United Kingdom, 28th May 2024 – As global warming and climate change keep becoming more of an international problem, it becomes very important very important that people embrace sustainable practices.
This awareness has made most UK residents more eco-conscious, especially during the renovation process to improve their homes.
This need to practice sustainability is met with a rise of sustainable decking options. This answers some environmental concerns such as pollution, deforestation, biodiversity, greenhouse gas, habitat destruction, etc.
This article will educate you on recent market trends that support sustainability, the sustainable decking materials that you can use to improve your home and things to consider when choosing sustainable decking.
The Recent Market Trends
The UK market for sustainable materials has recorded a value of more than 260 million pounds since 2019. The sustainable materials that have been sold include softwoods, hardwoods, modified woods, plastic, WPC composite and others.
The highest-selling material is softwood with over 43% in sales and the lowest-selling material is modified wood with over 5% in sales.
Certain factors have been driving these sales and some of them include government regulations, eliminating toxicity, environmental awareness, quality standards, etc.
Sustainable Decking Materials
1. Recycled Plastic Lumber
2. Composite Decking
3. Locally Sourced Wood
4. Bamboo Decking
Composite Decking
The composite decking is made up of a mixture of wood fibres, plastic and a bonding agent. After mixing, it is then shaped to look like a traditional wooden decking board.
Most homeowners go for composite decking because of the following benefits – easy installation, longevity, low maintenance, durability, budget-friendly, and variety of options (in style and colour).
On the other hand, there have been environmental concerns associated with composite decking. Some of these problems are the renewability of composite decking and end-of-life biodegradability.
Recycled Plastic Lumber
Just like its name is called, recycled plastic lumber is made of majorly high-density polyethene (HDPE) and recycled plastics.
The reason why high-density polyethene is considered an environmentally responsible choice is that it is sourced from everyday items such as detergent bottles and milk jugs.
Recycled Plastic Lumber has so much benefits such as conserving forests, lowering carbon footprint, and reducing waste and landfill accumulation.
Locally Sourced Wood
Why do homeowners go for locally sourced wood for their decking project?
The first reason is that, when managed responsibly, it is completely renewable, which means, it can be recovered, recycled and reused.
Other reasons are the benefits associated with it such as durability, strength, eco friendliness, health and wellbeing, cost-effective and pleasing to the eyes.
To enjoy these benefits, certain things that cause environmental concerns need to be done such as cutting down trees. When trees are cut and not replanted, it can lead to deforestation.
Bamboo Decking
Since woods do not grow fast enough to be replaced, most homeowners just go for bamboo because they grow really fast. In fact, some species of bamboo can grow 1.5 inches/hour or 2.91ft/day according to Guinness World Record.
After the initial spurt of growth within 3 to 5 years, bamboo can easily be re-harvested yearly for as long as seventy (70) years.
Aside from its speed growth, the other benefits of bamboo decking include sustainability, low maintenance, easy installation, durability, wide availability, stability, natural-looking, and aesthetically pleasing.
There are environmental concerns associated with bamboo decking such as it is susceptible to cracking, moulding, warping and cupping.
Things to Consider When Choosing Sustainable Decking
When choosing sustainable decking, there are factors you need to consider that will help you make an informed decision. Some of those factors include:
● Material durability
● Life expectancy
● Maintenance requirements
● Environmental impact
● Aesthetic preference
● Cost
Material durability
The best option is to always go for the material that has more durability and longevity especially if you don’t have the resources for constant maintenance or you are a busy person.
Life expectancy
Before deciding on the sustainable material to buy, you have to find out how long it lasts, i.e. the warranty for the material. Some experts will advise that the life expectancy of any sustainable material depends on the weather conditions of that region.
Maintenance requirements
Some sustainable materials require little or no maintenance while others need high maintenance. Maintaining your deck can be a lot of work if you are doing it yourself or can cost a lot of money if you are hiring someone to do that.
So, you must consider whether or not you have the money for high maintenance, or whether you would just prefer a low-maintenance sustainable deck.
Environmental impact
You also have to consider the environmental impact the sustainable material you choose will have on the environment.
For instance, if you go for a wood deck, then you have to bear in mind that a tree had to be cut to make that possible. Hence, if you are eco-conscious, you may want to go for materials that don’t affect the environment negatively in any way.
Aesthetic preference
Your personal preference also affects your decision where it concerns decking options to choose from. You can choose between natural looking and other types of appearance, as far as they are aesthetically pleasing.
Cost
Finally, be sure to work with a budget and try to stay within it if you can afford it. To do this, ask for the prices of all the options you are willing to consider and ensure to compare the prices from different buyers.
When you have discovered an estimate or exact price, choose the material that aligns with your budget.
Conclusion
Right now in the UK, the first and only option for most homeowners remains sustainable materials. Now that more people are becoming aware of the benefits of eco-friendly materials, they can easily go for them.
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