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​New Years Resolutions 2022

22/4/2022

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Become a more environmentally conscious contractor


In 2022, we are going to further reduce our impact on the environment and preserves natural resources. ​
​Some of the ways we plan to achieve this are:
1. Using products that are made from recycled material, e.g.
  • Instead of timber we are going to build our deck frames from Solid Recycled Plastic (where possible) - this helps turn waste plastic into something functional, durable and eventually beautiful. 
  • Installing deck boards that are made from recycled material like Millboard Flooring (independently and UKAS accredited to the ISO 10464-1 Verified Carbon Footprint Assurance Mark) and TREX (made from 95% recycled and reclaimed material)
Plastic Framing
Millboard Decking
Picture
2.  Implementing low-carbon processes, e.g.
  • Using ground screw foundations is a low carbon alternative to  to concrete based foundations as there is no digging or excavation required. They have a low impact on the environment, do not disrupt the landscape, and are easily removable and reusable.​​​

​3. Reducing the carbon footprint of our orders and deliveries, by:
  • Ordering material and supplies from stores that are local to the job site.
  • Streamlining deliveries by ordering as much as possible from the same store.
  • Requesting that packages and material are all delivered on the same load.  ​
  • Asking for receipts to be emailed instead of paper copies.
4. Suggesting and providing energy efficient upgrades in conjunction with the construction of outdoor living space for our clients, e.g.
  • LED and sensor lights on decks and pergolas
  • Installing rainwater harvesting systems in conjunction with the construction of their outdoor living space. ​
Rainwater system
LED lights
PictureGranite inlay
 5. Continue to REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE.
Instead of disposing of the left over granite pieces from an interior project, we incorporated them into the decking, creating a gorgeous flow from the inside out and reducing waste.

On each decking project, we strategically lay deck boards in the direction that will reduce the amount of waste, saving costs and reducing waste. 

Please feel free to send us an EMAIL with any suggestions or tips on how we can improve our carbon footprint in 2022. 
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Recycled Plastic Deck Framing

1/3/2022

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Recycled Plastic Wood - An Intro:

At the start of the year, we made a commitment to become a more sustainable and environmentally conscience contractor. Check out our resolution here. 

One of the strategies we promised to implement, to reduce our carbon footprint, was to use products made from recycled material including Recycled Plastic deck framing material. 

We've received a lot of enquiries and interest about the nuances and value of the product.
I have answered the most frequently asked questions in relation to the plastic below but, free to skip to the synopsis at the end for a brief summary. 

Most common questions:

Picture
1. What is it? 
Plastic wood is made from 100% recycled plastic, constructed from mixed waste plastic that is unusable in other conventional recycling methods. It can be used to build benches, shelters, decks, patios, fencing, outdoor furniture, planters, etc.
​The recycled plastic joists in picture are a load-bearing, wood replacement product that we u
se to build the frame to support our decking.
PicturePlastic framing for wrap around deck
2. Why do we recommend it?
Using a plastic wood alternative to construct a frame for a deck is an innovative, environmentally sound and quality solution to using traditional wood.
It can withstand all weather conditions, requires no treating or painting and will out last any wooden structures ensuring we have zero call backs and giving our clients peace of mind that their investment is built to last!

PicturePlastic planters built into deck
3. Is it more expensive than pressure treated timber framing?
Yes. The initial investment to purchase the plastic framing is higher than to purchase timber. It is also more time consuming to install so labour costs are higher, too. But, when you consider the time and money spent on treating and maintaining the wooden alternative, it is a sound long-term investment and will save money in the long-run. 


Synopsis

PictureRecycled Plastic Bundle
100% recycled material
100% maintenance free 
100% weatherproof 
Made from a combination of mixed waste plastics
Doesn’t biodegrade
40+ year lifespan
20 year warranty 
Rot proof, even if FLOODED 
Solid core and coloured throughout 
Load bearing 
Flame resistant 
Compatible with construction tools and standard wood fixings
​More expensive than traditional wood 
framing, initially


We purchase all of our Recycled Plastic from Irish Recycled Products.​ Feel free to check out their website for a more information. 
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Composite Decking V's Timber Decking

31/12/2021

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Picture

​When planning your new deck, one of the key decisions you will make is what deck boards to use.
​The most popular options are WOOD or COMPOSITE.
The choice you make will impact your budget, aftercare requirements and the style, size and longevity of your deck, so it is important to weigh up the pros and cons of each. 

