Artificial Lumber
Our recycled plastic wood planks and posts are a popular artificial lumber choice as they provide a sustainable and zero-maintenance alternative to timber for a variety of uses, particularly in challenging weather conditions.
Artificial Lumber, Decking, Fencing & Posts
Shop Artificial Lumber, Decking, Fencing & Posts
Our artificial lumber is a durable, maintenance-free solution backed by a 25-year guarantee. It won’t rot, split, or splinter and can be worked just like wood. Designed as an alternative to traditional materials like wood, concrete and metals, recycled plastic planks allow for the easy and quick construction of fences, platforms, fishing pegs, revetments, boardwalks, steps, pontoons and many other uses.
Please note: While recycled plastic planks and posts can be used as alternatives to wood, steel and concrete for many applications, they should not always be treated as like-for-like replacements. They have different mechanical properties, and considerations should be taken for things like spans and for thermal movement.
Please read the technical information below and contact our experienced customer team with any questions.
“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.
There’s really no difference for us in terms of working the material, we use all the same tools and techniques as with wood, and storage is actually easier as we don’t need to keep it dry.”
Watch Our British Recycled Plastic Lumber Case Study Videos
What Can You Make With Recycled Plastic Lumber?
What Are The Benefits of Recycled Plastic Lumber?
Artificial Lumber -From From Waste To Wonderful
Recycled Lumber at Accrington Woodland Nature Reserve
Turning Plastic Waste Into Artificial Lumber
Recycled Lumber Decking Transforms Boat Club
View Our Recycled Plastic Wood Case Studies
Shop Recycled Plastic Lumber – Rectangle Profiles
Our recycled plastic lumber is a low-maintenance, eco-friendly alternative to wood, perfect for outdoor projects. This artificial lumber, made from recycled plastic, resists rot, insects, and harsh weather, providing long-lasting durability without the need for painting or staining. Ideal for decking, fencing, and landscaping, plastic lumber combines style with sustainability, offering a reliable and environmentally conscious solution for any project. Choose plastic wood for strength, versatility, and a refined appearance that lasts.
Shop Plastic Lumber – Square Profiles
As the leading recycled plastic lumber suppliers, we manufacture high-quality square plastic planks designed for durability and sustainability. Our recycled plastic wood is ideal for raised beds, landscaping, and construction projects, providing the most sustainable wood alternative on the market. These recycled plastic boards offer a low-maintenance, eco-friendly choice for those seeking sustainable timber solutions. Choose the most sustainable wood for construction—British Recycled Plastic artificial lumber that lasts!
Shop Plastic Lumber Decking
British Recycled Plastic decking is the maintenance-free solution for building a wide variety of structures and such as fishing pegs, boardwalks, cycleways, viewing and pond-dipping platforms. Recycled plastic decking is also used in domestic settings to ensure a non-slip surface. Unlike composite decking that contains wood pulp, our material won’t degrade or crumble, ensuring a longer lifespan. We’ve collaborated with BDAA to create wheelchair- accessible fishing platforms, ensuring everyone can enjoy the water safely.
Shop Recycled Plastic Edging
Our recycled plastic edging is the perfect solution for accessible footpaths, especially in sensitive areas like marshlands. Designed to sit slightly above ground level, it provides a tactile guide for those with visual impairments, allowing them to feel the edging with a cane for easier navigation. Made from durable, sustainable materials, our edging supports inclusive access by creating safe, clear pathways for people of all abilities.
“The recycled plastic was a great product to use for the edging and brilliant for making all the curves possible in the path.”
Shop Recycled Plastic Fencing & Posts
British Recyled Plastic supply durable, sustainable decking solutions using high-quality recycled plastic wood. Our recycled plastic boards are the most sustainable lumber choice for outdoor decking, providing a low-maintenance, weather-resistant, and eco-conscious alternative to traditional timber. Ideal for both residential and commercial projects, this sustainable timber offers a beautiful, long-lasting deck that won’t rot, splinter, or require staining.
Shop Recycled Plastic Knee Rail Barrier Fencing
Whatever reason you have for delineating space our 100mm x 140mm support posts with V-Shaped Heads will ensure your knee rail fence lasts for many years to come. Pair with 100mm x 100mm square cross bars and our barrier fence straps to make your birds mouth fence complete.
Check out our lumber case studies from organisations such as Trentham Boat Club & Friends of The Beck in Driffield:
“Really impressed by both the recycled plastic products, and the service given by the staff. Orders are gratefully received, quickly processed, and a firm delivery date is given. Absolutely no hesitation in recommending British Recycled Plastic for recycled plastic lumber. Just remember to read and understand the FAQs (the products, in some ways, are different to wood).”
British Recycled Plastic Lumber FAQ’s
- 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.
This is unnecessary and not recommended. 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. For projects requiring a reliable, sustainable material, British Recycled Plastic lumber is a strong and eco-friendly solution.
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.
British Recycled Plastic Lumber Technical Info
Technical Information Overview for Recycled Plastic Planks and Posts
Expansion
The lower the temperature during installation, the more the artificial lumber planks or posts may expand.
British Recycled Plastic has an average linear expansion of 0.109mm/m/°C.
It is vital to calculate the maximum expansion/contraction of the boards in order to establish correct expansion/ contraction gaps.
Calculation example: Installation of 3.1m decking at a temp of 15°C Max.
Temperature expected 40°C
Temperature at Installation 15°C
Temperature difference 25°C
Interval = 0.109mm/m/°C.
