Technical

You’ll receive the best combination of excellent weathering, the most realistic wood appearance, and good mechanical properties of any synthetic wood.

What is Highwood’s product?

Highwood produces a synthetic wood based on extruded plastic foam. The raw materials are the same as used in polystyrene foam coffee cups and packaging peanuts and disposable silverware and cups, and is 100% recyclable. The product is available in a wide variety of shapes and colors, and can be customized to fit your specific requirements. Since it’s a foam, it weighs about the same as a redwood board of the same size—it’s easier to work with than dense composite products.

How does Highwood compare to wood?

Unlike wood, Highwood will not rot, splinter or crack and Highwood offers far superior color fastness (resistance to fading and discoloring). Since Highwood does not absorb water, it does not shrink and swell like wood. The product has approximately one-third the stiffness and strength of Southern yellow pine (this is about 50% higher than typical wood composite products), and is useful for building any lightly loaded structure (gazebos, trellis, fencing, furniture).

How does Highwood compare to other synthetics?

Highwood is not a composite. There is no wood fiber to discolor and fade in the sun; your deck or fence will not ‘silver’. Highwood provides better mechanical properties compared to other synthetic materials. Our products also have a unique through-grain (color and graining go all the way through the thickness), just like wood, while other synthetics have a skin and a core with a different appearance. Highwood has a consistent look and density throughout the entire profile.

How do I work with Highwood?

highwood® profiles can be machined just like wood. You use the same saws, routers, drills, and other tools that you use for wood products. Our product can be fastened by screws, nails, or glue and well-made joints are as strong the material itself. For recommendations on using our product, call to request a ‘Working with Highwood’ brochure.