How Green is my Substrate . . (shameless promo for NewWood)

[dennytime]

OK, pretty lame Title but there is a fit. Just started stocking a new material made from 50% recycled plastics and 50% recycled wood. Pretty cool! Possible underlayment replacement for MDO, Medex, Plywood and MDF. Water absorption les than 1%, does not support mold or mildew. Rated for food contact ( not important for Signs but for any Growers out there it is great for food bins/cartons ). Comes in 4x8s just a bit thinner than 1/2". Colors vary from Tan to Grey to Biege according to the color of the recycled material. The only drawback I have found is these sheets are not Structurally rated. Made in the USA, here is the website: (please note my location is Northern California, there may be stocking locations closer to you)

http://www.newwood.com/

[Erik Sine]

I've never made a decision to buy according to whether somethings Green or not, but the product sounds pretty cool.

How is it in weight compared to MDO, MDF, and Medex. I use to use a lot of Medex back in the 90's for cut out letters.

[dennytime]

Weight for each sheet is 60.50 Lbs - this puts it heavier than some of the similar wood products. Below are weights taken from the Olympix and Weyerhauser sites for 1/2" 4x8 sheets.

MDO - 46.5 Lbs

Medex - 66 Lbs

Plywood-50 Lbs Fir Structural rated 1

MDF - 64 Lbs

The advantage over any of these is that the water absorption of the NewWood is less than 1%. Very nice if you have ever experienced soggy/wet/falling apart traditional wood sheets.