Communing with the bounty of nature in your own backyard is
one of the many advantages of having a deck. Not only does it boost your
Keller home's
value, a deck gives you a comfortable venue for enjoying the outdoors -
and what could be more environmentally friendly than spending some time
with Mother Nature? But is your deck really as "green" as it could be?
Some
decks are simply greener than others by virtue of the materials used in
their construction. If you'll be adding a new deck to your outdoor
environment this year, or refurbishing or replacing an old one, keep
these eco-friendly deck-building tips in mind:
Deck board options
Wood and composites are the two primary types of boarding used for decks. Wood
is a renewable resource; more trees can grow to replace the ones
harvested for your deck boards, and when your deck's usable life ends,
you can recycle the wood it was made of. However, pressure-treated
lumber is not recyclable. While the preservatives it's treated with make
pressure-treated lumber last longer than many types of untreated wood,
it's less eco-friendly in the long run because it must be disposed of
instead of reused.
Composite
boards can also be greener. Many are made from recycled materials such
as reused plastic and reclaimed or recycled wood. Composites tend to be
more long-lasting than wood, and require no special treatment like
staining or sealing. Their longevity can make them a greener choice, but
be aware composites can't be recycled.
Greener railings
Just
as wood and composites are the primary materials for deck floors,
they're also commonly used for railings. However, given the railing's
exposure to the elements and its importance in the safety and beauty of a
deck, it's worth exploring other green alternatives.
Stainless steel cable railing,
not only provides unobscured views from your deck and a sleek,
attractive look, it's also 100 percent recyclable. What's more,
Ultra-Tec railings are made from recycled stainless steel,
meaning fabrication requires less consumption of resources like fossil
fuels, less consumption of minerals through mining, and a reduced
environmental impact.
Greener railings can also save you some
green; you can easily install stainless steel railing yourself on a new
or existing wood or composite deck.
Maintenance
If
you choose to construct your deck of composites - and add a stainless
steel railing - it will require little maintenance. Stainless steel is
inherently weather-resistant and will stay shiny and beautiful for years
without you having to do anything to it.
If you opt to build your
deck with wood, some types will require regular maintenance like
sealing and staining. Rot and pest-resistant woods may not need to be
sealed, but will weather to a silver-gray color unless you stain them
every year. Many stains contain a blend of agents meant to inhibit the
growth of fungus or deter pest infestations, and may also contain
volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Look for stains and sealers that rely
on natural ingredients, such as hemp oil, beeswax, carnauba wax and
water.
Icing on the cake
Of course, adding
life to your deck is one of the greenest things you can do. It's easy to
add built-in planters as you're constructing a new deck or retrofitting
an existing one. Or, you can simply place flowers, vegetables and herbs
in containers on the deck. Be sure to protect wood decks with a tray
placed under containers to catch water runoff.
Lighting is also a
great way to boost the visual appeal and usability of a deck. You can
enjoy mood-making light that's also eco-friendly by using solar lights,
rather than electrical ones, throughout your deck. A variety of solar
deck lights are available online and in home improvement stores. You can
even find solar-powered decorative post caps for deck railings.
Choosing
greener deck options can help ensure you enjoy your outdoor environment
throughout the yea, while adding value to your
Keller home.
Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have
designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information
you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the
best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving
your dreams in home ownership
