Eco-friendliness is not just a passing fad; it’s a way of life, and it is on the rise. In fact, the data confirms it.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green and Sustainable Homes Report suggests that eco-friendly homes with sustainable outdoor spaces have risen in demand/interest by 17% within the last 5 years.
In this quick article, we’re talking about eco-friendly decks and the materials you can use to create them, as well as comparing multiple eco-friendly features to bring your eco-friendly deck to the next level.
More precisely, we will focus on bringing out a clear and to-the-point comparison of the different decking materials, so that you’re able to pick the most appropriate green solution for your deck-building material/features (and your needs in general).
Contents
Comparing 3 Main Eco-Friendly Decking Material Options
Before we dive into the sustainable material options and the environmentally friendly features, you might already be looking for someone to actually build your deck.
The easiest way to find one in your area is to google “deck builder near me”, and numerous options will show up immediately.
All you have to do then is to pick one. While deciding, you can continue checking about how you might want to go about building that sustainable deck.
1. Composite Decking
Composite is made from recycled plastic and wood fibers. It’s extremely durable and low maintenance. It is highly resistant to mold/rot/insects. Lasts for approx. ~20+ years.
On the other hand, it has a higher upfront cost (7-10 USD per square ft.). But considering how long it can last and how little maintenance it requires, it is actually well-priced on the market.
2. Bamboo Decking
Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world (according to Guinness World Records, certain species of bamboo can grow up to 1.5 in./hr or 2.91 ft/day). It has a stand-out look, and on top of that, bamboo is stronger than most other types of (traditional) wood.
If you’re not careful with the selection of bamboo, you could end up with chemically treated bamboo. Also, some manufacturers use non-sustainable methods of harvesting (not preferred by eco-conscious buyers). The cost is usually 3-8 USD per square ft, which is very affordable, but the durability of bamboo is also lower, so it might not last as long as, for example, composite decking.
3. Reclaimed Wood
If you were looking to prevent or help with deforestation, then this is a great option, as you’d give purpose (and new life) to materials that would be otherwise discarded. Another plus is that the deck built from reclaimed wood has a rustic look and feel to it, which many people find especially appealing.
So, while the choice of material might be clear, there are some major drawbacks to this type of material. The price can vary greatly (based on availability), and it typically ranges from 5-15 USD per square foot, because it can be very difficult to source enough quality required. Also, there’s more maintenance involved due to the age and (possible) previous wear of the wood.
| Material | Pros | Cons | Avg. Lifespan | Price |
| Composite Decking | durable, low-maintenance, made out of recycled materials | non-natural look | 25-30 years | $$$ |
| Bamboo Decking | cery renewable, strong, unique-looking aesthetic | most affordable, chemical treatments, shorter lifespan (compared to composite) | 10-15 years | $$ |
| Reclaimed Wood | prevents deforestation, rustic look | pricey, hard to source, more maintenance required | 20-40 years (if properly maintained) | $$$$ |
Comparing 12 Eco-Friendly Deck Features
We’ll quickly sweep through some common features that are usually part of a deck, just so that you can see some of the environmentally-friendly options that are available out there and what each one has to offer.
Lighting
| Feature | Pros | Cons | Price |
| LED Lights | 75% reduced energy usage compared to trad bulbs | higher upfront cost than regular bulbs | $ |
| Solar-powered Lights | powered by sunlight, doesn’t use grid power | requires sun exposure | $$ |
| Smart Lightning System | prevents deforestation, rustic look | higher upfront (installation) cost | $$$ |
According to the Williams Collage, light emitting diode (LED) is one of the most efficient lighting technologies on the market. It uses around 25% less electricity than incandescent bulbs while lasting approx. 25 times longer.
Plants
| Feature | Pros | Cons | Price |
| Native Plants | local pest resistance, easy to acquire | limited to regional plants | $ |
| Rain Gardens | accumulates rainwater, helps with preventing soil erosion | requires planning/construction | $$ |
| Drought-resistant Plants | low water requirement, suitable in very dry climates | may not work in all regions (soil/climate) | $ |
According to an analysis by Statista, the global gardening market was reported to be 120.5 billion (USD) in 2023. That number is projected to grow in 2024.
Water
| Feature | Pros | Cons | Price |
| Rainwater Collection System | low to no need for tap water | higher upfront (installation) cost | $$$ |
| Drip Irrigation System | water waste minimization, targeted watering | requires monitoring/maintenance | $$ |
| Permeable decking | reduces runoff | limited material selection | $$ |
Households in the U.S. use approximately 66,175 gals (70% of that is used outdoors) of water annually. According to data from the Clear Water Creations, one inch of rain on a 2000 sq. ft. roof produces about 1250 gals of water for reuse. Furthermore, a 2000 sq. ft. roof in a 30’’ rainfall area produces around 41,000 gallons of (reusable) water.
Furniture
| Feature | Pros | Cons | Price |
| Reclaimed Wood Furniture | prevents deforestation, rustic look | more maintenance required | $$ |
| Upcycled Furniture | repurposes old items, reduces waste | variable quality, limited availability (stock and options to choose from) | $ |
| Recycled Plastic Furniture | very durable, water-resistant, low-maintenance | non-natural look | $$ |
According to a data report by Transparency Market Research, the global recycled plastic outdoor furniture market has been valued at 3.3 billion (USD) in 2023. It is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2034 to 6.7 billion (USD).
Conclusion
While there are more things to consider when thinking about building an eco-friendly/sustainable deck, such as passive solar energy deck design (e.g., south-facing deck, shade structures, etc.) and others, what you got from this article are the very basics that go into building a deck from nothing to usable – materials, basic features.
And from those basics, you were given an easy and simple way to check what some of your eco-friendly options are, what they bring to the table, and how much they would cost in comparison to other alternatives.
Hopefully, you’re left satisfied with your creative and planet-loving cogs, sparking new ideas on how to create, upgrade, and even reimagine your eco-friendly deck for the ideal sustainable home.