Table of Contents
This post is part of our How To Work With Recycled Plastic series. You can access all videos over on our FAQs page, or find out more about recycled plastic over on our YouTube channel.
Welding Plastic Lumber: Can It Be Done?
Welding plastic lumber, in theory, is possible. However, due to the melting behaviour of recycled plastic, welding plastic lumber would create a weak, unreliable join that may fail under stress. Traditional welding techniques won’t deliver the strength and stability needed for long-lasting, outdoor structures.
We always recommend using mechanical fixings – such as screws, bolts or brackets – for a strong, durable and dependable join. You can find out more about the best fixings for plastic lumber in our guide.
Ready to start your next project? Browse our full range of recycled plastic lumber, view our installation guide or contact our knowledgeable team over the phone: 01422 419 555 or via email: info@britishrecycledplastic.co.uk.
Written by the British Recycled Plastics Team
April 2026
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.
Yes, British Recycled Plastic can cut your material to your specified sizes for a small charge (see price list).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
