Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Decking Solutions

Due to the ever-growing environmental awareness in South Africa, the drive has been more intense than ever to find eco-friendly and sustainable decking solutions. Consumers are not the only ones making the change. Many suppliers are following suit as well. Nowadays, consumers can choose from a wide selection of sustainable decking solutions. Environmental issues and eco-friendly materials have increasingly been on consumers' minds. In general, price and aesthetics are going to play a huge role in purchasing decisions, but sustainability is becoming more and more important when it comes to making decisions about where one should invest hard-earned dollars. Before looking into these eco-friendly and sustainable solutions, let’s get to know about sustainable decking and why is sustainable decking so important?

Why is Sustainable Decking so Important?

Creating sustainable decking takes environmental protection into account. As a result of this approach, environmental ethics are observed from the very beginning, in the planting of trees, and throughout the whole manufacturing process. Whether you use natural timber or composite decking, you can achieve a sustainable approach to decking. Keep reading to learn more about the decking industry's commitment to sustainability. As we move into an environmentally conscious society, our communities and national spaces are talking about ways to improve all aspects of our lives. Scientists and policymakers have raised the issue of how we use products and whether they affect the environment. So many homeowners are very sensitive to the nature of the products they use in their outdoor living spaces.

If you are looking for the most eco-friendly and sustainable solutions for your outdoor space or yard then there are few tips you should consider to build an eco-friendly deck. We will look into those tips at the end. First of all, let’s check out 7 eco-friendly and sustainable decking solutions for your house. Let’s proceed to check out 7 eco-friendly and sustainable decking solutions.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Decking Solutions 

In case you're looking to add a deck to your house or renovate an existing outdoor living area, here are 7 eco-friendly and sustainable decking solutions that you should incorporate into your design.

• Plastic Decking

In terms of environmental impact, plastic decking is one of the most unfriendly decking products. Its main ingredient is polyvinyl chloride, a polymer that is toxic to the environment. Since it is released into the air, water, and land during its manufacture, polyvinyl chloride is bad for the environment. These can lead to serious health issues and environmental damage. There is no recycling of plastic deck boards. They are only able to be disposed of through incineration or landfilling.

Apart from these realities, plastic decking offers several eco-friendly advantages. There is no need to use sealants or paints once it is installed. This eliminates the need for further chemical additions. 

• Wood Decking

If you just look at wood decking, it's easy to think it's the most eco-friendly decking option available. However, when you begin to realize that wood decking is produced from deforestation and is usually the result of hundreds of thousands of trees being logged, your perspective may change.

Along with deforestation, the transport or distribution of forest wood to manufacture deck boards contributes to pollution because tonnes of wood are shipped almost every day around the world. Moreover, wood decking is frequently treated with sealants and stains to extend its life. While deck maintenance involves the use of strong, toxic chemicals, they affect the environment negatively. Apart from these, wood decking has many eco-friendly advantages. Once it has reached the end of its life span, it can be disposed of in an eco-friendly way. You can repurpose or redeploy wood decking for several different purposes.

• Composite Decking

Composite decking board makers use recycled materials to make composite decking boards that are more sustainable for the planet. The primary constituents of composite decking are recycled wood and plastic. Using these materials reduces the annual amount of plastic and wood waste in landfills because they are sourced from industrial and consumer waste. The composite decking doesn't require sealing or staining after or during installation. This eliminates the use of dangerous or toxic substances. Therefore, its use does not negatively affect the environment.

It is important to note that many composite decks are not recyclable. However, they do not require as much maintenance as wood and are more durable. Because composite decks are long-term investments, they are seen as wise investments. A minimal amount of maintenance can extend its lifetime to 30 years. The wood and plastic decking materials can't compare because they need replacing and disposal regularly. Decking products all have advantages and disadvantages; however, composite decking has the least impact on the environment. Among the many environmentally friendly decking options available today, composite decking is arguably the best. The Composite Company offers a great eco-friendly and sustainable solution in the form of composite decking.

