Sustainable Decking Materials Guide (with Prices)

What is Cedar Decking?

Cedar is a beautiful wood that naturally resists decay and insect infestation. Boards can be purchased in various colors and widths and can be stained, sanded, cut, and painted for just the right look.

Cedar is a natural, renewable decking option, but be sure to source only cedar that has been locally and sustainably harvested. Cedar decking requires yearly maintenance to seal the wood and protect it from the environment. Whenever possible, source reclaimed wood.

How Much Does Cedar Decking Cost?

Cedar decking runs approximately $4.16 - $9.24 per linear foot for materials only. Installation and labor vary based on your location and range between $20 to $40 per square foot.

What is Redwood Decking?

Everyone loves redwood for its deep, rich red tones. But because the best redwood for building comes only from old-growth redwood trees, supply is extremely limited. 

If you must have redwood, look for reclaimed or recycled options. Many old barns, buildings, barrels, and water tanks were built from redwood and, as they’re torn down and/or replaced, that wood becomes available for resale.

How Much Does Redwood Decking Cost?

Reclaimed redwood varies greatly in price. Those on the west coast where redwood trees grow will generally find recycled redwood in good condition for $4 – 7 per linear foot, while those in the east may see much higher quotes. This price does not include installation or labor, which will vary based on location.

What is Bamboo Decking?

Bamboo is a newer option in sustainable building solutions in North America but has been used in Asia for thousands of years. Bamboo is both hardwearing and easy to maintain but will rot in rainy climates without proper sealant. Bamboo is available in strand woven and unwoven, woven being your strongest choice for deck building. The big drawback to this type of decking is that it is typically procured from Asia, which gives it a much higher footprint than locally sourced wood.

How Much Does Bamboo Decking Cost?

Bamboo decking ranges from $6.25 to - 10.93 per square foot for material only. Product availability and labor costs will vary based on location.

What is Treated Lumber Decking?

Treated lumber is an excellent decking solution that resists rot, mold, and insects. It’s an especially good choice for those in wet, forested areas where local wood is in limited supply. Treated wood, however, does contain potentially toxic chemicals used to strengthen it. As we’ve become more aware of the effects of such chemicals, responsible companies have replaced toxic ingredients with less harmful alternatives that maintain the same strength and longevity. 

If choosing to build with treated lumber, don’t be afraid to ask questions to make the best decision about your decking material. And remember, treated wood can’t be recycled, so use materials sparingly.

How Much Does Treated Lumber Decking Cost?

Treated lumber will cost you about $1.56 - 3.12 per square foot, for material only. This type of lumber is readily accessible at most lumber yards but installation and labor will vary based on your location.

What is Thermally Modified Wood Decking?

Thermally modified wood decking is a reasonably new option to North America that has been popular in Europe for many years. The wood is super-heated until its structure changes, producing a wood product that is naturally durable and resistant to water, insects, mold, and decay. It's considered a healthier alternative to toxic chemically treated wood. Thermally treated wood decking should last up to 30 years. Untreated thermally modified wood used outdoors will fade to a grayish color. To avoid this, it should be treated with a non-toxic, natural oil-based preservative.

How Much Does Thermally Modified Wood Decking Cost?

Thermally modified wood will run you about $8 - $10 per square foot for the material. Thermally modified wood falls between the cost of pressure-treated decking and composite decking. Pricing may vary based on your location, as thermally modified wood decking is available directly from the manufacturer or specialty suppliers.

What is Vinyl Decking?

Vinyl decking provides water, fade, and mildew resistance to a deck. Unlike traditional decking materials, vinyl decking is a sheet membrane that is sold in rolls of various lengths. The roll itself typically comes in thicknesses of 45 millimeters and 60 millimeters and can be used to extend the life of run rooms, rooftops, sundecks, balconies, and boats. Vinyl decking is primarily used for decking as it adheres well to plywood, but it can be applied to concrete, metal, fiberglass, and rubber. When installed properly, the type of decking can last 20 to 30 years if well maintained. Vinyl decking is very durable and can be easily cleaned with a high-pressure hose, pressure washer, or a standard cleaning solution and a medium bristle brush.

How Much Does Vinyl Decking Cost?

The average cost of vinyl decking differs between manufacturers. It's important to learn about the product's manufacturing process, from a sustainability perspective, and the warranty. Most manufactures offer warranties between 10 and 15 years and cover uncommon issues such as craving or fading.

What is Reclaimed Decking?

Reclaimed materials, of course, make the most environmentally conscious building materials. Because a deck is a more variable build, unique to the home to which it is attached, your deck is the perfect place to express your creativity, allowing reclaimed materials to guide your design. 

Search discard piles from other projects and old structures on your property that may hold viable boards for your new deck. You’re looking for materials in good, solid condition without rot, mold, or apparent imperfections. Mismatched materials can be combined to create exciting patterns and designs. Sanding, paint, and stain will help you achieve a uniform look.

How Much Does Reclaimed Decking Cost?

Reclaimed materials found around your home or rescued from Craigslist and local builders may cost you nothing, while reclaimed redwood or rustic barn doors and palettes can be upwards of $20 per square foot.

What is Composite Decking?

Composite decking combines the desire for a natural wood deck with the need for environmentally friendly solutions by blending recycled plastics with wood fiber to create a new material. Composite decks are long-lasting and require little maintenance, unlike natural wood, and won’t stain either. Unfortunately, we’ve not yet found a reliable method for recycling composite materials so plan to use your composite deck for as long as possible and always plan to repurpose materials. 

How Much Does Composite Decking Cost?

Composite decking costs approximately $4 to $9 per square foot. Pricing and labor will vary based on your location, the type and quality of composite you select.

What is Aluminum Decking?

You’ve heard about using aluminum for siding and roofing, but did you know it could also be used for decking? Aluminum is an increasingly popular sustainable building material for its low cost and versatility and looks great in both modern and rustic applications. Aluminum decking materials are sold in interlocking pieces that, when put together, are watertight and require absolutely no coating or sealing. They can be bought or finished to look like wood and remain cool to the touch, even under direct sunlight.

How Much Does Aluminum Decking Cost?

Aluminum decking runs from $12 to $15 per square foot, with an average cost of $13 per square foot. The cost of aluminum decking and labor with vary based on your location.

What is HDPE Recycled Plastic Decking?

Recycled plastic decking, or HDPE (high-Density Polyethylene Resin), is another option in sustainable decking that looks just like wood but doesn’t require cutting down trees either. HDPE is made from recycled plastic and the same stuff used to make gallon plastic milk jugs. Look for options made of at least 50% post-consumer waste products for the smallest footprint.

HDPE is available in a variety of styles and colors to fit any look or environment and can be worked with just like natural wood. But because it’s made of plastic, recycled plastic decks are best installed in low-load environments and should be supplemented with more rigid materials at joints and posts.

How Much Does Recycled Plastic Decking Cost?

Recycled plastic decking, or HDPE (high-Density Polyethylene Resin) can be purchased new from $2.16 to $8.92 per square foot. The availability and cost of installation will vary based on your location.