Green Deck Solutions Chicago and Suburbs

A deck on your home can be great for outdoor entertaining or relaxing. If you are committed to living a green lifestyle with minimal environmental impact, however, building a deck might present a challenge. Materials used to build a deck have to be long-lasting and low maintenance, so most of them are treated to resist breakdown and damage from the elements. Those treatments make them a problem for the environment. When building a deck with environmental impact in mind, it is best to look at the positive and negative elements of different materials and make the best decision for your home.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is becoming more popular as an option. It looks like wood, but is made from recycled plastic and wood waste with other substances mixed in such as waxes, chemicals, and fiberglass. The greatest benefit of composite decking is that it is long lasting and requires little maintenance, though it does warp and weather over time like wood does. Some manufacturers of composite decking materials are recognized for sustainable products and practices.

Disadvantages of composite decking include the fact that its blended properties make it difficult to dispose of when it’s time to replace it. Recycling is not an option, and it is not biodegradable. Because it hasn’t been around for a long time, long term durability has yet to be established. And if you’re on a tight budget, composite materials may not be viable since they are among the priciest of all decking materials.

Plastic Decking

Plastic lumber appears like composite boarding, but it is actually made of 100% high density polyethylene, which is the same material used to make milk jugs. It is commonly made up of recycled waste plastic. Check manufacturer’s specifications to see post consumer waste composition. Some are composed entirely or mostly of recycled plastic waste, and some are composed of considerably less, but most are at least half composed of post consumer waste. Plastic decking is actually similarly workable to composite decking, and wood tools can be used.

Disadvantages of plastic decking include the fact that it is less strong than wood or composite materials, and not a good option for beams, posts, and joists. With fluctuating temperatures, its tendency is to contract and expand, contributing to warping.

With some planning, green decking is definitely possible. Traditional wood, composite, and plastic decking all have environmental advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered. If none of these options are green enough for you, a paved patio or terrace can make a low cost, eco-friendly and attractive outdoor space.

When it comes to green decking

When it comes to decking board lumber there are several choices, including 2X4 and 2X6. Also popular are 5/4 X6 and 5/4 X4 with rounded “bullnose” edges. While redwood and cedar are attractive, as well as insect and weather resistant, pressure-treated lumber is also a good option. Another popular choice is re-cycled plastic fiber decking. Re-cycled plastic decking looks like wood, but is virtually impervious to weather and insects; it requires no wood deck stain or maintenance. Although this type material has adequate strength for decking, traditional lumber is required for the posts, box frame, and joists.

Whatever decking material you choose our trained professionals will insure that it is correctly secured to the joists and box frame. For a more decorative look, we can also install the decking on a 45-degree angle to the joists and box frame. This will increase stability and minimize racking. This method requires a little extra skill and precision; to insure proper cutting and fit, made easier by our vast experience in the field. Decking boards should be fastened to joists with the best side up; boards do not require spacing unless they are “kiln dried” lumber or man–made material which will not shrink. If so, it should be spaced at about 1/8-inch intervals. All other deck lumber should be tight, to allow for shrinkage. Fasten deck boards to joists with galvanized or stainless steel spiral or ring-shank nails, or deck screws. Two spaced at about ¾-inch from board edges on each joist is adequate. Torx head deck screws are much less prone to stripping. These are just some of the facts that an Earthgroup Construction, LLC representative can provide you with.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is comprised of plastic and wood fibers. Polyethylene plastic and wood fiber deck boards are made up of half wood fibers, like sawdust, and half recycled polyethylene plastic. Polypropylene plastic and wood fiber decking is composed of small particles of wood, almost like a flour and hard plastic. This decking is low decking and slip resistant. Decks with composite decking can even be installed in a rounded or curved pattern, which adds many design possibilities to a deck. Composite deck boards are generally pressed with a pattern or a wood grain and come in a wide range of shades and colors.

There are a great number of manufactures of composite decking that have a number of lines to choose from. These manufactures have made advances in their technology to minimize fading and molding. Talk to a skilled deck contractor that uses composite decking so you will know what to expect from this product.

Plastic Lumber

High density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic lumber is made primarily from recycled materials. This wood free product promises not to stain or fade and is waterproof. It is also splinter-free and low maintenance, needing only to be cleaned periodically. The complex fastening systems are best installed by a skilled deck builder. The look and feel of plastic lumber is not like wood. Additionally, plastic lumber decks tend to squeak when they are walked on. This product is substantially more expensive than wood. There are structurally rated plastic lumber products such as joists, posts and beams that are available for deck construction.

Vinyl Decking

Vinyl decking is a solid surface decking made from synthetic materials. A professionally installed vinyl deck is waterproof and its membrane system can last for up to 20 years when it is properly cared for.

Aluminum Decking

Aluminum decking has a powder coat finish and its pieces snap together. This low maintenance decking should not rot, mold or rust. Professional deck contractors use a specialized carbide blade to cut the individual pieces of aluminum.

TimberTech does more than create beautiful decking. Our expansive suite of decking, railing, lighting and fencing products–each crafted using superior, low-maintenance materials – offers an abundance of attractive choices and promises an unparalleled mixture of beauty, strength and durability. We also ignite your imagination with colors and design combinations that help you express your personal style with almost limitless possibilities. Watch the Video

If you have a question deck refinishing or would like to schedule your free in-home estimate, please call our office at: (773)  930-4533 email us at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or simply fill out an online estimate form for a free in-home consultation.