Is ALTWOOD® strong enough to take a heavy load such as large ceramic pots, wrought iron furniture, deck fountains, etc.? Can I use ALTWOOD® to cover a cracked patio? How do I remove a heavy rust stain or burn from ALTWOOD®? I want my decks, fences and flower boxes to look really special, not just good. What can I do? What do I do about winter snow and ice removal with ALTWOOD®? Can I glue ALTWOOD®? Can ALTWOOD® be ripped lengthwise? Can I use ALTWOOD® as ground support for my outdoor projects? Is ALTWOOD® strong enough to take a heavy load such as large ceramic pots, wrought iron furniture, deck fountains, etc.? Yes, ALTWOOD® is a solid board, not hollow-formed, and it is stronger than wood in most applications. Remember, your project will last the life of your home, so keep to the building code or better on your foundation and supports. See Working with ALTWOOD®. Can I use ALTWOOD® to cover a cracked patio? Yes. Rest the ALTWOOD® boards directly on the concrete if level. If not level, create shims using pieces of Altwood. Our suggested installation is to put leveled 1x6 "sleepers" down first, then attach the finished board to the sleepers - this is easier than attaching directly to the concrete. How do I remove a heavy rust stain or burn from ALTWOOD®? ALTWOOD® is not affected by most chemicals and solvents, so strong cleaners and stain removers can be used (however, acetone-based products should be used carefully and quickly, and immediately washed off with water). To remove a deep burn, scrape or sand off the burn, and finish the area by light sanding with very course sand paper in the same direction to match the grain of the board. I want my decks, fences and flower boxes to look really special, not just good. What can I do? ALTWOOD® is a very stable and free machining material, which means that all fine cabinet making techniques such as routering, planing, mitering etc. can be used to make your project look special. Such fine finishing and detail work is possible with ALTWOOD® - with natural wood, the details will rot and break off in one or two seasons. The final appearance of your project is limited only by your imagination... from beveled corners, to brick look-a-like, from mixing sizes and colours to picture framing your deck - it is all possible! What do I do about winter snow and ice removal with ALTWOOD®? ALTWOOD®, like any material, will be slippery when covered with ice. Shovel off snow with a plastic shovel as required. Because it doesn't absorb moisture, ice will sit on the surface and will melt or shovel off faster than on wood or concrete. Unlike wood, concrete, or vinyl coverings, ALTWOOD® will not be harmed by salt on decks and walkways - just rinse it off in spring! Can I glue ALTWOOD®? Generally, we do not recommend gluing ALTWOOD® in structural applications. For light to medium duty applications, using a two-part epoxy glue is recommended. Can ALTWOOD® be ripped lengthwise? ALTWOOD® is a free machining material and can be ripped with a course blade. However, ripping, deep grooving and notching (over 3/8" deep) will decrease the structural strength of the material, and is only recommended for static applications such as trim boards, caps and finishing mouldings. Can I use ALTWOOD® as ground support for my outdoor projects? Yes. ALTWOOD® is very dense and can safely be used as shims and spacers directly against the ground.