Plastic wood in decoration: know the pros and cons of this sustainable solution and how to use it

 

Plastic wood has stood out more and more in decoration. It's no wonder, after all, it's a light, cheap, versatile and sustainable material, especially compared to natural wood.

Still not familiar with plastic wood? No problem! Here, you find out everything you need to know about this material, including its advantages, disadvantages and how to use it. Follow!

What is Plastic Wood?

Plastic wood in decoration: know the pros and cons of this sustainable solution and how to use it

It is a sustainable solution made from recyclable materials. It is produced industrially from plastic waste, natural or vegetable fibers and chemical additives. In some cases, the manufacturer may use leftover wood in production.

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Wood tones to use in decoration

The material is a kind of coating, which looks similar to wood. It undergoes dyeing in several shades and is available in light, dark and medium tones.

There are three main types of plastic wood! One of them is WPC (Wood Plastic Composite), which is manufactured with 70% wood or sawdust (scraps and shavings) and 30% PVC.

There is also 100% plastic wood, which is made only with recycled material, including natural fibers and plastic. Finally, there is PVC synthetic wood, which is produced only with this material.

Advantages and disadvantages of plastic wood

plastic wood deck

Plastic wood is a material with advantages and disadvantages that need to be known before using it. Below we indicate which are the main ones:

Advantages of the material

It is a more sustainable material, made from the reuse of plastic waste and wood itself. In this way, the generation of waste and negative impacts on the environment are avoided.

Another point that makes plastic wood sustainable is the fact that it is custom-made, in order to avoid leftovers and waste production in the installation.

Thinking specifically about decoration, plastic wood is water resistant, which is why it differs from natural wood in terms of durability. When in contact with the liquid, it does not become swollen or moldy as with natural wood.

The plastic version is also characterized by being simple to clean, just use soap and water to carry out this process. Furthermore, the material is not susceptible to termite attacks, remaining in good condition for much longer.

There is also one more advantage: plastic wood is simple to install, because the material is light and easy to handle, without requiring expensive site preparations. It can even be nailed or simply glued.

Disadvantages of the solution

One of the most prominent disadvantages of the material is its price, which tends to be higher than alternatives such as MDF and MDP. Therefore, you will have to spend a little more to use plastic wood in your home.

The material is also characterized by having limited use. It is not possible to use it, for example, on large structures such as roofs and roofs. This is due to the fact that the plastic version cannot withstand a lot of weight and pressure.

How and where to use plastic wood?

plastic wood flooring

The solution is very versatile and can be installed in different locations, inside and outside the house. One of the main uses is in playgrounds with toys like swings, seesaws and slides.

There is also the possibility of using the material in fences, pergolas , stairs, floors and walls, including as dividers for internal and integrated spaces.

Want to assemble differentiated furniture? Then, consider making shelves and other items for gardens, backyards and porches, such as tables, benches and loungers.

Plastic wood is also an ally in the assembly of decks for wet areas. In this case, it is advisable to place friezes of the material, to make the area less slippery, managing to avoid accidents., about Laminate flooring  in Jacksonville 

How to choose the best plastic wood?

small plastic wood deck

You saw here that there are three types of plastic wood, which raises a common question: which one to choose? In reality, a lot depends on your project and budget.

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Each of the types of material differs by having different colors, textures and prices. Therefore, the ideal is to consider the effect you want to give to the finishing and decoration of the space, as well as how much you can spend on this project.

If in doubt about the best option, consult an expert or the person responsible for the material installation project. This way, it is easier to choose the alternative that best meets your needs.