Easy to install deck railing connectors


Wednesday, October 5, 2011 / 0 Comments »

Building a 2x4 deck railing? Consider using Deckorators deck railing connectors for a secure connection of the top and bottom rails.

Deckorators deck railing connectors

These deck railing connectors create a strong and effective support to the rail. The railing connectors make attaching standard 2x4 rails to the deck post quick and easy. Made from heavy duty nylon, these connectors are available in five colors including black, cedar, redwood, gray and mahogany to accommodate virtually any type of 2x4 deck rail system.

  • Durable plastic is pre-drilled for accurate attachment of the rails to the Deckorators Multi-angle 2x4 deck railing connectorposts.
  • Works with composite deck railing, wood deck railing and metal deck railing.
  • Stainless steel screws are provided to help ensure a solid connection.
  • Railing connectors are designed for installation of 90° railing to posts.
  • Multi-angle railing connector (shown far right) is designed for installation of 22° to 45°railings.

Check out Deckorators full line of connectors and accessories.

See this blog on choosing stylish deck railing balusters.

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


Thursday, July 7, 2011 / 1 Comments »

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 thatLatitudes Composite Decking and Deck Stones 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 bump-out could keep young fingers out of heat's reach and add more usable space. An outdoor kitchen or fire pit area with inset deck stones will add functionality and interest.

Deck Railing Ideas
When you're done with basic design, start thinking about the nuances and finishing touches that really make a deck sing. Deckorators has code approved aluminum railing kits and deck handrails, balusters, post caps and lighting in a wide range of styles and colors. You'll have no problem finding the right accessories for any deck railing design. More deck railing ideas in this blog.

A new or rehabbed deck project is a rare chance for you to make profound changes to your outdoor living environment. Start a project today!

How design details can make your deck unique


Thursday, June 30, 2011 / 2 Comments »

You’ve probably heard the expression “God is in the details.” Well, when it comes to creating a truly unique and beautiful deck design, the right mix of details can create a heavenly result.

Every deck is essentially a blank canvas. Adding design details such as ornamental post caps, decorative balusters and deck inlays, can turn your blank canvas into a custom deck that is a work of art.

Not sure which details will work best for your tastes and design parameters?

Deck design software can help you envision how your deck will look with the addition of certain details. The Deck Visualizer is a free online program that allows you to choose from a selection of scenes and then dress up each with a variety of designer details, such as wood color, railing design, and baluster and post cap accessories.

Designer touches are limited only by your imagination – and creativity in forming combinations. In addition to ornamental post caps and decorative balusters – which we’ve talked about before in this blog – there are many other ways to customize your deck, including:

  • Latitudes Intrepid Composite DeckingDeck inlays – A deck inlay can be anything from decorative stone or ceramic tile to a design made up of different colored composite deck boards placed at interesting angles.
  • Reversible boards – Unlike standard deck boards, Latitudes Intrepid composite deck boards can be placed with either side facing up. Each side has its own unique texture (woodgrain or brushed) and color variance, allowing you to create an interesting design while using just one type of decking material.
  • Picture framing – By installing a trim board around a deck, you can give your wood deck surface a unique appearance, and protect plank ends that can deteriorate over time when exposed to the elements.
  • Latitudes composite decking for bench and planterHidden fasteners – Strategically placed nails or screws can be incorporated into a deck’s design, but for an ultra-clean look, consider Latitude’s Equator hidden fastener. Concealed below the deck surface, Equator composite deck hidden fasteners fit into the groove on the side of the deck board secured at each joist to eliminate pre-drilling and allow for quick and easy installation, leaving a deck looking smooth and sleek. Installing the right hidden fastener will make your composite deck barefoot friendly.
  • Recessed lighting – Deckorators recessed lighting kits use compact, ultra-bright, low-volt LED lights to make decks more appealing and accessible after dark. Build them into stairs, step-downs and anywhere you need illumination both for looks and safetypurposes.
  • Benches and boxes – Built-ins are a hot deck trend and you can use Latitudes composite decking to build curved composite benches and planter boxes around your deck.

Whether you choose to add just one detail or many, designer touches can truly make your deck one-of-a-kind – and make you feel like you have your own little slice of heaven in your own backyard.


Remodel a deck with unique deck railing ideas


Wednesday, May 18, 2011 / 2 Comments »

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.
Deckorators aluminum railing with Estate balusters

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 curves, angles and interest into your deck design. They’re available in Classic, Colonial, Architectural, Estate and Traditional designs from Deckorators.

Create a true one-of-a-kind railing infill design using Deckorators Duo Connectors along with Classic or Estate Balusters.

Deckorators also offers scenic glass balusters. The clear, unobstructed view afforded by glass can make a deck seem more spacious. Deckorators sells them in two shapes: Frontier, which is straight with a beveled edge, and Contour, a graceful hourglass-shaped design.

Post caps
One of the easiest ways to add interest to deck railings is with ornamental post caps. Installing them can be as simple as applying glue to the top of the post and putting the cap in place. They’re a great way to dress up a railing without completely replacing it.Deckorators post cap

Ornamental post caps come in glass, metal, wood and planter styles. Solar post caps add another layer of interest by providing good looks and gentle illumination at night. They’re available in glass and metal styles.

