Sustainable Composite Decking by TimberTech and AZEK
Composite decking is prized for its durability and low maintenance, especially when compared to pressure-treated wood decking. At Archadeck of Raleigh-Durham, we partner with TimberTech AZEK for composite decking material. In addition to making beautiful, durable materials our clients love, TimberTech AZEK products are also environmentally-friendly in their conservation of raw materials and their manufacturing processes.
Conserving Trees
Choosing composite decking for your deck means cutting down fewer trees. Traditional pressure-treated wood decking uses lumber when a structure is originally built and when it needs to be replaced. While pressure-treated pine posts and columns can last for more than 40 if maintained properly, wood decking boards last an average of about 10-15 years. Composite decking boards are more long-lasting, earning them 25-50 year warranties. TimberTech AZEK has helped save over three million trees from being cut down for deck building and replacements.
Reducing Annual Chemical Use
Another benefit of composite decking is that it does not need to be stained, painted, or sealed on a regular basis like traditional wood decking. Many paints, sealants, and stains contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can be harmful to the environment, people, and wildlife. Choosing to use composite materials reduces the use of such chemicals.
Innovating Recycling
Composite decking was born from new technologies that make it possible to recycle discarded wood and plastics. TimberTech AZEK's capped composite decking boards are made of up to 80% recycled materials. Their capped polymer boards use approximately 50% recycled materials. Furthermore, TimberTech AZEK repurposes up to 99% of their own material scraps back into production.
Diverting Waste
In 2019, TimberTech opened a state-of-the-art recycling facility in Wilmington, Ohio. Their innovative recycling technology allows them to reuse materials by deliberately sourcing hard-to-recycle materials. This transforms certain materials that would have previously gone to a landfill into gorgeous new outdoor living materials. In 2021 alone, they "diverted approximately 500 million pounds of waste and 
scrap from landfills," an increase of 100 million pounds from 2020. In addition to materials, TimberTech AZEK recycles up to 97% of the water used during production through a closed-loop filtration system.
Composite decking materials are a smart choice for homeowners interested in green materials and technology as well as durability and low maintenance. Learn more about composite by reading Five Great Reasons to Build a Composite/Synthetic Deck. Also, be sure to browse our composite deck gallery for design inspiration.
If you are considering adding a new composite deck or porch to your Raleigh, Durham, Cary, or Chapel Hill area home, please give us a call to set up a design consultation: 919-973-1523. We look forward to working with you!
