Building with Stokbord: An Alternative to Timber and Plywood in Construction and Beyond

Traditional building materials like timber and plywood have long been the go-to choices in construction and other industries. However, with industry standards and requirements constantly evolving, there’s a growing need for sustainable, versatile, cost-effective, and user-friendly alternatives. That’s where Stokbord® comes in.

Stokbord®, also known as stockboard recycled plastic, is a rigid yet lightweight sheet material with a unique set of properties, offering more benefits than timber, plywood, and even steel. As an eco-friendly solution, it is crafted from recycled polyethylene, giving new life to waste plastic. But what exactly is stockboard used for? From construction projects to agricultural fencing, poultry housing, and more, these general-purpose boards can be utilised in various ways.

Versatility

The versatile nature of Stokbord® is one of its biggest strengths. Not only can you shop for stockboard recycled plastic in full and cut-to-size boards, but you can also order fabricated sheets for various applications. This material can be easily fabricated by routing, cutting, and shaping to suit specific needs, ensuring a perfect fit for every project.

The standard stock size is a 2440mm x 1220mm sheet, available in thicknesses of 6mm, 9mm, and 12mm. However, customisation options are vast, as it can be produced in thicknesses ranging from 2mm to 25mm. Sheet sizes can be tailored up to a maximum of 3660mm long and 1525mm wide, depending on the supplier you choose and their minimum order quantities.

Some of Stokbord’s® uses in construction include wall cladding, soffits, partitions, and flooring. Being a highly resistant and waterproof material, it makes a good choice for applications where moisture exposure is a concern, which leads us to the next point—agriculture.

This board excels in various agricultural projects due to its resistance to pressure washing, impact, and cleaning chemicals. That said, it’s worth mentioning that it’s also non-toxic, making it suitable for use with livestock for stable partitions, pig pens, chicken coops, and more. This ensures peace of mind knowing that curious animals who might decide to take a nibble won’t be ingesting toxins or damaging the structures.

Durability

Unlike timber, which can warp, crack, and rot over time, stockboard plastic sheets are dimensionally stable and resistant to moisture, warping, and insect infestations. Moreover, they boast an impressive weight-bearing capacity, making them a solid choice for some load-bearing applications.

In addition, Stokbord® is highly UV-resistant, meaning it retains its structure integrity and visual appeal even when exposed to harsh sunlight. Sheets featuring embossed surface patterns on both sides also provide good scratch resistance, making them suitable for use as van flooring.

All of these hard-wearing properties of stockboard sheets translate to a longer lifespan for your projects, requiring less maintenance and replacement compared to other materials.

Sustainability

As they say, modern problems require modern solutions. With sustainability being one of the biggest concerns in the industry, this easily accessible 100% recycled alternative can be a part of the solution.

You’re probably aware of the fact that timber harvesting is to blame for the devastating effects of deforestation and that plywood production often employs harsh, potentially harmful chemicals as bonding agents.

Stokbord®, on the other hand, is a non-toxic and safe option made from waste material that would otherwise end up in landfills. This not only reduces our reliance on virgin resources but also helps create a cleaner environment. The manufacturing process of Stokbord® is also energy-efficient, further minimising its environmental impact.

Recyclability

Apart from being made from 100% recycled material, these sheets are also fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan. This circular approach to material usage contributes to more sustainable industry practices, minimising waste and demand for new raw resources.

Safety

Stockboard sheets are generally considered to be safe and easy to use. Unlike timber, which often splinters during cutting or handling, stockboard sheets are splinter-free, eliminating the risk of painful injuries or accidents during construction or installation. This inherent safety feature protects workers and ensures a smooth, hassle-free building process.

In addition, these boards eliminate the risk of wood dust exposure, which can be harmful to health, especially for those suffering from allergies.

Fine wood dust particles can irritate the throat, eyes, and nose, and prolonged exposure may lead to chronic respiratory illness. Stockboard sheets produce minimal dust when cut or worked on, contributing to a safer working environment.

It should be noted, however, that Stokbord® has a Class-3 fire rating, indicating a moderate flame spread rate, which may not be suitable for all domestic applications.

If fire safety is a critical factor for your project, make sure to consult a building professional to explore alternative options or fireproofing solutions that can be combined with stockboard plastic to meet the building codes and safety requirements.

Ease of Use

In terms of workability and ease of use, these boards can be cut with standard tools and require minimal finishing compared to other materials. This contributes to quicker project completion times and reduced labour costs. This material is weldable as well, but this process may require specialised equipment and expertise.

Although some claim that these boards can be glued, it’s not recommended, as over time the bond may weaken and fail, potentially compromising the integrity of your project. You can reliably fix these boards together with round-headed screws or a washer and bolt.

Cost-Effectiveness

Speaking of costs, Stokbord® offers the ultimate value for your investment. While the initial cost per square metre might be slightly higher compared to traditional materials, you should consider the whole-life cost.

Durable and resistant, requiring minimal upkeep and maintenance once installed, it offers significant long-term savings. This makes it a smart choice for budget-conscious builders and designers.

Closing Thoughts

By choosing Stokbord®, you’re not only opting for a high-performance material that will last for years to come, but you’re also making a positive impact on the environment. With all the benefits and applications listed above, it’s clear why this general-purpose board is a trusted choice of builders, designers, farmers, and DIYers looking for a sustainable and practical alternative to wood, plywood, steel, and other materials.