Deck Lighting: A 2026 Guide

Highlights from this Article:

• Deck lighting serves two core purposes: safety (illuminating stairs, edges, and transitions) and ambiance (extending the usability of your outdoor space into the evening).
• There are various distinct light types for decks, each suited to different locations and effects. A well-designed lighting plan typically combines several of them.
• Low-voltage transformer systems are the most reliable and flexible option for most decks. Solar and battery systems have a place but come with trade-offs.
• Trex and TimberTech both offer deck and rail lights. Feeney DesignRail and Westbury Rail (Magena Star) each offer integrated lighting systems designed to coordinate with their railing products.
• If you wish, the Ann Arbor Decks design team will offer a complete lighting package as part of your deck proposal. It’s a separate line item, fully customizable, so you know exactly what you’re getting and what it costs.

Skip down to the lighting system comparison or the FAQs.

Well-designed deck lighting is really important in Michigan. Let’s face it: the Mitten State can get dark early, and we need more lighting to extend our enjoyment of our decks. It’s also easy to underestimate how much the right lighting can make a deck safer while adding to the ambience. Deck lighting does very practical work: it marks stair edges, defines the perimeter of the deck, and helps guests move safely in unfamiliar spaces after dark. Safety and aesthetics aren’t competing goals in deck lighting; they’re usually achieved by the same fixtures.

This post covers the available light types, how the major system configurations work, the most popular brands we install, and what to think about as you approach the design conversation.

Types of Deck Lighting

Riser Lights

Riser lights mount into the vertical face of each stair tread and cast a downward wash of light across the step below. They’re one of the most functional lighting choices on any deck with stairs, making each tread visible after dark without creating glare. They’re also durable by design; these fixtures are built to handle foot traffic in close proximity and hold up through Michigan winters without issue. If your deck has stairs and you’re adding any lighting at all, riser lights are usually the starting point.

In-Deck Lights (Recessed Deck Lights)

In-deck lights are mounted flush with the surface of the deck boards themselves, producing a soft ambient glow at ground level. They’re commonly used to define the perimeter of a deck (especially when there’s no railing), line a pathway, or accent a specific area like a sunken hot tub or fire table surround. Because they sit low and cast light outward and upward, they add a warm, layered quality to a deck’s evening atmosphere. They can also be used in stair treads as an alternative or complement to riser lights.

Post Cap Lights and Post Side Lights

Post cap lights sit atop railing (newel) posts and cast a warm glow in all directions, illuminating the deck and surrounding yard at a comfortable height. They’re one of the most visually prominent lighting elements on a deck and are often the anchor of a lighting scheme. Post side lights (sometimes called accent lights) mount to the face or side of a post rather than the top, directing light downward along the post and onto the deck surface below. Both types are available to match most railing post profiles and powder-coat colors. Lighted rail posts or rail caps are often used to mark out the two posts at the top or bottom of a set of stairs.

Under-Rail Lights

Under-rail lights mount into the top or bottom rail of a railing system, running along its length and casting a soft downward light onto the deck. They’re a linear, clean, architectural lighting element, and they work particularly well on longer rail runs where you want a consistent, defined glow along the railing. Not all railing systems allow for this style of rail lights. Feeney DesignRail allows for top and bottom rail lighting with their horizontal cable rail systems, so that’s a popular choice for many homeowners. It’s even possible to integrate lighting into natural wood top rails (like Ipe or cedar).

Custom Options: Task Lighting, Safety Floodlights, and Sconce Lighting

Beyond the standard deck lighting menu, there are custom options worth discussing for the right project. Task lighting (directional fixtures focused on a grill station, outdoor kitchen, or work surface) makes a covered cooking area genuinely functional after dark rather than just atmospheric. Safety floodlights on the house wall or an overhead structure can illuminate a larger area for security or practical use. Sconce lighting mounted to a privacy wall, pergola post, or house exterior adds an architectural quality that standard deck lights don’t provide. These options work best when they’re planned into the design from the start, not added afterward.

