This post was updated on January 6, 2025
Wood decks remain popular outdoor gathering spaces for many U.S. homeowners, but are these wooden structures considered eco-friendly? They absolutely can be, especially when learning and using best practices, sustainable decking materials, and the many eco-friendly products available. In the following, I’ll discuss how to construct and maintain a beautiful wood deck without negatively impacting the physical environment or posing health risks to you and your family.
Top Sustainable Wood Options for Decking
Sustainability is among the most common terms used when discussing topics such as global warming, carbon emissions, and other modern environmental concerns. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), something that is sustainable will neither directly nor indirectly cause substantial harm to our natural environment. Overall sustainability goals focus on how humans and nature can coexist without damaging fragile ecosystems.
When constructing a deck, you should choose sustainable decking materials. You can start by selecting the wood. Among the possible natural wood decking material options, the most sustainable types are Douglas fir, Nootka cypress, pine, redwood, and Western red cedar. Although classified as grass rather than wood, Bamboo is another natural material that qualifies as a sustainable decking option. Furthermore, bamboo is surprisingly durable and grows rapidly in many environments.
To assess whether these natural materials qualify as sustainable deck options, you must consider the full lifecycle of these products. Making this determination requires understanding factors such as:
- Tree growth and replenishment rates: For environmental purposes, new trees must be planted to replace those removed from forests. Some unsuitable options include trees that take many years to mature, those that require excessive fertilizer, and those that will only grow with “ideal” soils and climate conditions.
- The “carbon footprint” of the wood: Certain woods are associated with high carbon emissions, such as by generating excessive amounts of greenhouse gases.
- The manufacturing process requirements: Some unsuitable woods require (consume) a tremendous amount of energy during the manufacturing or production process.
- Material durability: Sustainable deck building materials must be reasonably resistant to moisture, humidity, insects, and fire.
Eco-Friendly Decking Products
A host of other products and materials are necessary for constructing, cleaning, and maintaining your deck, which may or may not meet modern sustainability standards.
Plastic Lumber
One synthetic alternative to natural wood or bamboo is plastic lumber. Unlike wood, plastic lumber is resistant to water and insects and generally requires no staining, painting, or sealing. For environmental purposes, the Healthy Building Network (HBN) recommends choosing plastic lumber composed of a high percentage of post-consumer recycled material.
Composite Deck Materials
Another alternative to the traditional types of sustainable hardwood decking options is composite. Many composites are a blend of natural wood and plastic, or another synthetic material and usually appear more similar to actual wood than plastic lumber.
Deck Stains
Similar to paint, deck stain was traditionally a source of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Regulations such as the Federal Clean Air Act of 1998 and initiatives among many U.S. states have substantially reduced these environmental concerns. I recommend low-VOC options such as Defy Extreme wood stain.
Deck Sealers
Today, deck sealer products such as those produced by ECOS are safer for humans and our environment. Some natural, alternative deck sealer formulas contain linseed or walnut oil.
Wood Brighteners (Neutralizers)
Many products used for brightening wood have traditionally contained very caustic agents that pose legitimate environmental or health risks. Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener is a safer alternative that uses more friendly, safe acid.
Deck Strippers
Many products used for stripping away old stains contain corrosive agents and may worsen air quality. The R-A-D PaintStrip Stripping Gel is an eco-friendly option that I’ve found will perform very well.
Other Decking Tips for the Eco-Conscious
One very useful resource is Green Seal®, a not-for-profit organization that certifies products based on health and environmental safety. Recently, the GS-11 established a set of standards specifically for paint, coating, stain, and sealer.
You should also consider some of the following “green” products and best practices for the exterior areas of your property:
Green landscaping measures: Conserve water by choosing plants that will thrive in your local climate without much water and positioning plants with similar water needs together.
Porous pavers: Consider alternatives to solid pavers, which force rainwater into storm drains. Some examples include permeable concrete or crushed stone.
Capture rainwater: Place barrels or similar containers in the yard that will collect rainwater, which can be repurposed in the irrigation of lawns and gardens.
What the Science Says: Eco-Friendly Decking Materials
North America’s residential and commercial deck industry generates over $4 billion in annual revenue. The market remains strong, as homeowners recognize that attached decks are ideal places (weather permitting) to host outdoor entertainment activities and typically increase their property’s value.
Currently used in over 70% of newly constructed decks, wood remains the leading material used. Some alternatives include composite decking, a blend of wood fibers and plastic, and fully synthetic plastic and PVC options. Here, I’ll look at some studies that analyzed whether treated wood and some alternatives are eco-friendly, sustainable deck-building materials.
Study 1: Comparative Life-Cycle Analysis of Decking Materials
The first study was a life-cycle analysis comparing the ecological impact of alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ)-treated lumber and wood plastic composite (WPC) from production to their eventual disposal. Although natural woods are clearly sustainable deck materials, most are treated with preservatives to help resist decay and protect against insect damage. ACQ features a water-based preservative containing copper and other compounds.
Compared to WPC, ACQ-treated wood is an eco-friendly deck material that has a long lifespanover its lifespan. WPC was determined to use more fossil fuels and water, resulting which resulted in more greenhouse gas emissions.
Study 2: Impact of Wood Preservation and Treatment on Sustainability
A 2004 study analyzed the recyclability of WPC used in decking, roofing, and siding. In the 1990s, WPC had less than 1% of the overall decking market share in North America; yet, by 2004 it had reached approximately 10%. Producers and sellers of WPC have boasted that the product is better for the environment and performs better than treated wood for decking applications.
The WPCs used in decking are largely composed of wood and plastic that would otherwise end up in landfills. The recyclability of WPC after its serviceable life is more challenging. First, when WPC is used in decking and other exterior projects, exposure to the elements, such as fungi and ultraviolet (UV) rays, can alter its structure and properties. Second, WPC material is unavoidably mixed with other materials in the waste stream (trash). In both instances, WPC is potentially less consistent, making it less desirable for use as a raw material in other applications.
Study 3: Biodegradable and Sustainable Decking Materials
A newer, 2022 study revisited the recyclability of WPCs from the construction waste stream. The findings also confirmed that because the production of WPCs uses recycled wood or wood flour, it has environmental and economic benefits. The report found that emerging applications for WPC exist in the automotive, marine, and defense sectors.
Making the Sustainable Choice for Your Deck
The materials that compose your wood deck are subject to a variety of damaging outdoor elements, including rain, direct sunlight, and insects; therefore, choosing highly durable options and performing regular maintenance tasks remain a top priority. Unfortunately, some of the wood decking options and maintenance products, such as stains and strippers, may harm the physical environment and pose health risks to humans and other living creatures. As was aforementioned, the market now has a variety of sustainable decking options to choose from without compromising performance.
Resources:
- https://www.epa.gov/sustainability/learn-about-sustainability
- https://impactful.ninja/most-sustainable-woods-for-decking/
- https://www.greenamerica.org/green-living/green-hands-deck#
- https://greenseal.org/standards/gs-11-paints-coatings-stains-and-sealers/
- https://todayshomeowner.com/decking/guides/sustainable-decking/
