Compare Composite Decking

Introducing the next generation of Latitudes co-extruded composite decking with an innovative new cap stock for a richer look and even better performance. The new decking features an improved scratch resistant surface that is extremely stain- and fade-resistant. Backed by an all new 25-year Stain and Fade Warranty, it offers a more natural-looking surface, realistic grain pattern and is available in two Capricorn® tropical colors in Koa and Arabica and three Captiva™ colors in gray, cedar and walnut.

Fortified with the same proven Strandex® technology, the new Latitudes co-extruded synthetic decking is the perfect balance of beauty, strength and ultra-low maintenance performance.

Latitudes Capricorn and Captiva composite lumber deck boards feature:  

• Specialized formulation of high-density polyethylene
• Advanced co-extrusion technology for ultra low-maintenance
• Durable, stain-and fade-resistant exterior finish
• 12', 16' and 20' slotted board lengths
• 16' solid length for stair and trim boards
• Slotted edges encapsulated on one side with a stain, fade and scratch resistant cap stock
• Solid edge boards capped on three sides

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.

The current economy has many homeowners looking at how they can add value to their real estate investment. If you're considering a variety of projects to enhance your property, adding a new deck should be at the top of your list.

A deck is a valuable addition for many reasons. First, it expands your living space so your family can enjoy more time at home. Second, the right deck adds style to your exterior so your home is more visually appealing. Finally, it provides a solid return on investment - nearly 63 percent for composite decking, according to the 2011-2012 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine.

Why choose composite decking over wood? The upfront cost is more, but in the long run it could save you both time and money. Known to be low-maintenance and long lasting, composite decking is sure to provide season after season of family enjoyment. Buyers recognize this benefit as well, and it's definitely a positive should you ever decide to sell your home.

If you're worried that composite decking lacks the natural appearance of wood, take a look at Latitudes Composite Decking and Railing options for the perfect solution. With Latitudes, you get the natural look of wood, but in a hassle-free composite material. You'll find a variety of colors and finish types to choose from, so you can get exactly what you want for your home's exterior.

So when thinking about investing in your home, it's smart to put adding a composite deck at the top of your list. You'll get years of enjoyment out of the investment, and added value when it comes time to sell.

See my past blog posts entitled Selling your home out of season? A great deck makes a difference and How design details can make your deck unique.

Unlike wooden structures, composite decking never needs to be sanded, stripped or stained. In fact, composite deck cleaning is usually as easy as some soap, water and a brush. One word of caution – avoid using paint thinner or similar solvents on composite decking, as these products can affect the finish and grain of the material. See cleaning recommendations for cleaning Latitudes Composite Decking.

See blog on Cleaning a wood deck in the Fall.
Visit my video blog on Cleaning Latitudes Intrepid Composite Decking.

Location, weather and years of everyday wear can sometimes cause wood deck boards to warp, split or generally lose their good looks. If there are just one or two problem boards, it’s typically not difficult or expensive to replace them. Remove the boards you wish to replace and install new ones cut to the appropriate length. If your deck has a protective finish such as stain, it’s a good idea to apply the finish to replacement boards prior to installation.

If your deck has more bad boards than good, you may want to replace all the decking and maybe go so far as to change the layout and style. Consider upgrading to Latitudes composite decking, which won’t rot, warp or split over time.

See my past blog on refacing a deck.

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".

What makes Latitudes composite decking special is the Strandex technology it employs. Like individual strands of a rope make the rope stronger, Strandex technology makes Latitudes composite decking products stronger. Strandex technology offers superior protection against UV degradation and water absorption, because every “strand” of wood fiber is encased in high-density polyethylene. Latitudes uses Strandex inside, so you can be assured that you’re getting the highest, most consistent quality and strongest composite product available in the industry.

Has Strandex Technology been tested in Saltwater/Marine environments?
Yes. In the late 1990’s the Office of Naval Research sponsored a project to determine the acceptability of wood plastic composites as components of naval piers. One of the areas of concern was possible bio-degradation of the wood plastic composites. Washington State University, in cooperation with Strandex Corporation, supplied composite materials for bio-degradation testing. Some of these materials were made using the formulation that has become the recommended Strandex PE formulation. Bio-degradation testing was carried out using a protocol developed by the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center. Two areas of concern are relevant to wood based composites exposed to a salt water environment. Fungal decay is of concern in parts of structures that are above water because of the moist conditions and periodic wetting.  Marine boring organisms attack wood under water in the marine environment. This is the second area of concern. The recommended Strandex formulation was tested and found resistant to fungal decay in accelerated decay procedures and resistant to attack from marine borers. The marine borer test specimens evaluated after 2 years of exposure did not show any colonization. Because the potential use in piers testing was focused on structural integrity of the composites, aesthetics such as color fade and staining were not addressed by the study.

