Plastic Joists anyone?

[xelaris]

I've recently found out about Plastic Joist made from recycled plastic - in fact there is also a combination of wood and plastic = composite.

http://www.kedel.co.uk/recycled-mix...c-lumber-mixed-plastics-hanit-150-x-50mm.html

http://www.fiberondecking.co.uk/composite-wood-plastic-joist/

Has anyone used these as a substitute for traditional timber joists in a suspended floor?

 

[tony1851]

Some years ago, our local supermarket had a few newly-installed outside bench seats made of this stuff. Over a period of about two years, they disappeared one by one as the uprights snapped off at the base.

 

[^woody^]

As useful as a plastic fire guard.

 

[cjard]

To quote fiberon's own website:

"Fiberon’s composite material is more expensive than wood, but offers a higher quality product overall"

Hmm

 

[nickjb]

It's great material. Used a lot commercially. The main benefit is long life outdoors without maintenance. The new stuff is incredibly tough making it pretty vandal resistant. It's used for road name signs, footpath signs, picnic benches and decking/boardwalk at visitor centres. Can't see much benefit for joists in a house, good in the garden, though

 

[xelaris]

thanks for all your comments...
I'm tempted to give it a go for a suspended floor which is giving me many headaches - the damp cause should be targeted at the source but this is coming from the neighbour property and I'd rather cut short of any doubts and legal and costly disputes and go plastic rather than wood.

Fact is....these products aren't a novelty and if recycled plastic/composite joists haven't yet been used inside properties there must be a good reason...or is it a case of lethargy and lack of adventure in the present industry?
I mean this is recycled plastic...in commercial term a wide use-spread of these products would lower production costs dramatically and the perceived advantages over wood are massive (but maybe there are hidden issues?).

 

[tomfe]

If you want to throw money away why not use a steel beam to support the end of the joists away from the party wall.
I would try and solve the real problem though.

 

[^woody^]

f recycled plastic/composite joists haven't yet been used inside properties there must be a good reason

Yes, they tend to melt easily!

 

[xelaris]

If you want to throw money away why not use a steel beam to support the end of the joists away from the party wall.
I would try and solve the real problem though.

I've just found out about concrete beams like these - these tick the lot except for the massive weight of 122kg a piece!
http://www.builderdepot.co.uk/supreme-3600mm-suspended-concrete-t-beam-flooring.html

Aluminium beams are very costly at about £150 a piece
Steel RSJ can be found at less than £50 per 3.6m (these might be the best option so far)

but the cheaper option might be some steel U channels 100mm x 100mm x 100mm - thickness 5mm...now, if used in lengths of 3.6m with an RSJ underneath to support the load in the middle and increase stiffness these should work...but I'm googling for alternative sizes e.g. 150 x 60 x 60 of the same thickness.

I'm getting there....

 

[^woody^]

Is this the bonkers thread?

 

[cjard]

I've just found out about concrete beams like these - these tick the lot except for the massive weight of 122kg a piece!.

....

I used to date a lass who was half that length and half the weight too, and carrying her wasn't a problem, so it would stand to reason that two people should be able to lift one of those.. and yet, it never seems to work out that way with building materials

Perhaps "need" weighs more than "want"

 

[^woody^]

Can we have an update on the fantastic plastic bonkertastic brainwave? I'm thinking of getting some to go with the kids lego this Christmas - if they come in various colours.

 

[cjard]

If you go for it in a big way, should we call you ^plasticky^?

 

[^woody^]

If you go for it in a big way, should we call you ^plasticky^?

You may. I'm pre-op at the moment, it's a big step so just going through counseling.