Building a Deck

Deckorators, the nation’s leading brand of deck balusters and decorative railing accessories, has introduced another industry first called VersaCaps™ — decorative post caps with nested inserts that allow for a snug fit over the most common size deck and fence posts.

With new VersaCaps, post size is no longer a barrier when choosing the right post cap for your project. VersaCaps come with three inserts perfectly nested inside the base, making them adaptable for virtually any post ranging from 3-1/2”x3-1/2” to 4-5/8”x4-5/8”.  The true-fitting nested inserts take the guesswork out of matching up proper post cap size. VersaCaps are compatible with wood, composite and vinyl posts and are available in traditional solar, solar band and high point pyramid options and in a variety of colors.

Deckorators full line of VersaCaps will be available in the spring of 2012 and showcased in the Deckorators booth (W429) during the International Builders’ Show in Orlando.

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

Latitudes Composite Decking bolsters its deck accessory lineup with decorative, metal fascia corners. The new fascia corners will be available in the spring of 2012 and can be seen in the Latitudes booth (W429) during the International Builders’ Show in Orlando.

Latitudes decorative fascia corners are a stylish way to dress up deck skirting and cover corner joints. Each corner is sold individually and installs easily with eight color-matched screws (provided). Made of stainless steel and powder-coated black, fascia corners are available in Leaf and Ridge designs and are offered in 7,” 9” and 11” heights to fit virtually any size fascia boards.

Latitudes composite decking, railing and accessory products are available through an established network of building material retailers in the United States and Canada.

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 gripable handrail. Deckorators cap rail is an add-on accessory piece installed on the horizontal top portion of the Deckorators aluminum deck railing.

We received nearly 100 entries for consideration during this competition. The judges were impressed with the creativity and superior workmanship from both DIYers/consumers and professional builders. Each photo submission was ranked by creative use of deck building material and overall appearance.

Congratulations to the top three winners and honorable mentions. Thanks to all who participated and made this a great deck competition!

Grand Prize Winner
Doug Mominee, Around Your House, LLC.
Lambertville, MI

Deck Details:
1800+ Square foot deck. Hardwood deck is Ipe, rail Postcovers are Deckorators Beigh Stacked Stone with Copper Postcover Caps. Railing is Trex Brasilia for top and bottom rails. Deckorators Baroque Black Balusters, Deckorators Rail Connectors and Deckorators Classic Black Balusters cut down for rail supports. Over 70 recessed and mini spot LED deck and stair lights. Entire bottom of deck and gazebo covered with River Valley Ledge Stone.

View more photos of Doug's masterpiece on Deckorators' Flickr page.

"I encourage my customers to incorporate Deckorators products into their outdoor living areas. Deckorators offer outstanding quality products as well as a large variety of styles. With so many options to choose from, there is a unique style for everyone. This allows my customer's projects to stand out from their neighbors. Therefore, I feel by using Deckorators, it gives me that edge over the competition."

"We are extremely excited and appreciate the opportunity to compete with other beautifully designed decks. We truly love Deckorators products and will continue to use them on future projects. So many thanks goes out to Deckorators for providing outstanding materials. We couldn't have done it without them!" – Doug Mominee

2nd Place
Jeannine Jabaay – Treeline Construction
Anchorage, AK (view photos)

3rd Place
Vic Henderson – Raleigh Deck & Screen Porch Builder
Raleigh, NC (view photos)

View The Winners Page!

See all 2011 Best Deck Contest entries.

It is not uncommon to discover a tree that was just a sapling when you built your deck has now grown up and is too close to your outdoor living space. Cutting the tree down is an option, especially if it is not healthy and a danger to your home. If you wish to keep the tree, you can preserve it by incorporating it into your deck design and expanding the deck around it.

To do this, you will first need to run beams in front and back of the tree between two double wood joists. Fasten the joists on both sides of the tree with their load being relocated around the tree. Install diagonal supports at the corner and between the joists and the tree, creating an opening. Be sure to leave plenty of room for additional growth!

