Final Up to date on July 12, 2024
Do you know the typical American spends 90% of their time indoors? The irony is getting exterior is so good for our well being: Spending simply 20 minutes exterior a day helps cut back stress.
You don’t even have to depart the consolation of dwelling to reap the advantages: Having fun with out of doors areas in your entrance yard, porch, patio, or yard are a easy solution to get exterior.
This submit was sponsored by TimberTech. All ideas and opinions are my very own; for extra info please see my disclosure coverage. Among the hyperlinks on this submit are affiliate hyperlinks; for extra info please see my disclosure coverage.
There are such a lot of methods to create a sustainable out of doors area too: Planting a local pollinator backyard, beginning a veggie backyard, thrifting secondhand out of doors furnishings, and eco-friendly decking are only a few.
I’m a giant advocate for procuring secondhand and never simply with garments. You’ll find so many distinctive and inexpensive out of doors furnishings units in thrift shops, Fb market, or your native Purchase Nothing group.
Plus, there are such a lot of artistic methods to customise your finds, be it by way of an elaborate paint job or a fast polish. The extra effort you place into making an outside area yours, the extra doubtless you might be to put it to use.
In Maine, we get just a few months of absolute bliss in the course of the summer time. The climate is so excellent, and I need to absorb each single second earlier than the lengthy winter. I really like internet hosting events and gatherings and for those who do too, and also you’re on the lookout for sustainable decking or making a extra eco pleasant area then look no additional.
Sustainable decking isn’t precisely a scorching matter most individuals speak about, not to mention take into consideration. However we must always! Decking can take up an enormous chunk of area within the yard and it does require a number of supplies, power and labor to place collectively.
That’s why I used to be so excited to search out TimberTech, a sustainable decking firm that makes use of recycled supplies and acutely aware manufacturing processes. Their decking is crafted from excessive efficiency supplies which might be sourced thoughtfully and responsibly.
Should you’re seeking to improve your yard area with minimal impression on the setting, right here’s all the things you want to find out about sustainable out of doors decking.
what materials needs to be used for a deck?
There are just a few totally different supplies to select from in relation to deciding on a deck. The most typical supplies embrace wooden, recycled PVC, and composite decking.
Which materials you employ will depend on your particular wants and circumstances. For instance, in case your deck shall be close to water, will encounter a number of foot site visitors, and also you need it to remain cool to the contact, PVC could also be your best option.
Whereas many assume wooden is probably the most sustainable materials as a result of it’s pure, that isn’t essentially the case. Wood decks don’t final so long as composite or PVC decking and they’re prone to mildew and mildew.
Whereas wooden has a pure really feel and is biodegradable, this additionally means it is going to ultimately deteriorate over time. On common a picket deck will usually final 10 to fifteen years. Nevertheless, capped composite boards can final 25 to 30+ years and capped PVC can probably final 50 years or extra.
Additionally, TimberTech’s Superior PVC has an 89% decrease lifecycle carbon footprint vs. Brazilian Tropical Ipe decking. It additionally has a 26% decrease lifecycle carbon footprint vs. pine decking. Which means that not solely does PVC decking last more, but when it’s sustainably manufactured and largely created from recycled content material (like TimberTech’s PVC is), it has a smaller carbon footprint than some well-liked wooden decking choices.
Selecting supplies and merchandise which might be designed to final will at all times be an eco-friendly choice. Total, much less assets will must be wasted or used to take care of that materials.
In case you are on the lookout for PVC decking, I like to recommend wanting into recycled PVC, which is what TimberTech makes use of (extra on this later).
It’s additionally price noting that composite decking is created from recycled plastic and reclaimed wooden. This lasts twice so long as wooden and doesn’t want frequent functions of harsh cleaners, stains, or sealers.
Finally, probably the most sustainable decking materials to decide on is the one that can final the longest in your particular local weather and yard.
what’s an eco-friendly materials as a substitute of wooden?
Recycled PVC and composite decking are eco-friendly supplies to contemplate for those who’re on the lookout for one thing moreover conventional wooden. These supplies will last more and tolerate larger foot site visitors compared to wooden.
That mentioned, not all PVC and composite decking are created equal. For instance, until said in any other case, a model might use virgin supplies of their PVC decking, which have a better carbon footprint.
TimberTech provides each recycled PVC and composite decking. Right here’s why every of their decking supplies are extra sustainable than alternate options.
recycled pvc decking
- Made within the USA from roughly 60% recycled materials, together with post-construction scrap like vinyl siding and trim.
- It’s totally recyclable on the finish of its helpful life, by way of TimberTech FULL-CIRCLE.
- Lasts longer: Decking is extremely proof against moisture harm like mildew and mildew, and it gained’t splinter, crack, warp, peel, or rot.
- Much less work, which equals much less harsh cleaners, stains and seals. Simply an occasional scrub and rinse are all that’s wanted.
- Protected with a 50-year Fade & Stain Restricted Guarantee and Lifetime Restricted Product Guarantee.
composite decking
- TimberTech composite decking is fabricated from a mixture of high-performance and recycled polymers and reclaimed wooden fibers.
- Made within the USA from roughly 85% recycled materials together with plastic baggage, milk jugs, and different discarded plastics.
- Made to final and gained’t splinter, crack, warp, or peel.
- Low upkeep: Simply scrub and rinse.
