ASTM's New Standard for Recycled-Plastic Decking

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has a new standard for recycled-plastic residential decking. This standard pulls together into one product specification the individual strength test methods for recycled plastic established almost four years ago (see EBN

Vol. 6, No. 9). While the standardized test methods created a system for manufacturers to consistently evaluate strength characteristics of their products, the decking specification sets performance minimums that speed acceptance of recycled-plastic residential decking products by code bodies, architects, and builders. The extensive research conducted for this decking standard paves the way for development of specifications for recycled-plastic structural elements such as beams, girders, and joists. The decking standard is ASTM D-6662: Standard Specification for Polyolefin-Based Plastic Lumber Decking Board. According to Dave Porter of Trex, there is a separate effort within ASTM’s D-7 Committee to develop a parallel standard for recycled-content wood-plastic composite decking. This standard will be balloted later this year.