Tag Archives: eco-friendly decking

PVC vs. Composite Decking: Which is Right for Your Home?

PVC vs. Composite Decking: Which is Right for Your Home?

When it comes to choosing the perfect decking material for your home, PVC and composite decking are two popular options that offer durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. However, each has its unique characteristics that might make one a better fit for your specific needs. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between PVC and composite decking to help you make an informed decision.

What is PVC Decking?

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking is a type of synthetic decking material made entirely from plastic. Unlike traditional wood decking, PVC is designed to mimic the look of wood but with added durability and low maintenance.

Advantages of PVC Decking:

  • Durability: PVC decking is highly resistant to moisture, rot, and insects, making it a long-lasting choice for various weather conditions.
  • Low Maintenance: It requires minimal upkeep, needing only occasional cleaning with soap and water to maintain its appearance.
  • Color and Design Options: PVC decking comes in a wide range of colors and styles, allowing for customization to match your home’s aesthetic.

Disadvantages of PVC Decking:

  • Cost: PVC decking tends to be more expensive upfront compared to composite options.
  • Appearance: While modern PVC decking closely resembles wood, some people still prefer the authentic look and feel of real wood.

What is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic. This combination provides the natural appearance of wood with the added benefits of synthetic materials.

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Advantages of Composite Decking:

  • Natural Look: Composite decking closely mimics the look and feel of natural wood, often with more variation and texture.
  • Durability: It is also resistant to moisture, insects, and rot, similar to PVC decking.
  • Environmental Benefits: Many composite decking products are made from recycled materials, making them an eco-friendly choice.

Disadvantages of Composite Decking:

  • Maintenance: While less maintenance-intensive than wood, composite decking may require periodic cleaning to prevent mold and mildew growth.
  • Cost: Composite decking can be costly, though it often provides good value over time due to its longevity and low maintenance requirements.

Key Considerations

  • Budget: Determine your budget and compare the upfront costs of PVC and composite decking, keeping in mind long-term maintenance costs.
  • Aesthetic Preferences: Consider whether you prefer the look of wood or a synthetic material and how it will complement your home.
  • Climate and Usage: Evaluate your local climate and how the decking material will perform in your area, especially if you live in a region with extreme weather conditions.

Conclusion

Both PVC and composite decking offer significant benefits, and the choice ultimately depends on your preferences, budget, and specific needs. PVC decking excels in low maintenance and durability, while composite decking provides a more natural wood appearance with eco-friendly advantages. By carefully considering these factors, you can select the decking material that best suits your home and lifestyle.

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Creating an Eco-Friendly Deck

Creating an Eco-Friendly Deck: Sustainable Options for Your Outdoor Space

As more homeowners prioritize sustainability, creating an eco-friendly deck has become an essential part of outdoor projects. Building and maintaining a deck with the environment in mind not only reduces your carbon footprint but also ensures your outdoor space is long-lasting and low maintenance. From choosing eco-friendly decking options to integrating energy-efficient features, you can make your deck both beautiful and environmentally conscious. Let’s explore key strategies for building an eco-friendly deck and how it benefits both the environment and your home.

Choosing Eco-Friendly Decking Options

The foundation of any eco-friendly deck begins with the materials you choose. Eco-friendly decking materials like composite decking, bamboo, or responsibly sourced wood can significantly reduce your deck’s environmental impact.

Top Eco-Friendly Decking Options:

  • Composite Decking: Made from recycled plastics and wood fibers, composite decking offers a sustainable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood. It doesn’t require staining or sealing, which further reduces the use of harmful chemicals.
  • Bamboo Decking: Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource and an excellent alternative to hardwoods, making it one of the most eco-friendly decking options available.
  • Recycled Wood: Opting for reclaimed or recycled wood minimizes the need for new lumber, reducing deforestation and waste.
  • FSC-Certified Wood: If natural wood is your preference, select FSC-certified wood that ensures responsible forestry practices are in place.

Sustainable Deck Features

Beyond just decking materials, there are many other ways to make your outdoor space more eco-conscious. Incorporating eco-friendly pergolas made from sustainable materials and eco-friendly lighting solutions are great ways to reduce energy consumption while enhancing the ambiance of your deck.

  • Eco-Friendly Pergolas: Choose pergolas made from recycled or sustainable materials, such as composite or bamboo, to provide shade while keeping your deck green. Pergolas are also excellent for supporting climbing plants, adding natural beauty to your space.
  • Eco-Friendly Lighting: Installing solar-powered or energy-efficient LED lighting for your deck reduces electricity use while providing the necessary illumination. Eco-friendly lighting options, like low-energy LED fixtures or solar-powered string lights, are both efficient and stylish.

