Sustainable Deck Construction: An Introduction

Deck construction is no easy task–it involves many nuances that help make your outdoor living space uniquely yours. That being said, building a sustainable deck contributes positively to your environmental impact and can save you money in the long run. In this post, we will break down sustainable deck construction materials and practices so you have a clearer idea of how easy sustainability can be.

Choosing Sustainable Deck Construction Materials

When it comes to choosing the materials for your deck, there are a plethora of sustainable options. The best part is that most of them come with other unexpected benefits, such as a natural resistance to fungi and pests, class-A fire ratings, or susceptibility to stains, splits, scratches, mold, and mildew, depending on your chosen material. They’re also super durable and more cost-effective than non-sustainable materials. Here are three types to consider:

Recycled Plastic Lumber

Recycled plastic lumber (RPL) is a wood-like material made from recycled plastic and other materials like wood fillings and fibers. It’s known for being lightweight, sustainable, and affordable. But the other great things about RPL are that it’s more durable than wood and won’t rot, splinter, or chip over time, and it’s low maintenance. It’s resistant to mold, mildew, and insects and doesn’t require annual sanding, sealing, or finishing.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a great choice for those going for a natural look. It’s also incredibly dense and strong, typically surpassing the hardness of traditional hardwood. It has high safety ratings, too, as it’s fire-resistant and naturally resistant to insects and decay. It’s quickly becoming a staple material for deck construction.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is made from a mix of wood fibers and recycled plastic and doesn’t use toxic chemicals. Unlike wood decks, it doesn’t need to be sanded, painted, or stained, and you can actually wash it with soap every few months. It’s a lightweight material known for lasting 25-30 years due to its natural molding, rotting, scratching, fading, and warping resistance.

Eco-Friendly Deck Construction Finishes & Treatments

When it comes to finishing and treating your deck (if even necessary) you want to use as many low-VOC materials as possible. Low-VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, which are carbon-based chemicals that emit little to no toxic fumes or gasses. These materials are vastly better for the environment and for general air quality. Low-VOC materials are water-based instead of oil-based like traditional sealants, making them more sustainable and better for human health. Because of their water-based nature, they emit no odors, don’t off-gas after drying, are easier to clean because you can use soap and water, cure and dry faster than an oil-based material, and can provide a matte finish.

Sustainable Deck Construction Building & Design Practices

Sustainable building practices can be difficult to control when you’re not the one building your deck, but you can still implement them. Three ways to do this are sourcing local materials, reducing waste, and building for longevity.

Local Sourcing

Locally sourced material use provides many benefits, the chief among them being reduced transportation emissions. It also reduces transportation costs and supports the local economy. Additionally, local suppliers usually know what works best for your geographical location, so you can rest assured that you’re investing in materials that will last. There also tends to be a focus on providing higher quality materials, which is crucial in deck construction where durability is a priority.

Waste Reduction

Waste reduction takes some planning. You've already fought half the battle when you use sustainable materials for building and finishing. Other things you can do are to provide the construction team with precise measurements and recycle scraps. You can also opt for deconstruction instead of demolition if you’re rebuilding your deck so you can donate or recycle materials instead of throwing them away.

Durability & Maintenance

Improving your environmental impact starts with your mindset. The results will be more environmentally friendly if you prioritize building for longevity and keeping up with occasional maintenance. Luckily, by using sustainable materials in your deck construction and finishes, the maintenance tends to be lower, and your materials are made to last longer.

Conclusion

Overall, building a deck sustainably is often easier, more cost-effective, and lower maintenance. You don’t have to put much effort into becoming sustainable; the materials work for you. All it takes is a slight mindset shift. Don’t let the fear of negatively affecting the environment hold you back from constructing the deck of your dreams.