How to stain and seal your pressure treated wood deck

Although ProWood pressure treated lumber protects against rot and termites, a little maintenance should to be performed to maximize protection against fading and weathering. This periodic maintenance will allow you to enjoy on your deck area for years. Add color and water repellent Wood Sealer Start by applying a topical sealant to your new project for surface protection. I do not recommend use of a conventional multicoat paint system or varnish. The performance is nearly always disappointing and scraping and sanding and often must precede repainting. Instead, choose an outdoor wood sealer.... read more

Deckorators' New Products Will Light Things Up at IBS Next Week

  New Deckorators low-voltage accent lighting for outdoor living spaces to be introduced at IBS  Lighted balusters, recessed lighting, post cap lights add beauty, drama to decks, patios, stairs  Deckorators will unveil exciting new products including accent lighting, solar baluster lights, balusters, and new post cap designs, at next week’s International Builders Show in Las Vegas. Included in the new product offering to debut at IBS, Jan. 22-24, 2013, are:  Low-voltage lighting. This new line of low-voltage accent lighting offers all you’ll need to light an outdoor living area with flair.  •... read more

Fall Care & Maintenance For Aluminum Railing

  Now is the perfect time of year to show your Deckorators® aluminum railing system a little love and attention. Though your railing needs only minimal care and maintenance, we recommend checking and cleaning it at least once a year in a standard outdoor living space. Near swimming pools and spas, aluminum railings should be checked and cleaned every 6 months, which makes fall yard cleanup and pool close-up time ideal for giving your railing a quick once-over. Cleaning Begin with a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Test a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that no color change or... read more

Maximize The View From Your Deck

  Having a landscaped yard and a comfortable deck is the perfect way to blend the natural beauty of the outdoors with a design that is both stylish and functional. But what happens when you really want to showcase your yard's view? Does a deck’s railings block your field of vision?  The good news is homeowners who want a minimally obstructed view of their landscape have some great options. Whether you have a fantastic flower garden, pristine lakeshore property or land that overlooks the mountains, you can have a deck and keep the view spectacular when you install the right kind of balusters.... read more

Illuminate Your Deck for Added Nighttime Ambiance — It’s a Bright New Idea!

The team at Deckorators — the outdoor-living people who bring you state-of-the-art innovations in deck building, plus styling that matches your unique tastes — recently had a light bulb moment (pardon the pun). We’re thrilled to announce our latest bright idea: personalized, low voltage accent lighting for your outdoor living area. Think fireflies ... or starlight. Then capture that same magical feeling when you chase away the darkness with illuminated balusters and post caps. The soft attractive glow enhances the ambiance of your deck or outdoor room and virtually begs you to stay out and... read more

How to renovate a deck with railing and accessory upgrades

Now that warm weather has arrived, you’ll be outside more; your outdoor space should be an area that you truly enjoy and are proud to show off to guests. You may not need a complete deck remodel to achieve that level of perfection. With some smart deck upgrades you can create an upscale look for less. Start by looking at the deck railing itself. More than just a safety feature, the railing is one of the most prominent design elements of any deck, and changing it is a cost-effective way to make an eye-catching statement. Remember, your railing doesn’t have to match your current deck material.... read more

Why Deckorators balusters are better

Is there a difference in the quality of powder-coated aluminum deck balusters? You bet! Because Deckorators aluminum deck balusters are Interpon 810 powder-coated (for High Durability), they provide significantly improved gloss retention and resistance to color change versus most other brands. On top of that, they’re AAMA2604 compliant and that means twice the humidity resistance and five times the outdoor exposure resistance when compared to other brands. Deckorators powder-coated balusters, like the Classic Series, are tested for 3000 hours for fade and blistering, while other baluster... read more

Deckorators showcases deck railing versatility during the 2012 Builders' Show

Over the years Deckorators has built a solid brand reputation by offering innovation, durable deck railing accessories like balusters and post caps. Now Deckorators has broadened its product range to include CXT co-extruded composite deck railing kits and aluminum deck railing kits. Showcased in the Deckorators booth at the 2012 Builders' Show in Orlando, both Deckorators CXT Railing System and Aluminum Railing System were highlighted using an assortment of Deckorators brand balusters, including the new copper colored round baluster, solar post caps and hardwood cap railing and Duo Connectors... read more

When do deck stairs need a gripable handrail?

You need to install a gripable / graspable handrail on one side of the deck stairs when you have four or more steps / treads or when your deck is elevated more than 30 inches off the ground. (R311.7 2009 IRC book) Gripable / graspable secondary handrails are required by more and more building codes / deck codes in areas across the country, so please refer to your local building code. Deckorators features an attractive secondary handrail system in its deck railing products lineup. A cap rail is NOT considered a secondary handrail. Deckorators tropical hardwood cap rail is not considered a... read more

What’s the best way to deal with loose railings?

Wood deck railings can loosen and get wobbly over time, compromising the safety and beauty of your deck. Fixing this problem is usually a simple matter of tightening or replacing existing screws or bolts, or possibly adding new ones. If deck railings have deteriorated, it may be necessary to replace them. In fact, replacing an old worn railing with sturdy, decorative alternatives like Latitudes composite railing or Deckorators aluminum railing is an easy, high-impact way to upgrade the look and feel of your deck. read more

What is the best deck railing material for your needs?

