This guide covers the long-term performance, maintenance needs and lifecycle value of timber versus recycled plastic boardwalk systems. It includes an executive summary, a section on the challenges of timber boardwalks, an overview of recycled plastic systems, and a material comparison checklist.
This is a technical resource guide for contractors and specifiers who need to choose boardwalk materials for public or commercial projects. It compares traditional timber with recycled plastic systems, focusing on durability, maintenance and whole-life cost.
The guide opens with an executive summary that outlines key topics: why timber boardwalks become costly over time, where recycled plastic performs best, how to assess whole-life costs, installation considerations and a material comparison checklist.
A section on timber boardwalks covers durability challenges in wet environments, ongoing maintenance and lifecycle costs, and safety risks such as splintering and surface deterioration as timber ages.
The recycled plastic section explains that these systems resist rot and moisture, require minimal maintenance, offer consistent performance, are slip-resistant and splinter-free, and suit environmentally sensitive locations like wetlands, coastal areas, woodlands and public parks.
A comparison table lists features such as moisture resistance, rot and decay resistance, splinter-free surface, slip resistance, maintenance requirements, material consistency, insect resistance, service life, wetland and coastal suitability, accessibility and sustainability credentials.
The final section describes two design options: a boardwalk with handrails for public open spaces, and a simpler boardwalk without handrails for fishing pegs, cycle paths, piers and floating docks. Available colours are noted.