If you think pressure-treated lumber is the only product that will stand up to the elements, think again. A composite material called Timbrex, made of recycled thermoplastics and recycled wood fibers, resists damage from water, soil acidity, and insect infestation better than treated wood, according to the manufacturer. Produced in shapes that match standard dimensional lumber, Timbrex looks like wood (without the grain) and can be sawed, planed, routed, or sanded using ordinary woodworking tools (although carbide cutting edges will last longer). It also readily accepts nails and screws without splitting, even near the edges. You don't need gloves to handle Timbrex because it's non-toxic and almost completely inert, making it an ideal material for decks and outdoor play equipment. Its chief shortcoming is
