Frequently Asked Questions

About the company...

We are based in Elgin, IL which is about an hour NW of Chicago. We are conveniently located just off interstate 90 at route 31 north. Google our address for exact directions. Most products are shipped directly from this factory, however we also ship products from other locations. Getting a quote is important to determine shipping costs.

EPS has been in business since 2000, and stands behind the products we sell. Occasionally, damage occurs in shipping. We work quickly to get the situation resolved and make you happy with your purchase.

About the product...

1. Why is your product different from Composite?

100% Plastic Lumber, no wood fillers. Solid not hollow. Cuts like wood, routers, drills, etc with all the same tools you are using right now. No special tools needed.
Wood is your weakest element and most likely to have problems. First it fades, so how maintenance- free is it if it doesn't look like you want it to look? Second it stains. Stains that penetrate the surface make the boards look worse than the fade. Trees, grease, and general wear and tear can make your deck or boardwalk look bad in a short amount of time. Once the stain is sub-surface it is there for good. Third on the list is moisture. Wood absorbs moisture and swells. Take a look at composite boards that have been around water for awhile, you will see what I mean. Some composites are under a nationwide lawsuit for these reasons.

2. What kind of annual maintenance should I expect?

Our products are maintenance-free, however if you choose to pressure wash the boards once a year, it will loosen any leaves or dirt from the winter. Should you wish to clean, any  appropriate cleaner will work.

3. How do I get a quote for my project?

If you want a quote on Lumber for your deck, dock or fence, please get a list from your contractor. I need size, length and number of boards to generate a quote. 

4. OK, I like all plastic. Plastic is plastic right?
NO. Not all plastic is the same. Certain plastics are very inexpensive and are used for fillers, kind of like the wood but better. The trouble with these mixed products is that plastics expand and contract at different rates and mixed plastics, or co-mingled, have the most liberal movement. In many cases you are better off staying with plastic from one type. Avoid polyvinyl chloride, or “PVC” - Often labeled as “Number 3” plastic, PVC is a leading source of dioxin (a potent toxin) in the environment. For more information on PVC and dioxin, click here.  Arsenic test kits available  Pressure Treated Wood Shown as Cancer Cause

5. How difficult is assembly?

 Picnic Tables, Garden Benches, & furniture all are shipped partially assembled. Your assembly time should always be under 1 hour.

6. How long do I wait before I receive my order?

Most in-stock lumber orders are shipped in 2 days direct to you from the factory via common carrier. Quick ship Furniture leaves in 2 days, other furniture takes about 2 weeks. Engraving takes about three to four weeks. We ship anywhere, direct from the factory. All times are approximate. If you need a specific delivery date please let us know right away and we will confirm that we can meet your deadline.

7. How do I order?

Order by fax (847-289-8382) or email or our convenient form on-line
Please make sure to include a shipping address, telephone, and a credit card number to process your order.

8. Do you offer any discounts?

Ask about our 5% Non-profit discount for Scouts, Schools and Church groups. We also give discounts to resellers of our products- Call David Cook directly to determine discounts

About Shipping....

If a product weighs under 150lbs and is 8ft or less, we can ship via UPS and in most cases it will be less than $100. If lumber or furniture weighs more or is longer in length, we ship this via common carrier. Freight minimums are $100. In most cases where you are ordering a deck or a few pieces of furniture, you can figure 15% extra for shipping as a ballpark number, but again use our quote form on our web site for specific costs.

Why Choose Plastic over Wood?

· Durability -
Plastic wont rot, split, crack, splinter and eventually need to be replaced like wood.

· Maintenance Free -
Plastic will never need to be painted, stained, waterproofed or sanded. A quick wash off with a hose or pressure washer will restore your plastic to its original status.

· Colorfast -
Our color goes through the entire product and is stabilized. If wood or metal get scratched, the material underneath can rust or rot more quickly. Plastic has its color all the way through and is protected by UV stabilizers so you don't have to worry about dramatic fading or exposing anything underneath to the elements. Currently we offer White, Black, Red, Gray, Redwood, Canyon (Tan), Cedar and Forest Green in all of our 100% HDPE products.

· Safety -
Our wood grain pattern is outstanding for slip-resistance and will give you sure-footed passage especially in rainy weather. No splinters in your feet or stepping on loosened nails.

· Environmental Concerns -
We recycle our plastic from post-consumer waste (milk jugs) which means we are helping to divert solid waste from landfills. Also, by using plastic lumber you are conserving wood resources. Over the life of the plastic you have saved several trees. Also, plastic is not toxic to the environment like some others. 

· Cooler to walk on -
Especially our lighter colors, are easy to walk on in the summer and don't heat up like wood products.
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