In the suburbs, the deck has replaced the front porch as the family gathering place. They get used and abused. They get scratched and faded. They crack and rot. And they require a lot of maintenance. There’s the staining, the weatherproofing, the repairing, and the painting. All that demands that we make sensible environmental choices.

Here are good alternatives to pressure-treated chromium copper arsenate (CCA) wood, rot-resistant woods that are renewable resources, tropical wood alternatives, and even perhaps plastic!

Chromium Copper Arsenate (CCA) Alternatives
For pressure-treated wood, there is a new treatment called ACQ (alkaline copper quat) that uses no arsenic or chromium. Although this type of wood treatment does contain copper, which can be toxic to earthworms and aquatic life, it’s much better for the earth and for your health than CCA.

Rot-Resistant Woods
A few years ago, redwood was a big no-no for anyone who cared about the environment because venerable old-growth trees were laying down their lives to become lawn furniture. Today, redwood is a renewable resource, as millions of redwood seedlings are replanted every year–about five for every tree harvested.

And cedar is an even better choice since it can be forested even more easily and quickly than redwood.

Both native woods are naturally rot-resistant. They are good, reasonable, non-chemical alternatives to pressure-treated wood, but they are not totally care-free, and a deck made from either redwood or cedar will still require regular maintenance.

There are many different standards for both redwood and cdar. Sapwood, the part nearest the bark, will rot when exposed to moisture. For redwood decking, the best choice is “kiln-dried deck heart” or “deck common.” Less durable (but still acceptable) for decks are “clear heart, “clear,” “B heart,” and “B grade redwood.” For the longest-lasting cedar deck, choose “clear all-heart cedar.” Less reliable — but still an okay low-cost alternative for dry climates–is “grade No. 1 select tight knot (STK).’

Tropical Wood Alternatives
There are other rot-resistant woods that are just coming to the American market, including ipe (also known as ironwood) and cambara. These exotic woods will last for 2o years or more with just one preservative treatment. Ask to see certification of sustainable harvesting methods before you buy any tropical wood products.

Recycled Plastic
Plastic has hit the deck and, in some cases, it looks better than you might imagine. Believe it or not, plastic decking may be the best choice in terms of the environment. New wood composits are a blend of 30 to 50 percent recycled plastic or plastic resins with wood fibers.

These extruded products are virtually indestructible, while resisting rot, insects, and UV rays. Composite lumber weathers to a light gray and can be painted or stained, and protective sealers aren’t required. Some brands do have a plastic look to them; others closely resemble natural wood.