Calculation: 0.109mm x 3.1m x 25°C = 8.44mm
Flexibility
Recycled plastic is more flexible than wood or metal.
All product and structure designs facilitate this technical characteristic (e.g. maximum distance between fence posts), furthermore, all of our products are supplied with installation or fabrication recommendations.
Material Structure
British Recycled Plastic planks and posts bear a non-porous surface resembling timber grain and a honeycomb core. The internal air pockets (caused by evaporation of surface moisture from the ground waste plastic feedstock) may be visible when the end of the profile is cut.
Bolts and Screws
We recommend that all fixings are made from stainless steel/brass or are plated, to retain the integrity, long life, rot free, maintenance free, quality of the final product.
When bolting or screwing profiles together, the pilot hole must be larger than the bolt.
Elongated slots are recommended to facilitate temperature related expansion/contraction of the material, particularly on runs of fencing.
Impact
Use of a ram or protective sleeve is recommended if profiles are hammered mechanically into the ground – it will prevent potential damage to the product.
Storage
Direct sunlight may affect profile alignment and cause profile distortion.
To prevent planks and posts bowing, profiles should be stored on a flat surface, strapped in batches.
Technical Information about ordering British Recycled Plastic Artificial Lumber
We can provide artificial lumber posts, planks and boards to you in full lengths, or we can cut it to your requirements.
Before you request a quote, please read the following guidance notes to help you find the easiest and most economical way to have your order transported.
There are four main considerations:
Speed of shipping: Lumber purchased in full lengths will generally be dispatched the fastest, as it doesn’t need to pass through our workshop. However, it will occupy three pallets-worth of space in a wagon at a cost of around £60 per pallet space. The lead time for cut lumber varies according to the volume of work we have passing through our workshop. As such, if you’re working to a tight schedule, we’d recommend giving the office a call to check on timescales.
Access: If you have restricted access to your property and will be unable to accept delivery by articulated truck, then your delivery can be made in a smaller vehicle. This smaller truck will be around the same size as a small bin lorry. Such vehicles can only offload via a tail-lift, so you must ensure that no item on your order exceeds 2000mm in length (see notes on offloading).
Cost: As mentioned above, the more pallet spaces your order occupies, the more your delivery will cost. Planning your project and carefully considering the lengths of lumber you work with can make considerable savings.
1200mm – 1 pallet space
2400mm – 2 pallet spaces
3600mm – 3 pallet spaces
Offloading: The maximum length which can fit on a tail-lift is 2000mm. If there is one piece of lumber on your order which exceeds 2000mm, you will be responsible for offloading the entire order yourself, via the curtain-side of the vehicle. Offloading will require either the use of a forklift, or manual “handballing”. If you wish to handball, please note that you will not be permitted access to the flatbed of the vehicle and you will need to offload from ground level. Due to drivers’ time constraints, two able-bodied people are required for every 50 pieces of lumber in an order.
The golden rule for the most economical and easy-to-handle delivery is this – keep all of your lengths at 1200mm or less, wherever possible. If you do this, you’ll only pay for one pallet space (weight-dependent), your order can be tail-lifted to the ground and it’ll fit in a small truck. That’s why we designed our raised bed kits around 1000mm panels.
In order to provide you with a quote for cut lumber, we will need a cutting list with measurements in metric units.
We operate rather like a timber yard, so will need a code, a quantity and lengths. We regret that we are not able to design on your behalf, or to interpret sketches, technical drawings, photographs or written descriptions.
Delivery information for lumber. Please contact our office for more information on 01422 419 555
Here’s an example of a cutting list:
- 24no. 100×100 Lumber BLK
- 5no. 100 x 100 fence posts with point BLK
British Recycled Plastic Lumber Further Info
Durable & Sustainable Recycled Plastic Lumber & Planks
British Recycled Plastic’s recycled plastic lumber and planks provide a strong, long-lasting, and sustainable alternative to traditional wood. Made from 100% British recycled plastic, our planks are ideal for construction, landscaping, and outdoor projects, offering a maintenance-free solution that won’t rot, split, or degrade over time.
Why Choose Recycled Plastic Lumber?
✔ Weatherproof & Rot-Resistant – Unlike timber, our plastic lumber won’t absorb moisture, warp, or splinter, making it perfect for outdoor environments and harsh weather conditions.
✔ Maintenance-Free – No need for painting, staining, or chemical treatments—simply install and enjoy a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution.
✔ Strong & Load-Bearing – Our durable plastic planks offer excellent structural integrity, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications.
✔ Eco-Friendly & Sustainable – Manufactured from 100% recycled plastic, reducing landfill waste while supporting a circular economy.
✔ Easy to Work With – Can be cut, drilled, and installed just like wood, but with the added benefit of superior longevity and durability.
Versatile Applications:
Our recycled plastic lumber is suitable for a wide range of uses, including:
- Decking & Boardwalks – A weather-resistant, non-slip solution for outdoor walkways.
- Fencing & Barriers – A strong, maintenance-free alternative to traditional timber fencing.
- Outdoor Furniture & Benches – Ideal for parks, schools, and public spaces.
- Garden Edging & Raised Beds – Long-lasting, rot-proof landscaping solutions.
- Construction & Civil Engineering – Durable planks for framing, retaining walls, and heavy-duty infrastructure projects.
A Smarter Alternative to Wood
Unlike timber, which requires regular maintenance and eventual replacement, our recycled plastic planks are designed to last for decades without any upkeep. They are UV-resistant, splinter-free, and immune to insect damage, making them the perfect choice for long-term outdoor use.
