DIY: Five Things You Can Build from Manufactured Plastic Lumber

By building your own furniture, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars. While friends lament about paying large price tags for cheap outdoor furniture, you will enjoy your outdoor furniture that is strong and lasting. It will not fade, crack or rot. Bugs will not eat plastic lumber.

Different types of manufactured plastic lumber are available. PVC lumber is a great way to take care of millions of leftover milk jugs. It is white in color, and general woodworking tools are used to cut and shape it like wood lumber. Manufactured deck lumber is also made from recycled materials. This lumber is generally brown or brownish in color to resemble wood lumber.

Before buying manufactured plastic lumber, take into account its strength. White PVC lumber is used mainly for trims, fences and other non- load bearing items. Manufactured plastic decking is used to build decks. This has the strength to hold weight and stand up to the elements.

White PVC lumber can be glued, nailed, or connected with general woodworking screws. It is also available in the same sizes as stock lumber. Manufactured plastic decking usually requires special connectors and screws that must be purchased separately. These connectors and the lumber will stand up to the elements and the UV rays of the sun for decades.

White PVC lumber can be stained or painted to match your garden or patio design.

Keep in mind that while many DIY stores carry manufactured plastic decking lumber, not all carry manufactured PVC lumber. Call local stores to see if one can place an order for you. You can order online from different manufacturers, but some require bulk orders before they will ship. Freight charges may be applied to the order.

Here are five things you can build from manufactured plastic lumber:

One:

Adirondack chairs look wonderful in any garden. Plans abound in DIY magazines, online businesses and free plans are available online. Look for the design that suits your garden or patio décor the best.

Here are urls to three free online plans:

DIY Outdoor Lawn Furniture

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to-plans/woodworking/2919751?series=20

http://www.freeww.com/chairs.html

Two:

A picnic table with or without a bench is a perfect place for the family to gather. Choose plans that allow half the table to fold into a bench for dual use, or a permanent table for use all year long.

Here are urls to three free online plans:

http://www.bconnex.net/~zirgo/picnic.html

http://www.windandingo.com/HowToMakeA/ToddlersPicnicTable.html

http://www.buildeazy.com/newplans/octagonal_picnic_table.html

Three:

Wooden planters require constant maintenance to stave off rot. Eventually they will need to be replaced. Most plastic planters fade and weaken under the elements. Building a planter from white manufactured PVC lumber or manufactured plastic decking lumber saves money. Your new planter will last for decades with the only maintenance needed is a wash now and then.

Here are urls to three free online plans:

http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-build-a-window-box-planter/index.html

http://www.leeswoodprojects.com/redwood_planter.html

http://www.shopsmithhandson.com/archives/may_jun_01/html/weekend_project.htm

Four:

Benches are a wonderful addition to any garden scheme. They provide seating for one or more people and fit into any part of a garden. With or without a back or armrest, they can surround a favorite tree, provide seating in a gazebo or on a patio, or provide dining seating for extra guests.

Here are urls to three free online plans:

http://www.shopsmithhandson.com/archives/mar_apr_02/html/major_project.htm?1009130201181825

http://www.lowes.com/cd_Rustic+Outdoor+Bench_1323793282_

http://www.buildeazy.com/seat.html

Five:

Fences and gates made from manufactured plastic lumber will last for decades. Manufactured PVC fence posts are available with many different styles of fencing. You can purchase pre-made PVC fencing and posts, or build your own fence and gate style.

Whether metal or wooden posts are used, the fence lumber will stand up to the elements. You can make a post from manufactured decking lumber by connecting for planks together to form a long, square box. Top with a post cap and cut a piece to fit over and close the bottom. Treat it as you would a 4-by-4 post. The posts need to be inspected periodically to ensure the connectors are holding properly.

Here are urls to three free online plans:

http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/better-homes-gardens/diy/projects/article/-/5829943/build-a-picket-gate/

http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/our_offices/departments/Biological_Ag_Engineering/Features/Extension/Building_Plans/recreation/equipment/Garden+Fences++Gates.htm

http://www.cornerhardware.com/howto/ht040.html

Although manufactured plastic lumber is more expensive than wooden lumber, the advantages of durability make it an excellent choice for outstanding outdoor or indoor items.

Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse forms of DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects and more.