Are composite decks as environmentally friendly as they claim to be?

Don’t use plastic when you can build with real, beautiful wood that lasts.

2 MIN READ
Brought to you by Lonza Wood Protection

Popular in Backyard Projects.
Preserved wood is a natural and beautiful building product that has been used to enhance backyard spaces for decades. Wood is such a great building material that in recent years other products have tried to mimic its look and its appeal. But nothing can replace the product that is created in nature with just sun and water as its main ingredients and augmented with preservatives innovated by Lonza Wood Protection. Preserved wood remains the most economical product to build outdoor projects. Why is wood still so popular?

Preserved Wood is easier to use.
Wood is an easy-to-use building component for any backyard project. But why is it a superior choice over composites? Here are just a few of the reasons:

Preservative-Treated WoodComposite
Available
  • Easily sourced at local lumber yards and home improvement stores
  • Always in stock in the event of project changes or additions
  • Many colors have to be special ordered
  • Stocked color options rotate frequently so replacement boards can be hard to source
  • Matching replacement pieces can be hard to find if scratched or damaged
Workable
  • No special tools needed – hammers, drills, and saws work with wood
  • Easily modified on job site to adapt to project changes
  • Lighter weight than alternative materials
  • Repairs / changes can be completed easily
  • Expertise may be needed to protect and hide cut ends
  • Custom-made material does not allow for modification on job site
  • Heavier than wood
  • Repairing damaged boards is difficult
Adaptable
  • Can match understructure
  • Can be stained different colors as styles and preferences change
  • Can color match single replacement pieces
  • Typically, does not match understructure
  • Cannot change color
Maintenance
  • Upkeep cost is minimal and could include cleaning and brightening, water repellent, and maybe stain
  • Long-term cleaning and brightening similar to that of preserved wood


Wood is more environmentally friendly.
Wood is a renewable resource that is sourced from managed forestlands. As wood grows, it removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and that sequestration of carbon continues with preserved wood. Composite products are manufactured in a factory and require 13.5 times MORE fossil fuel to produce than preserved wood.

Wood is more affordable.
Did you know that you can get more than double the size of deck by using affordable preserved wood rather than composite products? You can build a 24’x24’ preserved wood deck for about $500 less than the cost of a 10’x10’ composite deck* because preserved wood decking is often a third of the cost of composite. That leaves approximately 196’ more room for grilling, visiting, eating, relaxing. Use the cost savings to add deck furniture, a grill, a fire pit, or another finishing touch that will make your outdoor space the place you want to spend time.

Learn more at www.LonzaWoodProtection.com.

*Estimated average materials cost as of August 2018.

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