Building a Deck

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.

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.

Recently a highly acclaimed architectural firm in Texas published an article that helps identify ways for new and existing homeowners to make their dwelling "green friendly". Gary Gene Olp, Founder and President of GGO Architects outlines steps to becoming energy efficient. Olp and his firm promotes green and energy savings by installing a radiant barrier in the attic. Read on!

Dallas - Sustainability and energy efficiency have become significant selling factors during the home-buying and home-building process. In honor of Earth Day, Gary Gene Olp, Founder and President of GGO Architects, offers key questions to ask when that infamous word “green” makes its way into the conversation.

“Sustainable living is about interpreting natural processes in a modern way,” said Olp. “Many homebuilders and sellers make green claims, pointing to green products utilized in the building process. However, it’s the overall design that constitutes a sustainable design, not just the products used.”

Olp’s involvement in the “green” movement dates back to the early 1970s. He lays claim to the design of the first LEED Platinum home in Texas in 2007, further substantiating his “green authority.” Here are three questions to determine if the home you are buying or building is truly green:

1. How energy efficient is it really? Ask the builder to quantify what the expected annual utility cost will be. With current green building codes, Energy Star ratings and online energy modeling software, this is easily derived from the R value of insulation installed, the quality of the windows and the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating for hot water, heating and air conditioning. If they cannot provide a reasonable answer, perhaps their claims are more guesstimates than engineered performance. Windows should be insulated Southern Low-e, walls should have a minimum of R 24 and the roof should have a minimum of R 40 insulation. The heating and air conditioning can easily have SEER ratings of 16-18 for little extra cost.
2. Demand that a radiant barrier is properly installed on the underside of roof decking. This simple feature is perhaps the most significant design component in our hot Texas climate. Properly installed, it can repel up to 75 percent of the heat gained from the sun in the summer. Every British thermal unit (BTU) of heat reradiated away from the attic of your home means fewer BTUs of cooling required to keep it comfortable, which means smaller utility bills. It is important to make sure the radiant barrier is the metal foil type, and not a faux spray-on paint coating.
3. Do not fall pretty to smart Eco gadgets; instead look for the real thing. Take a compass with you when looking at a new home, and check to see which direction most of the windows are facing. Large amounts of windows on the west are certain to spin your smart electric meter into a frenzy. If most of the windows are on the north, the home may be cooler but generally dark with little natural light. The best orientation for windows is on the east and south for good natural light. Be sure any windows on the south are properly shaded with broad overhangs or large deciduous trees to block out the intense summer sun from passing directly into interior spaces. That same southern sunshine will be appreciated as it reaches deep inside to provide warmth and daylight on cold, gloomy winter days.

And for those who already own a home, it’s not too late to achieve energy efficiency. Homeowners can:

• Install a radiant barrier in the attic. It works equally well for an existing home as it does for new construction.
• Shade the windows facing south and especially those facing west. The easiest, albeit shower way is to plant native deciduous shade trees to block the intensity of the summer sun. Consider adding alternative shading devices like a fixed awning with decorative brackets, hurricane shutters or those really great aluminum awnings from the 30’s and 40’s, which bounce wonderful diffused light back inside.
• Upgrade lighting to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or LED lamps, replace aging appliances with newer high efficiency Energy Star models, and maintain your HVAC equipment and/or at the end of its useful life replace it with a higher SEER rated unit.

Olp, (American Institute of Architects, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, LEED AP) is the 2011 chairman of the North Texas Green Council Chapter of The U.S. Green Building Council. Olp’s work has been published extensively for the quality of design and to substantiate efforts to push the concept of sustainability.

“The amount homeowners can save with an energy-efficient home is mind-boggling, and it is not just for the elite – green is affordable and attainable for everyone. You just have to know the questions to ask to get started on the right path,” Olp said.

Read more about metalized film radiant barrier in this past blog post.

About GGO Architects
GGO Architects is a highly acclaimed private architectural practice in Dallas, Texas. Recognized for its innovative contemporary designs that feature a sustainable approach, each project represents a commitment to environmental responsibility. GGO Architects is noted for cutting-edge “Green Buildings” that incorporate energy efficiency, passive solar techniques, natural day lighting, non-toxic materials, advanced building science and enhanced indoor air quality. Sustainability and long-term durability influence every aspect of project development. www.ggoarchitects.com

Credit: dBusinessNews.

