Recycled Fencing & Decking

Apr 24, 2019 | Home Improvement

Reuse Recycled Materials in Fencing & Decking

To continue our week-long Earth Day celebration, we wanted to talk a little more about the ways our industry is going green. By reusing recycled materials, we can help our customers and our business become more environmentally-friendly. Thanks to innovations in the fencing & decking field, you can find virtually any style, color, and finish in an Eco-friendly variety. Not familiar with the latest green alternatives on the market? Well, we’re here to help!

Composites
We’ve talked about composite fencing & decking before because of its versatility and durability. But did you know most composites incorporate recycled materials? Depending on which manufacturer you choose and which finish you prefer, it might even be primarily recycled! Take, for example, Trex (link to https://www.trex.com/why-trex/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw4qvlBRDiARIsAHme6osQlY-HYuCSRLODw5kYBGSa4voonr6ZkvqVb0fFGFr2v4eTgo6av_4aAiafEALw_wcB), which utilizes both recycled wood and recycled plastics in its composite. In fact, the average 100-foot Trex composite fence reuses approximately 140,000 recycled plastic bags! But there’s also Simtek Ecostone, which mimics the look of stone, even though it mostly consists of recycled plastics. As the number of composite fences and decks continues to grow, we’re able to save millions of pounds of plastics from landfills every year!

Reclaimed Wood
Another way to recycle building materials is by utilizing reclaimed wood. This sustainable method involves incorporating wood previously used in older homes, barns, buildings, and even fences. Rather than letting them go to waste, some companies will relocate these naturally aged boards. Saving them from disposal, even as they reduce the need for newly-harvested wood. Plus, a lot of reclaimed wood has already been cured from exposure to the elements. This protects it from decay and primes it for the stain of your choice. We don’t recommend painting this material, though. Since that will cover up much of the rustic appearance that makes this option so popular!

Vinyl Fencing & Decking
Specifically, we’re talking about PVC vinyl fencing, which is not only recycled, but also recyclable. Whether your fence is made from 100% recycled materials or 50%, PVC can later be broken down and recycled again! Which separates this option from many of its competitors. Additionally, unlike composites, it contains all plastics (rather than partial wood or stone), making it more resistant to moisture. Thus, you won’t have to worry about treating it with harsh chemicals that are also harmful to the environment. If you’re worried about having to compromise on looks, just check out our showcase to see the many variations available today!

By making more environmentally-friendly decisions at home, you won’t have to wait for the next Earth Day to go green! When it comes to decking and fencing today, you have more options than ever before to reuse recycled materials in a practical way. If you’d like to learn more about these and other green alternatives, please contact our team of experts!

 

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