See Phase 1 Testing/Studies
See Phase 2 Testing/Studies

See blog: Bring Your Boat Dock Back to Life.

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 appealing option. Latitudes composite deck railing mimics the look of wood but offers the stability and durability of a synthetic material. It won’t split, bow or warp like wood can. Deckorators CXT Railing looks like real painted wood and provides an ultra low maintenance exterior top cap for durability and strength.

Vinyl deck railing, like Latitudes Luster railing, resists scratching, fading, insects and cracking. It’s a good option for decks in extreme climates or as an accent to tropical hardwood decking.

See this blog post on choosing the best deck balusters for your deck 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 decking) — a particularly appealing option for decks with great views (like pool decking or lake view decking), since the glass allows you to enjoy the scenic setting without the visual obstruction of traditional baluster infills.

See this blog on adding decorative railing accessories to your deck.

Inside, you may have plenty of counter space for food preparation tasks, but outside, counter space may be limited. If you’re creating a built-in grill for your wood or composite deck, patio, you might be able to add some work space to your outdoor kitchen area. If built-in counters aren’t an option, you may consider adding a portable work cart near the grill to handle food prep. Prep carts work great on decks in areas with limited space.

This is one of the most common concerns homeowners have and for good reason. You want to maintain the great looks of your new deck surface as long as possible, so treat your composite decking with care just like you do with wood floors inside your house. In my opinion, preventive maintenance is the key.

Tips for maintaining a beautiful deck surface:

• Don’t drag heavy furniture over your deck
• Apply pads to the legs of deck furniture
• Use covers under your flower pots and other stationary items
• Add a grease pad / splatter guard under your grill
• In the winter shovel snow off the deck with a plastic shovel
• Clean up spills immediately
• Clean the deck surface 2X a year (once in the Spring)

Use good-ole common sense and care for your wood or composite wood deck and it will look good for many years to come. Latitudes Capricorn and Latitudes Captiva co-extruded composite decking helps reduce scratches and virtually eliminates stains as they are capped with a rugged, natural-looking surface layer.

Check out this blog on cleaning a composite deck.

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 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!

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.

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 your pool is above-ground or in-ground, the area around it is an important part of how much your family can enjoy their pool. Bare ground could result in some very muddy summers. Concrete or patio pavers can cut the mud but get blazing hot in the summer sun.

Swimming pool decking is a practical and beautiful alternative to other types of around-the-pool landscaping.

When you’re planning your pool deck, keep all the cosmetic details in mind. Doing so will ensure you end up with a backyard feature that looks great and that your family will enjoy for many summers to come.

Check out these blog posts on tips for planning your pool deck:
- Pool Decking: The Sun Factor
- Location, Size and Access for your Pool and Deck
- Pool Deck Safety
- The Right Look for Pool Decking

Most pools are positioned in direct sunlight for most of the day so virtually any type of patio or deck material is going to get warm and may even be hot on bare feet. You can minimize any discomfort by choosing a lighter color of composite decking (such as cedar or gray) or a lightly tinted deck stain for lumber decking.

A dark colored pool deck surface will get warmer than light colored surfaces during the day and may even provide warmth after the sun sets as the deck surface radiates heat.

Latitudes composite decking is slip and fade resistant – providing a natural-looking, barefoot-friendly pool deck surface. Available in four classic colors (cedar, gray, redwood and walnut) and two tropical (koa and adobe), Latitudes deck boards comes in two profiles – solid and slotted. For a fastener-free surface on your pool deck, combine the slotted profile deck board with the Equator hidden deck fasteners to help assure that no one steps on a hot protruding nail or screw.

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.

Spring is here, and that means plenty of time spent outdoors on your deck. And a deck built with Latitudes composite lumber decking is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the warmer weather. Six wood-tone colors—classic gray, cedar, redwood and walnut, and two rich, tropical colors, adobe and Koa—make a lasting impression that doesn’t require painting or staining.

Choosing your style is easy, thanks to Latitudes Intrepid reversible boards. One side has a wood-grain surface, while the other reveals a smooth, brushed surface. Our Capricorn tropical ultra low maintenance deck boards provide a smooth, wood-grain surface on both sides. If along the water is more your style, check out our Latitudes Marine composite deck boards, specifically designed for use at marinas and on boardwalks and docks.

Whether it’s the exotic look of Capricorn or the strength of our synthetic Marine board, all of our Latitudes products are easy to maintain and perfectly complement any outdoor decor.

Looking for more information on Marine decking? Check out this marine decking blog post.

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.