WORTHINGTON, MN – Shooting ranges and clubs across the U.S. are increasingly turning to plastic lumber as a long-term alternative to traditional wood structures, driven by rising maintenance demands, harsh weather conditions, and high-volume use.
Range operators—particularly those in climate extremes—are rethinking materials used in infrastructure such as shooting benches and gun racks. Wood requires ongoing maintenance, including sanding, staining, and replacement due to deterioration from moisture, sun exposure, and temperature swings.
In contrast, plastic lumber–such as products manufactured by companies like PolyScape–is emerging as a durable, low-maintenance option that can better withstand these conditions.
At Shoot GTR, a Florida-based shooting range, humidity and sun exposure created ongoing challenges with wooden benches. The range recently transitioned to shooting benches made from PolyScape plastic lumber.
"[Wood benches] require regular painting and, no matter what we do, the bench tops sometimes need replaced from deterioration," said Bennett Latimer of Shoot GTR. "All that work and upkeep and they still were not attractive."
After switching materials, the range has seen improved durability and reduced maintenance.
Similar considerations are shaping decisions in northern climates, where extreme temperature swings can accelerate wear on outdoor structures. At the Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club, operators selected gun racks made from PolyScape plastic lumber to withstand harsh winters while maintaining a high-end appearance for guests.
"We had purchased plastic lumber items in the past, but PolyScape is the first to have a gun rack in their product line up," said Nikki Flander, Marketing & Communications Director. "We greatly appreciate the fact that we do not need to worry about the tough winters putting wear on the gun racks and that we will not need to spend staff's time sanding down and staining the gun racks each spring."
Beyond durability, operators note that consistent appearance and reduced upkeep contribute to a better overall customer experience. PolyScape can also be printed on, allowing ranges and clubs to incorporate branding, signage, or wayfinding directly into their infrastructure.
"We're seeing more range operators prioritize long-term durability over ongoing maintenance," said Jay Scheidt, Business Development Executive at PolyScape. "What was once considered an alternative material is quickly becoming a preferred standard in certain applications."
As ranges continue to invest in infrastructure that can withstand environmental stress and heavy use, plastic lumber is expected to play a growing role in the evolution of outdoor recreational spaces.
PolyScape is a Minnesota-based manufacturer of plastic lumber products made from a proprietary blend plastic, including recycled plastic from TagBack, an initiative that recovers packaging ties & tags. PolyScape plastic lumber offers a low-maintenance, sustainable alternative to traditional wood for outdoor applications across recreation, commercial, and public spaces.