Green Decking Options

Outdoor living spaces often become the favorite “rooms” of the house because they lend themselves to seasonal traditions and festivities. From enjoying summer BBQs to a quiet swing in the hammock, decks invite us to slow down, sit long and enjoy our home’s beautiful surroundings. Green decking options now give homeowners a chance to take in summer’s glory with less impact on the environment at large.

Certified Wood Decking

Wood decks can create a natural look but wood building products can carry a heavy environmental burden. In the past it was difficult for homeowners to trace lumber from forest to mill to store but that is no longer the case.

Thanks to worldwide efforts to protect forests and encourage sustainable forest management, organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) take the guess work out of the homeowner’s hands. The FSC developed and oversees a “chain-of-custody” program that tells consumers the product they are purchasing came from a forest that is sustainable, diverse, socially beneficial and economically viable.

Since its inception in 1990, FSC has certified over 90 million hectares (over 222 million acres) in more than 82 countries around the globe. The organization has networked effectively with manufacturers and retailers, making products with the FSC seal widely available, and popular.

The FSC seal imposes no restraints on the finished product, just on the management and manufacturing end. This means that FSC products are comparable in performance and as acceptable in application as other wood building materials. The only difference is that using certified wood decking means you know the forest will outlive your summer afternoons.

One environmental concern with any wood decking is the pressure treatment process. Conventional pressure treated wood contains pesticides and pollutants to prevent infestations and decay. The toxins pose environmental and health hazards both during manufacturing and when the wood products are used at home. The good news is that many manufacturers are finding creative, earth friendly treatment solutions that produce non-toxic, nonvolatile decking, some with 40-year warranties.

Plastic Lumber

Plastic lumber mimics wood but doesn’t come from the forest. Instead it’s made of recycled plastic. This gives this product a very green aura because it diverts plastic waste from landfills.

The pros of using plastic lumber include a durability; it won’t fade, rot or splinter and its impact resistance is high. It comes in a wide variety of colors which hold their hue over time, unlike real wood which fades.

There are some drawbacks with plastic lumber. It tends to have a higher thermal expansion and contraction tendency and is not suitable for all applications. Different from wood, plastic lumber is limited in its load-bearing structural capacity.

Still, plastic lumber has proven itself useful in many applications including boardwalk replacement, piers, nature trails, outdoor furniture and park benches. While some consumers are turned off by what can be an artificial appearance, others find plastic lumber a very green choice for the right application.

Wood-Plastic Composite

This product blends recycled plastic with wood fiber to produce decking products that are stronger than plastic lumber and cost less in trees. Composites can use wood fiber or by-products to add strength and divert material from becoming waste.

Stronger than plastic lumber, some composites can be used as structural elements. Like plastic lumber they are durable, won’t rot or splinter. They also tend to have a more appealing and natural look than straight plastic lumber.

*Note: The information in this article is general advice and not meant as a substitute for personal guidance from a financial advisor, real estate professional, general contractor or legal counsel. Although the author is a licensed realtor, the advice given in this article does not constitute any client contract or agreement between the author and the user. The author is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your decisions.