Recycled Plastic Lumber - Precision General Contracting

What Is Recycled Plastic Lumber and How Is It Used in Durable, Low-Maintenance Exterior Construction?

Recycled plastic lumber is a building material made from reclaimed plastic products such as milk jugs, detergent bottles, packaging materials, and other post-consumer or post-industrial plastics. These plastics are cleaned, processed, and formed into boards that resemble traditional wood lumber. In exterior remodeling and construction projects, recycled plastic lumber is commonly used for decking, trim, fascia boards, outdoor structures, and moisture-prone areas where durability and low maintenance are essential.

For homeowners planning exterior upgrades, roofline improvements, deck installations, or trim replacement, recycled plastic lumber offers a sustainable alternative to traditional wood. It combines environmental responsibility with long-lasting performance, making it an increasingly popular choice in modern construction.

How Is Recycled Plastic Lumber Made?

The production process typically includes:

Collecting and sorting recyclable plastics
Cleaning and shredding the material
Melting and reforming it into lumber shapes
Cooling and cutting boards to standard sizes

Unlike pressure-treated wood, recycled plastic lumber does not require chemical preservatives to resist rot or insects. Its durability comes from the inherent properties of plastic itself.

Where Is Recycled Plastic Lumber Used in Exterior Remodeling?

Recycled plastic lumber is commonly installed in:

Decking systems
Fascia and trim boards
Soffits
Outdoor stair components
Fencing
Landscape structures
Marine or coastal applications
Rooftop deck systems

Because it resists moisture, it performs especially well in areas exposed to rain, humidity, or irrigation.

How Does Recycled Plastic Lumber Compare to Traditional Wood?

Compared to wood, recycled plastic lumber:

Does not rot, crack, or splinter
Resists mold and mildew
Is impervious to termites and pests
Requires no staining or sealing
Withstands moisture exposure

While wood offers natural beauty, it requires ongoing maintenance. Recycled plastic lumber provides long-term durability with minimal upkeep.

Is Recycled Plastic Lumber Environmentally Friendly?

Yes. Recycled plastic lumber supports sustainability by:

Diverting plastic waste from landfills
Reducing demand for virgin lumber
Conserving natural forest resources
Lowering long-term maintenance chemicals
Offering recyclability at end of life (in many cases)

Using reclaimed materials helps reduce environmental impact while creating durable products.

How Does Recycled Plastic Lumber Perform in Harsh Weather?

Recycled plastic lumber is designed to:

Withstand heavy rain
Resist UV exposure (when UV-stabilized)
Tolerate temperature fluctuations
Prevent moisture absorption
Maintain structural integrity over time

This makes it especially valuable in coastal or humid climates.

Does Recycled Plastic Lumber Work for Structural Applications?

While recycled plastic lumber is strong, it is typically used for:

Non-load-bearing trim
Deck surfaces
Decorative features
Fascia boards

For structural framing, it is often paired with engineered wood or metal supports. Professional planning ensures proper load capacity.

When Should Homeowners Consider Recycled Plastic Lumber?

It is ideal during:

Deck replacement projects
Exterior trim upgrades
Fascia board replacement
Soffit installation
Outdoor remodeling
Moisture-damaged wood replacement

It is particularly beneficial where water exposure has caused repeated wood deterioration.

What Happens If Traditional Wood Is Used in High-Moisture Areas?

In moisture-prone locations, untreated or aging wood may:

Warp or crack
Develop rot
Attract insects
Require frequent repainting
Lead to costly repairs

Switching to moisture-resistant materials reduces maintenance needs.

How Does Professional Installation Improve Performance?

Experienced contractors ensure:

Proper spacing for expansion and contraction
Secure fastening systems
Integration with flashing and waterproofing
Code-compliant installation
A clean, finished appearance

Correct installation maximizes lifespan and performance.

Why Should Homeowners Care About Recycled Plastic Lumber?

Recycled plastic lumber directly supports:

Long-term durability
Reduced maintenance
Sustainable building practices
Resistance to moisture damage
Cost savings over time

It offers a practical balance between eco-conscious construction and lasting performance.

Why Low-Maintenance, Sustainable Materials Reflect Modern Craftsmanship

Exterior remodeling today focuses on durability, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Contractors who incorporate recycled plastic lumber demonstrate a commitment to long-term solutions that protect both your home and the environment.

In summary, recycled plastic lumber is a durable, moisture-resistant building material made from reclaimed plastics—providing a sustainable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood for decks, trim, fascia, and exterior remodeling projects.