New deck trends include low maintenance decking, unique railing and railing accessories as well as lighting options. And as the trend for enjoying customized decks and outdoor living space grows, personalized outdoor living areas are the latest in home improvement upgrades.

Building or updating an existing deck isn't simply a great investment: It provides opportunities to personalize your backyard or porch and customize the look to your taste. And with many families staying home this summer thanks to high gas pricing and a recovering economy, why not build your perfect area for entertaining?

By designing your deck with accents, lights and unique accessories, you can transform your backyard into an outdoor retreat you'll never want to leave, whether you're catching up with friends over a grilled dinner in the evening or are curled up with a book in a lounge chair on a sunny afternoon.

With a new emphasis on value, durability and ultra-low maintenance, many homeowners seek deck materials that resist fading and staining. Latitudes Capricorn Tropical composite decking and Captiva decking, sold through dealers nationwide, are good choices. Low-maintenance, eco-friendly composite decking material is made from a mixture of recycled wood fiber and postindustrial high-density polyethylene, which looks natural and feels great on bare feet.

Add unique touches to really make the deck your personal haven. Change your deck's look with interesting balusters to match other decorative accents on your house or in your yard. You'll find traditional bronze balusters, classic rounded rails or even scenic glass balusters, which give your outdoor room a clear view.

Then consider breaking up the wooden look of your deck with Deckorators postcovers, to help match the look of your deck to a stone house, to a backyard with stone pavers or to a stone wall. Easily installed over a wooden 4x4 or 6x6 post, faux stone postcovers come in several stone patterns. See my blog post on deck post covers.

Finish off your railing system with post caps. Deckorators post caps are functionally and artistically decorative. Maybe you're interested in the more traditional black, stainless or pewter colors, topping a solar LED light to illuminate your deck for evening use. Or try a creative look with stained glass post caps, bringing a colorful flair to each deck post.

With so many unique decking and railing design options available, you can transform your wood or composite deck into a new outdoor living area. And because you designed it, it will perfectly fit your lifestyle.

Check out my past blog for deck railing ideas.

Tropical hardwood decking, such as Ipe decking and Abaco decking from Aljoma Lumber, should be stored out of direct sunlight and be allowed to acclimate and stabilize to the installation environment's humidity level prior to installing. Once Ipe or Abaco decking is delivered to a job site, be sure to keep the material off the ground by placing a few pieces of scrap lumber under the deck package. Cover the material with a tarp to protect it from the elements (sun and rain). If left uncovered, unfinished or unprotected, virtually any exotic hardwood decking may warp and split.

About Abaco Tropical Hardwood Decking
The species used in Abaco decking are abundant, have fine textures and are dense, naturally strong, extremely durable, and will provide an elegant exotic look for years to come. Abaco tropical decking is kiln-dried for exterior use and has a superior fire rating when compared to redwood, cedar and pressure-treated lumber decking. Because Abaco is all-natural, it does not need to be chemically treated. And best of all, Abaco is considered an environmentally friendly building material.

See how Abaco compares to the Ipe species.

Building a deck and going on vacation have at least one thing in common: upfront planning leads to fun and relaxation. Don’t fall prey to disappointment and additional expense by failing to consider the details. Below are some of the items you need to consider when planning a deck.

Local codes and requirements
Have you checked the local building codes? Have you followed sound building practices? Does your neighborhood owners association have special requirements? Few things are more troublesome than having to redo work because some building requirement was overlooked.

How will you use your deck?
Make sure to consider your deck’s use. If it’s to be built around a pool or will include a raised fire pit, make sure to use the right materials. If you expect large gatherings, will your design and structure handle the load? If your neighbors are close by, do you want or expect privacy? How much furniture will you have on your deck? Many people find out their deck isn't that large once furniture and grills are added. If you're planning to use a grill for cooking, consider adding a kick-out to your deck.

Did you know?
Planning your deck around its intended use means more than just looking for the right product. Plan the deck’s size and layout around the furniture, grills and accessories that you intend to add to ensure a comfortable outdoor living space

Use this deck visualizer (deck design program) and start conceptualizing your treated lumber deck or composite deck today!

