It would not seem appropriate to me, at least, to have plastic porch floors
if there is a desire on the board's part to maintain an appropriate degree
of authenticity in a museum  context.  Those restoring old homes for
personal use may have a different perspective, but these are private
decisions.
Ross Weeks Jr.
http://histcrab.netscope.net

----- Original Message -----
From: Robb Hyde <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2000 2:26 PM
Subject: Plastic Lumber


> I am a recent addition to the board of trustees of a small historic house
museum.
>
> The front and side porch floors of the house need to be replaced. They are
not currently falling in or dangerous, but should be replaced in the next
year or so.
>
> At last night's board meeting a recommendation was made to replace the
wood with plastic lumber (created from recycled material). This sent up a
red flag for me. It would seem to be counter to the fundamental beliefs of
preservation.
>
> The point was made that a grant program would allow this replacement for
about $200 in material costs versus over $1,500 for real wood. I still had
significant concerns.
>
> The bulk of the board seemed to think that plastic wood was a wonderful
idea, but I was able to defer a decision until the next meeting. I asked for
an opportunity to research the issue further.
>
> **So here I am**
>
> I'm not looking for a rebuke of our board members, or a detailed
examination of the value of real wood. I believe in both the good intentions
of our board, and the real value of experiencing wood under your feet as you
enter our historic home.
>
> Does any one know of any use of plastic lumber in a historic setting?
Preservation guidelines I've reviewed all stress the importance of using
like material when replacement is necessary, but don't completely exclude
more modern substitutes. On some level it could be argued that by using this
recycled material, we are directing our preservation efforts to existing
trees.
>
> A puzzlement.
>
> Robb Hyde
> Marketing/Development Manager
> Canton Museum of Art
>
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