Choose Real Wood For Authentic Backyard Projects

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As the days get longer and the sun gets warmer, homeowners looking out their back windows see ... the same old backyard. Never fear! It's easy to change the look of a yard with decks, gazebos, raised garden beds -- all of these enhance outdoor living spaces and create a nice oasis for the family to spend the warm outdoor months. And for the environmentally conscious, earth-friendly family, the building product of choice is real wood.

Brad Staggs, HGTVPro.com, DIY show producer and host, and a licensed contractor, puts it in his own words: "People are reaching for a simpler way of life, an easier, more natural way of living. To connect to the nature within your backyard, you need all-natural, genuine products. It's no surprise that wood remains at the top of the building material list for so many people."

Like Wood Isn't Wood

Your backyard is natural, it's beautiful and it's part of your home. Why introduce a fake imitation? So many decking products "look" like wood, but they're not. They can't offer the renewability of wood, the true beauty of natural wood, the earth-friendliness of locally grown wood, the authentic smell and feel of real wood. Don't be fooled; go with the grain and choose real wood for your decking and backyard projects.

Still Number One

What's the one thing historic homes have in common? Real wood. From the framing to the flooring, the front porch to the back deck: builders have relied on real wood as the building material of choice. It's durable, it's beautiful and it lasts.

Wood remains the top building material for outdoor living projects like decks and gazebos -- especially pressure-treated pine, used most often for outdoor projects because of its structural integrity. And the natural strength and integrity don't come at the expense of our environment. Well-managed forests provide natural wood products and a host of benefits for wildlife and the environment -- choosing real wood is a win-win.

Wood: It's Real

Man and nature have long held a durable, unbreakable bond. The more we nurture that bond and protect the natural resources around us, the stronger the relationship will grow. Choosing artificial decking means choosing products made from finite resources, products that use exponentially more energy to manufacture. Wood is the only renewable and recyclable building product on the market.

This year, when it comes time to build a deck, gazebo or even a birdhouse, choose wisely: choose wood.

For real wood projects, plans and photos, or to enter to win your own $10,000 Backyard Oasis, please visit www.realoutdoorliving.com.