See past blog on Tips for building a deck around a tree.

If you're having your deck built or doing it yourself, deck building requires planning and forethought. Even the best deck plans can get off to a bad start if you don’t understand how your deck construction components fit together.

Deckorators offers special connection products to make installing these glass baluster infills on a wood deck rail quick and easy. A few easy steps will get your deck rail up and looking good in no time.

Before you install Deckorators Scenic Glass Deck Balusters, check with your local building inspector to verify the product made with 5/16-inch tempered safety glass matches code requirements. Your inspector can also guide you on the proper baluster spacing for deck rail construction in your area.

STEP 1: Measure and Cut
Two different rail configurations may be chosen when incorporating Scenic Glass Balusters in your deck project. If you are using 6x6-inch posts, twin top and bottom rails should be built with 2x4 lumber.

If you’re using 4x4-inch posts, choose 1-1/4-inch lumber for the twin rail construction.

STEP 2: Determine Openings
First measure the rail opening, post to post. Attach outside top and bottom rails to the posts. Scenic Balusters will be installed between two rails on the top and bottom.

Check local building codes for railing to post attaching guidelines. Keep in mind that 6 feet is the maximum recommended span for railings.

STEP 3: Connect Balusters
Measure and mark the center point between rail posts, both on the top and bottom rail.

Using a cordless drill, attach the first baluster with the stainless steel screws provided to the inside of the top and bottom rails. Turn screws only until rubber grommet starts to mushroom. Use caution not to over- tighten.

STEP 4: Placing deck rails
Choose a separator board, possibly a 2x4, which creates a 3-1/2-inch spacing between each baluster. Mark for installation of remaining glass balusters. Ideally, spacing will remain consistent across the length of the rails for the best appearance. When you have a pleasing spacing, attach the remaining balusters with provided screws.

STEP 5: Inspect
Install the inside top rail, covering the top of the balusters. This board should be attached directly to the 1st board that has the glass attached to it. It will not attach directly to the scenic glass balusters.

Install the inside bottom rail, same as above and add a rail cap to give the railing a professional, finished look.

See complete detailed instructions with illustrations here.

Using other deck baluster styles? View this blog post on proper baluster spacing.

See Deckorators full line of deck railing balusters.

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

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 posts.
• 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.

In a perfect world, no one would ever have to face the challenge of trying to sell a house when there’s snow on the ground and the trees are bare. In reality, people have to sell and buy homes throughout the year.

While winter may not be the optimum season to showcase your landscaping, there is one improvement you can make that will help you boost your home’s outdoor appeal no matter what the season: a deck.

When potential buyers visit your home in winter, they might not be able to envision how green and lovely your backyard will look come spring. But they will be able to see with their own eyes the square footage that a deck adds to the home’s living space.

Decks, patios, sunrooms and porches have always been popular with home buyers, but real estate agents say that too often those spaces are neglected or not used to their best advantage. Yet outdoor improvements like a deck can significantly enhance your home’s value and appeal. In fact, at the time of resale, a deck will recoup, on average, about 73 percent of the original cost of building it, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report.

"Anything that adds living space adds value, and the least expensive way to gain space is to build a deck or turn the one you have into an outdoor room by staging it so that it flows seamlessly with the rest of the house," says Mary Beth Harrison of The Harrison Group, a Dallas-based real estate agency. "A great deck can set your home apart from others with the same interior floor plan or square footage, and deck additions typically add value when it comes time to sell."

The cooler temperatures of fall and early winter make the season a great time to add a deck to your home. Or, if you already have a deck, you can enhance its appeal by adding simple touches and accessories.

A bonus space - for example, a tiny deck or rarely used balcony off a master bedroom - can be transformed into a romantic getaway by staging it with cozy, cushioned seating and a raised firepit. You can safeguard your deck and add designer style with Latitudes deck stones, 16-inch interlocking square tiles made of natural slate or granite. Deck stones can provide an effective fire barrier that's an asset under firepits or grills, or when used to create an outdoor kitchen.

