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March 20, 2010  |  Login
Sustainable Decking Materials
By Eric Corey Freed
 
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Exterior Finishes and Trim

A well-designed deck can open up a room and allow you the chance to get some fresh air. From staining, to dry rot and splinters, traditional decks can be a maintenance headache. Green options can solve some of these issues. Encourage outdoor living with the durable, low-maintenance decking alternatives in the following sections.

Certified wood

If you go with wood, be sure to use wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. The FSC stamp ensures this wood has been sustainably harvested. The most popular traditional decking material, redwood, typically comes from old-growth trees and cannot be replaced. Save these irreplaceable redwood trees and look for FSC-certified redwood instead.
 
Wood framing used outside is typically pressure treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA), which is a form of arsenic (not exactly healthy for you or anyone else). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has now banned CCA wood, but it is still in use, especially in children’s playgrounds. Look for wood treated with the healthier ammoniacal copper quaternary (ACQ).

Composite Lumber

Combining recycled plastic and sawdust, composite lumbers are much healthier and more environmentally friendly than wood. They don’t warp, splinter, or need staining.

The maintenance savings alone is reason enough to consider composite lumber. Composite lumber is available from dozens of manufacturers; look for the companies that offer the highest recycled content planks.

Ipe Wood

Ipe is a type of wood that is an attractive alternative to the typical redwood or teak decking. The strength and natural water resistance of ipe makes it a great choice for a durable deck. As always, FSC-certified ipe wood is the greenest option.

Reclaimed Beams (Railroad Ties)

Salvaged ties from old railroad tracks are available and attractive, and they don’t require any new trees to be made.

Because they were manufactured to be used outside, railroad ties are pressure-treated with CCA. Coat them with two coats of a water-based sealer to seal in the CCA. This will keep most of the harmful chemicals from soaking into your skin when touching it. Maintain the coat every few years to stay protected.

 
 

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