What Is The Most Environmentally Friendly Decking?

When considering decking for outdoor spaces, one of the most important factors today is the environmental impact of the materials used. With increasing awareness about sustainability and climate change, many Australians are seeking ways to reduce their ecological footprint when building or renovating outdoor spaces.

Choosing the most environmentally friendly decking is not just about picking a product that is ‘green’ but understanding the materials’ lifecycle, including sourcing, durability, and their long-term effects on the environment. This guide will provide insights into the various decking options available and the most environmentally friendly choices based on material sourcing, longevity, and impact on the planet.

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Understanding Eco-Friendly Decking Materials

Decking materials can be broadly categorised into natural wood, composite decking, and alternative options such as bamboo, recycled materials, and more. To determine what is truly eco-friendly, you need to consider several factors:

• Sustainability of the Source Material: How the raw materials are harvested or manufactured.
• Longevity: How long the material will last and its resilience against the elements, reducing the need for replacement.
• Maintenance and Chemical Use: The need for chemicals like sealants, stains, or pesticides and how these affect the environment.
• End-of-Life Disposal: How the material can be disposed of or reused once it’s no longer usable.

Let’s break down the options.

Timber Decking: The Traditional Option

Timber has long been the go-to material for decking, and it remains one of the most popular choices for many Australian homeowners. Timber is a natural, renewable resource, but its environmental friendliness depends on where and how it is sourced.

Sustainable Timber Choices

When selecting timber decking, it’s crucial to choose wood that comes from sustainable, certified sources. In Australia, the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification ensures that timber is harvested responsibly, supporting forest regeneration, biodiversity, and the rights of local communities. Look for FSC-certified wood to ensure the timber comes from well-managed forests.

• Spotted Gum: A popular native Australian hardwood, Spotted Gum is a durable and naturally resistant timber that is widely used in decking. However, it must be sourced from well-managed forests to be considered environmentally friendly.
• Blackbutt: Another native hardwood, Blackbutt, is known for its strength and fire-resistant properties. This timber, when harvested responsibly, can be a sustainable option for decking.
• Tasmanian Oak: Sourced from sustainably managed forests in Tasmania, Tasmanian Oak is a softwood option that is easy to maintain and can be a sustainable choice if properly certified.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Pros:

• Timber is a renewable resource, especially when sourced sustainably.
• It offers a natural aesthetic and is highly durable if properly maintained.
• Some hardwoods, such as Spotted Gum and Blackbutt, have a natural resistance to decay, reducing the need for chemical treatments.

Cons:

• Timber decking requires regular maintenance, such as sealing, staining, and oiling, to protect it from the elements.
• Non-sustainably sourced timber contributes to deforestation and habitat destruction.
• Even FSC-certified wood requires transportation, which adds to its carbon footprint.

Composite Decking: The Blend Of Wood And Plastic

Composite decking is made from a combination of wood fibres and plastic, typically recycled materials such as sawdust, wood chips, or post-consumer plastic. This type of decking has gained popularity because it offers the appearance of wood without some of the environmental drawbacks associated with natural timber.

Recycled Materials in Composite Decking

Composite decking that uses recycled wood and plastic is generally considered a more environmentally friendly option because it helps to reduce waste and the need for virgin materials. Brands like Trex, Modwood, and Futurewood offer composite decking options made from recycled content.

Trex is one of the most well-known brands globally and in Australia, offering composite decking that is made from 95% recycled wood and plastic. This company’s eco-friendly practices include using reclaimed sawdust, wood chips, and recycled plastic bags, which would otherwise end up in landfill.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Pros:

• Composite decking is durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to weathering, mould, and mildew.
• It doesn’t require the use of harsh chemicals like timber decking does for maintenance.
• Most composite decking products contain a significant amount of recycled materials, which helps to reduce waste and landfills.

Cons:

• The production of composite decking does require energy and resources, and some products use virgin plastic, which is not as environmentally friendly as recycled plastic.
• At the end of its lifespan, composite decking is not biodegradable, and while some brands are working on improving recyclability, many composite products still end up in landfills.
• The carbon footprint of composite decking can be higher than natural timber, especially if it is made with a significant proportion of virgin plastic.

Bamboo Decking: The Eco-Friendly Grass

Bamboo is another environmentally friendly decking material gaining popularity in Australia. Although it is not native to Australia, it is considered highly sustainable because it grows quickly, reaching maturity in just 3–5 years, compared to 30–50 years for most hardwood trees.

Sustainable Bamboo Sourcing

Bamboo is technically a grass rather than a tree, which makes it a highly renewable resource. When harvested responsibly, bamboo can be an incredibly sustainable material. However, as with any material, it’s crucial to ensure that the bamboo is sourced ethically. Look for bamboo decking products that are FSC-certified or produced by companies committed to sustainable harvesting practices.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Pros:

• Bamboo grows incredibly fast, making it one of the most renewable resources on the planet.
• It is strong, durable, and naturally resistant to pests and fungi, meaning it requires fewer chemicals than timber decking.
• Bamboo is lightweight and easy to work with, reducing the energy required for installation and transportation.

