Von Löwen Designs

Even in today’s challenging economy, the marketplace for alternative decking and outdoor living is a growing one. A recent 2008 AIA study concluded that by 2015 the average new home will have both an outdoor living space and outdoor kitchen. When added to the fact that there are estimated to be approximately 10 million decks in the U. S. that need replacement, it’s clear that non wood decking materials will continue to gain popularity.

This acceptance represents a great win for the environment, with every 20 feet of composite decking containing roughly 30 pounds of waste products including – plastic milk jugs, shampoo and laundry detergent bottles, saw dust, and shopping bags, which would of otherwise ended up as landfill.

Leading the industry in both sustainable practices and innovation of consistent high quality outdoor living products is Fiber Composites. Fiber Composites, manufactures of Fiberon, diverts over 33,800 tons of wood and plastics from landfills and incinerators each year.

Fiberon offers decking, railing and fencing products that are produced in a virtually waste free manufacturing process and are engineered to deliver long term, maintenance free performance that requires no chemical preservatives, paint or stains that are common with wood decks, railing and fencing. Fiberon’s materials are completely non toxic and urea formaldehyde free while remaining stain, scratch, mold and fade resistant.

Fiber Composites is a proud ally of the Environment Protection Agency’s GreenScapes, a program that promotes cost efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for landscaping. Designed to help preserve natural resources and prevent waste and pollution, it provides research, guidance, publications and online calculator tools that can aid in your decision making and implementation of more sustainable landscape solutions. The Decking Alternatives Cost Calculator demonstrates that green decking options are very cost competitive. In many cases, initial costs for environmentally preferable products are comparable to conventional wood. Where initial costs are higher, they are made up for by savings over time.

With some of the most natural looking composite decking selections around; designed to mimic beautiful and exotic woods like Ipe, Cambara and Cumaru; Mahogany, Redwood and Cherry, designers and builders alike can meet the growing demand for sophisticated and Earth friendly outdoor living environments while homeowners reap the rewards of exterior spaces that are beautiful, durable and practically maintenance free.

They say a picture is worth 1,000 words, so before you leave be sure to visit Von Löwen Designs to view an assortment of refreshing examples in kitchen and bath design concepts, refined palette and interior finishes, and sustainable yet chic, green remodeling ideas that may encourage and inspire your next remodel or home improvement project.