Composite Wood

1
Composite Wood

• Juan de Dios Hernandez
• MEEN 3344
• Dr. Larry Peel

2
What is it?

• 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.
• 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.

3
Composite Lumber VS. Wood
Initial Cost and Maintenance over the years
4
Benefits of Composite Wood

• Splinter Free
• Skid Free
• Resists weathering
• Does not deform
• No insect damage
• No maintenance required
• Stays new for years

5
Disadvantages of Composite Wood

• Decolorize
• May not look real
• Sometimes weighs more
• Flexible in hot weather
• Rigid in cold weather

6
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.

7
References

• www.trex.com
• www.timbertech.com
• www.fibercomposites.com
• www.compositesworld.com/ ct/issues/2003/June/136