Decking made from recycled material
Decking doesn't have to be made of wood. In the past, pressure-treated lumber was, in many cases, the decking of choice with homeowners. Now, you probably know that p.t. is a dirty word when it comes to most home renovation projects. With the growing environmental awareness of most consumers comes a growing interest in recycling. Manufacturers are listening. You can now buy a number of decking materials that recycle all kinds of plastics and wood products to make durable, maintenance-free deckings.
Carefree Decking System
Made from 100% post consumer high density polyethylene plastic, the Carefree Decking System is absolutely maintenance free and is available in (12) colors. The unique configuration Carefree Decking makes is both lighter and stronger than a standard rectangular board. Their custom rail caps, milled spindles, and bull nose stair tread gives the homeowner options not available from other decking companies. Carefree Decking is available in a knurled non-skid finish. Carefree Decking is maintenance free, and never needs paint, stain or sealer. It is tougher, and more durable than wood. Carefree decking will not crack, splinter or chip. It is environmentally friendly and non-toxic.
ChoiceDek
The recycled cedar fibers and polyethylene plastic used to produce ChoiceDek help to reduce landfill solid waste as well as create beautiful and long lasting decks. It is a 100% recycled product for use in non-structural exterior applications. A.E.R.T. considers ChoiceDek a very compelling product which has advantages both for the end user and the environment as well.
Perma-poly
Renew Plastics, the maker of Perma-Poly, has been a leader in recycled plastic lumber since 1973. Last year, Renew Plastics saved over 4 million pounds of plastic from landfills, with expected amounts of over 6 million pounds this year. Renew Plastics states that it takes 100 plastic milk bottles to make a 10' length of ¾"x 5½" piece of Perma-Poly. In addition to saving landfill space, Perma-Poly lumber replaces traditional wooden products that are usually chemically treated to withstand the effects of weather.
Perma-Wood
Made from 100% post consumer plastics, Perma-Wood uses no glass or wood fiber reinforcing. This 100% recycled solid plastic lumber will not splinter, twist, or rot and it will not experience "blooming" or separation due to water absorption. Perma-Wood is resistant to sun fade, impervious to disease and insect infestations and is an ideal alternative to treated wood lumber as it contains no harmful chemicals that leach into environmentally sensitive waterways. Perma-wood comes in a range of standard dimensional sizes , from 1"x4" to 6"x6", and lengths from 8' to 16'. Perma -wood comes in seven colors ranging from white, to shades of brown, to black.
Trex
Trex lumber is made from reclaimed plastic (mainly shopping bags and stretch film) and hardwood waste. This composition means that Trex never needs to be protected with sealants, and will never crack, split, splinter or rot. Trex resists termites and other insects without toxic chemicals. Trex decking can be cut, fastened, drilled, routered and sanded just like wood.