We all know that the world is changing, and so should the choices we make about our homes. From the simplest household items to big construction decisions, sustainability is now something that a lot of homeowners almost always consider. So, if you’re building a deck or any outdoor structure, ask yourself:
- Am I hurting or helping the environment?
- Is this product eco-friendly?
- Is there a better eco-friendly option?
If you’re looking for decking options that are both sustainable and durable, here’s why cedar wood is worth considering.
Source
First things first, you need to look at the source of your decking material. Where is it coming from? How was it harvested? Is it from an endangered species of tree?
Cedar wood comes from a tree species that is not at risk of extinction. This high availability means that whenever a cedar tree is cut down, they are replenished by new plantings. The trees used are also grown in sustainable forests, meaning they are responsibly harvested and replanted to maintain the ecosystem’s balance.
How do you make sure you are buying sustainable cedar lumber? Look for certifications from organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) that guarantee your lumber was harvested in an environmentally friendly manner. These certifications ensure your purchase meets strict criteria for sustainability and responsible sourcing.
Manufacturing
Cedar hardwood boasts a surprisingly low carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle. Unlike many materials, leftover cedar pieces from processing do not go to landfills — instead, they’re recycled into biomass pellets. These pellets provide a renewable energy source, offsetting the carbon emissions generated during the initial harvesting and manufacturing processes of the cedar itself.
Cedar also requires less energy to process compared to many other types of wood or composite materials. This makes it a more energy-efficient choice. The energy used in cutting, shaping, and finishing cedar is lower, which reduces the overall impact on the environment. The natural qualities of cedar mean that chemical treatments are minimal, thus further cutting down the energy and resources needed to make it ready for use.
Transporting
What do you do when you find the most perfect cedar hardwood but it’s from another country? Is it still sustainable?
The answer is yes, as long as it’s responsibly sourced and transported. Cedar wood can be transported with minimal impact on the environment, thanks to its lightweight and dimensional stability. Its light weight reduces fuel consumption during transportation, while its dimensional stability ensures that there are fewer breaks or damages during transit.
Usage
Now that we have established that cedar is a sustainable option, let’s talk about its usage and whether it’s still sustainable. Lumber wood can be used for various purposes, including:
- decking, siding, and fencing,
- furniture and home decor,
- outdoor structures like pergolas and gazebos
Thanks to its natural oils, cedar is naturally resistant to insects, rot, decay, and moisture. This makes it a great option for outdoor use as it requires minimal maintenance. With proper installation and treatment, cedar hardwood can last for decades without the need for replacements.
End-of-life cycle
Finally, we have arrived at the end-of-life cycle of cedar hardwood. When it comes to disposing of cedar, it’s important to do it properly and in an eco-friendly manner. Since cedar is biodegradable, it can be easily composted or mulched without leaving any harmful residues behind.
For high-quality and durable hardwood decking options, ABS WOOD provides an impressive collection of environmentally certified Cedar and Brazilian hardwood. Call us at 352-508-4990 or 404-549-4840 to learn more about our sustainable products.