Ceiling Fans with Lights (Covered Decks and Porches)

If your deck is covered (a solid-roof pergola, a screened porch, or a roof-covered deck), a ceiling fan with an integrated light is one of the most practical investments you can make. In Michigan summers, the fan extends comfortable outdoor time by several degrees, and the overhead light provides broad, even illumination that railing-level fixtures can’t replicate. For covered outdoor spaces, this is the one lighting fixture we’d consider close to essential.

Lighting System Configurations

Low-Voltage Transformer Systems

The large majority of deck lighting we install runs on low-voltage (12V DC) transformer systems. A transformer plugs into a standard outdoor outlet and steps the household current down to a safe, low-voltage level that powers all the deck lights through a network of run wires. The benefits of this approach are significant: consistent, reliable light output regardless of weather or season, the ability to run multiple light types on one system, dimming capability, and timer or smart control integration. Installation requires some planning (wire runs need to be routed during the build for the cleanest result) but the performance over the life of the deck is hard to match.

Both Trex and TimberTech require their own branded transformers for warranty compliance, and their systems are designed as integrated ecosystems. Westbury’s Magena Star lighting system similarly uses a dedicated transformer and wiring system matched to their railing products. These transformers often feature dusk/dawn timers, remote controls, and other handy options.

The main limitation of a low-voltage system is that it requires an accessible outdoor outlet. If your deck doesn’t have one nearby, that’s no problem. We can factor adding one into the project scope and budget.

Solar Lights

Solar post cap lights and solar riser lights are a legitimate option for homeowners who want a simple, low-commitment lighting addition without running any wire. They charge during the day and activate automatically at dusk. Trex offers a solar option that’s popular for customers who require just a few post cap lights in a location that gets good daytime sun exposure.

The honest trade-offs: solar lights are dependent on sun exposure and perform noticeably less well on overcast days or in shaded yards, both of which are common in Washtenaw County. Light output is generally dimmer than low-voltage systems, and performance degrades as the battery ages over several years. For a primary lighting scheme, we’d steer most homeowners toward a transformer system. For a secondary accent or a location where running wire is genuinely impractical, solar is a reasonable choice.

Battery-Powered Systems

Battery-powered lights offer flexibility in placement (no wire runs, no outlet required) and are useful for accent locations or temporary setups. The limitations are similar to solar: output is lower than transformer systems, and the ongoing cost and inconvenience of battery replacement adds up over time. For permanent deck lighting, batteries are best treated as a supplement to a transformer system rather than the primary approach.

Lighting System Comparison

Brands We Install

Trex Outdoor Lighting

Trex’s lighting line covers a wide range of deck light types: riser lights, recessed in-deck lights, rail post accent lights, and post cap lights (including a solar cap option). All Trex lighting uses long-life Cree LEDs and runs on a 12V DC transformer system. A standout feature is the Trex LightHub plug-and-play connection system, which allows lights to be connected without splicing wires, making installation cleaner and more DIY-accessible than most systems. Trex lighting is designed to integrate visually with their composite decking and railing lines and is available in Charcoal Black, Classic White, and Bronze. If you’re building with Trex decking and railing, their lighting system is a natural fit for a cohesive finished look.

TimberTech Lighting

TimberTech’s lighting system, marketed under the DeckLites name, includes post cap light modules, in-deck lights, riser lights, under-rail lights, and accent lights. The system runs on 12V low-voltage and includes dimmable, Instant On fixtures with a 5-year limited warranty. A notable feature is the under-rail light, which produces a clean, hidden downlight effect between balusters that works particularly well with TimberTech’s Impression Rail systems. TimberTech’s lighting requires their branded transformer or PowerPack for warranty compliance. The product line is available in Matte White, Matte Black, Matte Espresso, and Architectural Bronze, coordinating well with their railing color palette.

