Frequently Asked Questions:American Recycled Plastic,Inc.

Recycled plastic is ideal for any application where the product comes in contact with the elements. Specifically, uses include decks, docks, landscaping, outdoor furniture, fencing, signs, mailboxes and is only limited by your imagination.

Does recycled plastic cost more than wood?

It depends on what type of wood our recycled plastic is being compared to. Recycled plastic is very competitive, or even less than, a premium wood such as mahogany, or teak. When compared to a board of Southern Pine #2 lumber, recycled plastic costs an average of 2-3 times more. However, that is comparing "acquisition cost" alone without factoring in "life cycle" cost. You cannot accurately compare two different types of products by using the acquisition cost alone.

What does "acquisition" cost and "life cycle" cost mean?

Acquisition cost means only comparing the initial purchase price of two products. It is not an accurate method of comparing costs when considering two different products like wood vs. recycled plastic products.

Life cycle costs take into account all the costs associated with each product over the life of the project. For example, A wood deck will also require the costs of sealing, painting, sanding (and how about the value of your time?). Add to that the aggravation of splinters, using a product that destroys trees, and the inevitable replacement of wood. Compare that to an initial expense higher than wood, and then that's it-- No sealing, No splinters, No replacement. So, which product really costs more?

How long does plastic lumber last?

Test results have estimated that recycled plastic will last over 400 years with only minimal degradation. Compare that to a deck made of wood!

Is plastic lumber environmentally friendly?

Yes! Not only is recycled plastic lumber manufactured from plastics that would have been landfilled, it will never leach or contaminate the soil or the ground water, since it is non-porous and contains none of the toxic chemicals found in pressure treated lumber. Also, the use of plastic lumber saves our trees since no wood is used in our products! Finally, plastic lumber is 100% recyclable.

Do I need special tools to work with recycled plastic?

Plastic lumber is just as easy to work with as wood; in some cases plastic lumber is even easier than wood! It can be cut, drilled, routed and nailed using standard wood-working tools. Carbide blades are recommended for best performance.

How about fasteners?

Virtually all deck fasteners can be used with our plastic lumber. We use stainless steel hardware in the manufacture of our outdoor furniture. Plastic lumber also holds nails and screws 40-50% better than wood. Predrilling is not necessary, but depending on the application might be preferred.

Does recycled plastic lumber expand or contract?

Our lumber will expand or contract slightly depending upon variations in the temperature. To accommodate potential movement, adequate spacing should be provided between adjacent and abutting boards. As an example, an 8 ft. board may expand or contract up to 1/4" with a 50 degree temperature fluctuation. The following formula may be used: Inches of expansion or contraction in length dimension = .0007 x length of board . Temperature change in degrees (Fahrenheit).

Does recycled plastic lumber burn?

Under normal conditions and use, temperature fluctuation will not affect plastic lumber. No profile distortions will occur within the temperature range of 20 degrees F (Fahrenheit) to 120 degrees F. Like wood, recycled plastic lumber will burn when exposed to a combustion source for a long period of time and fed by a cellulose material. Recycled plastic lumber has a flash point of 625 degrees F vs. wood at 425 degrees F.

What about the warranty on recycled plastic lumber?

We offer a 25 year limited warranty and do guarantee our lumber against damage caused by insects, dry rot, mildew, corrosion and fungal decay. Our warranty covers the composition or makeup of the lumber itself. Due to the millions of uses for this product, we obviously cannot cover issues of vandalism, poor or improper installation or any condition or environment that would be considered abnormal to recycled plastic lumber.

Is recycled plastic lumber slippery when wet?

Our lumber product has a wood-like texture which is not slippery wet or dry. In fact, recycled plastic decking has been tested to be less slippery when wet than wood and concrete, which actually encourage the growth of molds and mildews that can be very slick. A knurled surface is available on our decking as an added safety feature if so desired.

What types of payment does American Recycled Plastic accept?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, and personal or corporate checks. Orders may require a 50% deposit, paid at time order is placed, with the remaining balance due when the order is shipped.

For our government customers we will also accept a purchase order with terms of net 30.

Effective December 1, 2005 we require a minimum order of at least $50.00.

What is the return/exchange policy?

We will accept the return of items when the item:

a) is returned in the same condition as shipped, or

b) was shipped in error (i.e., wrong item or color) and

c) the return request is received no more than 30 days from receipt of product.

A 20% restocking fee will be applied (if the error is ours, this fee is waived.) and the return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. A prompt refund will be issued, less the original shipping costs and any applicable restocking fees.

We regret that special order or custom-made items are not returnable.

How will my order be shipped?

Orders ship via LTL truck freight unless otherwise specified. Smaller residential items will ship UPS ground as long as the item's size and weight complies with UPS guidelines. We offer competitive freight rates and have multiple accounts nationwide to ensure our customers receive the best possible freight rate. We also offer no-obligation quotes that are valid for 15 days.

Most items shipping LTL truck freight will ship shrink-wrapped and palletized. The customer is responsible for unloading, and removal of pallet and packing materials in most cases. Standard freight quotes do not include any accessorial charges unless clearly stated in the quote. Examples of accessorial charges include, but are not limited to: residential delivery (this also applies to churches, schools, condos and golf courses according to the freight carriers), driver assistance, delivery notification, inside delivery, etc. Please provide as much information as possible to us about your delivery situation when placing your order. Factors such as: forklifts, dock height, commercial locations will all factor into your freight quote.

Additionally, American Recycled Plastic is not responsible for delays in transit or loss/damage once the shipment has left our facility. It is extremely important that, in the unlikely event of loss/damage, the customer understands that they must not sign the Bill of Lading without noting, in detail, the extent of the loss/damage.

Most items that ship palletized will require at least partial assembly. Please follow the instructions carefully and contact us with any questions.