Building a deck is a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors from the comforts of your home. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to experience nature without destroying it? Luckily, you can. Building your new deck with eco-friendly materials can help you get the outdoor space that you’ve always wanted while also preserving the nature that surrounds it. Not only will you be “going green”, but you will also be able to enjoy a longer-lasting and overall healthier-looking deck.
Factors to Consider
Choosing the right material for an eco-friendly deck isn’t always an obvious decision. There are many factors that contribute to whether a material is eco-friendly such as:
- Is the material produced locally?
- Is the material manufactured “cleanly”?
- Does the material have a sustainable future?
- Can it be maintained in an eco-friendly manner?
- Does the material last a long time?
- Are the materials recyclable?
Oftentimes, you may not find a material that considers every factor, but if you choose a material that achieves at least a few of these, you can feel good knowing that your new deck is very eco-friendly.
Material Considerations
After you’ve taken into account the factors previously mentioned, you can start looking at the right decking material. There are two popular eco-friendly decking materials: wood and composite.
Wood- Wood has been the traditional choice for decking material due to its longevity, durability, and economic benefit. Even though it requires periodical staining and sealing, locally-harvested wood is a great material for anyone looking for a traditional-looking deck. Often, your geographic location determines the best type of environmentally-friendly wood to use for the deck. In Maryland, wood is a safe choice.
Composite- Composite and plastic alternative materials have grown in popularity in recent years due to the material’s longevity, low maintenance requirements, and ability to imitate wood. If you like the idea of an eco-friendly wooden deck but don’t like the idea of regular maintenance, composite is your best option. Said to last over 30 years, this material comes in many textures and colors, doesn’t require as much care as wood, and is resistant to rotting and insects.
Looking to Build a New Deck in Columbia, MD?
If you’re ready to get started on a new environmentally-friendly deck, contact North American Deck and Patio. We offer a wide range of materials to choose from and we can answer any questions you may have about the eco-friendliness of your deck project. We guarantee that we can build you a beautiful deck that doesn’t hurt the environment. Call us today to learn more.