Composite Wood Juan de Dios Hernandez MEEN 3344 Dr. Larry Peel

What is it? Composite Wood is made from a combination of plasticpolyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and or polyvinyl chloride (PVC ). Composite Wood is made from a combination of plasticpolyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and or polyvinyl chloride (PVC ). Plastic shields wood from moisture and insect damage. Plastic shields wood from moisture and insect damage. The wood protects the plastic from UV damage. The wood protects the plastic from UV damage. The cost compared to regular wood is almost the same, but composite wood offers superior quality and resistence. The cost compared to regular wood is almost the same, but composite wood offers superior quality and resistence.

Composite Lumber VS. Wood Initial Cost and Maintenance over the years

Benefits of Composite Wood Splinter Free Splinter Free Skid Free Skid Free Resists weathering Resists weathering Does not deform Does not deform No insect damage No insect damage No maintenance required No maintenance required Stays new for years Stays new for years

Disadvantages of Composite Wood Decolorize Decolorize May not look real May not look real Sometimes weighs more Sometimes weighs more Flexible in hot weather Flexible in hot weather Rigid in cold weather Rigid in cold weather

Where is it used? Due to its resistance to weathering and diversity of colors, it is often used in decks, railings, around pools & hot tubs. Due to its resistance to weathering and diversity of colors, it is often used in decks, railings, around pools & hot tubs.

References ct/issues/2003/June/136 ct/issues/2003/June/136