There’s nothing better than relaxing with friends and family outside enjoying the ‘great outdoors’ on a deck or patio. Now when it comes to deck materials, they are not created equal. Traditionally, decks are constructed of either natural wood or composite wood.
When building (or updating) your deck, you’ll want to factor the following into your consideration;
- budget
- maintenance time
- durability and
- environmentally friendly attributes.
Natural hardwood timber, which can be used as a decking surface, requires the harvesting of trees – trees that must be replaced through future harvesting. According to Angie’s list, ‘the main reason people choose wood is for the initial cost savings. The main reason people choose composite or manmade deck materials is for the low maintenance required.’
Capped and composite decking is undoubtedly one of the most environmentally friendly options on the market. The manufacturing processes for composite decking and fencing are highly efficient and sustainable, resulting in a 98.5% recovery rate of manufacturing material waste and preventing more than 50,000 tons of plastic and wood from reaching landfills and incinerators each year. Composite manufacturers include, Trex, Timber Tech, Azek and Fiberon.
Founded in New London, North Carolina in 1997, decking manufacturer Fiberon built its business selling high-quality, eco-friendly composite decking, railing and fencing. Since its inception, Fiberon has been dedicated to environmentally and ecologically safe practices. Is it that mentality and desire that has gone into making every piece of Fiberon’s composite decking and fencing.
Fiberon composite decking is made from locally-sourced recycled plastic, lumber mill scraps and other materials. Plus, our composites prevent further deforestation, are free of the toxic chemicals often found in pressure-treated lumber and are manufactured in a process that produces zero water waste.
In 2007, Fiberon expanded operations to Meridian, Idaho, enabling efficient bi-coastal manufacturing and distribution. Today, Fiberon employs more than 350 people, each one working to extend the company’s legacy of quality, innovation and sustainability.
This efficiency and dedication to sustainable practices has greatly reduced Fiberon’s environmental impact and allows environmentally-minded consumers access to high quality decking.
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when selecting a decking material. With some research and careful consideration, you’ll hopefully get to enjoy your deck for years to come.