DESCRIPTION
APL's HDPE products are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE),
UV-inhibited pigment systems, foaming compounds and selected
process additives.
The HDPE raw material is derived from post-consumer bottle waste,
such as milk and detergent bottles. This material is cleaned in APL
Building Product's decontamination process to a high purity level, which
removes contaminants such as food residue, paper, and adhesives. It is
then compounded into a rigid board stock material, with the resulting
finished product containing over 90% recycled plastic by weight.
Because HDPE products are made with a single, purified polymer, they
are manufactured to exacting, reproducible specifications. They have
exceptional resistance to corrosive substances, oils and fuels, insects,
fungi, salt spray, and other environmental stresses. They do not absorb
moisture; therefore, they will not rot, splinter, or crack.
HDPE products are manufactured in many dimensional lumber sizes,
shapes, and colors. Planks, posts, rails, balusters, tongue and groove,
groove and groove, and many specialty profiles are available. The
products come in many wood tones and popular colors, including Sand,
Weathered Wood, Light Gray, Cedar, Redwood, and White.
HDPE products have excellent weathering resistance; however, as with
other polyolefins, it is possible that the material will fade slightly over the
service life of the product. These products require no waterproofing,
painting, staining, or similar maintenance when used in many exterior
applications.
BASIC USES
HDPE products are used in many conventional wood lumber applications
and are often the products of choice for exterior applications where
weathering resistance and low maintenance are required.
Used in both residential and municipal applications, HDPE products are
well suited for decking, porch flooring, docks, piers, furnishings, fencing,
and lawn and garden items. HDPE products are cost-effective
alternatives for ground contact and animal contact, wet, and
environmentally harsh conditions.
Mechanical Properties
@ 70°F |
Test Method |
Average Value... |
| Modulus of elasticity (@ 1% strain) |
ASTM D6109 |
114,000 psi |
| Ultimate flexural stress (@ 3% strain) |
ASTM D6109 |
2300 psi |
| Allowable flexural stress |
ASTM D6109 |
1200 psi |
| Endwise compressive stress (@ 3% strain) |
ASTM D6108 |
1740 psi |
| Screw withdrawal #10, 1 1/2" |
ASTM D6117 7 |
90 lbs |
| Water absorption, 11 weeks |
ASTM D570 |
Less than 0.1% |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion |
ASTM D6341 |
.000055 in/in/°F |
| Density |
ASTM D6111 |
.024 - .027lbs/ cu in* |
| Fastening System |
Screw Type (All Stainless Steel or Coated Recommended |
| Direct Screw Down |
2 x 6: #10, 2 3/4" flat head, min.;
G&G/C-deck, 5/4 x 6: #8, 2 1/2" flat head, min. |
| G&G or T&G |
G&G: #7, 1 7/8 trim head into joist;
T&G: #6 or #8, 2" deck screw , min. |
| EC-Clip for Stair Tread |
Two 1 7/8 bugle head screws into joist and one 1" wood
screw into bottom of overhang board |
The use of full length boards is suggested to avoid unattractive butt-to-butt
joints. If the deck is longer than the boards, feature strips or T-molding
may be used. Because of its recycled nature and the mechanical properties
of plastic, both color variation and contraction are
inherent in the product. For complete installation instructions, including
HDPE railing, consult the full APL Decking System Installation Guide
on www.american-plasticlumber.com.
Note: In direct sunlight, darker colors absorb more heat and may
exaggerate expansion and contraction. It is recommended that lighter
colors be used in these applications.
WARRANTY
HDPE products come with a transferable 50-year limited warranty.
The product is warranted against termites and fungal decay for a period of 50
years. The product is also warranted not to rot, split, splinter or
check for a period of 10 years. The material will be replaced if the product does
not perform as stated. Contact American Plastic Lumber for specific
limited warranty coverage.
MAINTENANCE
HDPE products are unaffected by most corrosive substances and will
not absorb moisture. To maintain its beauty, clean the lumber with soap
and water. No water sealing or painting is required; as a general rule,
paint will not adhere to HDPE products.
Graffiti can be cleaned from the plastic lumber with the use of a
conventional all-purpose cleaner or petroleum-based cleaner.
If the skin or surface layer of an HDPE product becomes marred or
blemished, it is possible to sand off the top skin. The surface can also be
buffed to eliminate abrasions.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HDPE products are impervious to paint and most adhesives; therefore,
these materials are not recommended for use.