Lighting is another way to boost appeal. LED deck lighting kits, like those offered by Deckorators, are both practical and visually appealing. Adding lighting to a deck can be an important safety feature, and also helps create a warm, welcoming mood for evening entertaining.

Another improvement that speaks to both safety and visual appeal are deck railings. Decorative railings with ornate balusters, post caps and postcovers can give virtually any wood or composite lumber deck a distinctive look for a modest investment.

More than ever before, people look at their decks as outdoor entertainment areas. Latitudes Composite Decking and Railing and Deckorators, a leader in decking railing systems and deck accessories provide many ways to turn the inside out – For some, it's a kitchen; for others, a living room. Decks can be party spaces or quiet retreats. With so many different types of deck materials, lighting, rail systems and decorative accents, it’s possible to turn a plain deck into a great outdoor space.

"Potential home buyers always react positively to nice decks that look like a great place to hang out," says Harrison. "From a buyer's perspective, if all else is equal, it's true that the home with the best deck wins."

See blog entitled "Update your deck, add value to your home".

When you’re planning on building a deck or thinking about a deck renovation or patio project, consider how you’ll use your outdoor living space. Outdoor kitchens are popular, but you might also consider creating an outdoor family room with a cozy seating area and warming fireplace.

Outdoor family time is a great way for family members to reconnect with each other while also enjoying the outdoors. When you’re planning your outdoor family room, keep in mind that you’ll want to incorporate many of the elements your family enjoys in their indoor environment.

Your inside family room probably includes comfortable seating and convenient furnishings, ample and varied light sources, room for playing games or snacking, and special spots for reading a book, holding a conversation or even taking a nap. You can recreate each of those vignettes in your outdoor deck or patio space as well.

See blog on Features to Consider When Creating a Living Space Outside.

See blog on Top Deck Trends.

Adding a built-in bench to your deck seating area evokes the charm and convenience of a window seat while providing additional seating for family gatherings and entertaining.

You can enhance the cozy atmosphere of your outdoor family room with the addition of a fire pit. If adding to a deck, define the space for your chiminea or fire pit and protect your deck by using Latitudes Deck Stones. Available in 16-inch square Smoke slate or Riverstone granite tiles, the deck stones interlock, self-drain, require no mortar and can easily be installed on new or existing conventional wood-framed decks. See Deck Stones installation video.

Lighting is another key element of your indoor family room, and it’s just as important in your outdoor space. Versatile outdoor lighting is not only an important deck safety feature; it can help create the perfect ambiance for evening entertaining. Deckorators recessed deck lighting kits are ideal for building into stairs, step-downs, doorways or wherever else you need ambient lighting.

Another way to create mood with light is by adding solar post caps on your deck railing. Available from Deckorators in glass or metal, these solar-powered post caps can illuminate a rail or fence post while creating a warm, comforting glow.

Create a spa-like feel by incorporating a decorative garden area complete with a water feature. Add plantings that provide a splash of color and fragrance along with functionality. Water features provide a subtle, calming sound and can also help soften unwanted noise caused by roads and other sources. Use various plant types to create space definition, cover from wind and sun or a sense of seclusion and visual privacy. Add a bird bath, like the serpentine jade version from Outdoor Essentials, to get the birds singing.

With just a few simple enhancements and the right accessories, you can turn your outdoor space into an outdoor family room the whole family will enjoy.

See blog on landscaping on and around a deck

Blocking a treated wood deck post is critically important for making sure your wood railing, composite lumber railing or metal deck railing stays secure for the life of the deck. Blocking/bridging is installed into the side framing mainly to control lateral movement. If you have to run handrail in the direction of the joists, use blocking to create your box and bolt through the post and the blocks. The bridge will help keep the outside joist from deflecting when you lean on the handrail.