INTRO TO WOODEN DECK BOARDS:

PictureRed Batu Hardwood
​All wooden decking material is a product of nature so naturally there will be a HUGE variation in the strength and performance, colour and texture of each.

There are countless varieties of wooden deck boards to chose from, including:
  • Pressure treated timber e.g. Spruce, Pine
  • Premium softwood e.g. Cedar, Siberian Larch
  • Hardwood e.g. Finger-jointed European Oak, Machiche or Mayan mahogany 
  • Tropical hardwood e.g. Ipe, Batu

There is a massive difference in the cost and availability of each, E.G. Ipe Tropical Hardwood is much more expensive, has to be imported from Southern or Central America but lasts 50 years as where pressure treated boards will cost €15 per board, are readily available but have much shorter life span. 

INTRO TO COMPOSITE DECK BOARDS:

PictureComposite (Fiberon) Deck
Similarly, composite decking comes in several forms; ranging from solid PVC plastic, to solid composites using 100% recycled plastic, to products that blend plastics and natural wood or bamboo fibres.
There are approximately 500 different brands of composite to chose from, including: Millboard Flooring, Teranna Ever-Deck, TREX, Fiberon and TimberTech.
All 500 brands are not created equally and come with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Prices can range from €35.00 to €180.00 per board. 
When deciding on which composite to construct your deck from will need to consider; budget, style, texture, colour, the environmental impact, availability and your personal preference. 
 


Pressure treated timber deck
Composite (TREX) deck

Pressure Treated Timber - PRO's
  • ​​Looks natural - because it is natural!
  • Most budget friendly option available
  • Can be painted any colour
  • It is flexible and can be easy to cut up and rearranged in to new styles and layouts
TREX Composite - PRO's
  • Superior durability and performance
  • Lower maintenance - requires an occasional wash with soap and water. 
  • Never needs staining or painting or oiling
  • Resists termites
  • Won’t rot, warp or splinter
  • 25 year residential warranty 
  • Environmentally friendly - made from 95% recycled material
  • Slip resistant
  • ​Lots of colours to chose from
  • ​Can be curved to add eye catching aesthetics and functionality to your deck. ​​

Pressure Treated Timber - CON's
  • ​High maintenance - apply stain and sealer annually 
  • Slippy when wet (and, we're in Ireland)
  • Wood will splinter​ and rot
  • Discolouration: it will be affected the elements, e.g. stained from sun
  • ​Much shorter life expectancy 
  • ​Not environmentally sustainable 
  • ​Limited colour choices
  • No warranty on material
TREX - CON's
  • ​Initial investment is usually higher
  • Stock not as readily available in Ireland, may be longer lead-times ​
​

Picture
What's Martin's Opinion?
Q. "If you were building a new deck for your own house, what product would you choose?"
​
A. "A good quality composite, like TREX or Millboard, everyday of the week!
Especially considering the Irish climate. The risk of a slippery surface or splinters in a wooden deck is far higher than a slip, split, splinter and rot resistant composite alternative. 
​I completely understand that it's larger initial investment so depending on finances I would be prepared to wait and save a bit longer because a high-performing, low-maintenance composite will cost me farless in the long run. We've installed over $800,000.00 worth of TREX decks and have not had one single call back."

Pressure treated deck with curve
Composite deck with curve
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    Author: Noreen Tierney.

    With a background in fitness, I am 100% NOT a deck nerd and likely have no business writing any sort of decking related blog. However, after five years as the "behind-the-scenes responder" to emails, texts, DM's & PM's requesting Martins' decking expertise and then figuring out how to unravel his technical response to reply to queries in layman/woman terms, I figured I'd add a blog to the website to, hopefully, save visitors hours of online research and help with their decking/pergola/gazebo decisions. 

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