Polywood

[Tom Gi]

Has anyone cut polywood not plywood I got a half inch thick piece and want to cut out something to hang outside  it looks like it is all plastic and no wood in it

your thoughts on this thanks

[TAIrving]

+The web says it is artificial wood made of recycled plastic to withstand harsh weather conditions better than real wood.  

Let us know how it cuts.  

[Scrappile]

I do not see where you can buy it in sheets.  Sounds like it would be great for making things outside, like bird feeders and birdhouses.  I wonder if it becomes brittle when exposed to the sun for extended periods.

[kmmcrafts]

2 hours ago, Scrappile said:

I do not see where you can buy it in sheets.  Sounds like it would be great for making things outside, like bird feeders and birdhouses.  I wonder if it becomes brittle when exposed to the sun for extended periods.

A lot of CNC router and Laser guys make things out of plastics.. there are many colors to choose from etc. Don't know how well they might work with scroll sawing.. I just bought my first sheet of clear acrylic yesterday to try with my laser... now to figure out what I want to make with it will be another 2-3 years probably, LOL.. Been wanting to pick up a sheet to try for about 2-3 years so I guess I'm giving myself about the same amount of time to actually make something with it, 

https://www.jpplus.com/rowmark-mattes-engraving-plastic?sku=222402-QTR&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NX_pmax_high_value_exp_feb_2025_control&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17672719614&gbraid=0AAAAADz94a9yIN4BUek5kXNDD8koGM_4-&gclid=CjwKCAjwg7PDBhBxEiwAf1CVu8rKXyWk-Rc6jgKOWaPOHe-CznET9LAKAhXKsxj1a2wvGwbyKbeC8hoC3_sQAvD_BwE

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

17 hours ago, Tom Gi said:

Has anyone cut polywood not plywood I got a half inch thick piece and want to cut out something to hang outside  it looks like it is all plastic and no wood in it

your thoughts on this thanks

You have to be careful of the terminology. If you are talking true polywood. This is a plastic and done by the Amish. Their invention and probably the only place to get it. Now there is a product called Dymondwood but hard to find any more. The factory where that was made burned down and no one picked up the product that I know of. It is thin layers of real wood encased in a resin and put under high pressure to cure. Then there is spectraply which is wood layers and encased in adhesive under high pressure as well. Then there is a product called colorply which also is layers of wood oriented in various directions to show unique patterns. It too is encased in a wood adhesive and then stabilized in a resin. All look the same but are very different. 

Examples of spectraply. Easy to get in blocks or sheets.  (baskets)

Dymondwood (watches  green and black bands)

Any of these types are tough on scrollsaw blades because of both the glues used and the resins used. 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited July 8, 2025 by JTTHECLOCKMAN

[Bill WIlson]

Was in Lancaster PA recently and that Polywood stuff is everywhere.  I knew the Amish were into building the outdoor furniture, but had no idea it was their invention.  Interesting.

You can buy plastic lumber to make your own stuff, but man is it expensive!

https://bearhollowsupply.com/collections/poly-lumber?srsltid=AfmBOopNXEYJ-vjAo8Tn2qISJedwZz-QNpElcTCvKeBb8DhBh7kriefT

Edited July 9, 2025 by Bill WIlson

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

 

Who invented Polywood. It may have been invented by someone other than the Amish from doing a few searches. But here is a link to some info. In it is a cool video of one plant that makes polywood furniture. It is very interesting. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimvinoski/2022/03/30/how-polywood-turns-millions-of-pounds-of-plastic-waste-into-beautiful-outdoor-furniture/

 

My brother has his entire backyard furniture made of this stuff and he got all his from the Amish in Pennsy. He has been dealing with a company who makes them up there so he got info from them but they may not be the inventors of the process. The look is amazing and as I said very heavy but solid. Taking simple waste and make things like that is cool. 

As far as scrolling, if it is true polywood I doubt it is a good material to use because it probably will melt back together being a plastic. But being a high density plastic who knows. Give it a try and report your findings. 

[Bill WIlson]

Well, whoever invented it, the Amish are certainly up to their necks in the stuff.  You can't swing a dead cat in Lancaster County, PA without hitting a store selling items made out of it.  As I understand it, it's also pretty big in Ohio Amish (Holmes County) country, as well.

My guess is the Amish saw a business opportunity and jumped at it before everyone else got on the bandwagon.  Now they are so widely associated with it that they've practically cornered the market around here.

I wonder if this stuff is as popular in other regions of the country that don't have a significant Amish population?

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

1 hour ago, Bill WIlson said:

Well, whoever invented it, the Amish are certainly up to their necks in the stuff.  You can't swing a dead cat in Lancaster County, PA without hitting a store selling items made out of it.  As I understand it, it's also pretty big in Ohio Amish (Holmes County) country, as well.

My guess is the Amish saw a business opportunity and jumped at it before everyone else got on the bandwagon.  Now they are so widely associated with it that they've practically cornered the market around here.

I wonder if this stuff is as popular in other regions of the country that don't have a significant Amish population?

You are correct Bill. Amish have the market cornered as well as making of sheds. That was something they were known for before all this furniture stuff. They cornered the market on pressure treated furniture as well as sheds for a long time too. 