Installing a post when the railing runs parallel to the joists
First mark the location of the post with a carpenter's pencil on the interior rim joist. The next step in securing your 4x4 or 6x6 lumber deck post is to measure the distance between your outer rim/band joist and your first interior joist beam. Pre-cut two pieces of pressure treated 2x6, 2x8 or 2x10 wood blocking (often cut from scrap) to a length that will fit loosely between the joists. If the cut pieces have to be pounded into place, cut an 1/8- to 1/4-inch to avoid bowing the joists. Each piece will roughly measure 14½ inches long for joists installed 16 inches on center.

Next, place the treated wood blocking on both sides of the deck rail post markings. Nail the blocking in place with two galvanized nails at each end. Measure, cut and install a small piece of wood blocking as a cross member which completes the box. Make sure this small piece fits into place easily then secure with two galvanized nails on each end.

Fit the pre-cut deck rail post into place while making sure it sits flush with the bottom of the outer rim joist. Tack the post into place with two nails on each side (or use a clamp)

Next, drill ½-inch pilot holes and install two ½-inch galvanized carriage bolts (approximately 8 inches long) and matching washers and nuts (do not over-tighten). The pilot holes should be positioned no closer than one inch from the top and bottom of the joist edge for maximum reinforcement.

Installing a post when the railing runs perpendicular to the joists
This method is similar to the parallel install version except you need to install only one cross-member – as seen in image two.

In both cases use a post level to make sure each post is plumb. Insert a shim if needed prior to cinching the carriage bolts.

By installing the rail post into the framing and then blocking around the post, it makes a for a more sturdy and durable connection, which in my opinion works best.

As always, check your local building codes to make sure this deck post installation method is acceptable in your area.

Building a deck from scratch or remodeling an existing deck with new railing? There are plenty of ways to make your wood deck or composite wood deck stand out—and it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.

Here's a short list of cool and unique ways to make your deck area pop without breaking the bank:

• add unique features to railing with decorative post caps or postcovers
• incorporate metal or glass baluster infills to your deck rail
• built in bench seating
• incorporate deck stone transitions
• install low-voltage or solar deck lighting
• place colorful plants on your deck and stairs
• incorporate colorful outdoor furniture
• add a portable water feature or fire bowl

...and the list goes on. Use your imagination. Have a vision and be sure to think your ideas through, then plan accordingly in order to maximize your savings. A bit of creativity will help keep costs down and allow you to put a personal touch on your outdoor decking area. Use a splash of color with flowers and fabric. Browse your local dollar store for unique and inexpensive treasures you can use to decorate your space.

Fall is the perfect time to find great deals on closeout deck railing accessories and outdoor furniture. Purchase outdoor deck furniture in the late fall as retailers do not want to keep inventory over the winter—simply browse the internet or visit your local home improvement retailer or lumber yard.

Whether you will be updating your deck or hiring a deck contractor to do it for you, there always seems to be great deck accessory deals waiting.

Check out my blog on landscaping on and around your deck.

Seal Air Leaks

Many air leaks and drafts are easy to find because they are easy to feel — like those around windows and doors. But holes hidden in attics, basements, and crawlspaces are usually bigger problems. Sealing these leaks with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping will have a big impact on improving your comfort level and reducing utility bills.

Common locations for air leaks:

• Wiring and plumbing entrances
• Recessed lighting
• Basement rim joists
• Windows and doors
• Electrical and gas service entrances
• Outdoor water faucets
• Where dryer vents pass through walls

Turn on Ceiling Fans

By using a ceiling fan you can then increase the thermostat setting a few degrees, resulting in reduced air conditioning energy cost.

In the summer, make sure all ceiling fans are turned on and spin in the counterclockwise direction. The airflow produces a cooling effect, making you feel cooler and more comfortable. In the winter, when the furnace is on and the heat rises to the ceiling, use the ceiling fan at low speed in the clockwise direction. This creates an updraft, which directs warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space. Remember to adjust your thermostat when using your ceiling fan — additional energy and dollar savings could be realized with this simple step!

