How to Choose the Best Eco-Friendly Deck

Adding a deck will allow you to really take advantage of summer, all while adding value to your property. Before jumping into your renovations, take time to discover the different types of ecological materials you can choose from. Along with aesthetics, you must consider the price, durability and energy you want to allocate to maintenance. It’s a good thing that we are here to help you!

CHOOSING ECO-TREATED WOOD

It’s the most popular choice and the least expensive. Treated wood in our eco-line is mould-resistant and insect-resistant when it is used outdoors. If you take good care of it, this treated wood can last up to 40 years.

Maintenance

Wood treated under pressure is humidity-resistant, but not completely. Ideally, apply a waterproof treatment every year to better protect your deck and avoid discolouration.
Wait at least six months before applying stain or paint.
Wash it every year with detergent to avoid dirt, foam, algae and mould. To make sure the wood doesn’t get damaged, use a low jet if you opt for a pressure wash.
Redo the wood finish every year.

Weight : Medium

Colour : Greenish, but can be coloured or paint.

Firmness : Medium

Cost : $

Pro Tip

By designing your deck, plan enough space for your furniture and for people to circulate. Also plan for the installation of an outdoor electrical outlet to avoid having to use an extension cord.

CHOOSING CEDAR ECO WOOD

Cedar wood is ideal for humid climate. Paint isn’t recommended, but it can be covered with a finish or left to its natural state. It is by far the most popular non-treated material.

Maintenance

Apply a semi-transparent oil base stain on the deck: it allows to increase its durability and reduce its chances of becoming grey under the exposure of UV rays.
Clean the deck with a scrubbing brush, soap and water before applying a dye.
It will be necessary to repeat this step approximately every three to four years.

Weight : Light

Colour : Red and natural

Firmness : Soft

Cost : $$

CHOOSING SEQUOIA WOOD

Sequoia wood is known for its long-lasting durability. It resists moisture and has a great resistance to water.

Maintenance

Don’t use paint. Why would you do that, considering that it has a great yellow-red natural colouration?
To better protect it, apply a semi-transparent stain with an oil base, after its construction.
Before applying the protective stain, clean the deck with a broom-brush and a mixture of soap and water.
Remember to redo this every three to four years or so.

Weight : Heavy

Colour : Yellow and red

Firmness : Hard

Cost : $$$

OPTING FOR IPE WOOD

IPE is very prised. If it is well maintained, this exotic wood will last longer than any other material. It is mould-resistant, insect-resistant, and even fire-resistant without any treatment necessary. Overall, it is perfect for our climate and is offered in several different colours.

Maintenance

Once a year, clean the surface with a soft brush and a mixture of soap and water.
No sealant, paint or stain are required.
Sand if necessary.

Weight : Heavy

Colour : Its palette is rich: brown, hazel, olive green and red.

Firmness : Hard

Cost : $$$$

CHOOSING COMPOSITE ECO WOOD

The composite wood of our deck planks is made of 95% wood fibre and recycle plastic. Even with its natural wood look, composite wood does not split and does not cause splinters. It lasts 40 years, which makes it the best investment for a long-term deck.

Maintenance

It requires less maintenance, because water doesn’t damage it.
Clean with a broom brush with the products recommended by the manufacturer's tip.
The finish remains the same over the years.

Weight : Heavy, difficult to move.

Colour : Many colours available. You cannot paint or stain it.

Firmness : Medium

Cost : $$

CHOOSING TREATED WOOD SQUARES

Opting for a European-inspired look can bring a lot of charm to your home. These treated wood squares are installed on the surface of the deck structure. This material is very easy to install.

Maintenance

Wood that is treated under pressure is humidity-resistant, but not completely. Ideally, apply a water-resistant treatment every year to better protect your deck and avoid its discolouration.
Wait at least six months before applying stain or paint.
Wash it every year with detergent to eliminate dirt, foam, algae and mould.

Weight : Medium

Colour : Brown; you can colour it or paint it.

Firmness : Medium

Cost : $$

TAKE THE GREEN TURN

Wood is an abundant resource that regenerates itself continuously when it is responsibly managed. By opting for ECO wood to build your deck, you are relying on a material that meets the criteria of sustainable development.

The natural woods such as cedar that we offer in our stores come from suppliers who follow the regulations of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) of the United States or Canada.

In 2020, 78% of the lumber sold in our stores comes from certified forests.

Our composite materials are made of wood fibres and recycled plastic. They also represent a sustainable alternative for the construction of your projects.

Look out for our ECO logo to make sure you buy responsibly and think of the environment.

Pro tips

Do not connect your deck directly to the house

If the deck moves, the structure of your house could be damaged too. Instead, we recommend linking your deck with sonotubes near the ledge.

Your wooden planks need space

If they are very dry, they could swell up after being exposed to rain and humidity, which causes accumulation of debris and is an obstacle to proper drainage. Distance your planks as soon as you place them by leaving a space around the size of the head of a screw between each plank.