[Roberta Moreton]

I have not seen Polly wood. When I cut plastic, I cover it with clear, removable shelf liner first.  The cheap stuff removes easier. I would try that. 

[Tom Gi]

On 7/8/2025 at 3:41 PM, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

You have to be careful of the terminology. If you are talking true polywood. This is a plastic and done by the Amish. Their invention and probably the only place to get it. Now there is a product called Dymondwood but hard to find any more. The factory where that was made burned down and no one picked up the product that I know of. It is thin layers of real wood encased in a resin and put under high pressure to cure. Then there is spectraply which is wood layers and encased in adhesive under high pressure as well. Then there is a product called colorply which also is layers of wood oriented in various directions to show unique patterns. It too is encased in a wood adhesive and then stabilized in a resin. All look the same but are very different. 

Examples of spectraply. Easy to get in blocks or sheets.  (baskets)

Dymondwood (watches  green and black bands)

Any of these types are tough on scrollsaw blades because of both the glues used and the resins used. 

 

 

 

 

 

It is from an Amish so it is polywood  he said I can’t order it and he don’t seem to interested in sell any but he gave me a small piece to try and cut

i have to get the right pattern to put on it before I try and cut it

im thinking a regular blade teeth all going in on direction to cut it

 

[TAIrving]

In my area we have a similar product called Trex.  

[rjweb]

My deck was made using Trex up in Pa, good stuff, RJ

[Ber Gueda]

I would be really careful inhaling whatever powder might come out of it...

[OCtoolguy]

11 hours ago, TAIrving said:

In my area we have a similar product called Trex.  

That's what I was thinking too. 

[OCtoolguy]

9 hours ago, rjweb said:

My deck was made using Trex up in Pa, good stuff, RJ

Ours too and it seems to cut like wood with no melting.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Trex is a different product than polywood. Trex has wood fibers that are basically scraps and sawdust mixed in with a different plastic than that used in polywood. Trex is bad to breathe that dust. I have cut Trex with a saw blade and had sparks come off it. Besides there are 3 types of Trex also. 

Edited July 13, 2025 by JTTHECLOCKMAN

[TAIrving]

10 hours ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

Trex is a different product than polywood. Trex has wood fibers that are basically scraps and sawdust mixed in with a different plastic than that used in polywood. Trex is bad to breathe that dust. I have cut Trex with a saw blade and had sparks come off it. Besides there are 3 types of Trex also. 

Thanks John.  I had no plans to cut Trex, or Polywood for that matter, but now know that I will avoid them.  Life and woodworking are hazardous enough without inviting additional hazards.

I did not know there were 3 types of Trex.  

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

3 hours ago, TAIrving said:

Thanks John.  I had no plans to cut Trex, or Polywood for that matter, but now know that I will avoid them.  Life and woodworking are hazardous enough without inviting additional hazards.

I did not know there were 3 types of Trex.  

Actually I was just reading there now is 5 different types. here is an article explaining them. One thing that is notable is that the inner material is basically encased in an outer shell which ads the protection and fade resistance. So it is not like a solid product. But it is also made up of scraps of plastic and wood. Also there are other products out there that mimic Trex but called by different names. I am not familiar with them. 

https://customdeckcreations.com/types-of-trex-decking/

[TAIrving]

On 7/13/2025 at 10:58 AM, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

Actually I was just reading there now is 5 different types. here is an article explaining them. One thing that is notable is that the inner material is basically encased in an outer shell which ads the protection and fade resistance. So it is not like a solid product. But it is also made up of scraps of plastic and wood. Also there are other products out there that mimic Trex but called by different names. I am not familiar with them. 

https://customdeckcreations.com/types-of-trex-decking/

Thanks John - interesting reading.  But I still plan to avoid cutting any such product with my scroll saw. 

I have plenty of sawdust on the floor and in the air in my shop as it is.  (and on my cloths and in my lungs.)  I would have to research toxicity, etc before I could consider cutting this, or any other new product.  

I know that you, John, know this, I add it to my comments for the benefit of those who might not be as experienced and knowledgeable as you.  I hope this helps someone to avoid damaging their health.  

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

2 hours ago, TAIrving said:

Thanks John - interesting reading.  But I still plan to avoid cutting any such product with my scroll saw. 

I have plenty of sawdust on the floor and in the air in my shop as it is.  (and on my cloths and in my lungs.)  I would have to research toxicity, etc before I could consider cutting this, or any other new product.  

I know that you, John, know this, I add it to my comments for the benefit of those who might not be as experienced and knowledgeable as you.  I hope this helps someone to avoid damaging their health.  

It is always good to post reminders and warnings like that. Sometimes we get complacent and skip steps but they can be harmful. 

[Brokentone]

I have cut quite a few signs from trex, they are very good outdoors. There does not appear to be dust, where I normally see dust I find heavy saw chips must go slow or the piece may weld back together or the blade weld in the slot. I do wear a mask even though there doesn’t appear to be any dust. At my 86 years I don’t think I have to be to concerned about long term effects. The sign in the picture is probably 10 years old outdoors.
Bob