Artificial Lumber
British Recycled Plastic artificial lumber provides a sustainable and zero-maintenance alternative to timber for a variety of uses.
British Recycled Plastic lumber is a durable, maintenance-free solution backed by a 25-year guarantee. It won’t rot, split, or splinter and can be worked like wood when following the correct guidance – See Technical Guidance Below.
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, boardwalks, steps, pontoons and many other uses.
Shop Artificial Lumber
British Recycled Plastic lumber comes in a range of profiles and colours. Please click on each profile for further info:
Shop Rectangular Lumber Profiles
Shop Square Lumber Profiles
Shop Decking & Edging Profiles
Shop Fencing Post Profiles
Important Information:
British Recycled Plastic planks are a robust, sustainable option for many projects, offering benefits traditional materials can’t match. They do have different structural characteristics however, so factors like span and thermal movement should be taken into account.
* Important: Recycled plastic fencing must be installed using the correct guidance to ensure proper performance. For fencing over 1.5m high, posts should be made of concrete or reinforced.
•Please read the Technical Guidance below before fitting ⬇️
• We have a range of resources below such as FAQ’s, Case Study Blogs, Videos and ‘Working With Recycled Plastic Lumber’ Videos & Info Posts.
* There is a minimum order of £400+VAT for lumber. This is for a total lumber purchase, not per profile size.
* Our lumber is not available to buy online or from our office. Please phone us for the best price or fill in a lumber project quote below.
Recycled Plastic Lumber Technical Guidance:
“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.”
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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
Read Our ‘How To Work With Recycled Plastic’ Blogs
British Recycled Plastic Lumber FAQ’s
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.
British Recycled Plastic lumber 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.
British Recycled Plastic provides plastic lumber to a wide variety of businesses. Plastic lumber is used in landscaping and construction applications, including raised beds, retaining structures, outdoor seating, edging, and decking substructures. It provides a durable alternative to timber, particularly in ground-contact or wet environments.
Recycled plastic lumber is a sustainable alternative to timber is is typically just as strong, if not stronger than wood. It is widely used in applications where timber would traditionally be used however, due to its dense, non-porous composition, it is longer-lasting and low maintenance. Unlike wood, British Recycled Plastic lumber won’t rot, splinter, split or warp.
Yes, British Recycled Plastic can cut your material to your specified sizes for a small charge (see price list).
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.
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.
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.
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 and Composite materials typically combine different elements, like wood fibres and plastics, for enhanced strength and durability. However, due to their composition, composites can’t be easily recycled. On the other hand, recycled plastic, like that from British Recycled Plastic, originates solely from reused plastic, making it fully recyclable and a more sustainable choice. It lasts longer, offers eco-friendly benefits, and can be continually recycled, minimizing environmental impact. Choose British Recycled Plastic for durable, sustainable solutions that make a lasting difference.
- 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 is made from 100% uk plastic waste.
Our recycled plastic is made with a wide variety of plastic waste products from industrial, commercial, agricultural and domestic sources. These materials are shredded, melted and mixed together to create our incredibly strong plastic lumber.
The most common plastic types used are High Density Polyethylene, Low Density Polyethylene, Polypropylene and Polythene. These are all members of the Polyolefin family, so mix well together at the same temperature.
These materials form 99% of the content. They are mixed with 1% masterbatch, for colour control, which is also made from entirely recycled material.
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.
Yes, fence panels can be cut to size, including those made by British Recycled Plastic. Our recycled plastic panels are easy to work with using standard tools like saws or power tools. Unlike wooden panels, they won’t splinter, warp, or degrade after cutting, ensuring a clean and durable finish.
For precise adjustments or custom installations, our support team is available to guide you through the process, helping you achieve the perfect fit for your fencing project
Traditional wooden fence panels often require treatment with preservatives or stains to protect against rot, pests, and weather damage. However, British Recycled Plastic fencing panels eliminate the need for treatments altogether.
Made from 100% recycled plastic, our fencing panels are naturally resistant to rot, moisture, and UV damage. They are completely maintenance-free, saving you time and effort while offering long-lasting durability. With no need for painting or staining, they provide a sustainable, hassle-free alternative to traditional wooden panels.
For a durable, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance solution, British Recycled Plastic fencing is an ideal choice for your garden. Unlike traditional wooden fencing, our recycled plastic fencing doesn’t rot, warp, or require regular treatments. It’s weatherproof, long-lasting, and available in a variety of styles to complement any garden design. Whether you need to secure your garden, create privacy, or simply add aesthetic appeal, British Recycled Plastic fencing offers a sustainable and hassle-free option that’s built to last for decades. Explore our range online and find the perfect fencing for your garden!
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.
Technical Information about Recycled Plastic Artificial Lumber
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.
