For information on selecting decking for a green building project, click here
Listings
New Horizons Hardwoods, Inc.
4268 S. Hillcrest Ave. Suite 104
Springfield, MO 65810
Phone: 417-890-7000
Toll Free: 866-567-9572
Cell: 417-300-9621
We sell lumber for decks that needs absolutely no chemical treatment, but is guaranteed to last over 25 years without any chemical treatments or maintenance. They are naturally resistant to mold, mildew, rot and termites and therefore, never need to be power washed, saving water as well as labor and money.
Decking Information
Building a truly green deck is a big challenge. We want our decking materials to do things that they do not naturally do, such as last for many years without a lot of maintenance. Most of the ways we’ve found to accomplish this in the past have significant negative environmental effects, but there are now a number of attractive green alternatives. including Natural Wood, Treated Lumber, Composite Decking, and HDPE Plastic Decking.
Natural Wood
If you are using natural wood, ask your supplier if the lumber is coming from a sustainably managed forest, otherwise known as FSC lumber. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) sets forth principles, criteria, and standards that span economic, social, and environmental concerns. The FSC standards represent the world’s strongest system for guiding forest management toward sustainable outcomes. By purchasing FSC certified lumber, you are ensuring that you receive environmentally responsible wood products.
Treated Lumber
A popular substitute for natural wood is decking made from less rot-resistant, cheaper softwoods that are pressure-treated with various chemicals that inhibit decay. Most treated wood cannot be recycled or burnt because it’s toxic to produce, work with, and dispose of. The majority of the finishes designed to keep its appearance fresh and to retard decay are also bad for the environment and for you. Follow this link to an informative page about Wood Preservatives and Outdoor Finishes.
Composite Decking
Composite decking products blend waste wood fiber and recycled plastics, adding in waxes, fiberglass, and preservatives to form wood-like boards. Composite lumber has some of the strength of wood, it looks and feels something like it, it can be worked with wood tools, and it uses waste products that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Unfortunately, the biggest objection to composite decking is that, although it lasts a long time, it is very difficult to dispose of once it reaches its life’s end. This is because the blend of materials cannot be extracted for reuse. Thus far, little progress has been made in resolving this alarming environmental issue. For more extensive information on composite decking, visit The Healthy Building Network's Guide to Plastic Lumber.
HDPE Plastic Decking
Lumber made entirely from High Density Polyethylene resin—the same stuff milk jugs are made of—is made from plastic waste. Plastic lumber does not possess the strength of wood and it is thus best suited for low-load structural applications, such as tables, benches, or planks on well-supported walkways. It is not intended for primary structural load-bearing elements, such as posts, joists, and beams. Manufacturers of plastic lumber vary in their use of post-consumer waste. Look for products which contain at least 50% post-consumer waste plastic.
