This material is composed of recycled wood fibers and recycled plastic resins. One of the main advantages of this material is that it doesn’t crack, split, or warp. It is able to absorb paints and stains and is termite and rot resistant. Composite decking does not require much maintenance. It is important to ensure that the composite material does in fact have high recycled content for it to be considered a good green choice.

Today homeowners can find a good selection of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood and that has not been CCA-treated (CCA: Chromate Copper Arsenate). The most common woods preferred by homeowners are cedar and redwood. Although not the most eco-friendly of materials, it is always good to ensure that they come from a sustainable source.

Another source of woods becoming increasingly popular among homeowners are tropical woods. The number of imported woods from South America is constantly increasing. Popular woods among builders today include Ipe, Meranti, and Cambara. If purchasing these woods, builders and homeowners should ALWAYS ask the supplier for a copy of the Chain-of-Custody to ensure it has been sustainably harvested, or for the FSC logo.