Change out incandescent light bulbs

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) consume about 75 percent less energy than a typical incandescent light bulb. And CFLs last up to 10X longer than an incandescent bulb. CFLs are affordable and are designed to fit into your current fixtures. Installing CFLs in your home will help save up to $30 dollars in electricity cost during the life of the bulb.

Add the proper amount of attic insulation

Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy waste in most homes. Heat flows naturally from a warmer to a cooler space. In winter, the heat moves directly from heated living areas to the outdoors and to adjacent unheated attics, garages, and basements - wherever there is a difference in temperature. During the summer, heat moves from outdoors to the house interior. To maintain comfort, the heat lost in winter must be replaced by your heating system and the heat gained in summer must be removed by your air conditioner. Insulating ceilings, walls, and floors decreases the heating or cooling needed by providing an effective resistance to the flow of heat.

There are several common types of insulation — fiberglass (in both batt and blown forms), cellulose, rigid foam board, and spray foam. Reflective insulation (or radiant barrier) is another insulating product which can help save energy in hot, sunny climates.

Install a Radiant Barrier in the attic

Radiant barriers, like Energy Star certified Enerflex®, work by reducing heat transfer of thermal radiation across the air space between the roof deck (attic ceiling) and the attic floor, where conventional insulation is normally placed. In other words radiant barriers assist in blocking or reflecting heat transfer.

A radiant barrier installed in the attic works by reducing the amount of radiant heat on various components in the attic. These are typically thermal attic insulation, duct work, HVAC equipment, and other building components. Since the amount of radiant heat contacting the top of the insulation is less than it would have been without a radiant barrier, the insulation surface temperature is lower and the heat flow through the insulation is reduced. The best radiant barrier insulation, such as Enerflex, will significantly reduce the amount of energy radiated from the top surface of the insulation.

Enerflex qualifies for a 2011 tax $500 tax credit!

Request a sample of Enerflex Radiant Barrier.

See this blog post on how installing a radiant barrier in your attic can extend the life of your A/C unit.

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:

• Deck 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.
• Hidden 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.

Radiant barrier foil insulation, such as Enerflex, is a reflective metalized film insulation that provides a way to reduce high HVAC energy costs. Radiant barrier insulation blocks radiant heat energy instead of absorbing it like typical insulation. A high quality radiant barrier is not affected by humidity and will continue to perform at a consistent level for many years.

Radiant barriers work by reducing heat transfer of thermal radiation across the air space between the roof deck (attic ceiling) and the attic floor, where conventional insulation is normally placed. In other words radiant barriers assist in blocking or reflecting heat transfer. All materials give off energy by thermal radiation as a result of air temperature. The amount of energy emitted depends on the surface temperature and by emissivity. Emissivity is the amount of heat which is emitted / radiated off of a surface to surrounding air.

A radiant barrier installed in the attic works by reducing the amount of radiant heat on various components in the attic. These are typically thermal attic insulation, duct work, HVAC equipment, and other building components. Since the amount of radiant heat contacting the top of the insulation is less than it would have been without a radiant barrier, the insulation surface temperature is lower and the heat flow through the insulation is reduced. An Energy Star radiant barrier, such as Enerflex, significantly reduces the amount of energy radiated from the top surface of the insulation.

Request a sample of Enerflex Radiant Barrier.

See how Enerflex can help curb your air conditioning costs in this blog post.

Typically, you’re going to build your treated lumber deck, tropical hardwood deck or composite lumber deck wherever your pool is. But how will you connect that pool deck to the house? Your objective is to provide swimmers with easy access to the pool, without losing the appropriate scale for your backyard space.

Choose a pool that works for your area. The size and style of your pool and pool deck will help shape your pool entertainment area. Adding a combination of functional add-ons like Deckorators low voltage deck lights and solar-lit post caps, privacy lattice, stepping stones and attractive landscaping will make your pool deck area inviting to guests.

