[Greenbuilding] best lumber for raised vegetable beds

[Matt Dirksen]

Testing...



On Apr 15, 2011, at 6:04 PM, "William R Bloom" <wbloom at unm.edu> wrote:

> Be careful with the material you spec.
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> "Only materials made with either all plastic components or plastic and fiberglass will resist the elements outdoors for 200 years or more (the estimate for HDPE RPL or RPLs with HDPE and fiberglass).
> These materials do not stain, warp, rot or take on moisture, or leach any chemicals. They are virtually non-reactive with water and other water-based solutions."
> 
> HDPE or high density polyethylene has poor UV resistance causing it to rot when exposed to sunlight.  It can be clad with a UV resistant cladding or otherwise stabilized. The recreational vehicle industry learned this lesson in the 1960's when the exterior plastic fenders, exterior trim pieces and other parts began to rot off the sides of the motorhomes from sunlight exposure.  Its amazing how quickly this can occur.
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> Reference:  http://www.dynalabcorp.com/technical_info_hd_polyethylene.asp
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> I would assume/hope that the plastic lumber manufacturers use a stabilizing agent when forming their products. It wouldn't scare me away, but I would want to be sure its UV stable.
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