Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Decking Choices
For the environmentally conscious builder or homeowner, decking choices should factor in sustainability. The good news is you can have a beautiful deck and still make eco-friendly decisions by selecting the right materials and sources. Here are some ways to ensure your deck is as “green” as possible:
FSC-Certified Wood: If you opt for natural wood like cedar, redwood, or any tropical hardwood, look for certification by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or a similar program. FSC-certified wood comes from forests that are managed sustainably and ethically – this means logging is done in a way that maintains the health of the ecosystem and ensures regrowth. By choosing certified wood, you support responsible forestry. For example, there are suppliers of redwood and cedar that harvest from second-growth forests with replanting programs, preserving old-growth stands. Using domestic woods (like North American pine, cedar, redwood) can also reduce shipping impact compared to importing exotic wood.
Composite from Recycled Materials: Many composite decking manufacturers incorporate a high percentage of recycled content in their boards – often recycled plastic grocery bags, bottles, and reclaimed wood waste from factories. This repurposes material that would otherwise go to landfills. For instance, Trex, a leading composite brand, frequently cites that their decking is 95% recycled material. By using composite, you’re effectively giving a second life to plastic and wood scrap. Additionally, because composites last so long and don’t need harsh chemical stains or sealers over time, they avoid repeated chemical use that can wash off into the environment. The flip side: composites are not biodegradable, so at the end of their life (decades down the road) they need to be recycled if possible rather than tossed. Some companies do have recycling programs for old composite boards. Overall, if made with recycled input, composites can be considered an eco-friendly choice.
Rapidly Renewable Materials (Bamboo): Bamboo is another decking material that has gained attention for sustainability. Technically a grass, bamboo regrows extremely quickly – many species mature in 3-5 years, far faster than any wood. Some companies produce bamboo composite deck boards, or thermally treated bamboo that is hard and weather-resistant enough for decking. When sourced responsibly, bamboo has a very low ecological footprint and doesn’t contribute to deforestation. A bamboo deck board can look and perform similarly to hardwood. Just ensure the product is made to withstand your climate (some bamboo products are engineered for outdoor use with resin binders).
Reclaimed or Recycled Wood: An often-overlooked option is using reclaimed wood for your deck. This could mean sourcing deck boards milled from old barns, warehouses, or other structures that are being dismantled. Reclaimed wood has tons of character (nail holes, weathering) that can give your deck a unique rustic look. By reusing wood, you’re not demanding new lumber from forests and you’re keeping old wood out of the waste stream. Make sure the reclaimed wood is still structurally sound (old-growth lumber can be very durable) and treat it as needed for outdoor exposure. You might also repurpose lumber from a previous deck if it’s in good shape. Using reclaimed wood can be labor-intensive (pulling nails, refinishing) but is very eco-friendly and can even be cost-effective if the material is sourced cheaply.
Alternative Sustainable Decking: There are a few other innovations to consider. Thermally modified wood (like Thermory or Kebony brands) takes sustainable softwoods and heat-treats them to enhance rot resistance, avoiding chemicals – this can be a greener alternative to pressure-treatment. Also, recycled plastic lumber is out there: boards made entirely of recycled plastic (no wood fibers). These are often used in marine environments (docks, etc.) and boast great longevity and zero moisture absorption, though they can be more expensive and not as stiff as wood. If PVC or aluminum decking is used, look for manufacturers that incorporate recycled content or have recycling plans.
In choosing your deck material, think about the lifecycle: where it comes from and where it will go in the future. If using wood, try to ensure it’s harvested responsibly to keep forest ecosystems healthy. If using composites or plastics, look at the recycled content and plan to recycle the materials again when the deck eventually needs replacement. Also, using long-lasting materials in itself is sustainable – a deck that lasts 30+ years means fewer resources used in rebuilding or repairing frequently.
Lastly, consider maintaining your deck with eco-friendly products. There are low-VOC stains and sealers that are less harmful to the environment, and using a simple broom and non-toxic soap for cleaning vs. harsh chemicals will keep your deck area healthier for plants and pets. By combining sustainable material choice with environmentally friendly maintenance, your deck can be enjoyed with peace of mind that you’ve minimized its ecological impact.
