Recycled Decking Material – Three Warnings for Home and Building Owners

 

Using recycled decking material is a great way to improve the quality of your backyard for little or no money invested. It also indirectly saves the planet from greenhouse gas emissions, since fewer trees are cut down. Before installing your deck, ensure the ground is level and free of rubble, rocks etc. Recycled decking material will not improve your home, however, unless you heed these three warnings.

 

RECYCLED MATERIAL IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO SUPPORT DECKS STRUCTURALLY

 

The decking is usually laid over timber posts and joists on account of this, and is fixed firmly in place with clips and snaps rather than screws for stability. The advantage of recycled decking material is that it does not need waterproofing, sealing or painting, although if you want to, you can stain it just like plywood. You can clean it with a regular water hose.

 

RECYCLED DECKING MATERIAL IS HEAVIER THAN LUMBER

 

Because of this additional weight, framing may need to be increased, or spans decreased. In most cases however, plastic lumber will need joist spacing close to that of conventional lumber for the majority of residential applications. Extra support may be needed for commercial applications. Traditional structural lumber such as pressure treated pine may be used as framing due to its flexibility.

 

IF YOU USE RECYCLED WOOD, YOU MAY NOT FIND MATCHING MATERIAL IF YOU WANT TO EXPAND THE DECK

 

Salvaged wood is an excellent material for decking, and you may have access to woodcuts and varieties that are no longer available from lumber yards. However, if you need to replace a section of the deck later on, or if you’d like to expand it, you might have difficulty finding matching material. Don’t let that deter you, though, because recycled wood will give your deck a wonderful rustic appeal.