How to Make Homemade Plastic Lumber
Making plastic lumber for projects can be challenging and expensive. There is also dangers when making plastic lumber. Make sure to follow all directions on the packaging. Whether making a deck or an ornament, the steps are all similar, just in different amounts.
Items Needed
- Plastic Pellets
- Wooden Mold
- Rubber Coating
- Wood Fiber
- Fiber Glass
- Make sure to have the proper plastic. Recycling plastic materials around the house can be cheaper, but also can be dangerous. Not all plastics are meant to be melted and can cause black smoke or noxious odors.
- Check your local hardware store for plastic pellets. Plastic pellets come in many sizes. Decide what type that is needed for your project. Melt the pellets following the manufacturer's instructions. Craft stores carry plastic pellets that can be molded after melting. These pellets would be too expensive to use for making lumber.
- Determine what shape and size lumber wanted to make. It is exceedingly hard to shape and cut molded plastic. Fiber must be added so the finished product will be strong and durable.
- Make a plank or board with a wooden mold, and line with rubber coating. This will keep it from sticking.
- Make a lot of plastic lumber by using a mold to make the size and shape of the wood. There is equipment that can be rented to help with this process.
- Check with a resin supplier for the best fibers to use. Wood fibers and fiberglass are the best fibers to use, but there are other fibers that can be used.