Westbury (Magena Star) Lighting

Westbury’s lighting offering is the Magena Star line, produced by Digger Specialties and designed specifically to match Westbury aluminum railing in both form and finish. Magena Star includes low-voltage post cap lights, post side lights, and riser lights, all powder-coated to coordinate with Westbury’s railing colors and textures. The system uses a dedicated transformer and easy-plug wiring, and is available in both low-voltage and solar configurations. Because Westbury railing posts use a consistent 3-inch exterior profile, lighting components fit cleanly without adaptation. If your project includes Westbury aluminum railing, Magena Star is the logical lighting companion.

Feeney DesignRail Lighting

Feeney DesignRail–a customer favorite for its horizontal cable rail–offers modern, clean-lined under rail lighting strips that call out the deck’s perimeter with a subtle glow. Their 24V “Wet location” strip light has a weatherproof housing, and it features dimming capability. Feeney also offers side post lights (“accent lights”) that are wet rated and feature a beautiful, glowing 108 lumen output. The Feeney lighting options can be matched exactly to the railing finish options, including their custom colors.

What to Think About When Designing Your Lighting

A few considerations that help guide the design conversation:

Start with safety, then add ambiance. Steps and deck edges (especially for decks that have no railing) are the non-negotiable starting points. Riser lights on every stair run and some form of perimeter or post lighting to define the deck edge should be the baseline. From there, in-deck lights, under-rail lighting, and accent fixtures add atmosphere.

Think about how you use the deck. A deck used primarily for quiet evening dining has different lighting needs than one used for gatherings of twenty people. A cooking area benefits from task lighting. A hot tub surround benefits from perimeter in-deck lights. Knowing how you actually live in the space shapes the lighting design more than any other factor.

Plan the wiring during the build. Lighting added to an already existing deck almost always involves some compromise in wire routing. When lighting is planned from the start, wire runs can be hidden within the framing and posts for a completely clean result. In addition, an outdoor plug can be placed in the most useful location. If you’re building a new deck or resurfacing an existing one, the time to think about lighting is before the new deck boards go down (or the railing goes up).

Consider your yard’s sun exposure for solar. Shaded yards and overcast Michigan winters make solar a less dependable primary lighting system than in sunnier climates. This is worth factoring in early rather than discovering after installation. In Michigan, it’s a good idea to opt for wired lighting whenever possible.

Match your lighting to your decking and railing system. Each of the brands we install has a lighting line designed to coordinate with its own railing in both color and profile, so keeping the deck lighting within the same brand ecosystem as your railing is the way to go. If your deck doesn’t need any railing, we usually–but not always–propose a lighting system that’s of the same brand as your decking. If we’re installing a wood deck or wood railing, we may suggest one of a number of lighting systems to you.

How Ann Arbor Decks Approaches Lighting Design

Deck lighting is something we think about as part of the overall design, not as an afterthought. When we put together your proposal, a lighting package is included as a separate line item. That means you can see clearly how many lights we’re recommending, what types, and what the cost is, and you can adjust that package as you see fit. Want to add riser lights but skip the in-deck perimeter? We can do that. Want to upgrade to a full integrated system with dimming controls? We can do that too. The goal is a lighting plan that fits your deck, your yard, and your budget, built from the ground up to work with the materials you’ve chosen.

If you’re designing a new deck or wondering whether lighting makes sense for an existing one, we’re glad to walk through the options with you on-site.

Book your free consultation today. We serve Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Pittsfield Township, Ypsilanti, and the surrounding Washtenaw County area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does deck lighting require an electrician? Low-voltage transformer systems operate at 12V DC, which is well below the threshold requiring licensed electrical work for the lighting components themselves. The transformer plugs into a standard outdoor outlet. If you don’t have an outdoor outlet where you need one, adding one does require a licensed electrician and should be budgeted separately. We can help coordinate this if needed.

How many lights does a typical deck need? It depends heavily on deck size, configuration, and the type of lighting you want. A modest 300-square-foot deck with one stair run might have four riser lights, four to six post cap lights, and a handful of in-deck perimeter lights. A larger or more complex deck could have significantly more. The lighting package in your proposal will specify exactly what we’re recommending and why.

