IS IT REALLY ECO-FRIENDLY?

Composite decking, a popular choice for outdoor spaces, is often praised as being an eco-friendly alternative to wood. On closer inspection though, composite decking offers both environmental pros and cons. When taking on a decking project, how can we make the best choice for the planet? Read on and you can be the judge:  

Advantages: 

• Reduced Landfill Waste: Composite boards often utilise recycled materials like plastic and wood scraps, keeping them out of landfills promoting resource conservation. 

• Forest Preservation: By containing recycled wood, composite decking uses existing wood resources instead of fresh timber, potentially contributing to forest protection. 

• Minimal Chemical Use: Unlike wood which requires regular staining and sealing, composite decking generally needs only soap and water to clean, minimising the use of harsher chemicals and their potential environmental impact. 

• Longer Lifespan: With proper maintenance, composite decks have a longer lifespan than wood, reducing the need to completely replace the deck and therefore minimising further waste. 

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Disadvantages: 

• Limited End-of-Life Options: Unlike wood, which can be chipped for mulch or repurposed into bespoke deck furniture, composite deck boards currently have limited options for recycling or reusing later.  

• Scrap Management: Cutting composite boards often means ending up with off-cuts that are unsuitable for use in the deck itself. While some crafty projects can make use of these scraps, the amount of unusable material might end up needing alternative disposal methods. 

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Conclusion: 

While offering environmental benefits in terms of resource conservation and reduced chemical use, composite decking currently faces challenges in managing waste through recycling used boards and disposing of offcuts. With time, solutions for these aspects may further improve the overall environmental impact of composite decking. 

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We all want to do our bit for the environment. Did you know that Nurajacks are made from recycled materials? Check out our website to learn more.