Ben DeGuzman

3 months ago

Solar system was installed in 2022, and it worked flawlessly without any problems. But last week, I called Precision Contractors to report 2 issues with my solar system. The 1st issue, the app “Enlighten” was no longer working properly and was not giving me any reports to the phone app. I tried to get the system back online myself but could not get it to connect. So I called the office and within minutes, Carly returned my call. She mentioned, that my message was forwarded to Chris, the project manager, and that he would contact me within couple hours. In less than 1 hour, Chris came over, and after explaining to him the problem, Chris was successful getting my system back online and relaying reports back to the app. Chris was incredibly knowledgable, and very patient to answer all my questions. The 2nd issue, was that the app was reporting 8 panels, but I had 12 panels installed on the roof. Chris was not able to tell me why it was reporting 8 instead of 12, but told me he would further investigate when he returned to the office. Chris returned message promptly and informed me that all 12 panels are now back online and are displaying correctly in the app. Chris, Thank you for the follow up and quick response. Super great job!

Leyla Frausto

Amazing customer service with great pricing. Very happy with the service!

Ernesto Alanis

We had panoramic sliding doors installed about 3 years ago. The threshold was rusting and we did not k ow why. Precision sent out Marty and he did a fantastic job on the repairs. We were so pleased with the job he did. Great guy.

Shane Farnsworth

Great company

rebecca bell

The team at Precision General Contracting did a fantastic job on my patio cover. They were neat, on time, and very professional. I would highly recommend them for any job.

Kevin Warneke

4 months ago

We had General Precision do a house remodel for us. They did a lot of stucco repair as well as stucco rebuild as well. They also did a Hardy Board repair to the other half of the house. When done l, they painted the whole house. It looks great!!

Justin Walker

7 months ago

Overall a great general contractor, high-quality work and excepcional service! Carly was also super helpful and responsive.

Brett Coffelt

I first met them at their booth from the boat races and I was interested in solar and didn’t know too much about the savings. Scheduled a meeting with Precision and they came out and quoted me a price. I work in the industry of construction so I would know if they were pulling a fast one, however all their pricing to me was fair. I knew at that moment they could be trusted. Precision then did all the heavy lifting and scheduling where I did not need to be included too much. They had a great team and were very accommodating. One thing is just make sure everyone is on the same page with design so thereare no secrets and if you want to change they are more then willing to do it if it is possible.

t Johnson

We recently had Precision paint the exterior of our house, replace the rain gutters, and remove a large stucco planter box. Everyone we encountered during the process was friendly and took pride in their work. In addition to enjoying the final result of the experience, we especially appreciate the availability, follow up, and follow through of our project manager Eric Martineau and the personal attention and communication from the office manager Carly Campbell.

Suzanne Murphree

We had Precision Solar do our 19 panels.. Tom was awesome and they did a great job..no problems and still going strong.. we get a monthly rebate from SDG&E..And that's a miracle..

Elizabeth Hunter

They an outstanding job installing a brand new roof on my rental property. The entire process was incredibly smooth from start to finish, and what really impressed me was how efficient their team was, whole job was completed in just two days without sacrificing quality. The workmanship is excellent, everything looks clean and professionally done, and they kept the job site organized throughout the project. As a property owner, having a contractor you can trust to get in and out quickly while still delivering fantastic results is invaluable. I truly have zero complaints and would absolutely recommend Precision General Contracting to anyone in need of roofing work. Great experience!

EmilyQuestions

The Precision team did full window replacements from Anlin in my home. The entire process was smooth. The install was terrific, they were in and out in a single day. The windows are gorgeous. I highly recommend them if you are in search of new windows for your home! They also did a roof relay which was also a great investment.

R R

We had a fantastic experience with Precision General Contracting. They installed a Trex deck, Hardie siding, and Belgard pavers at our home in Lakeside and everything turned out great. The craftsmanship and attention to detail really show in the finished project. Our production manager, Eric, was fantastic throughout the entire process. He was professional, communicative, and made sure everything stayed on track. Carly in the office was also amazing—super helpful, organized, and always quick to respond whenever we had questions. Overall we’re extremely happy with how everything turned out and would absolutely recommend Precision General Contracting to anyone looking for quality work and a professional team.

Warren Smith

Precision General Contracting did a phenomenal job for us. We had a very complex wall/fence that was a challenge since there was such an elevation difference between us and our neighbors. The firm handled those complexities exceptionally well and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Their workers were always professional, friendly and talented! Will use Precision General Contracting again for sure!

Colette Cloonan

Precision General contracting did an amazing job with a very unique plan we had for a large backyard deck and cement patio beneath it. This was a challenging job due to the slope in our yard and access to the yard. Precision General got the job done! They consistently communicated with us throughout the project and any time we had questions they responded immediately. Most importantly they showed up every day! They did an amazing job and we now have a beautiful deck and patio we enjoy everyday! We thoroughly enjoyed working with Precision General and highly recommend them for any construction job you may have!

Jeremy Spencer

I hired Precision to take on my roof repair, add solar and batteries in Encinitas, CA, based on a coworker recommendation. They were fantastic from the quoting process, answering all my questions, were reasonably well-priced, and offered financing via Wheelhouse Credit Union.The roofing and installation was fast and great communication throughout. I had some follow-up questions and needed some minor support, but they were so friendly and responsive each time. I highly recommend this company.