Redwood is the Perfect Choice for your Deck
Here are 5 reasons why redwood is naturally ideal for your deck.
Decks are certainly a popular feature on homes today: according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Report on Characteristics of New Housing, 91% of the new single-family homes sold had a deck, porch, or patio. Whether building a new deck or replacing an existing structure, the building material you choose for the project can make a big difference in how a concept is brought to life. From the quality of lumber to maintenance, lifespan to recycled purpose, there are a number of reasons why natural redwood is the perfect choice for your deck.
Here are five of the top reasons:
Redwood traps carbon. Redwood trees continuously scrub carbon (CO2) from the atmosphere, converting that carbon to wood. Even better: that carbon remains stored even after a redwood tree is milled for lumber. That means the average size redwood deck holds on to a half-ton of carbon.
Redwood is grown to last. Redwood is renowned for its beauty, durability and stability. It is naturally resistant to decay, termites, and even fire. With an excellent strength to weight ratio, redwood decking can span greater distances than plastic composite decking, making it even more economical to use. With periodic maintenance – cleaning and refinishing – a redwood deck will last 25 years or longer.
Redwood holds on to a finish longer. The same natural features that give redwood its durability also mean redwood decks can hold a variety protective finishes longer and withstand multiple refinishing over the years.
Redwood doesn’t absorb heat like some non-wood synthetic alternatives. That means it is more comfortable for bare feet (or paws) even when the sun is high in the sky.
Redwood is recyclable. Even after decades, when redwood is no longer useful as decking, homeowners can still recycle the decking to use in other landscaping or household projects or even shredded down to use as mulch. Plastic decking will typically end up in a landfill.
With incredible natural features and durability, redwood proves you can improve your home, but you can’t improve on Mother Nature. The redwood lumber available today comes from abundant private forestlands, maintained under the world’s most stringent regulations, certified well managed and sustainable. Ask your deck contractor what they would recommend, and chances are they would agree: you can’t grow a better decking material than real, strong, redwood. Go to your local home center or lumber yard, compare prices, you will be surprised at how affordable real redwood is.
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