Build Outdoor Beauty, Sustainably
Chosen theme: Using Sustainable Materials for Outdoor Areas. Welcome to a greener way to shape patios, paths, and gathering spaces—where every plank, paver, and finish respects the planet. Subscribe for fresh ideas, field-tested tips, and inspiring stories each month.
Decking and Surface Choices That Tread Lightly
FSC-certified cedar or reclaimed hardwood keeps forests standing while delivering warmth and strength. Choose tight-grain boards, raised on ventilated joists, and seal with plant-based oils to resist moisture without harsh chemicals. Share your favorite species.
Permeable Hardscapes and Stormwater-Savvy Details
Open-joint or porous pavers over graded, clean aggregate allow infiltration and support heavy loads. Edge restraints and maintenance vacuuming keep pores open. Comment if permeable systems solved puddles in your yard.
Structures and Furniture with a Smaller Footprint
Powder-coated recycled aluminum and weathering steel deliver strength with minimal maintenance. Choose low-VOC finishes and design for disassembly so parts can be replaced. What metal pieces have lasted longest for you?
Structures and Furniture with a Smaller Footprint
Outdoor cushions made from solution-dyed acrylics or recycled polyester resist fading and mold. Prefer removable covers, zippers, and refillable inserts to extend life. Tell us where you’ve sourced recycled fabric you love.
Finishes, Adhesives, and Care That Protect People and Planet
Low-VOC, Plant-Based Finishes
Natural oils, waterborne sealers, and limewash reduce off-gassing while protecting wood, brick, and stucco. Test samples on offcuts, and track recoat intervals. Have low-VOC products changed your maintenance routine?
Adhesives and Grouts That Endure
Choose solvent-free construction adhesives, recycled-content grouts, and flexible joint sands that resist weeds. Proper curing and joint design prevent failures. Share a brand-agnostic tip that kept your patio tight and tidy.
Cleaning the Gentle Way
Skip harsh bleach. Use mild soap, vinegar, or oxygen-based cleaners with soft brushes to lift grime without damaging finishes. What low-impact cleaning routine keeps your deck looking new?
Locally sourced stone, clay pavers, and regionally milled wood cut transport emissions and often match local weather better. Which nearby suppliers have impressed you with transparency?
Reclaimed brick, beams, and flagstone carry history and patina you cannot fake. Verify structural integrity, and design around irregularities. Share your best salvage find and how you made it shine outdoors.
A long-lived, repairable material with a clear recycling path often beats a trendy option. Consider embodied carbon, durability, and end-of-life. What lifecycle trade-offs did you make in your last project?
Biodiversity-Friendly Materials for Living Landscapes
Use rot-resistant species, stone, or recycled plastic for garden beds to avoid leaching chemicals into soil. Have you switched raised bed materials for healthier harvests?
