Introduction
Over the past years, sustainable has been slowly becoming the new requirement in the construction industry. And while others believe it not necessary, implementing sustainable choices can greatly affect our planet and its climate. People nowadays ask for more sustainable solutions from using less harmful materials to gravitating towards recyclable options.
Sustainable decking is very much possible, that is why we collected various tips from the decking industry to give you a plan for successfully building the most sustainable deck.
TIP FOR CONSTRUCTORS
The market for sustainable project grows with every upcoming year. Offering your customers a sustainably built deck might just be the thing to differentiate yourself from the competition.
TIP FOR HOMEOWNERS
Building a sustainable deck with your family allows you to educate your family about sustainable choices and that we can make a change with even smaller adjustments. And who knows, that drink on your new deck might taste just a little bit sweeter.
TIP FOR CONSTRUCTORS
The market for sustainable project grows with every upcoming year. Offering your customers a sustainably built deck might just be the thing to differentiate yourself from the competition.
TIP FOR HOMEOWNERS
Building a sustainable deck with your family allows you to educate your family about sustainable choices and that we can make a change with even smaller adjustments. And who knows, that drink on your new deck might taste just a little bit sweeter.
TIP FOR CONSTRUCTORS
The market for sustainable project grows with every upcoming year. Offering your customers a sustainably built deck might just be the thing to differentiate yourself from the competition.
TIP FOR HOMEOWNERS
Building a sustainable deck with your family allows you to educate your family about sustainable choices and that we can make a change with even smaller adjustments. And who knows, that drink on your new deck might taste just a little bit sweeter.
Exchange wood for composite decking
Composite decks are usually produced from recyclable plastic film (containing polypropylene or polyethylene) and waste wood fibres. It is fully recyclable, but among being sustainable, these types of decks provide a lot of benefits.
LOW MAINTENANCE
Its popularity has been going up over the last decade more and more, mostly for its lack of maintenance. While wood requires sanding, coating and oiling, composite decks only need a once-a-year wash.
HOLDS ON IN EVERY WEATHER
Another advantage comes with its UV resistance and power to withstand a lot of moisture, that is why it is very suitable for pool areas. Or just the general wear of the winter season.
CHILD-PROOF
It is the perfect material for children who run around barefoot, it does not absorb heat and has a smooth surface and reduces risk of splinters. It is a long-lasting solution that ages slow.
LOW MAINTENANCE
Its popularity has been going up over the last decade more and more, mostly for its lack of maintenance. While wood requires sanding, coating and oiling, composite decks only need a once-a-year wash.
HOLDS ON IN EVERY WEATHER
Another advantage comes with its UV resistance and power to withstand a lot of moisture, that is why it is very suitable for pool areas. Or just the general wear of the winter season.
CHILD-PROOF
Lastly, it is the perfect material for children who run around barefoot, it does not absorb heat and has a smooth surface and reduces risk of splinters. It is a long-lasting solution that ages slow.
At the end of day, if the final decision falls upon wood decking, there is way to make that choice a bit more sustainable. Well, going for wood decking increases deforestation and is not the most Earth friendly option, but wood can be collected sustainably if you do it at the right time and ecologically. You must watch out for who your suppliers are and if they are meeting the regulations for a ‘sustainable forest’. Look out for the FSC certification on your wood supplies and research which type of wood decking is the most responsibly sourced.
Ditch the concrete
If you really want to build the most sustainable deck, you need to start thinking from below the ground. A deck foundation is the one of the most important steps to take to secure your deck will hold. There are different options to build a deck foundation, however, there are more sustainable choices you can make to help the climate.
Concrete footings are a popular way to support a deck structure. But if sustainability means anything to you – concrete is a no-go. Concrete is a non-recyclable material which most of the times just ends up in a landfill. There is a much more sustainable material out there, one that creates the same support as any other foundation. Which is it? Steel.
If you really want to build the most sustainable deck, you need to start thinking from below the ground. A deck foundation is the one of the most important steps to take to secure your deck will hold. There are different options to build a deck foundation, however, there are more sustainable choices you can make to help the climate.
Concrete footings are a popular way to support a deck structure. But if sustainability means anything to you – concrete is a no-go. Concrete is a non-recyclable material which most of the times just ends up in a landfill. There is a much more sustainable material out there, one that creates the same support as any other foundation. Which is it? Steel.
Steel foundations, or more precisely screw pile foundations are produced from hot-dip, galvanized steel which is completely recyclable and forever usable. Yes, steel is one of the most sustainable materials in the world, but screw piles come with extra benefits as well. It requires almost no labor work since it eliminates the need for digging a hole, pouring concrete and the drying times. They work in all different soil environments, making it a very attractive solution for any project anywhere.
Exploit your deck sustainably
It is one thing to build a deck sustainably, but it is another one to make the deck itself be sustainable. There are ways one can help the environment through producing energy and reducing toxic waste.
One of those examples could be solar panels. For now, it is only a vision of future, an upcoming idea which already brings promising results across the ocean in creating our own energy. This could be our future: If the deck is suitable for it, these solar panels can be installed and plugged in an outdoor power outlet. It would be the next step for our population to ‘grow’ our own sustainable energy.
It is one thing to build a deck sustainably, but it is another one to make the deck itself be sustainable. There are ways one can help the environment through producing energy and reducing toxic waste.
One of those examples could be solar panels. For now, it is only a vision of future, an upcoming idea which already brings promising results across the ocean in creating our own energy. This could be our future: If the deck is suitable for it, these solar panels can be installed and plugged in an outdoor power outlet. It would be the next step for our population to ‘grow’ our own sustainable energy.
How else to use the deck for more eco-friendly purposes? Fire features are multi-purposeful for the deck. They provide the warmth during cooler evenings, as well as giving the space a nice visual touch. But how to make it more sustainable? Wood needs to burn for the fireplace to work and the particles are later dispersed in the air. But there is a solution ahead- bio fireplaces. Instead of using wood, propane, fossil fuels or electricity, these bio fireplaces run on bioethanol which is a renewable source that only disperses heat, steam, and carbon dioxide.
These are just two examples how a deck can serve a sustainable purpose which will, eventually, let our planet heal.
Conclusion
Sustainability is on the rise, and you’ve got all the tips now. Next time you build a deck, know that there are ways to enhance its qualities while still thinking sustainably.
GroundPlug® Screw Foundations
GroundPlug® TwisterTM screw pile footings can be used for a number of outdoor structures, including deck footing, greenhouse footing, shed footing and foundations for granny flats, small cabins, pergolas, retaining wall, arbors and more .
FREE ENGINEERING SERVICE
Are you set on building a deck? Are you thinking of choosing a screw pile footing for your project? Foundation installation for decks has never been so easy. Just fill in the form and we will pre-calculate your foundations needs and send you a quote within 24-48 hours. Offer accepted? We’ll draw up your plan sketch and ship out your screw piles directly to the building site, your home or your office.
