Ideal Bite

Wanna make your summer BBQs even more of a hit?

05.27.2008

Submitted by tmeronek on Tue, 05/27/2008 - 12:01am.

The Bite:

Build a green deck (and spike the punch). Sustainable decking, with eco-wood, staining, and sealants, are now available at prices that won't knock the wind outta you.

The Benefits:

Knocking on eco-wood. Choose wood that isn't harvested faster than it's regrown (look for the FSC seal).
Chems that don't slam the earth. Low-emitting (aka low-VOC) finishes and sealants offer durability and aesthetic appeal without leaving you woozy or polluting the air.
Smashing good looks. From good lookin' stains to teak wood, they're all available in greener versions nowadays.

Personally Speaking:

Jen’s deck out back came with her place, but considering that the menagerie in her yard often eats off of it, there’s no way she’s using anything but eco stains when she refinishes it this summer.

Wanna Try:

AFM DuroStain - eight eco-friendlier, water-based acrylic (instead of the usual oil-based) stain options. Also: WaterShield sealer ($33-$39/gallon).
East Teak - if you gotta go teak, go with a sustainable option such as this one ($226/16-foot board).
Trex - reclaimed-wood and recycled-plastic decking and railing that’s more durable and easier to clean than regular wood decking ($33/16-foot board).
International Eco Woods - interlocking deck tiles ($10 and up/square foot).
Home Depot - check out its eco-minded wood purchasing policy.
DIY Bite: If you’re just refinishing an old deck, use an electric sander (instead of paint remover) as a greener option.

Cocktail Fact

Try it on a pillow: The Guinness World Record for the most punches in one minute is held by Robert Ardito, who packed 702 wallops into the time it took for you to read our Wanna Try? section.