Rich B asked, " Is this ...

[Shoaldrafter]

Rich B asked, "Is this the same stuff they use for decking?"

I cannot answer your question in all situtations. When this guy started, he was primarily marine products and went to boat shows. That is how I learned about the uses of HDPE.

Looking at his web site today, shows that he has followed market opportunities.

There are today several sources of synthenic teak decking. Post their web sites and I will evaluate what they are made of.

This guy started using recycled plastic bags and some added coloring:

http://plasteak.com/osc/product_info.php?cPath=22_31&products_id=216

I suspect that most are using HDPE (as above). It is cheap and easily worked. However, when you say 'boat' and 'teak' suppliers want to add $$$ fast. If you say HDPE and standard colors, it is very inexpensive.

This stuff is not 'starboard' or 'lexan'. I would not use on something where your life was an issue. It is simply an inexpensive, readily available plastic.

It is relatively soft and easily worked. No rocket science required. No special chemicals required (except if you want to glue it together, then you get into plastic welding). No Hazmat involved. Scraps can go to plastic recyclers.

On my other boat, it has lasted 10 years without showing deterioration.

Ed K
26
Addendum: "“The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it” —Albert Einstein

 

[LordNelson]

looks like the stuff i used on my deck held down by the plastic clips rather than screws, but by a different name. i'm not sure by your posting what you intend to use it for?

you do have to make sure you allow room between the boards and the ends for expansion. i used some flat 12 inch stuff around the edge of the deck and allowed 1/8 for expansion but it wasn't enough and i did get some waves.