Wooden Decking

Wooden decking is one of the most popular choices when it comes to creating an outdoor entertainment or patio area where you can relax. Not only are wood decks visually appealing, but they also provide a warm and relaxed atmosphere. A major problem with choosing wood, though, is that it heavily impacts on the environment. Certain woods, such as many hardwood variations, are endangered and come from trees that have a slow growth habit, mostly found in rainforest areas.

Many loggers, and even timber distributors with a good reputation, have managed to bypass the laws in place to get hold of this wood, to satisfy the demand for wood decking. This issue was recently raised in articles from various publications and online portals. Some mentioned British shops and builders selling "stolen" hardwood that came from the forests of Papua. The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) also warned about the use of merbau wood, which has also been illegally felled in the area. The list continues to grow with Wikileaks revealing that between 70 and 90 percent of the mahogany exported to the USA from Peru in 2005 was illegal, while the hardwood felling in Papua was affecting the local community, who were given less than one percent of the shop price for the product.

Not only do wood decks have a hugely negative impact the environment, they are also costly and create a lot of extra work. Wood decks need to be maintained constantly, otherwise they quickly lose their appeal and durability in an outdoor setting. Wood decks require time consuming staining and sealing to preserve their structural integrity as well as their look.  While a deck can be a worthwhile long-term investment, costly and frequent treatments must be applied to avoid weathering.  Without careful attention, your wood deck will depreciate in value, attractiveness and liveability.

Eva-tech WPC material offers you the look and feel of a wood deck, without the maintenance or negative effects on the environment.  Eva-tech composite decking is available in a range of colour and styles to suit your personal preference.  Contact Eva-Last now to find out more about the Eva-tech alternative to wooden decking.