6 Design Ideas for a Cozy and Eco-friendly Sustainable Deck

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With warmer months already here and stronger sun just around the corner, let’s talk about what we can do to make our outdoor decks more enjoyable and eco-friendly.

Whether you have a timber deck or composite, protecting your deck from things like the sun’s UV rays, harsh cold temperatures, and wet weather will go far in maintaining its life.

Keeping your deck’s substructure protected and preserved, as well as the surface, is of utmost importance.

1. Sustainability

While there are various types of timber, some being eco-friendlier than others, Trex is a green choice since it provides 95% recycled products, including plastic film and reclaimed timber. It will last and look beautiful year after year with just the proper care and a small bit of seasonal maintenance.

2. Protection

Protecting your deck, whether timber or Trex, is essential. Ideally, either semi-annually or annually, clean your deck. Washing with soap and water or a commercial deck cleaning solution is best. Let your deck completely dry. This will help preserve the life of your deck and keep it looking better for longer.

Joist protection is paramount to ensure your deck lasts an extended period. The above joist flashing tape will work wonders in keeping up your deck’s appearance and health.

Sealants can help your wooden or timber deck look younger and brighter and will aid it in withstanding cold temperatures and humidity. It is not necessary to seal Trex composite decking. The damp climate will take its toll on the timber substructure, thus causing rot and potentially mould. A quality sealer will deter your deck from mildewing.

So now you have cleaned, protected, and sealed your deck. So how do you maximise your time for fun and minimise your time for maintenance? We have some sun-sational suggestions!

3. Planning Your Patio or Deck

Consider the path of the sun. Where does it rise, and where does it set? If you are fortunate enough to have the choice of planning your deck or patio, be wary of where the sun’s UV rays will reflect during the hottest part of the day.

Don’t forget about drainage if your patio is on a slope or your deck rests over a hill. Moist climate conditions often contribute to water pooling, thereby causing stagnancy. Use earth-friendly materials to channel water and dampness away from your outdoor space. Rocks, like clay and sandstone, are wise choices to divert rainwater.

4. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint While Outside

With UK summers seemingly heating up and the sun beating down, consider installing an awning, umbrella, or shade sail to keep you cool. Certainly, a fan would work too, but this takes up electricity, whereas the options mentioned above won’t. Furthermore, something that shades you will also shield your deck boards, hence extending the life of your deck.

5. Don’t Forget the Libations!

Bring out your beverages! Another thing you can do is to make sure you’re staying hydrated. Iced tea, ginger ale, pale ale, or squash are exceptional cold drink options for your summer deck-time diversion. A durable cooler or ice chest will guarantee your drink of choice stays chilled for hours.

Landscape your deck or patio with plants and vines. A few well-placed planters and trellised plants, like ivy, will help guide the solar rays toward the flora. This means you can stay outside a little longer while worrying a bit less about sunburn. Still, don’t forget the sunblock – and reapply often.

It’s possible you might look at the screen on your porch, patio, or deck. This option will certainly protect you from the more extreme weather, both hot and cold. A pergola is another structure that will add beauty and shelter. A pergola frequently acts as a perfect platform for trailing plants to climb.

6. Recycling, Repurpose, Reuse

Another green idea to consider when setting up your outdoor space is to utilise eco-friendly and sustainable furnishings. Many companies have produced quality, eco-friendly products. Investigating which has the most ecologically viable sources can be a daunting task. Do a little research beforehand and decide what you like – and what fits your style and budget. Some of the best products are those which have been recycled and refurbished. Reclaimed timber looks brilliant, and this gives it another purpose. The same thing for fabrics with cotton, hemp, and rope, are all solid choices.

Last but not least, use LED lights or lanterns when considering lamps. This offers your outdoor oasis the illumination you need. Candles created from eco-friendly wax will create an alluring ambience. A chiminea or small stand-alone chimney can provide heat on those chilly nights.

You could help keep yard trimmings out of the rubbish pile by burning fallen branches, dried leaves, cardboard, and old newsprint. This lends itself to the comfortable and familiar feeling of home while keeping you warm.

And there you have it – you’ve designed a cozy and sustainable deck in your garden to enjoy whenever you can, and nature will thank you for it.