that this means you will go through blades and drill bits more quickly than if you were working with treated pine.
You will need to do your own workings out based on what you need using our price and product list for the sizes. Having said that, our team are available to offer lots of advice to help you make the move from wood to recycled plastic.