Can lighting be added to an existing deck? Yes, in most cases. The main consideration is wire routing. On an existing deck, wires may need to be surface-mounted in channels or run through existing post cavities rather than hidden within framing. The result is functional but sometimes less clean than lighting planned during a new build. We’ll tell you honestly what’s achievable on your specific deck during a consultation.

Do deck lights hold up in Michigan winters? Quality low-voltage LED fixtures are rated for outdoor use year-round and handle Michigan freeze-thaw cycles without issue. Trex and TimberTech lights use Cree LEDs in weather-resistant housings built for exactly these conditions. Solar lights in northern climates may underperform in winter months due to reduced daylight and sun angle, which is worth factoring into any solar decision.

What’s the difference between warm white and cool white LED lights? Warm white (around 2700-3000K color temperature) produces a soft, amber-tinged glow similar to incandescent light. It’s the more popular choice for residential decks because it looks inviting and relaxed, rather than clinical. Cool white (4000K and above) is brighter and more neutral, sometimes used in task lighting or commercial settings. Trex and TimberTech both use 3000K LEDs in their primary lighting products, which sit at the warmer end of the spectrum.

Deck Resurfacing vs. Replacement: Which Is Right for Your Ann Arbor Area Home?

Highlights from this Article:

• Resurfacing replaces the deck boards and railing on an existing frame. While most customers resurface with composite (to avoid wood maintenance), it's possible to resurface with wood as well.
• Resurfacing is good option only if: A) the underlying structure is still sound, and B) the framing will last for the lifespan of the new decking you're putting onto it.
• Putting new decking and/or railing on a sound existing deck frame will give you the look a brand-new deck.
• Full deck replacement makes more sense when there's significant structural damage, post rot, or widespread joist failure. It's also the best choice if you want to change the deck layout in a significant way.
• Rebuilding the deck is the way to go when the cost of rebuilding barely differs from the cost of resurfacing. However, resurfacing is usually less expensive.
• Ann Arbor Decks evaluates every deck individually. Where repair is a realistic option, we present both choices. Where it isn't, we'll tell you honestly.

"Should I rebuild or resurface (reskin) my deck?"

It's one of the most common questions we hear at Ann Arbor Decks — and the honest answer is that it depends. There's no universal rule that applies to every deck in every backyard. What we can do is walk you through how we think about the decision, what we look for during an assessment, and what your realistic options are likely to be.

What Is Deck Resurfacing?

Resurfacing ("re-decking" or "reskinning") means removing and replacing the deck boards — and often the railing — while keeping the existing structural frame in place: the posts, beams, joists, and footings that hold everything up. If your frame is solid, resurfacing can give your outdoor space an essentially new look and feel at a meaningfully lower cost than a full teardown and rebuild. During a resurfacing project, we can do smaller repairs and joist replacements, and not infrequently we may replace a footing or even a beam. Another thing worth knowing upfront: if your deck has stairs, we typically rebuild them rather than resurface them.

At Ann Arbor Decks, resurfacing can take a few different forms depending on your situation.

• Composite overlay on an existing wood frame: We remove your old decking and replace it with Trex or TimberTech composite or PVC, giving you a low-maintenance surface on a frame you don't have to replace. This is one of our most popular resurfacing approaches for decks whose frames are still in good shape.
• Wood-on-wood resurfacing: In cases where the substructure isn't too old and the homeowner prefers to stay with natural wood, we can resurface with new cedar or pressure-treated boards.

What Is Full Deck Replacement?

Full replacement means exactly what it sounds like: the existing deck comes down completely — decking, railing, framing, posts and footings — and a new deck is built from below the ground up. It's often (but not always) a larger investment than resurfacing, but it's the right call when the existing structure is no longer safe, or when the cost of repairing the frame approaches or exceeds the cost of starting fresh.

When we do a full replacement, we handle all demolition and disposal. Michigan requires that pressure-treated lumber be disposed of at an authorized facility — not burned or placed in regular trash — and we handle that responsibly on every job.

