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Why does nobody talk about the guilt of using cheap materials in home projects?

I just rebuilt my deck and had to choose between pressure-treated wood and cedar. The treated stuff was way cheaper and lasts longer, but I know it has chemicals that can seep into the ground (my vegetable patch is right next to it). Cedar is natural and safer, but it costs a lot more and might not hold up as well over time. I went with the treated wood to stay on budget, but now I feel uneasy whenever I'm out there gardening. I heard that sealing it helps, but that was extra money and work I didn't want to deal with. On one hand, I saved cash for other house needs, but on the other, I might have hurt my garden and the environment. Where do you all stand? Is it okay to choose budget over being green when money is tight, or should we always try to do the right thing?
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3 Comments
the_zara
the_zara2mo ago
My neighbor's composite decking split after two winters.
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alexh88
alexh882mo ago
When I chose treated wood to stay on budget, sealing it right away eased my mind about the garden.
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mason_ward
mason_ward2mo ago
Always thought sealing was extra work... but you're right.
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