This specification covers polyolefin-based plastic lumber products for use as exterior residential decking boards. Plastic lumber products are currently made predominantly with recycled polyolefin plastics (in particular high-density polyethylene) where the products are more or less non-homogenous in the cross-section. However, this specification is also potentially applicable to similar manufactured plastic products made from other plastic and plastic composite materials that have non-homogenous cross-sections. Performance requirements to which the products should adhere to are flexural properties (allowable flexural stress, and effective modulus of elasticity and adjustment for creep), dimensional stability during thermal expansion, weatherability (surface appearance and flexural property changes, and hygrothermal cycling), fire properties, and slip resistance. Also detailed here is a procedure to calculate recommended span lengths for spacing of support joists.

1.1 This specification covers polyolefin-based plastic lumber products for use as exterior residential decking boards.

1.2 Plastic lumber products are currently made predominantly with recycled polyolefin plastics (in particular high-density polyethylene) where the products are more or less non-homogenous in the cross-section. However, this specification is also potentially applicable to similar manufactured plastic products made from other plastic and plastic composite materials that have non-homogenous cross-sections.

1.3 This specification details a procedure to calculate recommended span lengths for spacing of support joists. This procedure was developed using experimental data from a typical unreinforced plastic lumber made predominantly from recycled high-density polyethylene. The methodology to develop span lengths for other types and compositions of plastic lumber is detailed in Appendix X1 of this standard.

1.4 The values are stated in inch-pound units, as these are currently the most common units used by the construction industry. Equivalent SI units are indicated in parentheses. However, the units stated for irradiance exposure in the weatherability section (6.3) are in SI units as these are the units commonly used for testing of this type.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.