How We Assess Your Deck

During a free on-site consultation, our team walks your deck carefully — not just looking at the surface, but probing the structure underneath. Here's what we're evaluating:

Signs That Point Toward Resurfacing

• Deck boards that are worn, cracked, splintered, or grayed — but structurally intact underneath
• Railing that's cosmetically tired but attached to sound posts
• A frame that's in good structural condition — generally under 15 years for a low-to-the-ground deck, potentially up to 20 to 25 years for an elevated deck with good airflow underneath
• A deck that was originally well-built with quality materials

Signs That Point Toward Full Replacement

• Post rot at ground level: When posts have rotted at or below the surface, the structural integrity of the deck is usually compromised. If the rot is isolated to one or two posts and footings while the rest of the frame is sound, we can replace those posts and footings as part of the resurfacing project. Widespread post rot, however, points toward full replacement.
• Widespread joist damage: Soft, spongy, or visibly rotted joists mean the frame can't safely support new decking. Replacing a few joists is sometimes feasible; replacing most of them usually isn't cost-effective.
• Soft or rotted decking throughout: When the deterioration is widespread rather than isolated, replacement is almost always the more sensible path.
• Age — but with an important nuance: For a deck that sits close to the ground where moisture accumulates, we start looking very carefully at the framing once it reaches 15 to 20 years. For an elevated deck with good airflow underneath — which dries out more effectively after rain — a well-maintained frame may be a viable resurfacing candidate up to 20 to 25 years. Either way, age is a flag to assess closely, not an automatic verdict.

Our Honest Policy

At Ann Arbor Decks, we don't have a financial interest in steering you toward replacement when resurfacing is a realistic option — or toward resurfacing when your deck genuinely needs to come down. Our approach is straightforward:

• If we assess your deck and believe a full rebuild is the only responsible recommendation, we'll tell you that and quote accordingly.
• If we believe resurfacing is a viable option, we'll present both choices — resurfacing and full replacement — with clear pricing for each, and let you decide what makes sense for your home and budget.

We've been doing this since 2006. Our reputation in Washtenaw County is built on honest assessments and work that holds up over time, not on upselling jobs that don't need to be bigger than they are.

A Quick Guide: Resurfacing or Replacement?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put composite decking over my existing wood deck boards? Not directly on top — the old boards need to come off first. But once we remove the existing decking, we can install composite boards on your existing frame, provided the frame passes our structural assessment. Many homeowners are pleasantly surprised to find their framing is in better shape than the worn surface suggested.

How long does a resurfaced deck last? That depends largely on what you resurface with. A composite surface installed on a sound frame will last 25 to 30 years with minimal maintenance. A wood resurfacing will last 15 to 25+ years with consistent care. In either case, the longevity of the resurfaced deck is ultimately tied to the health of the frame underneath — which is exactly why we assess it carefully before recommending resurfacing.

My deck is only 10 years old — do I really need to replace it? Age alone doesn't determine the answer. A 10-year-old deck that was poorly built or inadequately maintained may need replacement, while a 20-year-old deck with quality framing and consistent care might be an excellent resurfacing candidate. The only way to know for certain is an on-site assessment.

What happens to my old deck after you demolish it? We handle all demolition debris responsibly. Michigan requires that pressure-treated lumber be disposed of at an authorized facility — it cannot be burned or placed in household trash. Depending on the size of your project, we'll either use our own trailers to haul the material to an approved disposal site, or arrange for a dumpster service to handle it.

Is resurfacing always cheaper than replacing? Usually — but not always. When the framing requires significant repair alongside a new surface, the combined cost can approach or exceed a full replacement. That's one of the reasons we evaluate the full picture before quoting. We want you making a decision based on accurate numbers, not a low estimate that grows once we get into the work.

Let's Take a Look

If your deck is showing its age, the best first step is an honest, professional assessment. At Ann Arbor Decks, our on-site consultations are free, no-pressure, and typically take just 30 to 45 minutes. We'll walk your deck with you, tell you what we see, and give you a clear picture of your options — including a detailed written quote for whichever path makes sense.

Book your free estimate today. No pressure, no obligation — just a straightforward conversation about what your deck actually needs.

Environmental Sustainability: What’s Better, Wood or Composite Decking?

