| Although kitchen and bathrooms get the most | | | | recycled ingredients, recycled plastics and wood |
| attention from homeowners, outdoor decks can be a | | | | waste, improve the environmental sustainability of |
| more cost-efficient way to dramatically change the | | | | household decks by extending the life of otherwise |
| feel of your home. In order to get the most return | | | | wasteful products. Conversely, competitors argue |
| on your investment, it is important that you | | | | that the use of plastics in outdoor decking will actually |
| understand the materials that go into deck design | | | | create a surplus of non-recyclable waste. When |
| and installation. While traditional wood continues to | | | | wood decks lose functionality the materials can easily |
| prove popular among American homeowners, new | | | | be recycled or burned, but composite lumber will likely |
| composite decks are staking their claim over the | | | | go to landfills. |
| market. | | | | Wood lumber will always provide the most natural |
| What are composite decks? | | | | look and will be the most easily recyclable by the end |
| Composite decks are constructed using wood-plastic | | | | consumer, however composite decking is unmatched |
| composite lumber, a blend of recycled plastics and | | | | in regards to the ease of maintenance and deck |
| wood waste products. Although the use of | | | | installation. While wood deck owners spend time |
| composite lumber in deck floors is relatively new, the | | | | staining, painting, and refinishing, composite deck |
| material has long been used for railings, molding, and | | | | owners can save time for relaxing. According to |
| trim. Manufacturers argue that superior flexibility, | | | | manufacturers, composite decks require cleaning only |
| sustainability, and low-maintenance make composite | | | | twice a year. Some homeowners say that the wood |
| lumber the best material on the decking market. | | | | grains within the composite lumber can absorb water |
| Composite lumber is unique in the sense that it can | | | | and cause molding, but the problem can be remedied |
| be tailor made to meet the specific landscaping needs | | | | using standard cleaning solutions. |
| and deck designs of an individual consumer. During | | | | Whether composite lumber or traditional wood goes |
| the manufacturing process deck boards can be | | | | into your deck, it is important to understand the pros |
| molded to create arches, curves, and custom edging. | | | | and cons of each. Choose a deck contractor that has |
| Different blends can create a variety of wood grain | | | | extensive experience with both decking materials. |
| patterns and colors. However, the uniformity of the | | | | Ask about the structural implications of all decking |
| material can lend to the artificial look that distinguishes | | | | materials and choose that which will best suit your |
| composite decking from natural wood decking. | | | | landscape, your home, and your family. |
| Manufacturers of composite lumber claim that | | | | |