Eco-Friendly Deck Maintenance

Maintaining your eco-friendly deck doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals or excessive water use. Instead, opt for non-toxic cleaning solutions and environmentally safe sealants that protect your deck without harming the planet.

Sustainable Maintenance Practices:

  • Non-Toxic Cleaners: Use eco-friendly cleaning products that are biodegradable and safe for plants and wildlife. These solutions effectively clean your deck without contaminating nearby water sources.
  • Water Conservation: Sweep your deck regularly to minimize the need for heavy water use, and when necessary, clean it with a low-flow pressure washer to conserve water.
  • Green Sealants: Choose sealants made from plant-based oils instead of petroleum-based ones to protect your wood deck in an eco-friendly way.

The Benefits of Eco-Friendly Decking

Building an eco-friendly deck not only helps protect the environment but also saves you money in the long run. Sustainable decking materials are often more durable and require less maintenance, making them cost-effective over time. By incorporating eco-friendly decking options, lighting, and sustainable maintenance practices, you can create a deck that’s as good for the planet as it is for your lifestyle.

Conclusion

Creating an eco-friendly deck is all about making conscious choices, from selecting eco-friendly decking materials to incorporating sustainable features like eco-friendly pergolas and lighting. These steps ensure your outdoor space is not only beautiful and functional but also respectful of the environment. By embracing eco-friendly decking options and thoughtful maintenance practices, you can enjoy a sustainable, durable, and low-maintenance outdoor retreat for years to come.

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Trex Custom Built Decks

Are you thinking about transforming your Omaha outdoor space with an elite, custom-built deck? We’ve been deck building in Omaha for nearly forty years and have found Trex® materials to be some of the most outstanding low-maintenance decking available. Let’s take a more in-depth look into what makesTrex® an excellent choice for your Omaha custom deck.  

What is a Trex® Built Deck?

Trex® has been an industry leader for low-maintenance composite decks since 1996. There are four highlight features theTrex® brand is famous for. 

  • Protective shell – Nobody likes a deck with scratches.
  • Deep Wood Grain – The texture of the wood grain is deep and looks authentic.
  • Eco-Friendly -Trex® decks are made with 95% recycled materials.
  • Dozens of Rich Colors and Textures – An expansive catalog of colors and textures ensures you get precisely what you want.

An Industry Leading Warranty

A Trex® deck will not rot, warp, crack, or be eaten by termites. AllTrex® products come with a 25-year  limited residential warranty against material defects, fading, and stains.Trex® can offer such an extended warranty because they make a product that surpasses the warranty. It’s that good. 

Trex® vs. Wood

A low-maintenance custom deck made withTrex® comes loaded with benefits that make it a superior choice to wood decking. First off, it’s stain and fade-resistant. It’s not going to warp, rot, crack, or split like wood. Mold and mildew are never a problem. Termites are never going to make a meal out of it. It’s splinter-free so the kids can run freely without you worrying. It’s easy to clean – just use some soap and water. 

Trex® Composite Decking Lineup 

Trex® decking has options for all aesthetic tastes and budgets.  

  • The TrexTransend® line has elevated aesthetics paired with the highest level of performance. It comes in earth and tropical tones. Some Tropical tone favorites include Havana Gold, Spiced Rum, and Island Mist. If you’re looking for a more earthy tone try Gravel Path, Fire Pit, or Vintage Lantern.
  • The TrexSelect® line is the perfect pairing of price and minimal maintenance. This lineup comes in some stunning earth-tone colors that include Pebble Grey, Saddle, and Woodland Brown.
  • The TrexEnhance® lineup offers an authentic wood-grain appearance for the beauty of wood with the ease of composite. The Enhance color lineup includes natural colors like Coastal Bluff, Foggy Wharf, and Toasted Sand.

More than Decking

Trex® offers more than just decks. Their same low-maintenance innovations are available inTrex® railing and outdoor lighting. When you get your custom deck through us, we can put together a complete package that includes the deck, railing, steps, and an®y exterior lighting. Everything is custom-designed to your liking.  If you’re not sure which combinations of railing and lighting are best, we can show you what all your options would look like.

SeeTrex® Decking in Person

If you’re sold onTrex® or on the fence, we recommend you come to see it in person to truly appreciate this state-of-the-art maintenance decking material. Everyone is amazed at the engineering and beauty once they hold a piece ofTrex® decking material in their hands. When you come to our showroom, you get to see up close how a custom-built deck can transform your outdoor space and become an additional living room for you and your family.