Pressure-treated lumber is a material commonly used by gardeners to make decks, raised beds and retaining walls. As of January 1, 2004, the EPA is phasing out sales of CAA pressure-treated lumber for residential use because of health and environmental concerns. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives for use in the home landscape. Joining Marion Gold on the Plant Pro to discuss one of the alternatives is Art Schloth, President of Plastic Lumber RI.

According to Schloth, Plastic Lumber is an environmentally-safe and environmentally-friendly alternative to CCA pressure-treated wood. Plastic Lumber is made from recycled HDPE plastic (including milk and water jugs) and is a strong and durable product for residential decks, gardens, and landscaping.

Plastic Lumber RI, a Rhode Island Distributor for Plastic Lumber, has made Plastic Lumber locally available in most lumber sizes and many attractive wood-tone and solid colors. HDPE Plastic Lumber is maintenance-free and will not rot, crack, or splinter.

Plastic Lumber comes in attractive wood-tone or earth-tone colors and will not fade or stain. HDPE “structural grade" Plastic Lumber is also approved by the RI Building Code for the whole deck structure, including the deck framing, railings, posts and stairs. HDPE Plastic Lumber is a long-lasting material for outdoor benches, garden-beds frames, and retaining walls.

For more information on Plastic Lumber RI and ideas for the home and garden visit their website.

For more information call the URI Master Gardener Hotline: in Rhode Island, call 1-800-448-1011; out-of-state, call 1-401-874-2900.