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Wednesday, May 22, 2013 by
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Deck Safety Month and a good time to inspect decks for the
upcoming deck season. A thorough inspection is important: More than
40 million decks in the U.S. are older than 20 years, and deck
failures and injuries are increasing. Take advantage of Deck Safety
Month by using the following tips and resources to carefully
inspect your deck and make it hazard-free. When inspecting, take
time to check: Railings and balusters Are balusters or railings
rotted or corroded? Do they need replacing? If so, you might
consider a complete swap with durable and long-lasting composite or
metal materials such...
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Friday, January 18, 2013 by
Latitudes® decking and railing products, will unveil
an all-new Latitudes decking product at the International Builders
Show in Las Vegas.: Latitudes Wave™, which will offer many of the
superior features of other Latitudes decking lines, at a more
affordable price. Like superior Latitudes products, Latitudes
Wave™ features Strandex technology that’s extruded with a contour
profile and slotted edges to be used with the Equator hidden
fastening system. Latitudes Wave is available in Gray and Walnut,
and opens the door to homeowners who want the beauty and endurance
of a wood-composite...
read more
Monday, August 13, 2012 by
Boaters and folks who live on the water — whether it’s an ocean,
lake or river — know better than any of us the toll the elements
take on almost anything left outdoors unprotected. And structures,
such as docks, intended to be wet most of the time, don’t last long
unless the proper materials are chosen to begin with. So when
residential or business owners invest in something as substantial
as a new dock, they want durability, sustainability,
low-maintenance, and above all, longevity — ensuring years of easy
use and enjoyment. With Latitudes composite decking and composite
marine decking,...
read more
Friday, April 27, 2012 by
Looking to demolish or reskin your treated lumber deck or
composite deck surface? Consider using the Deck Wrecker for fast
and easy removal of deck boards. This easy-to-use tool has several
great features and benefits that make it the best tool for deck
board removal. Easily removes deck boards The Deck Wrecker's curved
rocker design rolls onto joists for quick board removal. Provides
Maximum Leverage The Deck Wrecker's 44-inch fiberglass handle saves
your back, hands and fingers from the strain of conventional
decking removal. The padded handle provides extra comfort and grip.
Compatible...
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Tuesday, March 20, 2012 by
Decks are a great “value add” for residents, but property managers
face plenty of risks—including having a deck collapse—if their deck
isn’t regularly inspected and maintained. It’s happening more
frequently than many property managers and homeowners realize.
Between 2003 and 2007, the Consumer Product Safety Commission
reported 224,740 injuries caused by outdoor decks and porches.
“What’s happening across this country is an epidemic at this
point,” says Michael Beaudry, executive vice president of the North
American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), adding that “in most
cases if a deck...
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Tuesday, January 31, 2012 by
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...
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Tuesday, January 31, 2012 by
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...
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Friday, October 28, 2011 by
Basic maintenance to prep your treated wood deck for cold weather
can help ensure it will endure the cold or snowy season in great
shape. Thoroughly clean the decking, posts and railings using an
appropriate cleaning product. If your deck boards and deck railings
are made of wood and showing some wear, consider giving them a
fresh coat of stain or sealant. It’s also a good idea to check for
nail heads popping up, loose or damaged boards, posts, and
railings. Better to repair them now so you’re only worrying about
how to enjoy your outdoor living space and not spring maintenance
when the...
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Friday, October 28, 2011 by
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....
read more
Thursday, July 7, 2011 by
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...
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Thursday, June 30, 2011 by
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...
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Wednesday, June 22, 2011 by
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...
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Wednesday, June 22, 2011 by
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...
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Thursday, April 14, 2011 by
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...
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Tuesday, April 5, 2011 by
Choosing the right hidden fastener for composite decking is pretty
simple, but it's important to choose a system that allows each deck
plank to expand and contract for varying weather cycles. Some of
the more popular hidden fasteners systems are made of UV resistant
plastic or metal. These hidden fasteners brands include the Equator
hidden fastener (made specifically for composite decking),
TigerClaw, Eb-Ty, Phantom and Lumber Loc.When installing Latitudes
slotted composite decking or other decking products that have a
5/32” groove, the patented Equator hidden fastener accommodates for
the...
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Monday, March 21, 2011 by
Nothing lends a splash of the new and different like remodeling or
updating a deck. Real estate agents know how popular decks are with
prospective buyers, and few home renovations will get a higher
return on investment. A remodeled deck breathes new life into a
home's surroundings for those who choose to stay put rather than
buy a new house.Consider replacing old wood balusters with scenic
glass balusters from Deckorators. They’re great for opening up the
view and will make the deck seem larger, without adding a single
square foot.Deck lighting can make a dramatic difference when dusk
arrives....
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Thursday, January 13, 2011 by
Latitudes Captiva composite decking is made with the proven
Strandex technology employed in all Latitudes composite decking,
coupled with the innovative co-extruded cap stock material found on
premium Latitudes Capricorn tropical composite decking. The result
is a stain- and fade-resistant decking product offered in gray,
cedar and walnut. With a natural-looking woodgrain pattern on one
side, Latitudes Captiva balances aesthetics and value in an
ultralow-maintenance composite deck board.Latitudes Captiva decking
will be available beginning February 2011 through Latitudes’
distribution network...
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Monday, November 1, 2010 by
Installing deck skirting on your Latitudes composite lumber deck or
pressure treated wood deck will help hide an uninteresting open
area and will give your custom-built deck a more robust look and
design appeal. Deck skirting also helps keep unwanted animals from
getting under the deck, hides the treated lumber framing and adds
privacy for raised decks with hot tubs.Most deck skirting is
constructed with lattice panels or vertical boards made from
treated wood or composite decking. Lattice is available in both
pressure-treated wood and plastic. Plastic deck lattice is
available in several...
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Wednesday, September 1, 2010 by
If you want to preserve and build a tree into a pressure treated
lumber deck or composite lumber deck, then be sure to incorporate
the tree into your deck design or deck plans.Begin construction
near the tree by running a beam in front and behind the tree
between two double wood joists running perpendicular to the house
surrounding the tree. The joists should then be fastened on both
sides of the tree with their load being relocated around the tree.
Install diagonal supports at the corners between the joists and the
tree to allow for a round opening.For an added touch, consider
installing...
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Tuesday, July 27, 2010 by
If you're considering replacing / refacing your old worn out lumber
deck boards with new composite deck boards, make sure you have
proper board spacing based on the manufacturer's
recommendations.When composite deck boards are not spaced
correctly you’re setting yourself up for deck drainage issues, dirt
and debris buildup and potential expansion/contraction problems, as
deck boards expand and contract with changes in the temperature.One
of the best solutions to achieve proper spacing on composite deck
boards is to use a hidden fastener system to install your decking
instead of deck screws....
read more
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