• Wood-Alternative Decking Boards

A simple way to reduce your deck's impact on the environment is to avoid natural wood decking boards. Deforestation occurs when wood of any kind is cut down, but it has a disproportionately negative effect on the environment when the wood of rare or tropical origin is cut down. 

Natural wood is beautiful, however, if you want to avoid all the maintenance, consider composite decking materials. Genuine wood looks can be achieved without impacting the environment with the following brands:

• The Composite Company
• TimberTech AZEK
• Zuri

• Wood-Alternative Decking Frame

When deciding to go with a wood-alternative decking option, take into account the benefits of a wood-alternative deck frame option, as well. As a result, various companies offer steel frames. Because of this, you don't need to worry about rot, as your deck is made of non-sustainable material.

Adding fire features to your deck can serve a variety of purposes. The fireplaces keep you warm during the cooler shoulder seasons, and they also improve the appearance of the room. However, many people looking for a fully eco-friendly option find these to be challenging. The cost of producing a wood-burning fireplace varies by type. A propane fireplace uses propane, which burns cleanly but is not renewable, and heaters use electricity.

• Eco-Friendly Railings

Composite boards are becoming increasingly popular for decking, but fewer consumers realize that those companies also provide railings. There are many products available in composite, such as the porch and deck railing options offered by The Composite Company, as well as the TimberTech composite railing options. They benefit the environment in much the same way as decking boards from other composite companies.

As another wood alternative, vinyl can also be used to create railings; however, most vinyl options use virgin plastic (plastic created for the project) instead of recycled plastic. As a result of its tendency to aged or degrade over time, and to warp when exposed to extreme temperatures, lots of environmentally conscious consumers prefer this composite material over others.

• Stainless Steel Exterior Cabinetry

At the moment, an important trend in decking is the integration of high-end, beautiful, and durable exterior cabinets. It is widely accepted that stainless steel cabinets are the gold standard, whether used for storage or outdoor cooking.

The highly durable and long-lasting nature of stainless steel makes it an ideal material for the outdoor environment. It is also environmentally friendly. Recycled stainless steel does not degrade in quality, which means most products contain a high proportion of recycled steel.

Now that you know the 7 eco-friendly and sustainable solutions, let’s check out 3 important tips to build an eco-friendly deck.

Important Tips to Build an Eco-Friendly Deck

The following are the 3 important tips to build an eco-friendly deck:

1. Select the Best Materials

Selecting the right materials for an eco-friendly deck involves careful consideration. You should consider researching and analyzing numerous materials that could be used in your deck project. You can choose from a variety of sustainable and quality building materials, including:

• Natural wood
• Pressure-treated lumber
• Composite decking
• Metal stair railing

2. Make a Conscious Choice of Design

If you want your dream deck to be environmentally friendly, you should plan it accordingly. By carefully considering important aspects, you can ensure your deck design minimizes the carbon footprint.

Make sure you have enough space for your deck and home. Make sure to choose a shaded location, if possible, so that you won't be exposed to the sun. You will be able to avoid constructing additional structures in the future if your deck has enough shade.

3. Make Sure You Perform Deck Maintenance Properly

Regular maintenance can help you maintain a sustainable deck. Use eco-friendly cleaning products to keep your deck beautiful while helping the planet. Find out what methods you can use to clean your deck. Consider using chemical-free cleaners, homemade solutions, and homemade remedies.

An online search will help you locate natural cleaners for decks. You can determine the best cleaning service by looking at reviews. To clean your deck, combine common household ingredients with water, such as white vinegar, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide.

What if you had the power to make your deck a work of art? You can put a lot of style and value into your property if you choose one of these 7 eco-friendly, sustainable, stylish, and modern solutions. Whether you live in Johannesburg or Pretoria, South Africa The Composite Company can assist you with delivering, installing, caring for, and maintaining your deck.