Should I use composite wood for my landscape?

This low-maintenance alternative to wood is made from varying amounts of recycled plastic. Consider decks, fences, and more.

Composite wood can be a low-maintenance, sustainable alternative to wood in home landscaping projects. Formulated to resist stains and scratches without the need for annual sealants and is available in a variety of colors and textures. Composite wood made from recycled materials breathes new life into plastic waste that would otherwise go to landfill.

Homeowners are faced with many material choices for their landscaping, and choosing the most resilient, low-maintenance material that has the look you want can be a complex decision. Learn more about our low-maintenance alternatives to wood and decide if your installation is worth the initial investment.

Basic. Composite wood combines plastic and fiberglass to create a very strong product. Composite wood is designed and molded to mimic real wood and is available in sizes close to the wood’s nominal size.

Expense. Composite lumber for smaller DIY projects is available at your local hardware store and costs between $7 and $40 per board. Hiring a professional contractor not only gives you better material prices at wholesale prices, but also pays a small margin, shipping and installation labor. The total cost of using a professional will depend on your location and the design building or landscaping contractor you choose.

Composite wood decking can cost thousands of dollars to install. Exact pricing will depend onsquare footage in addition to the factors mentioned above. A good rule of thumb is that when hiringa professional, costs start at around $9 per square foot. This is slightly higher than the averagestarting cost of a real wood deck, which can be as low as $7.50 per square foot.

Advantage:

✓ Made with recycled content
✓ Anti-corruption and pest free
✓ Does not absorb water
✓ Low maintenance
✓ Very durable
✓ Easy-to-install materials; not cracked
✓ Various colors and finishes available

Disadvantage:

✓ At first, it may cost more than a real tree.
✓ It may have an artificial appearance.
✓ In moist and humid climates, annual high-pressure washing is required.

When it’s a sustainable choice. Composite wood is a sustainable material choice when the plastic content is made from at least 50% recycled post-consumer waste. Composite wood made from recycled plastic breathes new life into plastic waste, diverting it from oceans and landfills.

Choosing synthetic lumber over tropical hardwoods also reduces the burden on forestry harvests worldwide.

The key to choosing a sustainable product for your composite lumber is to look closely at product specifications for recycled plastic percentages. Also check with the manufacturer or vendor that made the product to ensure that the product was made within 100 miles of where you live. It does not earn sustainability points if it contains little or no recycled content and is manufactured outside the region. Locally sourced materials are always successful, so if you don’t have a composite lumber manufacturer near you, don’t overlook local hardwoods from reputable sources.

Installation notes. Working with synthetic wood is similar to working with real wood. Don’t forget to leave some space between the boards for water and air circulation. Like wood decking, composite wood has recessed hardware options for a clean, modern look.

Wall veneers. Composite wood can be attached to existing walls by adding texture or color. Easy to attach and hang, as seen on the stag horn fern fitted here.

Fencing. This fence is an interesting example of composite wood made in a woven design. Wood is strong yet flexible and works great in this application. The boards are spaced apart to allow some air and light to permeate the fence. Metal poles offset the earthy wood color, and mounding grass softens the ground beneath the fence.

Porch and deck. Decks are the most common use for composite lumber and can be used as outdoor flooring anywhere on a porch, terrace, balcony or boardwalk. You can choose from a range of colors inspired by real wood, from maroon to silver gray. Recycled synthetic wood floors look great from the outside, with some options featuring different grain patterns that mimic real wood.

Trim and railings. Synthetic wood for decks and railings can be mixed with natural hardwoods. You don’t have to use either one exclusively in your deck application. Finishing components for railings, posts and trim are available in a variety of product lines for composite decking.