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Sustainable living and eco-friendly home improvements

In the hope of more sustainable living and eco-friendly home improvements, homeowners and builders are buying eco-friendly products. Whether you assume it to be a contribution towards society or an unfiltered approach to committing to the environment, the idea is flourishing only for the good. 

With that said, choosing an apt flooring material is also about choosing sustainable designs. That is the reason why the popularity of composite decking in Melbourne is growing. 

Composite decking with responsibly sourced timber supplies stands out in this regard, offering a blend of longevity, aesthetic appeal, and a reduced environmental footprint. In this blog, we will explore how combining the benefits of composite decking and timber supplies can significantly contribute to more sustainable living in your house.

The Sustainability of Composite Decking

Composite decking, a name given to a mix of wood and recycled plastics, is a popular decking material for outdoor living spaces. That’s because this decking material favours a lot of benefits that are both useful for sustainable and practical living.

  • Reduced Waste:

As we know, discarding timbers in landfills is the last thing a nature lover would want to do. Now that you have sustainable decking materials like composite decking in Melbourne, you can easily reuse the same materials for some other products. 

The use of composite decking has two benefits: first, it helps to reduce landfill waste, and second, it saves money on buying additional resources for making a new product. The inclusion of recycled plastics and wood scraps in its making is a prime example of sustainable material use.

  • Durability and Longevity:

The most important thing to elevate the appearance of your outdoor living space is choosing the decking material that stands the test of time. While there are traditional wood decks available in huge quantities, timbers hardly last beyond 10-15 years. 

Whether you are using your outdoor area for entertainment, relaxing, or just for a short walk, composite decking brings 25 years of lifespan. Besides that, it is designed to resist fading, staining, and rotting, significantly extending its lifespan and reducing the need for frequent replacements.

  • Low Maintenance:

Composite decking is the only material that requires no painting, staining, or sealing, minimising the use of potentially harmful chemicals in your outdoor spaces. Also, there are rare cases when you will have to replace or repair these types of decking due to its resistance to cracks or warps.

The Role of Responsibly Sourced Timber

While composite decking offers a modern approach to sustainability, responsibly sourced timber supplies in Melbourne provide the timeless beauty of natural wood with an eco-conscious twist.

  • Sustainable Forestry:

Timber sourced from sustainably managed forests is a safe and sound measure against other practices that lead to deforestation. When you buy sustainably sourced timber from timber suppliers, you are using as many trees as the forest can grow back. This way, we are committing to environmental protection, and the forest can keep being home to all sorts of animals and plants.

  • Carbon Footprint:

Responsibly sourced timber has a lower carbon footprint compared to other building materials, as trees absorb CO2 during their growth, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases.

  • Timber is Biodegradable:

Unlike synthetic plastic materials, timber is biodegradable, meaning it breaks down naturally and mixes back into the soil. When we choose timber supplies in Melbourne for flooring or decking, we are ultimately contributing to giving back what we borrow from nature.

Combining Composite Decking with Timber Supplies for Eco-Friendly Home Improvements

Integrating composite decking and responsibly sourced timber into your home improvements can enhance both the sustainability and aesthetics of your living spaces. Here are some ideas.

  • Outdoor Living Areas: 

Use composite decking for the main flooring of your patios and decks for durability, and accentuate with timber railings or pergolas for natural beauty.

  • Garden Features: 

Construct garden beds and benches using composite materials, as they last for quite a long years. Use timber fencing or screens to complement the area for a warm and natural look.

  • Landscaping Accents: 

Combine both materials in your landscaping design, using composite for pathways or steps and timber for structures like gazebos or trellises.

Benefits at a Glance

Here are some more benefits of choosing timber supplies in Melbourne. 

  • Environmental Impact:

Both materials offer environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional construction materials, with composite decking reducing waste and timber promoting sustainable forestry practices.

  • Aesthetic and Functional Appeal:

This combination delivers the best of both worlds—composite’s resilience and timber’s natural beauty—enhancing your home’s outdoor spaces aesthetically and functionally.

  • Long-Term Sustainability:

The durability of composite decking, paired with the renewable aspect of timber, contributes to a sustainable home environment that values resources and energy efficiency.

Final Words

The trend towards sustainable living and eco-friendly home improvements is not just about reducing our carbon footprint; it’s also about creating spaces that are beautiful, durable, and in harmony with nature. 

Choosing composite decking in Melbourne with responsibly sourced timber supplies, you can definitely contribute to a more sustainable world while enjoying the practical and aesthetic benefits these materials bring to your homes. 

Whether you’re building a new deck or upgrading your garden, consider these options for a greener and more sustainable approach to outdoor living. Choose Greenhill Timbers for eco-friendly timber supplies for flooring, decking, cladding, and other structural uses.

Robert Peterson

The author Robert Peterson