Spring is the right time to clean your decking and railing. Keep in mind, when you build a deck with composite decking and railing, you get years of relaxing, carefree use when compared to traditional lumber decking. There’s no stripping, painting, sealing or staining necessary. Of course, thanks to nature, no product is maintenance free. But with Latitudes decking, a simple, occasional cleaning will prevent the buildup of dirt and chalk—as well as pollen and other debris that cause and accelerate the growth of mold or mildew.

When it’s time to clean your Latitudes composite deck, here are some easy-to-follow guidelines for great results. If you use a pressure washer, use a fan-style tip—and only use the washer to wet down or rinse your deck. Avoid high-pressure blasting that literally can drive dirt and spores deeper into the composite decking surface.

Typically, you can clean your deck with soap, water and a scrub bush or use a high-quality cleaner available at your home-improvement center. Most cleaners contain Sodium Percarbonate and a detergent. These types of cleaners are very effective in removing dirt while bleaching out mold and mildew stains—simply follow the label directions.

When you find stains, there are simple ways to deal with them. For rust stains caused by metal furniture and other sources, look for a deck cleaner containing oxalic acid. To wash away grease and oil stains, use any standard commercial degreaser. Typically, these will contain propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide and detergents.

If your deck has a stubborn grease or oil stain, try a small amount of spot remover or paint thinner. But use it sparingly and wash it away quickly. These products usually contain organic solvents that can attack the grain pattern in your composite deck. Whatever you use to clean your synthetic decking and railing, always perform a test in an inconspicuous area before you use it on the entire surface. Always be certain to read, understand and follow all label instructions.

Some cleaning products and inhibitors may be more effective than others, depending on your environmental conditions. And remember, the best way to manage stains—is not to have them occur. Always try to deal with spills before they have a chance to set-up.

Remember, that while mold and mildew can reappear on any exterior building surface, there are ways to manage them effectively on composite decking. Above all, sit back, relax and enjoy your low-maintenance, high-reward Latitudes composite lumber decking and railing. See additional tips for preventing mold and mildew from my past blog. Also watch our deck cleaning video.

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 balusters category and has provided innovative railing solutions for over a decade. Deckorators all-aluminum railing is specifically designed for use with all Deckorators baluster styles.

Important to note—there are two types of balusters: those that fit between the lower and upper rail and those that face mount to the side of the rails. If you elect to go with balusters between the rails, the holes for the connectors are pre-drilled here in the upper and lower rails. For those that attach to the side of the rails, simply turn the pre-drilled holes downward on the top and bottom rails so the rails don’t take on any precipitation.

Deckorators railing material has a lifetime warranty. It’s made of long-lasting aluminum, which does not rust and makes it ultra-low maintenance. It has a powder coated finish, which looks great, but can get scratched if you’re careless unwrapping and when you’re cutting or drilling. Be careful to not set the pieces down on any metal shavings. Keep your work area free of debris.

Prior to installing the deck railing, there’s a checklist to follow with your existing deck. This post sleeve is meant to fit over posts that are plumb -- not twisted or damaged. Replace the post if necessary. And structural support must come from the continuation of the deck support posts that extend up through the decking or from railing posts bolted to the inside of the rim or outer joists. Railing posts cannot be more than 6 feet apart (on-center).

Once you’ve determined that the posts are good to go, you’ll need to trim the post sleeves to length with a chop saw or circular saw. A carbide-tipped blade works best. Basically, sleeves should be 1-1/2” longer than the rail height. Common rail height is either 36 or 42 inches. However, if you’re installing the optional rail, you’ll need another 1-1/2” of sleeve.

It’s important to note that some wood preservatives may cause an undesirable reaction with aluminum, especially the raw aluminum edge. To prevent this, we have a liner inside the post sleeve and for the raw edge, I recommend shimming or caulking the bottom edge of the post sleeve. After caulking, install the post base trim.

Now it’s time to install the rails and balusters. To determine the length of the top and bottom rails, measure the distance between the installed post sleeves and then remove an additional quarter inch on each end to accommodate the bracket.

For spacing the balusters, Deckorators makes it a snap with pre-drilled holes in the top and bottom rails.

The idea is to try to match the uniform spacing between balusters to the spacing between the end balusters and the posts. To get the proper look, you want the greatest distance possible without exceeding 3-7/8”. To accomplish this, either line up the middle baluster with the center mark or, for spans less than 6 feet on center, line up the space between the balusters at the centerline.

