Eco-Friendly Decking

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.

Wood Decking

Wood decks are traditional favorites, as wood is strong, attractive, and easy to work with. Environmental benefits of wood include the fact that it is renewable when used properly. Wood deck materials are created without using a large quantity of fossil fuels. They are also biodegradable and easily recycled.

Disadvantages of wood include its propensity to break down over time. Rather than opt for environmentally damaging treated wood, some people decide on hard woods like cedar or redwood. Though tropical hardwoods make another good option, using and transporting them large distances have a negative effect on the environment in general as well as the rain forest they would be taken from.

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.

If you have a question about deck construction or would like to schedule your free in-home estimate, please call our office at: (773) 703-6030 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.