Highlights from this article:

• Both natural wood decking and composite decking carry trade-offs, so the most environmentally responsible choice depends on which one you value the most.
• Composite decking uses recycled materials (waste wood and used plastics), and it lasts longer. On the flip side, it takes more energy to produce, and it cannot itself be recycled.
• Wood decking is long-lasting, biodegradable, carbon-storing, and renewable — but most types require chemical stains or paints for maintenance and longevity.
• Pressure-treated pine, like composite decking, must be disposed of in a landfill at the end of its usable life.

Skip down to the quick comparison table or the FAQs.

You’ve decided to build a deck. You care about the environment. Now comes a question that’s more complicated than it looks: Which decking material is actually better for the planet?

Both wood and composite decking have genuine environmental strengths, and both carry real environmental costs. What we can do is lay out the trade-offs honestly, so you can make the choice that best reflects your values.

Wood Decking: Natural, Renewable — and Not Without Trade-Offs

Cedar: The Environmentally Friendlier Wood Option

Cedar is one of the most ecologically responsible choices in the wood decking category. Cedar trees grow relatively quickly, and responsible forestry practices — including certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) — ensure that harvested trees are replanted, often at rates of 10 to 20 saplings per tree logged. The FSC-certified cedar used by Ann Arbor Decks means you’re supporting forests actively managed for long-term sustainability.

Cedar also brings a meaningful end-of-life advantage: it biodegrades. When a cedar deck eventually reaches the end of its useful life, it returns to the earth (a fate composite decking cannot share).

On the carbon side, wood has a compelling story. Trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, and that carbon stays locked in the wood throughout the life of your deck. A 2025 life-cycle analysis found that softwood lumber actually has a negative carbon impact, meaning that its use in construction reduces atmospheric carbon rather than adding to it.

The honest downside: Cedar still requires logging, transportation, and periodic maintenance — including staining and sealing products that carry their own chemical footprint.

Pressure-Treated Pine: The Chemical Question

Pressure-treated ("PT") pine’s environmental story has improved significantly over the past two decades. Until 2004 (two years before Ann Arbor Decks had our start), virtually all residential PT lumber was treated with Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) — a preservative containing arsenic. Happily, the EPA and the lumber industry phased out CCA for residential use, replacing it with safer alternatives like Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) and Copper Azole.

Today’s PT pine is meaningfully better, especially when disposed of properly. The larger environmental case for PT pine is its longevity. The same chemicals that raise concern are what allow a fast-growing, affordable species to serve as a long-lasting building material, reducing how many trees need to be harvested over time.

The honest downside: Disposing of old PT lumber requires care. Never burn it, as the smoke can release toxic compounds. The State of Michigan requires us to dispose of PT pine at an authorized location. You can rest assured that if we’re demolishing your existing deck to rebuild it, we will ethically and legally dispose of the waste substructure, decking, and railing.

Composite and PVC Decking: Recycled Content, Petroleum Origins

The Recycled Content Argument

The environmental case for composite decking starts with what it’s made of. TimberTech boards incorporate 60% to 85% recycled materials. Trex manufactures its decking from up to 95% recycled and reclaimed content — sawdust, reclaimed wood fiber, and recycled polyethylene film.

Trex has evolved its plastic sourcing over time. The company now relies heavily on clear polyethylene shrink wrap (commercial pallet wrapping) rather than the consumer plastics like grocery bags that it originally used when it pioneered its deck product. It’s a smart shift: pallet wrap is generated in enormous volumes and has very limited recycling options in conventional waste streams. Trex alone diverts more than one billion pounds of plastic film from landfills every year.

Composite decking’s low-maintenance nature also has environmental implications. It never needs staining, sealing, or chemical treatments — a meaningful reduction in the maintenance chemicals most wood decks require over a 25-year lifespan.

The End-of-Life Problem

The wood fiber and plastic components in composite decking are currently inseparable, making the material impossible to recycle with today’s technology. Unlike wood decking, composite does not biodegrade. So, when a composite deck on a treated pine frame ends its life, both the treated pine and the composite elements must be disposed of in a landfill together.

