How Sustainable is Composite Decking?
As people become more and more conscious of their environmental impact, environmentally-friendly decking options are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners and suppliers alike.
If you’re looking for sustainable composite decking for an outdoor space, Composite Prime is here to help. We supply a wide range of composite decking, cladding and fencing to customers nationwide, and in this article, we’ll explain just how sustainable composite decking can be.
Is composite decking environmentally friendly?
Yes, eco-friendly composite decking is one of the most environmentally-friendly outdoor materials you can choose.
Some great environmentally-friendly features that composite decking has include:
- Durability and longevity – Composite decking can last for decades without users having to worry about warping, rotting or splitting. This long lifespan reduces the need for regular replacements, meaning fewer raw materials are needed.
- Recycled composite materials – The composite decking we supply is made of more than 3,000 recycled plastic bottle caps. These recycled composite materials help to divert waste from landfill and reduce the demand for raw materials.
- Use of 100% FSCⓇ timber – High-quality composite boards are made from timber fibres and wood flour that have been responsibly sourced and are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSCⓇ)
- Anti-fungal performance – All our composite boards are naturally resistant to mould and fungus, the main cause of rot and decay in traditional timber. This extends the lifespan without having to replace it or use chemical preservatives that can be environmentally harmful.
- Natural woodgrain finish – Composite decking perfectly recreates the appearance of real woodgrain, bringing the aesthetic appeal of timber without having to harvest real wood.
What is the most environmentally friendly decking material?
Eco-friendly composite is often the most sustainable choice when it comes to decking materials.
While many people like the natural look of traditional timber boards, they require a lot more treatment to keep them looking their best, including staining and sealing, which are not the most sustainable practices. They also might need to be replaced more often as they can be adversely affected by rain, which requires the use of raw materials.
In contrast, environmentally-friendly decking that is made from composite materials requires very little maintenance. Our boards only need minimal cleaning and there is no need for any painting, staining or the use of preservatives. When combined with the use of recycled materials, this reduces the overall environmental footprint. #
Long-term environmental impact and lifecycle
When assessing the sustainability of materials, it’s always worth considering the full lifecycle of the product.
This includes:
- Product lifespan – The longer the product lasts, the less of an environmental impact it will have as it won’t need replacing as often.
- Maintenance requirements – Many maintenance tasks use chemical treatments that can impact the environment, but as composite requires minimal maintenance, this is not the case.
- Waste – The durability of materials will directly impact how much waste is generated. With composite decking, this waste is reduced as decking lasts longer and so will not end up in landfill.
At Composite Prime, we supply stunning composite decking products that are designed with both performance and sustainability in mind. Working with homeowners, installers and suppliers across the UK, contact our expert team today to find out more.