Long gone are the days when deck railings could only be wood. Today, you’ll find residential deck railing options in kits made of aluminum, composite material and vinyl or acrylic. Each material has its unique advantages. Deckorators’ aluminum deck railing is durable and lightweight. It’s ultra low maintenance and won’t rot, corrode or stain. It’s a great choice for decks, docks, balconies or anywhere that strength and durability are especially important. If you like the look of wood but crave superior low maintenance and durability, composite deck railing like Latitudes Intrepid can be an... read more

Adding decorative railing accessories to your deck

Deck railing accessories can be the crowning touch on your new railing. Decorative post caps can change the look of any railing, and install quickly and easily. Whether you opt for metal, glass or even planter post caps, adding ornamental post caps to your railing can really create a one-of-a-kind look. Faux stone postcovers are another way to enhance the look and personality of your deck railing. Deckorators cast stone postcovers fit over the standard 4x4 or 6x6 treated wood posts of your deck railing, and provide a realistic appearance of authentic stone without the cost. Top them with a... read more

Choosing stylish balusters for your deck's railing

Whether your railing is wood, metal, composite or vinyl, you have plenty of options for decorative balusters. Deckorators pioneered the use of metal balusters and offers the widest array of aluminum balusters in many shapes, styles, colors and sizes. Installing maintenance-free powder coated aluminum balusters on your deck railing system is a great way to add a creative, colorful touch. Deckorators aluminum deck balusters are available in several colors and designs and come with a lifetime warranty on the finish. You can also find glass balusters from Deckorators or Latitudes (for composite... read more

Deck renovation – Make your deck stand out with cool features, design

As a savvy homeowner you're always looking for something new and different—and you should be, too! If you're willing to do a little exploring, you can create or renovate a composite deck or lumber deck that positively sizzles with visual and functional appeal in your outdoor living space. Suggest creating multiple levels. Perhaps an embedded inset for visual appeal. And why settle for straight lines and predictable runs? How about incorporating sweeping curves or compound angles with your deck planks? Create contrast with complimentary deck board colors and reversible textures. A grill... read more

Pointers for Planning a Pool Deck

Is this summer your family’s year to finally put in that backyard pool they’ve been dreaming about? Or maybe you already have a pool and you’re looking for a way to make using it an even more enjoyable experience. Composite pool decking is a great way to enhance the look, appeal and usability of any pool or hot tub. Latitudes composite decking is a great choice, especially around water, as it's slip resistant. Add matching composite pool deck railing, aluminum pool railing from Deckorators or  Veranda vinyl pool fencing and you’ve got a great start on your own personal outdoor oasis. Whether... read more

When do you need to install a graspable secondary handrail on a residential deck?

A graspable secondary handrail is an important component to consider when planning a deck with stairs. So whether you're constructing a residential composite deck, lumber deck or a deck made from other decking material, you're typically required to install a graspable secondary handrail on one side of the deck's stair railing when there are four or more stair risers present. Key Residential Stair Handrail Requirements (IRC - International Residential Code) Stairways having four or more risers, or rising more than 30 inches in height, whichever is less, must have at least one grab rail.... read more

Remodel a deck with unique deck railing ideas

If summer’s approach has you thinking it’s time to remodel a deck, you might be looking for a cost-effective, high-impact way to do it. Taking your deck’s railings to the next level could be your solution. Deck railing is more than just a safety feature to keep guests and kids from a nasty fall. It can also make a powerful design statement. Railing kits can make it easy to upgrade your deck with a whole new look. Consider these railing upgrades: Balusters You have more choices and alternatives than ever when it comes to spicing up deck balusters. Aluminum balusters allow you to introduce... read more

Decorative balusters add design flair to deck railings

Take a look around: So many decks these days settle for the same old 2x2 treated wood balusters that really do little to enhance appeal or add interest. You get what you settle for.Deckorators balusters bring an entirely new visual dimension to deck railings—it's all about choices and alternatives.The aluminum balusters zip up deck designs by introducing curves, angles and simulated lathe-turned profiles in Classic, Colonial, Architectural, Estate and Traditional designs.Scenic Glass balusters let the views shine through with grace and distinction.Further your flair with elegant... read more

Tips for installing Deckorators code compliant aluminum deck railing

Prior to installing Deckorators aluminum deck rail kit, you may want to contact your local municipality about code requirements for both the height of the upper railing as measured from the deck surface and the open area from the bottom of the lower rail to the deck surface (known as the sweep). I’ll tell you about the standard ranges but keep in mind your local code could be different. Due to the dozens of attractive Deckorators options, the most challenging part of this process is not the installation – it’s picking the type of baluster and the color. Deckorators originated the decorative... read more

New Deckorators CXT deck railing system to be showcased at JLC Live in New England

Universal Consumer Products has added a second deck railing system to the Deckorators® brand lineup called CXT. The Deckorators CXT railing system is co-extruded for ultralow-maintenance and is available through Wolf, the newest distributor of Deckorators brand products. The CXT railing system will be showcased at the 2011 JLC Live tradeshow in New England, beginning March 25.Deckorators CXT railing emulates the look of real painted wood and combines proven Strandex® technology on the interior with an ultralow-maintenance exterior cap stock for long-term durability and strength. Deckorators... read more

Universal Forest Products is the nation's leading manufacturer and distributor of wood and wood-alternative products to the retail building materials, industrial packaging/components, manufactured housing, residential construction and commercial construction & concrete forming markets.