- Protected by Restricted Product and Fade & Stain Warranties that last as long as 30 years
what does eco-friendly decking price?
To get a really feel for what eco-friendly decking prices, TimberTech has a decking price calculator that can provide you an estimate on how a lot a undertaking might price.
There are numerous elements that may drive the full price of the undertaking up or down, together with the dimensions and complexity of the deck, your location, the contractor you select, allow charges, the landscaping of your property, and options like railing, stairs, or lighting.
The typical 16×20 foot deck is 320 sq. ft. For this dimension, an estimated general price could be ~$10k to $16k. With railing, it bumps as much as ~$15k to $22k.
Whereas a TimberTech deck might price extra upfront, the financial savings over time are substantial since TimberTech decking gained’t require the identical annual upkeep and repairs as a wooden deck.
Simply keep in mind that every undertaking varies and the easiest way to find out the price of yours is to make use of TimberTech’s price calculator. You can even request a quote or discover a contractor simply by way of TimberTech.
TimberTech: an environmentally pleasant deck choice
Just lately, Justin and I moved to Maine and bought an older dwelling that we’ve spent a superb chunk of time restoring. We’re making an attempt to do it as sustainably as doable, all whereas honoring the historical past of the house.
Most all of my furnishings is classic and secondhand. We’re selecting power environment friendly updates. Taking a look at sustainable supplies, paint, and making an attempt to decide on timeless decor and design that gained’t must be persistently up to date.
We’re blessed to have a small deck the place we host buddies for bbqs, out of doors film nights, and even simply peacefully studying within the luscious climate. Our current picket deck is in tremendous nice form, however when the time comes to switch it, TimberTech is on our checklist. I’m drawn to the convenience, upkeep, and I really like supporting corporations who use recycled supplies.
Placing your recycling within the bin is just one a part of the method! Companies truly need to have incentive to purchase these uncooked supplies and use them within the creation of their merchandise.
And it’s not restricted to only their decking. In addition they provide out of doors furnishings and railing created from recycled supplies, plus lighting, to finish your deck area.
However recycled supplies are only the start! Listed here are just a few the reason why TimberTech is an eco-friendly deck choice.
recycled supplies
Recycled supplies have a decrease carbon footprint than virgin supplies, since you’re not extracting something new from the setting, however utilizing what’s already accessible.
Along with their father or mother firm, The AZEK Firm, TimberTech transforms a whole bunch of tens of millions of kilos of landfill-bound waste and scrap into stunning, low-maintenance, long-lasting merchandise yearly.
In reality, their father or mother firm AZEK is the most important vertically built-in recycler of PVC within the U.S. Their recycling services are owned and operated in Ohio and Michigan the place they course of a whole bunch of tens of millions of kilos of plastic waste and scrap every year.
TimberTech decking is engineered from 60 to 85% recycled content material. They make the most of landfill and ocean-bound wooden and plastic waste, scrap and trash, like grocery baggage, milk jugs, PVC pipe, building waste, and outdated vinyl siding, to create their decking.
eco acutely aware manufacturing course of
TimberTech’s sustainability doesn’t finish at their merchandise, however carries into the way in which they’re produced.
Their services in Wilmington, OH, Scranton, PA and Boise, ID, make use of a closed-loop water filtration system that reuses and recycles tens of millions of gallons of water day by day. This protects ~96% of their water use yearly.
On prime of this, most of their manufacturing websites supply carbon-free electrical energy and use energy-efficient techniques for energy, heating and cooling, water, and LED lighting.
Particular to their Boise, ID location, they’ve put in LED lighting upgrades, environment friendly water-cooled chillers, rainwater harvesting techniques, bicycle and electrical car charging stations, and a state-of-the-art AZEK College coaching middle.
partnered with thredup
ThredUP is the world’s largest on-line thrift retailer that carries greater than 35,000 title model objects. The shop additionally accepts clothes on the market – all it’s important to do is request a Clear Out bag and fill it with top quality name-brand items.
RELATED: 7 Locations to Resell Your Garments On-line
Factor is, ThredUP nonetheless ships their garments in plastic baggage, which aren’t recognized for being straightforward to recycle by way of curbside. However these aren’t going to waste. In reality, TimberTech is upcycling them into their composite decking materials.
By way of a partnership with ThredUP, TimberTech is responsibly remodeling plastic movie waste into new merchandise. AZEK is amassing 100% of ThredUP’s polyethylene plastic Clear Out Luggage after the contents have been processed.
On prime of this, they’re additionally amassing ThredUP’s post-industrial plastic movie waste and transporting them to AZEK’s vertically built-in polyethylene recycling facility in Wilmington, Ohio. There, these supplies are processed and integrated into TimberTech’s composite decking materials. Speak about a fantastic instance of a round financial system!
eco awards
Others are taking discover of TimberTech’s sustainable commitments too.
Along with their father or mother firm, AZEK, TimberTech has been acknowledged by way of a number of awards showcasing how they’re revolutionizing out of doors residing and making a extra sustainable future.
A few of their awards embrace:
- 2023 Inexperienced Builder Sustainable Product Of The 12 months
- 2022 ESG GameChanger Awards
- Architizer A+Merchandise Winner
- Actual Leaders Affect Awards Winner
So, would you give TimberTech decking a strive? Which of their decking materials appeals most to you? Let me know within the feedback!