Building eco-decking in Australia is the best way to maximise your outdoor space. Building a deck with sustainable materials protects the environment, as you are not wasting resources. It is also helpful to your budget because you will reduce the long-term costs of maintenance.
By working with eco-friendly materials, you are also lowering the chances that your family could be exposed to toxic materials. The most eco-friendly materials for you depend on a lot of factors, such as the climate you live in, your location, and your budget.
Environmental considerations
When it comes to choosing the best eco-friendly option for you, it is important to keep in mind the following factors.
- Locally produced
You don’t need to buy your decking materials from far away. The further your materials have to be shipped, the greater the cost to the environment. In most cases, locally produced decking materials will deliver what you need and bring an array of benefits.
- Materials that were manufactured cleanly
When choosing eco-friendly decking materials, it is important to choose materials that were made without the use of toxic chemicals and which do not create toxic by-products.
- Green maintenance
You should check that you can maintain the decking material without using toxic chemicals.
- Sustainable future
You should ensure that the material is harvested responsibly and it is not a finite resource.
- Longevity
Choose a durable material. The more durable the material used to build your deck, the less negative impact it will have on the environment. So, you should ensure your eco decking suppliers provide a warranty of at least 10 years when choosing decking materials.
- Recyclable
Select a decking material that can be recycled and/or is made from reclaimed or recycled products. Here are some materials you should consider when choosing eco-friendly decking materials.
- Timber decking
This is the traditional material option for building a deck and, while it is fast being replaced by composite decking, it is still good material, especially for people living in an area that has extra hot summers. Wood is a long-lasting material and one of the most economical used to build a deck. While it requires regular maintenance, it beats many other options in terms of longevity because you can refinish it every year. Timber decking should be cleaned and sealed annually to maintain its original appearance and to prevent warping and splintering. Some hardwoods are naturally resistant to insect and rot damage, so they do not need to be treated with chemicals.
- Plastic and composite alternatives
Composite and plastic materials have become very popular in recent years due to their ability to look as good as natural wood but without the associated time-consuming and costly maintenance issues. Plastic and composite materials resist cracks, stains, and warping, and insects are not interested in these materials.
Composite decking can also be made with reused or recycled materials and this means they can be used to make eco-decking Australia. However, it is important to look for high-quality composite materials to ensure you are making a greener choice.
Written by Lifestyle Staff Writer Luke Bonaventura
