Frequently Asked Questions About Filcris and Our Products
We have listed out some of the most commonly asked questions that we receive. If you do not see your question answered, please feel free to contact us and we'll do all we can to help!
Can orders be collected?
We have a warehouse and yard located in Bourn, near Cambridge, and you are welcome to collect from these premises if you choose. If you want to arrange collection you can select this option when you place an order. Further information regarding collecting goods can be found here.
Can you cut planks and sheets?
Yes, we can. Our standard cutting charges can be found here.
We can also drill holes and rout slots and recesses in sheet materials. More information can be found on our CNC Cutting page or please contact us for more information.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
There are no order limits so even if you just need a single plank to finish a project, that’s fine!
What is your product made from?
Most of our products are made from 100% recycled HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) recycled plastic. The exceptions to this are:
- Stokbord sheets, made from 100% recycled LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene)
- EHB sheets made from 100% recycled mixed plastic
- WCB sheet made from 98% recycled PVC
- Fixings and accessories which are not available from recycled plastic.
More information about recycled plastic material can be viewed on our Product Information page.
Is this ‘plastic wood’ easy to work with?
In principle, you can treat Filcris Recycled HDPE like wood. You can saw it, drill it and mill it. The main differences to wood are:
- Recycled plastic is generally denser than most forms of timber so may be a bit harder to cut and drill.
- Recycled plastic has a relatively low melting point. When cutting it use a coarse toothed wood blade to ensure the swarf is shed quickly, rather than a fine-toothed blade which can cause melting.
- HDPE has a high coefficient of thermal expansion. This means that it expands and contracts significantly with changes in temperature. The effect of this depends on the application – contact us for advice on your specific project.
More information about working with Filcris Recycled HDPE can be found on our 'How to Work with' page.
How long does your ‘plastic wood’ last?
Much longer than wood! Most testing facilities only test up to 15 years and after this period – our Recycled HDPE is unchanged. We have been supplying recycled plastic for over 20 years and the earliest projects we supplied to are still structurally sound. The literature suggests that over a 50-year period, the top tenth of a millimetre can fade due to UV degradation. This does not cause any structural impact.
Does your product look like wood?
Yes, it does to a large extent, however, it will not have the grain variations that you might expect from wood, and neither will it weather like wood. We have supplied our product to councils for replacing wooden signs in parks and rural areas and it can be used for benches and other outdoor furniture where a wood-like look is desirable.
Is your product a lot heavier than wood?
This depends on the type of wood. Typically, it will be heavier than most softwoods such as pine and a little heavier than temperate hardwoods like oak. If you want to check on the weight of a specific product it is shown in the product description at the bottom of each product page.
I would like some advice for my project – can you help?
Yes, we can. We’ve got over 20 years’ experience working with Recycled HDPE and can advise on your projects, big or small. Simply contact us for help and we’ll do our best to assist you.
Can I look view the product before buying?
People are welcome to visit our unit in Bourn, near Cambridge, to view our products. Please book in advance though in case we are really busy! Have a look at our Contact Us page to find out how to get in touch.
Need some advice?
Our team of experts are here to help!
