Green Friendly Wood Deck Ideas

Wood Choices

• The right wood choice will create a solid foundation for your green-friendly outdoor deck. Natural wood, which is wood that has not been treated, is perhaps the most environmentally conscious choice. This is because it contains no synthetic materials and does not undergo any chemical treatments. Another benefit is that it is also more affordable than composites. Look for woods in materials such as bamboo, which is considered sustainable and is generally as affordable as other wood and composite choices.

Sealants

• To preserve the look of your eco-friendly deck long-term, you will need to use a sealant that will provide a protection from the elements without being damaging to the environment. Look for paints and stains that contain no toxic materials -- including volatile organic compounds, fungicides or chemical pigments. Instead, look for organic products that use natural pigments, feature low biocides and are water-based. In fact, some paints and stains use recycled water as a base, which is even more eco-conscious.

Locally Sourced

• Perhaps one of the best ways to "go green" with your wood deck is to look for materials that were harvested locally. The less distance the materials have to travel to make it to your home, the easier it is on the environment because less energy was used to transport it to you. If locally sourced wood is available in your community, consider this option. It's possible that wood that has no real market value, such as scrap wood harvested from a local forest, might function beautifully in your deck while minimally impacting the environment.

Maintenance and Treatment

• Once your wood deck is built and sealed, your maintenance regimen should also be mindful of green building practices. For example, avoid commercial cleaners that use harsh chemicals. These chemicals can run off the deck and into the soil, plant life and water systems. Instead, opt for organic cleaning solutions made at home or bought in stores. Sometimes, a rigorous power wash with ordinary water can be all the cleaning you need for the deck without the need for potentially toxic chemicals.