Pros & Cons of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Poly Kayak Racks
Poly lumber is made from recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE). It is a durable, eco-friendly, low-maintenance material that has been growing in popularity for use in outdoor furniture and structures. It’s often used for patio furniture, garden sheds, playground equipment, dog houses, construction projects and we use it for our Poly Kayak Racks. Made from recycled plastic, is marketed as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wood. But how does it really stack up when compared to traditional wood?
Advantages of Poly Lumber for your Kayak Rack
Poly Lumber is a type of engineered wood that offers many benefits over standard hardwood.
Sustainability
Poly lumber has been approved by the EPA as an environmentally responsible choice. Made from recycled #2 plastic, choosing a poly lumber kayak rack not only helps to conserve natural resources but it lessens the amount of plastic waste headed to the landfill. The HDPE material used in our Poly Kayak Racks is made from about 90% post-consumer recycled plastic from gallon size milk, water, and juice containers, as well as some detergent and shampoo bottles.
Durability
The poly lumber we using in our Poly Kayak Racks is extremely durable and weather-resistant. It’s resistant to rot, mold, and mildew and does not warp, crack, or splinter like real wood. It is also resistant to insects, moisture, and UV rays. But because it’s assembled like real wood furniture instead of molded like other plastics, you get wood-like hardness and strength that won’t weaken or sag overtime.
Low Maintenance
Poly lumber is virtually maintenance-free. You will never need to paint, stain or seal it. It does not require any sanding, stripping, coating or waterproofing either. Resistant to sun, rain, sleet, snow, wind and saltwater, your Poly Kayak Rack can be left out year-round and you’ll only need a little soap and water when you want to clean it.
Attractive
Poly lumber comes in many sizes, shapes and colors. The lumber we use for our Poly Kayak Racks gives the look of real hard wood without all the work and maintenance. The surface is embossed to give it a nice wood-grain texture and its vibrant color is infused with UV stabilizers, so it won’t fade. The color also goes all the way through, so if it gets a little ding or scratch it will be less noticeable. We also offer a variety of Poly Kayak Rack styles to choose from.
Pros vs Cons of Poly Lumber
The only big downsides of poly lumber tend to be its weight and the upfront costs.
Poly Lumber tends to be a bit expensive, especially when compared to other plastics. However, when you consider its durability, how long it will last and how little maintenance it requires, it often comes out as a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Its high strength to density ratio also means its substantially heavier than other kayak rack options. However, we don’t exactly see that as a downfall. For an outdoor kayak rack, that’s actually a good thing. You may, however, need a couple extra hands if you want to move it.
Buy a Durable, Long-Lasting, Eco-Friendly Poly Kayak Rack
We make durable, eco-friendly and easy to maintain storage racks for kayaks and SUPs from recycled HDPE (high-density polyethylene). Family-owned and operated, our premium-quality poly kayak racks are hand built in Wisconsin and as avid kayakers ourselves, we designed each rack for easy use and proper storage so your equipment will last longer, and you’ll be able to get back out on the water faster. Shop our Poly Kayak Racks online now.