Aluminum deck railing
If you’re slightly more ambitious and want a railing that combines good looks with enhancedDeckorators Aluminum Railing durability, consider replacing wooden railing with aluminum deck railing. You’ll have a wealth of colors and design options to choose from, and the added satisfaction of knowing you’re enhancing your deck with a railing that will last years longer than a wooden one would. An added bonus – Deckorators code approved aluminum deck railing kit is compatible with all their decorative baluster styles, so your design options are limited only by your imagination!

Thanks to innovative railing options, it’s easier than ever to do a deck remodel. Your hardest task might be deciding just which great look to choose!

See my blog featuring a video on how to install Deckorators aluminum railing system.

Decorative balusters add design flair to deck railings


Friday, April 1, 2011 / 3 Comments »

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 CXT Railing with glass and aluminum balusters

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.

Deckorators baluster accessoriesFurther your flair with elegant baluster accessories.
Deckorators centerpieces attach to vertical balusters for an extra measure of design panache. Special collars and baskets lend a rich and elegant feel. And you can mix and match colors for contrast or complement. Try doing all that with standard 2x2 spindles!

Read more in one of my prior blog posts about how to accessorize your deck railing with style.

Deckorators aluminum railing system passes building code


Wednesday, December 8, 2010 / 6 Comments »

Deckorators aluminum deck railing has passed both the 2006 and 2009 International Building Code and International Residential Building Code for its 6-foot railing system in 36- and 42-inch heights.

Code approved Deckorators aluminum railingA code-compliant research report (CCRR) issued by Architectural Testing provides the evidence, technical information and professional evaluation that a building official relies upon to determine that a product, component or construction method complies with specific building codes. The issuance of CCRR-0161 offers extra assurance to building material dealers, contractors and homeowners that the Deckorators aluminum railing system has been tested by a third-party and will perform as designed.

“The building code report is critical to generating new business,” said John Hess, director of sales for Universal Consumer Products. “This report will help improve our ability to drive sales of the Deckorators aluminum railing system, especially where code-compliant railings are required.”

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accreditation is widely accepted among building code officials. The Architectural Testing Code Compliance Research Report is accredited by ANSI as a product certification program. The code compliance research report (CCRR-0161) issued by Architectural Testing (ATI) can be viewed, downloaded and printed from the Deckorators website (see report).

About Deckorators Integrated Aluminum Railing System
The sleek, durable top profile creates an eye-catching appearance and is compatible with all Deckorators baluster styles. This innovative deck railing system is available in powder-coated black or white and features a lifetime limited warranty. The rails are sold in kits to make purchasing simple. Post sleeves, stair rail bracket kits, angled brackets and matching post caps are also available. All kits can be shipped via UPS to the job site.

How to stabilize your deck railing with crush blocks


Friday, April 9, 2010 / 0 Comments »
Crush blocks are important support pieces that fit snugly between the bottom section of your deck railing and deck surface. These blocks are used to support composite / synthetic wood railing, PVC railing, wood railing Composite Railing Crush Blocksand many other deck railing material to keep the rail section from sagging and possibly warping over time.

Crush blocks are often made from leftover deck building material like 2x2 composite decking pieces, aluminum balusters, square aluminum balusters or treated lumber. You can also cut a piece of 5/4x6 decking and stand it on end under the bottom rail of a deck railing section. Secure the crush block with a silicone adhesive or with a fastener.

Deck or porch railing, balcony railing and angled deck stair railing from 2-ft up to 4-ft wide require one crush block while railing sections of 4-ft up to 6-ft wide require at least two crush blocks. More rigid aluminum railing typically only needs one crush block per 6-ft rail section.

New Deckorators integrated aluminum deck railing system delivers beauty, versatility


Friday, January 29, 2010 / 1 Comments »

Long known as the leader in decorative railing accessory products, Deckorators now offers a fully integrated deck railing kit of its own.

Deckorators deck railingThe sleek, durable top profile creates an eye-catching appearance and is compatible with all Deckorators baluster styles. This innovative new railing system is available in powder-coated black or white and features a lifetime limited warranty. The rails are sold in kits to make purchasing simple. Post sleeves, stair rail bracket kits, angled brackets and matching post caps are also available. All kits can be shipped via UPS.

This new line also features two matching styles and colors of post caps to accent the railing. Deckorators aluminum post caps, available in black or white, include a pyramid and a square, solar-powered post cap. The solar post cap requires no wiring or electricity and comes with two rechargeable AA batteries. The small solar collector rests atop an attractive silhouette light made of shatter-resistant glass. Its glow is perfect for casting a relaxing ambiance on deck areas.
Deckorators white aluminum railing
“As an industry leader, we continue to push the design envelope and give builders and consumers world-class options for decks and outdoor living areas. We’re confident our new railing system will be a hit as we showcase it at the 2010 LBM Expo in Boston," said Rick Preble, Director of Product Development for Universal Consumer Products.

Deckorators aluminum railing and deck and fence railing accessories are available through an established network of building material retailers in the United States and Canada. Visit www.deckorators.com for complete information.