Decking & Outdoor Structures

The things we build outside must endure all the same abuses as a roof, and more. Besides sun, rain, wind, temperature extremes, snow and ice, they must live in contact with the soil, and often let us walk around on them—durability is the big concern here. How long an outdoor structure can last without substantial maintenance is both a big financial and green consideration.

The green perspective brings two additional considerations only slightly less obvious. One: where did these materials come from? If wood, is it certified sustainably harvested by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)? If plastic or composite lumber, is it in fact recycled material, or just made from virgin plastic or PVC? And, where will it go? Can these materials be safely recycled, or biodegrade?

The other concern is with your soil: will your paint, stain, sealant or treated wood leach toxic chemicals into the surrounding soil? This can be a very real issue as when plants metabolize metals or chemicals that then hurt the pets and children who innocently eat them. It’s generally a bad idea to introduce poisonous substances into your home outside or inside, but here sometimes the overarching need for durability will lead to choosing (for example) the best possible treated lumber.