Extreme How-To - June 2011

SHUFFLING
THE DECK

Moisture-resistant composite decking boards can be used on the ground, in the ground and in the water. Image courtesy MoistureShield.

content). Recycled wood includes fiber from sawmills, along with waste pallets and construction debris. The benefits to the environment can be substantial: MoistureShield alone stops over 270 million pounds of trash per year from entering landfills. As recycled content differs widely among brands, check with the manufacturer for how much their decking includes.

Another key green attribute of composite decking is its durability. As mentioned previously, composites are anticipated to last two to three times longer than some types of wood decking, which can greatly reduce the volume of materials needing replacement over time. In addition, some composites do not require painting or staining, so impacts are reduced by eliminating the use of these substances year-after-year.

As you get ready to enjoy the outdoors, building a new deck or upgrading an existing one is easier than ever. It’s now possible to build beautiful, long-lasting decks that keep the environment in mind. To learn more about decking materials available in your area, contact a decking product manufacturer or visit a local building material dealer. Then, get ready to fire-up the barbecue and kick back on your new deck. EHT

Editor’s Note: Brent Gwatney is vice president of sales and marketing for MoistureShield composite decking. Visit www.moistureshield.com, or call (866) 729-2378.