Baluster connectors are secured with a screw on both the top and bottom rails. Be careful you don’t overtighten the screws. And do not insert the balusters until the bottom rail is installed within the brackets mounted on the posts.

To install the brackets, position the bottom rail by using a couple of 2x4 blocks placed under each end of the rail. Spacing of 3” is recommended for the distance between the deck and the bottom of the rail. This is called the sweep and may vary with local building codes. With the bottom rail in position, mark the location of the bracket on both posts. Then pre-drill through the sleeve only using a ¼” drill bit.

Before installing the bottom rail, you’ll need to attach a support block (or foot), cut to size, at the center line.

As noted earlier, some Deckorators balusters are attached on the face of the rails, in which case you would turn down the pre-drilled holes and mark the center line between the two posts. Then, either line up the center baluster or the center of the opening between two balusters. Remember that you want equal end spacing between the last baluster and the post and you don’t want this opening to be greater than 3-7/8”. Now you’re ready to drill the holes for each baluster. For spacing each baluster, I recommend using a small stud block, which is 3-1/2” wide.

The next step is to position and install the top brackets in the same fashion – being careful to pre-drill the bracket holes through the sleeve only. Now before installing the balusters, apply a little adhesive on the outside of the connector or inside the baluster to prevent any turning or rattling in the wind. For balusters that fit inside the rails, simply lower the top rail into position and connect the balusters, gently using a rubber mallet if necessary to eliminate gaps.

An option for a finished look is the cap rail. Cut the cap rail and cap rail insert to length. Something to keep in mind: the cap rail will be ½” longer than the top and bottom rails. Center the cap rail insert on top of the top rail and pre-drill 7 pilot holes for our 6’ span. Screw in the cap rail insert and apply construction adhesive. Situate the cap rail over the cap rail insert by pressing down from one end to the other until it snaps into place. Gently tap with a rubber mallet if needed.

Last item is attaching post caps, which are easily installed using construction adhesive. Choose from pyramid-style or solar post caps if you want to add ambient lighting to your project. Deckorators is the original and finest name in quality post caps.

Now, You should be ready to tackle your Deckorators railing installation with confidence. Be sure to follow the written instructions for recommended drill bit sizes and screws. And remember that deck stair railing kits are also available.

Download step-by-step instructions (PDF file) or see a video.

When it comes to landscaping, customers want more than wood chips and plastic edging. Products from Outdoor Essentials transform ordinary lawns and gardens into appealing outdoor environments that homeowners love. Show them plenty of options, including Tiffany-style stepping stones and our newest offering—Square Tilestone jade stepping stone.

Call in the songbirds with bird baths of serpentine jade. Dress up deck posts with elegant caps, also available in solar-powered versions to provide lighting after dark. Planter post caps provide a place for foliage atop any deck post. Outdoor Essentials lets you create a truly remarkable outdoor sanctuary that's easy to install and impossible to forget.

See my past blog post on how to build a raised garden bed with The M Brace from Outdoor Essentials.

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 CXT railing boasts a 20-year limited warranty.

Available in two distinct profiles, Contemporary and Colonial, CXT deck railing kits are offered in 6- and 8-foot lengths and in 36- and 42-inch installed heights. The unique “U-Bracket” design provides a fastener-free look and makes installation easy, especially on stair rail applications. Pre-drilled rails increase the speed of installation by taking the guesswork out of baluster spacing.

Best of all, Deckorators CXT railing allows deck builders to work with several popular Deckorators railing baluster infills and post accessories. In addition, Deckorators offers four eye-catching post cap styles, including Tiffany-style Mission Glass, Copper, Solar and Traditional.

Available in spring 2011, the CXT railing system will be showcased at the 2011 JLC Live Show in New England (Deckorators booth 1036 and Wolf booth 306).

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.

About Deckorators
Deckorators is the first name in deck railing accessories and the originator of the round aluminum baluster. The pioneering spirit behind the brand has kept the Deckorators name on the leading edge of designing products that create beautiful and unique decks. The brand started the low-maintenance aluminum balusters category with the Classic Series and has since led the industry with innovative products: Colonial balusters, offering the look of traditional colonial times; Architectural balusters, with the beautiful appearance of hand-forged wrought iron; accessories that provide the special accents needed to customize the look of your deck; Connector Series installation products that make installing Deckorators balusters simple and easy. The brand’s approach to developing exciting and distinctive deck rail and railing products allows customers the opportunity to express themselves on their deck as they do in their home.