A swimming pool deck is a great way to enhance the beauty and functionality of your yard and swimming pool area - but only if it fits in with the style of your landscaping and home. Color and material of your pool deck should complement the architectural style of your home as well as the pool and landscaping. Keeping the cosmetic details in mind will ensure you build an eye-catching backyard oasis for entertaining your family and friends for many summers to come.

And when it’s time to pick out pool decking, Latitudes has a variety of composite deck board options to suite your needs. Latitudes composite decking is available in three deck styles - Intrepid, Captiva and Capricorn. Depending on your home’s exterior design or your own personal taste, Latitudes decking and railing provides attractive options for use around a pool.

If you're looking for an all-natural material to surround your pool or hot tub, consider using pressure-treated lumber. And for an ultra high-end exotic look, discover Abaco tropical hardwood decking.

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)

1. Stairways having four or more risers, or rising more than 30 inches in height, whichever is less, must have at least one grab rail.
2. Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of at least 1-1/4 inches and not greater than 2 inches. If the handrail is not circular it shall have a perimeter dimension of at least 4 inches and not greater than 6-1/4 inches with a maximum cross section of dimension of 2-1/4 inches.
3. The grab rail must terminate at the newel post (top and bottom posts).
4. Clear space between a handrail and a wall or other surface shall be a minimum of 1-1/2 inches.
5. The height of handrails must be installed 34 inches - 38 inches from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread.

Graspable secondary handrails are required by more and more building codes / deck codes in areas across the country. Both Deckorators and Latitudes brands feature a secondary handrail system in their respective deck railing products lineups.

These attractive and highly versatile graspable handrails are ideal for meeting building codes when required. Made of heavy gauge aluminum and durable PVC, these systems include five different radius elbows and several styles of returns to meet every possible installation. The railing is available in three colors (adobe, tan and white) to complement a homes exterior.

As always, check your local building code or ask your building inspector to make sure you or your contractor installs a secondary handrail when required by law.

Check out the American Wood Council's "Design for Code Acceptance" document for complete details. Stair handrail requirements are outlined on page 18.

Looking to distribute secondary handrails or components? Look to Waymark to supply all your fence and railing accessories.

The Deckorators Best Deck Contest is in full swing; so deck builders and do-it-yourself-ers, here’s your chance to win cold hard cash for your efforts! Build a great-looking deck while incorporating Deckorators brand products, snap some quality images of the results, and get entered to win up to $1,000!

If your deck build is considered the "best of the best" and voted #1 by a panel of internal judges, you'll win $1,000. Second place receives $500, third place receives $250 (paid in Visa Gift cards).

Enter as many decks as you wish—and incorporate Deckorators brand products in your build to qualify. Your submission will be judged by the deck photos you submit.

How to Enter
To enter, contestants must upload at least one photo of a completed deck project in which they built or had built for them using products from Deckorators. Each contestant can enter as many times as desired. All entrants are encouraged to enter specific details about the deck project, including products used, to help with the judging.

Enter at Deckorators.com/Contest.

After entering your deck project in the contest, let your friends, family or potential customers know about your entry so they can share your entry on Facebook or comment in the Flickr comments area under each photo.

Each entry will be ranked on creative use of products and overall appearance. For full contest details and to enter, visit the Deckorators Best Deck contest official rules.

Be sure to view the latest entries on our site. Contest ends September 30, 2011.

Happy deck building!

Yes. The 2000 IRC introduced a requirement for illumination of all deck stairways. Exterior stairways shall be provided with an artificial light source located in the immediate vicinity of the top landing of the stairway, including the landings and treads. The deck lighting requirement is a bit vague, but lighting is required nonetheless. As always, check your local building codes and consult your building inspector prior to installation.

Two common deck lighting options:

1. Low-voltage step and stair lighting is used for both ambiance and safety.
2. Solar post cap lights are an attractive alternative and are perfect for ambient lighting.

Check out Deckorators low voltage deck lighting kit and solar post cap options.