This post is part of our How To Work With Recycled Plastic series. You can access all videos over on our FAQs page or on our YouTube channel.
The Best Fixings To Bolt Recycled Plastic Lumber
To securely bolt plastic lumber together, we recommend M10, hex-head bolts for general fixings, and mushroom-headed bolts for visible fixings to create a neat finish.
Fully-threaded bolts aren’t always necessary, as the holes are drilled slightly larger than the bolt shank, so the thread doesn’t bite into the material. Partially threaded bolts work just as well and are a little more economical. As long as the bolt length suits the thickness of the material and has enough thread exposed for the nut to tighten, you can bolt plastic lumber securely.
To ensure a long-lasting, corrosion-resistant fix, we use stainless steel washers and nuts to bolt recycled plastic, as these match the durability of our lumber.
How to Drill Holes & Bolt Plastic Lumber
To bolt plastic lumber, you’ll first need to prepare the material and drill holes. We recommend using a 16mm spade bit at a slow speed to create 10mm holes. This gives a little extra clearance to make on-site alignment easier and allows for making small adjustments when levelling panels or assembling components. This little bit of extra room helps eliminate discrepancies and makes installation more straightforward.
While twist bits can also be used, slow-speed spade bits are economical, reliable and widely available, making them our go-to choice.
If you’re ready to start your next project and are looking for a sustainable, better alternative to timber, our recycled plastic lumber is the perfect choice. Explore the full range here, view our installation guide, and for technical advice, reach out to our knowledgeable team on phone: 01422 419 555, or email: info@britishrecycledplastic.co.uk.
Written by the British Recycled Plastics team
March 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.
You can buy high-quality recycled plastic lumber directly from British Recycled Plastic. We are UK-based manufacturer and supplier of durable, sustainable building materials. We offer a wide range of plastic lumber products, all made with UK waste plastics and suitable for decking, fencing, landscaping, and outdoor construction projects.
In addition to supplying materials, we provide expert guidance through an experienced sales team, available five days a week. Buying direct ensures consistent quality, reliable supply, and access to specialist support for both trade and domestic customers.
Recycled plastic lumber is a long-lasting, low-maintenance alternative to traditional timber, manufactured from 100% recycled plastic materials. Designed for durability, it resists rot, moisture, insects, and weather damage, making it ideal for outdoor uses such as decking, fencing, garden furniture, and landscaping structures. Unlike wood, recycled plastic lumber does not require painting, staining, or ongoing treatment, reducing both maintenance costs and labour over time.
As a sustainable building material, British Recycled Plastic’s goal is to help divert waste from landfills and support a circular economy, transforming used plastics into high-performance construction products. It offers the natural appearance of wood while delivering superior longevity, making it a practical and environmentally responsible choice for residential, commercial, and public space projects.
The best fixings for plastic lumber, and the only fixings we recommend at British Recycled Plastic, are stainless steel bolts and screws. Whether that’s for boardwalks, platforms or anything else. Nails, staples and other fixings won’t bite into the material, correcting and will quickly need replacing.
We advise against burying a screwing plastic lumber directly because stainless steel screws are relatively soft for the extremely dense plastic. Driving a screw straight in without a pilot hole could cause the screw to strip, snap or bind too tightly, making it difficult to remove later down the line. A simple pilot hole removes this risk, making installation far easier.
How To Properly Size A Pilot Hole
When you drill plastic lumber, the pilot hole should match the diameter of the screw shank – not the thread. This ensures the screw goes in smoothly without excessive force and provides a clean and consistent result every time.
You can find out more detailed information on cutting, drilling and screwing plastic lumber in our British Recycled Plastic guide.