How the Two Compare: An Environmental Lens

Which Choice Is Right for the Environmentally Conscious Homeowner: Cedar, PT Pine or Composite?

Choose FSC-certified cedar if renewable resources, carbon storage, and end-of-life biodegradability matter most. Cedar from a responsibly managed forest grows back, stores carbon while it lives, and returns to the earth when it’s done. The trade-off is ongoing maintenance and a shorter lifespan without consistent care.

Choose composite if diverting plastic from landfills and eliminating long-term maintenance chemicals are your priorities. Composite makes a real and tangible environmental contribution — the trade-off is petroleum origins and a landfill destination at end of life.

Choose pressure-treated pine if affordability and renewable sourcing are your primary concerns and you’re committed to responsible maintenance and disposal. Today’s PT pine is a far cry from the arsenic-treated lumber of previous decades — but be mindful of its chemical footprint near water.

A Note on Certification

Look for the FSC logo on wood products. It guarantees the wood came from a forest managed for long-term sustainability — with replanting requirements, habitat protections, and supply chain accountability. Not all cedar or pine on the market meets this standard, but it’s available if you ask for it.

What the FSC Labels Mean | Forest Stewardship Council

For composite products, Trex and TimberTech both publish environmental data and third-party audit results worth reviewing if you want to dig deeper into a manufacturer’s claims.

Trex® Environmental Sustainability

Sustainability – TimberTech

Frequently Asked Questions

Is composite decking environmentally friendly? It’s genuinely complicated. Composite’s use of recycled materials meaningfully diverts plastic and wood waste from landfills — a real benefit. However, the plastic originates as a petroleum byproduct, and composite boards can’t be recycled at end of life. Whether that trade-off feels "green" depends on which environmental values you weigh most heavily.

Is pressure-treated pine safe for the environment today? Much safer than it used to be. The arsenic-based CCA treatment standard until 2004 has been replaced with less toxic alternatives like ACQ and Copper Azole. These still contain copper that can leach into soil, particularly in the first few years and in poorly drained areas. Never burn old PT lumber, and check local guidelines for disposal.

Which decking material has the smallest carbon footprint? Wood has a surprisingly strong carbon story. Trees store carbon as they grow, and that carbon stays locked in the wood throughout your deck’s life. A 2025 UNECE life-cycle analysis found softwood lumber delivers a net reduction in atmospheric carbon. Composite manufacturing involves energy-intensive extrusion and carries a net positive carbon footprint, though Trex and others have made meaningful strides in reducing production emissions.

Can I recycle my composite deck boards when I eventually replace them? Not with current technology. The wood fiber and plastic are fused together and can’t be separated for recycling — composite boards go to a landfill at end of life. The industry is working toward next-generation recycling solutions, but none are widely available yet.

How does Ann Arbor Decks dispose of my old deck and deck railing? At Ann Arbor Decks by JMJ, we’re committed to careful and proper disposal of your old deck’s footings, framing, decking, fascia and railing. Depending on the size and scope of your job, we may either A) use our own trailers to collect and dispose of your old deck at an approved landfill, or B) hire a dumpster service to take care of that for you.

What does FSC certification mean for wood decking? The Forest Stewardship Council certifies forests managed for long-term sustainability — with verified replanting practices, habitat protections, and supply chain accountability. Asking specifically for FSC-certified cedar or pine is the most reliable way to ensure your wood came from a responsible source.

We’ll Help You Think It Through

At Ann Arbor Decks, we don’t think there’s a single right answer to the wood-versus-composite question — including when the environment is part of the conversation. We’ve been helping Washtenaw County families build beautiful, lasting outdoor spaces since 2006, and we genuinely enjoy helping homeowners find the material that fits their values, their lifestyle, and their budget.

If environmental impact matters to your decision, bring it up during your consultation. We’ll give you an honest picture of your options so you can make a choice you feel good about for years to come.

Book your free estimate today. No pressure, no obligation — just a real conversation about what matters to you.