Guides

HDPE Poly Lumber Product Data Sheet Bear Hollow Supply · Revision Oct 1, 2026 Product description HDPE poly lumber is a solid plastic lumber extruded from high-density polyethylene (HDPE, #2 plastic). It is made from a blend of post-consumer recycled, post-industrial recycled and virgin HDPE resins. Colorants, UV inhibitors and foaming agents are compounded into the material during manufacturing. Contains no wood fiber or other organic fillers Color runs through the full thickness of the board Will not rot, splinter, crack or absorb moisture Resists insects, mold, fungi, salt spray, oils and fuels Needs no painting, staining or sealing UV stabilized for prolonged sun and weather exposure. Like all polyethylene products, some slight fading can occur over the service life. Recyclable Typical uses are outdoor furniture, site furnishings, planters, playground and park components, landscaping, marine and agricultural projects, and other exterior work where weather resistance and low maintenance matter. Typical physical properties Values are typical results published by HDPE lumber producers, tested at 70°F. A range reflects differences between producers, profiles and colors. These are not minimum specifications. Property Test method Typical value Density ASTM D6111 0.60 to 0.76 g/cm³ (37 to 47 lb/ft³) Water absorption, 24 hours ASTM D570 Less than 1%, typically under 0.1% Coefficient of linear thermal expansion ASTM D6341 0.00005 to 0.000064 in/in/°F Flexural secant modulus at 1% strain ASTM D6109 77,000 to 114,000 psi Flexural stress at 3% strain ASTM D6109 1,400 psi Compressive stress at 3% strain ASTM D6108 1,100 to 2,000 psi Compressive secant modulus ASTM D6108 104,000 to 200,000 psi Fastener pullout failure load ASTM D6117 545 to 1,520 lbf Impact resistance, notched ASTM D256 11 ft-lb/in Impact resistance, unnotched ASTM D256 22 ft-lb/in Static coefficient of friction, dry ASTM D2047 0.52 to 0.90 Static coefficient of friction, wet ASTM D2047 0.73 to 0.97 Flame spread ASTM E84 Class C Notes: Test samples were nominal 1x6, 2x3 and 2x6 profiles. Lower density may occur in larger cross sections. Fastener pullout depends on the fastener type and board thickness. Friction depends on surface texture and footwear. The lower figures are a leather sole; the higher figures are rubber on an embossed surface. Thermal expansion and contraction HDPE lumber moves with temperature roughly 20 times more than wood does along its length. Every design must leave room for that movement. Change in length = board length × expansion coefficient × temperature change (°F). Board length Temperature swing Expected movement 4 ft 100°F About 1/4 to 5/16 in. 8 ft 100°F About 1/2 to 5/8 in. Use slotted or oversized holes and floating joints on longer boards. Do not fix a board rigidly at several points along its length. Slot the holes when fastening HDPE to steel or aluminum. The two materials move at different rates. Leave clearance at board ends and between mating parts. Suitability and limitations HDPE poly lumber is a finishing material and is not rated for structural use. It has more impact resistance than wood but less stiffness. Structural use. Do not use it as a beam, joist, post or other load-bearing member. Have a qualified engineer review any application where a failure could cause injury or where loads are high. Stiffness. Boards deflect under load and will creep under a sustained load. When replacing a wood part, plan on a larger profile or added framing. Support spacing. For decking or flooring style surfaces, support 1x profiles every 12 in. on center and thicker profiles every 16 in. on center. Add support for heavy loads. Temperature. The material carries normal loads from -40°F to 110°F. Below -40°F it can become brittle. Keep it away from open flame and from heat sources above 180°F. Fire. HDPE will burn. Flame spread is Class C under ASTM E84. Suitable extinguishing media are dry chemical, CO2, foam and water spray. Traction. Surfaces can be slippery when wet, frosted or snow covered. Rock salt or calcium chloride can be used without harming the material. Static. Like all plastics, it can build a static charge in very dry conditions. Codes. Check local building and safety codes before use. Code requirements vary by region. Working with the material HDPE poly lumber cuts, drills and routes with standard woodworking tools and CNC equipment. There is no grain to split and no knots. Operation Recommendation Sawing Carbide tipped blade, triple-chip grind, 0° to 15° hook angle. Table, miter, circular and panel saws all work. Routing and CNC Sharp carbide bits. Single O-flute upcut bits clear chips best. Use a higher feed rate and lower spindle speed so the tool makes chips, not dust. Avoid downcut and compression bits. Drilling Standard twist drills. Back the bit out often on deep holes to clear chips. Fasteners Stainless steel or coated coarse-thread screws. Avoid fine-thread screws and uncoated steel. Pilot holes Pre-drill at 75% to 85% of the screw's root diameter. Keep fasteners at least 4 fastener diameters from an edge. Do not over-tighten. Notching Drill a hole at the inside corner first, then cut to it. Sharp inside corners concentrate stress. Adhesives Not recommended. Most glues and epoxies will not bond to HDPE. Fasten mechanically. Paint and stain Not recommended. Coatings will not adhere. Sanding Not recommended. It changes the surface finish. Heat is the main thing to control. A dull tool or slow feed can melt the material and leave a rough edge. Drilling holes and routing edges removes material and can reduce the strength of a part. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when cutting or machining, and work in a ventilated area. The solid material is not hazardous in normal handling and use. Care, cleaning and storage Soap and water is all the routine care the material needs. General cleaning. Wash with mild dish soap and warm water using a soft cloth, sponge or soft bristle brush. Rinse with clean water. Stubborn stains. Try equal parts white vinegar and warm water. For persistent stains, use 1 part bleach to 2 parts water, sparingly. Pressure washing. Use the lowest setting, no more than 1,500 psi, and keep the tip at least 12 in. from the surface. Avoid abrasive cleaners and scouring pads. Test any other cleaner on a hidden spot first. Storage. Store boards flat and fully supported, off the ground, with like sizes stacked together. Boards stored on edge, leaning or unevenly supported can bow. Store indoors or under cover when possible. Notice The information on this sheet is general guidance for HDPE poly lumber. Property values are typical figures published by producers of this material and are not guaranteed specifications for any individual board, color or production lot. Bear Hollow Supply sources HDPE poly lumber from more than one producer and has not independently tested the material. The buyer or installer is responsible for deciding whether the material suits the intended use and for meeting all applicable building and safety codes. 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