New deck material is safer

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http://www.msnbc.com/local/wjhg/m60338.asp

New deck material is safer

Chism

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL., June 21 - Since many people are concerned about the

leaching of arsenic into the ground by pesticide treated wood, some are

looking at using alternatives to build backyard decks. There's a new wood

product that's benefiting parents and developers and it may look like your

average pool deck, but it's not.

The decks at The Princess in Panama City Beach, and the Treasure Island

Marina aren't made of wood, they're made from Trex.

" It's made from recycled plastic, plastic bags, milk jug containers,

with wood chips and wood strands. " -Mike Gaddie, Gaddie Construction.

Because of its many benefits, this more environmentally friendly

product has gained in popularity in the last decade. Gaddie construction's

been installing the wood composite in the last ten years and mike Gaddie

says he hasn't had to replace any decks yet. " It won't split, termites

can't get to it, so it's got the advantages of plastic, but the look and

feel, and the overall beauty of wood. "

Besides their durability, composite woods won't shrink, won't warp, and

will not splinter. The only disadvantage may be the price. Trex costs twice

as much as pressure treated wood. But you may save in the end, because it

lasts longer and doesn't need to be sanded, stained, or hardly maintained.

Parents may opt for Trex, because they can avoid the pesticides in

pressure treated wood. " We sped a lot of time on our deck, barbecuing and

stuff, so no splinters, two children, and no maintenance. " -Jeff Livingston,

Concerned Parent.

Livingston says now he's interested in using composite wood when he has

to replace his deck. Gaddie expects more people like Jeff to make the

switch. " I think it'll be more popular and people will have Trex or

something like it in the future. "

The dock master at Treasure Island Marina says he's happy he opted for

Trex to build docks at the marina. He says in a couple of years all docks

and boardwalks will be 100 percent composite wood.