How to Build a Green Deck

During nice weather, outdoor living spaces become a very popular place to be. Green decking options offer homeowners the opportunity to create their favorite "room" of the house with a less harmful impact on the environment. Chances are, you are probably already using reusable grocery bags and remember to unplug and turn things off to preserve energy so you may as well make an outdoor space that you enjoy so much part of your Green living lifestyle as well.

Certified Wood

Everyone can appreciate the charm of a natural wood deck but these products can really put a heavy burden on the environment.

Now, thanks to efforts to preserve and protect forests, homeowners can choose lumber from a forest that is sustainable and economically viable. Since 1990, more than 220 million acres in 82 countries, the Forest Stewardship Council has made it possible to trace the origin of raw lumber. Many manufacturers are also finding creative, non-toxic, earth friendly treatment solutions.

Plastic Lumber

This product looks like wood but it's made from recycled plastic. It does not fade, splinter or rot and it comes in an array of colors. Plastic lumber has been proven very effective for decks, piers, outdoor furniture, nature trails and park benches.

Wood-plastic Composite

Wood fiber and recycled plastic, marry together to create a wonderful decking product that is stronger than using plastic lumber yet costs less than sacrificing trees. These products are durable and will not splinter or rot.

Wood-plastic composite is exploding in popularity with homeowners because it does not require staining or painting. Grocery stores offer you a reusable shopping bag and now environmentally friendly companies offer you a product that is using recycled plastic that may have otherwise ended up in landfills.

Added Benefits Of Composite Decking

Aside from the fact that it has virtually no upkeep, is incredibly durable and slip resistant, these products have came a long way in appearance since being introduced in the 1990s. There are more color options available now as well as added accessories such as attractive hand-railings and hollow posts for decorative lighting. Color options range from the look of tropical-type hardwood to shades of gray.

Composite decking is also ideal for walkways, hot tub surroundings and yard structures. This is an excellent option to combine high quality, an authentic look and Green living together. As more homeowners continue to demand Green building products, eager manufacturers are designing exceptional materials to serve their needs.

Outdoor Furniture

When choosing outdoor furniture for your deck, there are many wonderful environmentally products to choose from now.

Poly-wood is recycled plastic blended with wood to reach long lasting, water-resistant furniture that comes in six color choices. Bamboo is a phenomenal option to look into when shopping for outdoor furniture. It is grass that grows incredibly fast, saves trees and creates a fabulous product. Teak is an exceptional product to choose for your outdoor furniture a well. Natural oils are used to make it water resistant. Teak is generally harvested from designated growth plantations so no harm is being done to forests for the material.

Any environmentally friendly furniture product is going to be durable which means it will last a long time and less energy down the road is used when you don't have to replace it with a new product. It takes energy to dispose of trash so less trash means less toxic gases being released in the atmosphere.

Eliza Reeder writes articles that deal with environmental concerns and eco-friendly living. She encourages everyone to help protect our planet's future by doing things like using organic cotton bags. You can find more eco-friendly living tips on her reusable bags site.

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