If you commit to living sustainably, that purpose will permeate all aspects of your life, especially your home. Whether you’re adding a deck to a new home or replacing a damaged one, this new construction doesn’t have to harm the planet. Learn sustainable solutions for building and designing the eco-friendly deck of your dreams.
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Choose Responsibly Sourced Wood
Most decks are wooden, which makes sourcing this base material for your construction by far the most important step to get right from a sustainability standpoint. On top of choosing fast-growing, minimally resource-intensive wood for the project, make sure you buy from companies dedicated to responsible forestry. These certifications ensure that the wood comes from forests managed with long-term sustainability in mind, where ecological, social, and economic dimensions receive consideration.
Responsibly sourced wood minimizes the environmental impact of your project. In particular, sustainable hardwood decking offers many environmental benefits, ensuring that your deck project contributes to the conservation of forests rather than their degradation.
Incorporate Recycled or Composite Materials
Are you looking for a different base material than wood? Innovations in the construction industry have brought forward recycled and composite materials as viable options for decking. These materials, often made from a blend of recycled plastics, wood fibers, and other sustainable components, offer a durable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwoods.
Plus, these materials resist rot, fading, and insect damage, and they also require less maintenance over time. By choosing recycled or composite materials for your deck, you actively contribute to reducing waste and supporting the market for recycled products. Therefore, both sustainably sourced hardwood and composite decking are good options for your eco-friendly deck.
Opt for Nontoxic Finishes and Sealants
Protecting your deck from the elements and ensuring its longevity is important, but it’s equally important to choose finishes and sealants that don’t harm the environment. Opting for products free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic chemicals means less pollution and a healthier outdoor space for you and your family. Many eco-friendly options on the market offer the same high level of protection against weathering and wear, keeping your deck beautiful and functional for years without the environmental cost.
Enhance the Space With Solar Lighting
Illuminating your deck area extends its usability into evening hours, but this doesn’t have to come at the cost of increased energy consumption. Enhancing the space with solar lighting is a sustainable choice that leverages renewable energy from the sun. Solar lights charge during the day and provide bright, cost-effective illumination by night, reducing the carbon footprint of your outdoor space. Additionally, solar lighting comes in various styles, such as the best-selling solar wall lights, giving you many options to improve aesthetics and sustainability at the same time.
New construction doesn’t have to harm the planet if you approach the project thoughtfully. If you choose eco-friendly materials, protect the surface with nontoxic finishes, and illuminate it with solar lighting, you can realize a deck that doesn’t compromise your values. Use these sustainable solutions for building and designing your deck to create an environmentally friendly, beautiful, and functional outdoor living area.
5 thoughts on “Sustainable Solutions for Building and Designing a Deck”
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