Boardwalk Decking or Recycled Plastic Planks Which Is Right for Your Outdoor Project

Choosing between a complete boardwalk, recycled plastic deckboards and general-purpose recycled plastic planks depends on what the finished structure needs to do.

A boardwalk provides a defined pedestrian route, particularly across wet, muddy or uneven ground. Deckboards create the walking surface for decking, platforms and walkways. Recycled plastic planks and profiles give contractors greater flexibility when constructing something bespoke.

Whichever option suits the project, Marmax recycled plastic products provide a durable, sustainable and maintenance-free alternative to timber. They do not require painting, staining or sealing. If the surface becomes dirty, a quick clean or jet wash is generally all that is needed.

The Difference at a Glance

Recycled Plastic Boardwalks

A complete boardwalk is suitable for creating accessible routes through locations such as parks, nature reserves, wetlands, visitor attractions and public spaces.

Marmax boardwalks are made to customer specifications and can incorporate features such as:

• Handrails
• Toe boards
• Passing places
• Bridges
• Extended legs
• Steps and platforms

Recycled Plastic Deckboards

Deckboards form the walking surface of decking, walkways and platforms. They can be used for commercial and residential decking, outdoor seating areas, waterside platforms, marinas and other outdoor spaces.

Marmax offers deckboards in different sizes, colours and surface finishes, allowing contractors and specifiers to select an appropriate option for the project.

Recycled Plastic Planks and Profiles

Planks and profiles are individual components that can be incorporated into bespoke outdoor structures. They may be suitable for landscaping, fencing, decking, repairs and other construction projects where flexibility is important.

Marmax’s range includes recycled plastic planks, round posts and deckboards.

When Should You Choose a Recycled Plastic Boardwalk

A recycled plastic boardwalk is usually the best starting point when a project requires a complete pedestrian route across difficult ground.

This could include:

• A path through a wetland or nature reserve
• Access across muddy or uneven ground
• A walkway beside a pond, river or lake
• Public footpaths
• Routes through parks and visitor attractions
• Access around schools, zoos and outdoor learning areas

Marmax boardwalks are made from 100% recycled HDPE plastic. The material does not rot, corrode or splinter, making it particularly well suited to damp and acidic ground conditions.

The boardwalk surface has a WRAP-approved roughened finish to improve grip in wet conditions. Designs can also be adapted to include passing places, handrails, bridges and other features required for the site.

Because each boardwalk is made to customer specifications, the design can respond to the location rather than attempting to fit a standard structure into an unsuitable space.

When Are Recycled Plastic Deckboards the Better Choice

Choose recycled plastic deckboards when you already have a suitable supporting structure planned and need a durable surface for people to walk or gather on.

Common applications include:

• Commercial and residential decking
• Walkways
• Outdoor seating areas
• Waterside platforms
• Marinas
• Roof terraces and balconies

Marmax deckboards are available in a choice of colours, dimensions and finishes, including grooved, textured and grip options. The right product will depend on the location, expected footfall, support spacing and overall project design.

For organisations responsible for public or commercial spaces, one of the main advantages is the lack of ongoing maintenance. Unlike timber, recycled plastic deckboards do not need to be sanded, painted, stained or sealed. Routine cleaning is sufficient if the boards become dirty.

They are also rot-resistant, weatherproof and splinter-free, making them a practical choice for exposed outdoor environments.

When Do Recycled Plastic Planks and Profiles Make Sense

Recycled plastic planks and profiles are useful when a contractor, designer or organisation wants to create its own structure rather than purchase a complete product.

They provide greater flexibility for bespoke projects such as:

• Decking and walkways
• Fencing
• Landscaping features
• Outdoor structures
• Replacement timber components
• Bespoke public-space projects

This makes the range particularly relevant to contractors, landscape architects, local authorities, facilities teams and organisations working from their own drawings or specifications.

Marmax manufactures its profiles and planks from 100% recycled HDPE plastic. The material is resistant to moisture, insects, rot and splintering, while requiring no painting, staining or sealing.

One installation detail must be considered carefully. Recycled plastic profiles experience thermal movement, expanding in warmer temperatures and contracting in colder conditions. The design and installation must therefore include an appropriate allowance for movement.

Contractors should review the individual product information and confirm measurements, support spacing and installation requirements before ordering.

What Should You Consider Before Choosing

What Is the Finished Structure

Decide whether you need a complete pedestrian access route, the surface for a deck or platform, or individual components for a bespoke construction project.

Where Will It Be Installed

Consider the ground conditions, moisture levels, drainage, surrounding environment and exposure to changing weather.

A complete boardwalk may be more appropriate for wet, muddy or uneven ground, while deckboards could suit an existing or purpose-designed supporting structure.

Who Will Use It

Think about expected footfall, accessibility, route width and any site-specific safety requirements.

A public footpath through a nature reserve will have different requirements from a private deck or a small outdoor seating area.

Who Will Design and Install It

A complete made-to-order boardwalk and a supply-only set of recycled plastic components involve different scopes of work.

Confirm who will be responsible for the structural design, ground preparation, installation and relevant safety checks before ordering.

Are the Installation Details Confirmed

Check the required dimensions, support spacing, surface finish, fixings and allowances for thermal movement.

If any part of the specification is unclear, speak to Marmax before placing the order.

Why Use Recycled Plastic for Outdoor Projects

Outdoor structures are exposed to rain, moisture, temperature changes and frequent use. Choosing a material that does not require continual treatment can significantly simplify their upkeep.

Marmax recycled plastic products offer several practical benefits:

• Made from 100% recycled HDPE plastic
• Maintenance-free
• No painting, staining or sealing required
• Resistant to rot, corrosion and splintering
• Weatherproof and UV-stable
• Suitable for wet and exposed environments
• Straightforward to clean
• Recyclable at the end of their service life

Using recycled plastic also keeps existing material in productive use. It allows organisations to combine environmental considerations with the practical need for durable outdoor products.

A Simple Way to Decide

If you need a complete, made-to-order pedestrian route across wet, uneven or challenging ground, start with a recycled plastic boardwalk.

If you need the finished walking surface for decking, a walkway or a platform, consider recycled plastic deckboards.

If you need individual components for a bespoke structure, repair or landscaping project, explore recycled plastic planks and profiles.

Discuss Your Outdoor Project With Marmax

The right option will depend on the site, intended application and project design. Marmax can help you understand the available products and identify the most suitable starting point for your specification.

Call 01207 283 442, email sales@marmaxproducts.co.uk or contact the Marmax team to discuss your project.

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