Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Q: What is LifeTime Lumber?A: LifeTime Lumber® is a unique, wood-alternative lumber made from mineral ash and urethanes. Ideal for building decks, docks and fences, LifeTime Lumber offers the aesthetic attributes of wood while solving the problems of degradation, weathering and perpetual maintenance that are common with plastic composites and traditional wood lumber. Importantly, the material is made with neither wood nor thermoplastics, but rather consists of natural mineral filler combined with polyurethane. The material properties deliver a decking material that does not rot and is impervious to pest damage, does not support mold and mildew growth, and is fire resistant. LifeTime Lumber is also eco-friendly as it is made from more than 60 percent recycled material, reducing the need for logging, emitting no toxicity and using much less energy to manufacture than other composite processes.
Q: Why is LifeTime Lumber the best choice for decks, docks and fences?A: Decks and Docks: LifeTime Lumber not only maintains looks over time, but is safe, durable and saves you money. LifeTime Lumber absorbs minimal moisture even when constantly exposed to water, and will not rot, feed or host pests. Nor does it have to be painted, stained or sealed, so you can spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying it.
LifeTime Lumber has been certified to meet the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards ensuring long-term high performance. It will not warp, split or splinter and meets OSHA slip resistance standards, making it safe for heavy barefoot traffic even when wet.
Fences: LifeTime Lumber can be used for trail fences, estate fencing, ranch and equestrian fencing, barn stalls, barn siding and more. It is durable, impervious to termites and rot and meets ASTM standards. LifeTime Lumber also provides products that are Class B and Class A fire rated, and are certified as compliant with building codes in San Diego County and California’s Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas.
Very important to those building horse corrals, LifeTime Lumber will not splinter on breaking due to impact.
Q: I prefer to use products that are eco-friendly. Is LifeTime Lumber a “green” product?A: LifeTime Lumber is arguably the greenest wood-alternative decking on the market. This amazing lumber boasts numerous eco-friendly attributes and is a sustainable alternative to wood and thermoplastic composites which can be harmful to the environment. LifeTime Lumber is made of more than 60 percent recycled material: mineral ash, a natural byproduct created by the electric power generation industry, otherwise deemed as waste.
Thanks to its revolutionary, wood-free composition, LifeTime Lumber eases the demand for logging and reduces associated energy costs of manipulating and transporting lumber and is impervious to pests.
Products are also made via a more energy efficient manufacturing process than other wood-substitute lumbers.
Q: I prefer to use products that are eco-friendly. Is LifeTime Lumber a “green” product? (continued)A long-lasting choice for decks, docks or fences, LifeTime Lumber will seldom if ever need to be replaced, further reducing energy costs of replacing and transporting materials, and will reduce the waste piling up in landfills. Over the life of the product, LifeTime Lumber will never degrade and emit chemicals into the water or dirt below.
Q: I live in a Severe Fire Hazard Zone. Do LifeTime Lumber products meet the strict building codes in my area?A: LifeTime Lumber provides products that are Class A or B fire rated, and is WUI certified as compliant with fire and building codes in San Diego County as well as the state of California. This region possesses one of the highest threats of wildfires in the nation and requires that certified products are of the highest level of fire resistance, the use of which are intended to assist in protecting property in the event of fires.
To learn more, please see our information on Wildlife Urban Interface and San Diego County Building Code compliance.
Q: Will LifeTime Lumber acquire mold, mildew or rot like wood does?A: Because LifeTime Lumber has no trace of wood in its composition, it absorbs minimal moisture. Even better, the material is impervious to termites and other pests and will not rot, thus eliminating a common headache for wood deck owners. Other wood-based products absorb large amounts of water over time and require frequent maintenance to maintain a clean appearance, often involving harsh chemicals. LifeTime Lumber recommends cleaning your deck with mild soap and water as needed.
Q: Will LifeTime Lumber eventually weather and fade?A: LifeTime Lumber’s components enable the material to continue looking new even after years of water exposure and heavy use. While there may be a slight change in color after a decade or more, it is significantly less than the fading potential of plastic composite lumber; many of which must produce a fade chart to illustrate the drastic changes that can be expected.
Q: What is the price range of LifeTime Lumber products?A: Life Lumber is comparably priced to other engineered wood-alternatives. Email us for more information at info@lifetimelumber.com or call 877-AT-LIFETIME for the name of an independent building material supplier or lumber yard near you.