Great deck railing ideas start with Deckorators! Deck building season is here and style calls for a look that enhances at a glance. Deck railing and deck railing accessories dial up the visual interest, whether designed-in or retrofitted. Deckorators offers decorative and functional metal deck railing systems and accessories to make your deck stand out from the crowd.

Put the sizzle on your composite lumber deck or treated wood deck with signature metal balusters in an array of colors and styles. Decorative glass balusters let the view come through. Solar post caps accentuate and illuminate. It’s easy to offer great suggestions when you know what’s available. There’s some very cool outdoor accessories in the Deckorators lineup.

The Deckorators brand of deck railing accessories offers decorative and functional balusters by style. It’s also a mecca for metal, glass, wood and illuminated post caps.

For even more deck railing ideas, check out the Deckorators deck visualizer and start designing your dream deck!

Deckorators aluminum railing offers robust profiles for an eye-catching appearance and is designed to work with every Deckorators baluster style. What's more, it's backed by a lifetime limited warranty.

The aluminum deck railing system is available in a black or white powder-coated finish with 36” or 42” rail heights. The system is sold in boxed kits for 6’ or 8’ sections. Both 22.5° and 45° stair rail bracket kits are also available.

Deckorators also offers 18 designer post cap options – including solar lit caps – to add the finishing touch on your deck building project.

Check out this video to see how easy installing the Deckorators aluminum railing system is.

Deckorators, the leading brand of deck and fence accessories, has designed and introduced the first tropical hardwood cap rail for its aluminum deck railing system. Also, several new compatible solar, Tiffany-style glass and metal post cap accessories have been added to the aluminum railing system. 

Deckorators aluminum railing system with tropical hardwood cap rail is available in code-compliant 6-foot deck railing kit and an all-new 8-foot kit. The innovative cap and rail insert system allows installers to snap on the cap rail without visible fasteners. The tropical hardwood cap rail features a moulded appearance and is finished with an oil-based stain.

“The number of choices within the Deckorators lineup is a testament to our commitment to providing unique, attractive deck railing options and accessories in our offering,” said John Hess, director of sales for Universal Consumer Products. “The tropical hardwood cap rail for the Deckorators aluminum railing system provides a stylish appearance, which will appeal to deck builders and homeowners alike.”

Available in spring 2011, the new tropical cap rail kit and aluminum railing post caps will be showcased at the International Builders’ Show.

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.

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.

A 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.

Outdoor deck lighting is becoming more popular for both aesthetics and safety reasons. So if you have a deck or are considering building a deck, what kind of deck lighting would you be most interested in adding to your composite deck design or lumber deck design?

After the leaves have fallen on and around your deck, consider giving your composite wood deck or pressure treated deck a thorough cleaning, especially in colder climates where snow could deter your decision to maintain your decking and outdoor living area. Cleaning your deck late in the year is always a good idea as it helps prevent the buildup of mold and mildew on the deck surface. By making sure all leaves and debris are swept off the deck surface before snow accumulates, your spring cleaning will be much easier.

It's important to clean bird droppings and common spills that happen throughout the deck season. You don't want these cleanable mishaps to turn into stains on your composite or lumber deck because they remained on the surface too long.

Scrub and rinse your deck
Start cleaning your composite decking or pressure treated decking by scrubbing the surface with soapy water. Start at the top of the deck railings and work your way down to the deck surface. It's necessary to remove the dirt and debris that accumulates on the composite deck surface. This will also prevent the build-up of pollen that can cause mold and mildew growth. Pressure washers should only be used at lower pressures to wet and rinse synthetic decking and railing. For ground-in soil you'll need to apply a detergent, scrub the deck surface with a course bristle brush and rinse thoroughly with water.

Apply a quality deck cleaner to the surface
Deck cleaners usually contain sodium percarbonate and a detergent, which is effective on normal dirt and grime and helps bleach out mold and mildew stains. Oxalic acid cleaners are effective on rust stains from metal patio furniture.

Watch our cleaning video or read care and cleaning instructions for Latitudes composite decking. For pressure treated decking, read our general maintenance guide (PDF).