We’ve said it all along: Composite Decking has a big leg up on its competition, Exotic Hardwood Decking, in that it is far more realistic to color match. At the same time, though, it will become bleached over time, and you won’t have the option of refinishing it or replacing any boards that are subjected to a greater degree of direct sunlight. But I digress. That is the one benefit with which we just can’t argue.
Considering other categories, though, we’re looking at something like a 1-to-10 score, with Exotic Hardwood Decking easily beating out Composite Decking. Now, if issues like hardness and weather resistance, strength and safety aren’t important to you, then by all means, go with Composite Decking. But if those things matter at all in your world — or you care about this one planet we get to live on — then you might want to consider Tropical Hardwood Decking instead.
Exotic Hardwood Decking Contributes Positively to Environment
While Exotic Hardwood Decking will typically outlast Composite Decking by many years (maybe even decades), it will also benefit the environment long after it’s surpassed its extensive lifespan as decking. Not only could it be repurposed, as all types of wood can be, but the process of biosequestration means that not only does the production of lumber fail to have a negative impact on the environment, but it positively influences the global ecosystem even after the wood rots into the ground.
Score Update: Composite Decking=1, Exotic Hardwood Decking=11
Exotic Hardwood Decking Promotes the Future of Rainforests & Our Global Ecology
The biosequestration we mentioned above is an important environmental issue, and when you purchase Exotic Hardwood Decking, you encourage it in more ways than one. Not only does the lumber that you use contribute positively to the environment, but it also contributes to an industry that encourages forestry management. As such, it reduces the chances of forest fires, which release massive amounts of Carbon into the atmosphere when they do occur. And even if that forest would become an old growth forest on its own without forestry management (a big “what if”!), buying Exotic Hardwood Decking also contributes to the planting of new trees and, by extension, the greater amount of biosequestration that occurs when trees are in rapid-growth mode.
Final Score: Composite Decking=1, Exotic Hardwood Decking=12
We’ve given you a dozen reasons to choose Exotic Hardwood Decking, but the choice is still up to you.
Learn More About the Lumber Industry
• What You Need To Know About Wide Plank Flooring
• Understanding Decking Lumber Movement & Spacing
J. Gibson McIlvain Company
The McIlvain family has been immersed in the premium import & domestic lumber industry since 1798. Headquartered just outside of Baltimore, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company is one of the largest U.S. importers of exotic woods. As an active supporter of sustainable lumber practices, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company has provided fine lumber for high profile construction projects worldwide. Call (800) 638-9100 to speak with a J. Gibson McIlvain representative.
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