HDPE products have been tested by Underwriters Laboratories for use in
outdoor applications. The product has a melt temperature of
Approximately 270°F and a flash point of approximately 620°F. It has a higher
flashpoint than wood, and it must be exposed to a severe
Combustion source for a longer period than wood to ignite the product. But
like wood, when exposed to a combustion source for a long enough
period, it will burn. Should a flame occur, extinguishing media should be dry
chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, or water spray; water should be
applied from a fogging nozzle.
HDPE products have been tested under repeated hygrothermal conditions (freezing,
thawing and wet conditions) as established by the ASTM and are proven to maintain their
mechanical properties. HDPE products comply with the code requirements as outlined in ICC
Legacy Evaluation Report 97-63.1. HDPE has also completed evaluation by HUD for decking
and railing applications (see HUD MR #1306).
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LIMITATIONS
This type of product has less rigidity (modulus of elasticity) and greater
elongation than wood lumber. Therefore, it is not recommended for use
as a true structural member. Examples of applications that are
inappropriate would be load-bearing walls, deck framing, and floor joists.
It is recommended that an engineering study be performed prior to use of
HDPE products if the application involves structural requirements. For
commercial applications where the system design calls for concentrated
loads, APL's Structural Lumber should be considered.
When utilizing HDPE products for decking or flooring, careful attention
must be paid to joist spacing; joist spans will depend upon which HDPE
deck board is installed. Multiple-span data at 120°F or less are
presented here:
Allowable Live
Load (psf), Multiple Spans,
at 120°F or less |
| Deflection Limit |
12" Span |
16" Span |
19.2" Span |
24" Span |
| 1 X Decking Board (t = 0.75) |
| 1/360 |
85 |
- |
- |
- |
| 1/240 |
128 |
54 |
- |
- |
| 1/180 |
171 |
72 |
- |
- |
| 5/4 G & G/C Deck Board (t = 1.25) |
| 1/360 |
235 |
99 |
57 |
- |
| 1/240 |
353 |
149 |
86 |
- |
| 1/180 |
470 |
198 |
115 |
- |
| 2 X Decking Board (t = 1.50) |
| 1/360 |
749 |
316 |
183 |
94 |
| 1/240 |
1124 |
474 |
274 |
140 |
| 1/180 |
1498 |
632 |
366 |
187 |
Note: Table provides limiting uniform load in pounds per square foot (psf)
based on noted deflection criteria. Recommended standard is to limit live
load deflection for floors to 1/360 and to limit total deflection (dead + live load)
to 1/240. Designers may choose less restrictive or more restrictive criteria for
a given application. Except for very unusual and heavy loading, deflection
criteria will control allowable plank span. Deflection determination is based on
the secant modulus of elasticity measured at 1% strain at 70°F in accordance
with published data. Multiple span data assume uniform load is present on
three spans (deflection = .0069wL4/EI). This formulation is consistent with
and slightly more conservative than the plank span data promulgated by the
Western Woods Product Association and others. Multiple span values are
applicable to plank continuous over at least two spans.
INSTALLATION
HDPE products can be fabricated and installed with the same tools used
to work wood lumber. The product will cut and drill very cleanly, as there
is no grain to split or chip. It is not necessary to pre-drill the plastic
lumber when fastening. Stainless steel or coated decking nails and
screws are recommended for use with HDPE products. Screws are
recommended for use with HDPE products. Screws offer the best form
of attachment; however, nails and staples may also be utilized in some
applications. See recommended fastener configurations and minimum
screw sizes per the following table:
| Deck Board Member |
Recommended Fastening System |
| 2 x 6 |
Direct Screw |
| 5/4, G&G/C-deck |
Direct Screw, G & G |
| 1 x 6 |
Direct Screw |
TECHNICAL SERVICES
Technical service is available from American Plastic Lumber at 877.677-7701
by fax at 530.677-6718, or visit our website at www.american-plasticlumber.com.
HDPE products offer multiple deck board attachment options
to accommodate expansion and contraction concerns in
different climatic conditions and to address specific
installation parameters.
These options include:
- Tongue & groove deck board attachment with toe screwing options.
- Direct screw attachment with feature strip or T-mold options.
- Floating attachment with EC Clip options.
- Floating attachment with groove & groove options.
For comprehensive and up-to-date deck installation details, please visit
www.american-plasticlumber.com.
SIZES
HDPE products are manufactured in continuous extrusions
and can be made to virtually any length. Popular dimensional
lumber profiles are stocked in 8', 12', 16' and 20' lengths.
Cross sections include:
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1/2 x 1 1/2 |
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L Molding |
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1/2 x 2 1/2 |
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T Molding |
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1 1/2 x 1 1/2 |
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Handrail |
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4 x 4 |
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Spindles |
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1 x 6 |
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T & G |
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Other profiles are available by contacting American Plastic Lumber
customer service
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