Cons:

• Bamboo is not as weather-resistant as some other materials, and it can be more prone to warping or splintering if not properly treated or maintained.
• The manufacturing process can involve the use of adhesives and chemicals that are not environmentally friendly, so it’s important to check the product’s specific details before purchasing.
• Bamboo decking is not as widespread in Australia as timber or composite options, which can make it harder to source.

Recycled Plastic Decking: Fully Sustainable

Recycled plastic decking is made from post-consumer plastic waste, such as plastic bags, bottles, and containers. This form of decking is highly resistant to the elements and doesn’t require the same maintenance as timber or composite decking.

Environmental Benefits of Recycled Plastic Decking

The biggest advantage of recycled plastic decking is that it repurposes plastic waste that would otherwise end up in landfills or the ocean. Some products, such as Kebony, are made using wood fibres that are impregnated with bio-based oils, creating a product that mimics the appearance of wood but offers the durability of plastic.

Recycled plastic decking, however, is 100% plastic, and this makes it highly resistant to rot, warping, and fading. Additionally, many of these products are made with materials that would otherwise end up in the environment, making them an eco-friendly alternative.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Pros:

• Durable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance.
• Resistant to water, rot, insects, and weathering.
• Often made from post-consumer recycled materials, reducing waste and helping to tackle plastic pollution.
• It can be recycled again at the end of its life.

Cons:

• The production of recycled plastic decking still involves energy consumption, though this is generally lower than that required for virgin plastic.
• While it’s highly durable, plastic can never be entirely ‘green’ as it’s a petroleum-based product. Furthermore, while it is technically recyclable, the infrastructure for recycling plastic decking is still developing in many parts of the world.

Reclaimed Wood Decking: A Sustainable Option

Reclaimed wood decking is made from salvaged timber, often from old buildings, barns, or fences. This type of decking offers the aesthetic beauty and character of aged wood while being an environmentally friendly choice because it reduces the need to harvest new trees.

The Environmental Impact of Reclaimed Wood

Using reclaimed wood helps reduce deforestation, prevents timber from being discarded, and minimises waste. Reclaimed timber also tends to be more durable and resistant to wear than new wood, given its age and exposure to the elements.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Pros:

• Repurposes wood that would otherwise end up in landfills.
• Has a unique, rustic appearance that is difficult to replicate with new timber.
• Reduces the demand for new timber, helping to preserve forests.

Cons:

• Sourcing reclaimed wood can be difficult and expensive.
• The wood may require significant treatment or refinishing, which could involve chemicals or other potentially harmful substances.
• It may not be as consistent in quality and may have imperfections that require careful inspection.

Conclusion

When choosing the most environmentally friendly decking material, it’s essential to consider a combination of factors: sourcing, durability, maintenance, and recyclability. Each material has its benefits and drawbacks, but there are a variety of options available for Australians who are committed to reducing their environmental footprint.

Timber decking, when sourced from sustainable forests, can be a great choice, especially for native Australian hardwoods like Spotted Gum and Blackbutt. Composite decking made from recycled plastic and wood can also be eco-friendly, especially products that use post-consumer plastic and recycled timber. 

Bamboo decking is a rapidly renewable resource, but it requires careful attention to the production process to ensure its environmental credentials. Recycled plastic decking is an excellent option for reducing plastic waste, but it still involves some environmental concerns related to its production and end-of-life disposal.

The key takeaway is that no decking material is perfect, but by choosing responsibly sourced materials and considering the full lifecycle of your decking, you can make an informed decision that benefits both your home and the environment. By prioritising sustainability, Australians can create outdoor spaces that are not only beautiful but also eco-friendly.

Frequently Ask Question

Does Eco-Friendly Decking Require More Maintenance?

Eco-friendly decking options like bamboo and composite decking generally require less maintenance than traditional timber decking. Bamboo may need occasional resealing to maintain its durability, while composite decking typically only needs cleaning with soap and water.

Timber decking, even if sustainably sourced, requires regular maintenance, including sealing, staining, and checking for rot or insect damage. The reduced need for maintenance in eco-friendly decking options means fewer chemicals and less effort involved in upkeep.

Can I Recycle Eco-Friendly Decking?

Recycling eco-friendly decking depends on the material used. Composite decking made from recycled wood fibres and plastic may be recyclable at the end of its life, but it often requires specific facilities that accept composite materials.

Timber decking, if untreated or free from harmful chemicals, can be recycled into mulch or compost. Bamboo decking is biodegradable, meaning it can break down naturally if disposed of properly. Before installation, always check with the manufacturer or local recycling facilities to ensure the recyclability of the decking.

What Are The Cost Differences Between Eco-Friendly Decking Options?

The cost of eco-friendly decking materials can vary. Timber decking made from FSC-certified wood may be slightly more expensive than untreated or non-sustainably sourced wood, but it offers a renewable and natural option. Bamboo decking is generally priced similarly to timber but can be higher depending on the quality and processing methods.

Composite decking tends to be more expensive initially than timber, but its durability and low maintenance needs can make it more cost-effective in the long run. While the upfront costs for eco-friendly options may be higher, their long-term benefits, including durability and minimal upkeep, can make them a more economical choice over time.