Spring has finally sprung, and it’s time to start thinking about taking life outdoors once again. Is your deck ready for the summer? Do you even have a deck? If you’re considering replacing your old decking or building a new one from scratch, you may be asking yourself if there is another decking material option besides hardwood. Well, there is a fantastic alternative, and it’s made of bamboo.
Eco-Friendly
Bamboo is a much more environmentally friendly building material than hardwood. As you probably know, many of the Earth’s forests have been destroyed from harvesting wood, and this is one reason hardwood has become so increasingly expensive over the past 10 years. On the other hand, bamboo is responsibly harvested and can regenerate itself in as little as 3-5 years. The reason for this rapid regrowth is because bamboo is actually grass, not wood. Compare that regrowth rate to hardwood trees, which can take up to 50 years to regenerate, and you can see why bamboo is the more eco-friendly decking material.
More Affordable
Many people choose the look of exotic hardwoods like cherry and teak for their decking, but these woods can cost as much as $10 per square foot. That can really add up. Compare that to bamboo decking, which generally costs between $3 and $5, and you can see how the savings can be substantial.
As Tough and Durable as Hardwood Decking
So you already know bamboo is the more eco-friendly choice, as well as the wallet-friendly choice, but you’re probably wondering how durable bamboo is. After all, we’re talking decking, something that will always be outdoors. It will have to stand up to pets and kids running around on it, and it will need to endure the elements like sun, rain, and snow.
Bamboo is incredibly durable and actually harder than maple and red oak, which is pretty darn hard. It can stand up to dings and scratches with the best of them, and, if maintained properly, you can expect your bamboo deck to last for up to 20 years.
Moisture and Rot Resistant
Speaking of standing up to the elements…
Because bamboo is actually a grass and not wood, it resists moisture and rots very well. It’s exactly what you should be looking for in decking material. The result? You’ll have a deck with less gapping, cupping, and rotting.
About the Author
James is your friendly neighborhood content writer here at the Green Living Blog. With a passion for all things sustainable, he’s your go-to guru for everything eco-friendly. Armed with a treasure trove of wisdom about sustainable living, recycling, and environmentally conscious practices, James is on a mission. He’s here to make sure you not only protect your family but also keep Mother Earth smiling. 😊🌎 When he’s not busy sharing eco-friendly insights, James can often be found teaching his cat that compost bins make the purr-fect hideaway. 🐱♻️ Join James on his quest to uncover the secrets of defeating wasteful habits while leaving the lightest footprint on our precious planet’s ecosystem.
