Is recycled plastic lumber worth it for deck building

I've worked with a lot of homeowners on outdoor projects and honestly the recycled plastic stuff holds up really well - it doesn't rot, splinter, or need staining like wood does, which saves you time and money long-term. The upfront cost is higher, but if you're someone who doesn't want to maintain your deck constantly, it pays for itself. Just know it can get pretty hot in direct sun and some people think it looks plastic-y compared to real wood, so it depends on whether you care more about durability or aesthetics.

When I'm cataloging outdoor recreation guides, I see a lot of people raving about recycled plastic decking, and the durability claims check out - it really doesn't rot or need refinishing. The thing nobody mentions much though: it expands and contracts way more than wood with temperature swings, so if you don't account for that in your installation, you'll end up with boards buckling or separating within a couple years.