Composite Deck Boards

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.

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 weather warms up again.

See my past blog for tips on cleaning snow off a composite lumber deck.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 expansion and contraction in the boards width and length which occurs naturally in composites / synthetic deck boards. Read my blog post on how the Equator hidden fastener can even be used with the extra thick Latitudes Marine decking.

The Equator fastener installs in the grooves of the slotted composite decking and virtually eliminates the need for pre-drilling. What's more, the system automatically gaps each board with the proper spacing—ensuring a painless, easy installation. The fastener is not exposed, so your deck surface remains eye-catching and uninterrupted by screw patterns.

With a hidden fastener system, you'll give your deck an extra-clean touch without any visible blemishes such as nail pops or mushrooms. And when you choose the innovative design of the Equator hidden fastener, it’s what you don’t see that makes all of the difference!

Check out another one of my blog posts on hidden fasteners.

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. From solar metal post cap lights to recessed LED lighting, there are a wide range of deck lighting options to amp up the ambiance.

And don’t forget about the deck surface! Replace pressure-treated deck boards with Latitudes Intrepid™ composite decking or Latitudes Captiva co-extruded composite decking for ultra low maintenance and durability. If the look of tropical hardwoods is what's needed, choose Latitudes Capricorn composite decking.

If you’re looking to expand an existing deck, or add function and style, check out more great ideas inside my decking and outdoor living blog. Topics covered include adding a raised fire pit, barbecue grilling kick-outs and other value-add ideas to make a deck perform based on how it will be used.

See my other blog post on getting the most out of your deck investment.

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 and by special order.

By adding Captiva to our Latitudes family of composite decking, we have one of the most diverse, attractive and user-friendly decking lineups in the industry.

Latitudes Captiva decking is available in 12-, 16- and 20-foot lengths, in slotted and standard boards. Slotted boards are capped on one side and feature the patented Equator® hidden fastener. The fastener’s unique design automatically gaps each board and delivers automatic, consistent alignment of deck boards for striking results and considerable savings. Latitudes Captiva is backed by a 25-year limited warranty. In addition, Latitudes Captiva is barefoot-friendly and proven not to splinter, split or rot, providing long-lasting beauty and comfort with no sealing, painting or staining required. Captiva composite decking is perfect for pool decking, walkways, porches or anywhere ultralow-maintenance decking is preferred.

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 different patterns, sizes and colors. Wood lattice can be painted or stained to match or complement the deck or home’s color palette. Add a unique design touch on plastic lattice with easy-to-install tiffany-style glass stainlettes.

As a rule of thumb, you should make sure to include an "under deck" access point for taller areas being enclosed as you may want to use the free space under your deck as a storage area or for quick access underneath the deck.

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 landscape lighting in the tree opening or recessed LED deck lighting in treated wood or synthetic decking planks surrounding the tree. Top off the deck railing posts with ambient lights using Deckorators solar post caps. When dark, lights will make the tree and surrounding deck railing stand out.

Build with caution when constructing a deck around a tree. A tree’s root system is very complex and can be easily damaged during construction, especially if you need to dig piers for vertical support. In addition, the root system of the tree must be able to receive enough water to live, so make sure planks are spaced accordingly (about 1/4 inch between each deck board). It’s important to leave enough room around the trunk of the tree (at least 3 inches on all sides) for growth. If designed and constructed properly, you’ll be able to enjoy an attractive deck featuring a unique, natural centerpiece.

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. The patented Equator hidden deck fastener pre-gaps each board with the proper ¼” spacing and its special design allows for proper side-to-side expansion and contraction. These hidden deck fasteners are compatible with most grooved / slotted composite boards.

One box (175 pieces) of Equator hidden fasteners will install 100 square feet of 6" wide (5-1/4" actual) deck boards on 16" centers, or 87 square feet of 6" wide (5-1/4" actual) deck boards on 12" centers.

Read one of my past blog posts for additional information on hidden deck fasteners.

There are many brands of wood plastic composite decking on the market, and in my opinion, only a few should be considered "high quality". The best composite decking brands share three common traits:Made using finely ground wood flour that has very consistent particle size which mixes very well with other ingredients. Many composites use very large wood particles which create the rough surface and voids or open areas in the product which allow dirt and debris to collect.  These open areas may allow the decay to start and to attack the wood.

Superior raw material
Top quality composite decking contains very carefully selected, consistent engineered high density plastics. Some of the plastics used in the best composite decking are recycled from other industrial sources where the key characteristics and purity of the polymers used can be relied upon and checked for incoming quality. Other composites contain various mixtures of recycled plastics from many sources and other foreign matter which lead to product inconsistency.

Proven process technology
Strandex extrusion process and die technology improves and assures the dispersion, mixing and proper processing of all ingredients in the formulation. Strandex has a long and proven track record of durability and strength including years of technical development of products for US Naval waterfront facilities. Strandex provides nearly 20 years of composite development experience and is solely focused on new research which will help maintain its technology leadership position in the composite decking industry. 

Product uniformity
Finished product is uniformly mixed and is very consistent in density. No voids, or open areas are present on the surface or throughout the depth of the product. Many voids exist on the surface and throughout the cross-section of other inferior composites creating a loss in properties and durability.
 

Virtually all composite decking brands are different, so it's important to know and understand what makes a quality composite deck board. And when it's time to shop for the best composite decking, make sure you consider these common traits.

Top performing, proven composite decking brands from Universal Forest Products, like Latitudes composite decking and Veranda composite decking, employ Strandex technology and should be considered when you want to buy composite decking.

I’m often asked, “How much does composite decking weigh compared to pressure treated lumber decking?” On average, composite decking weighs 1.5X or 65% more per board than pressure treated deck boards. Composite decking weight will vary per brand, but with Latitudes brand composite decking you can use the chart below as a guide:

Latitudes Intrepid™ Composite Decking weighs approximately 2.64 lbs/ft. 

• Composite board length: 12' = 31.7 lbs
• Composite board length: 16' = 42.2 lbs
• Composite boardslength: 20' = 52.8 lbs

Latitudes slotted (grooved) composite decking will weigh slightly less than 2.64 lbs/ft, but you can use this weight as general reference.

So when constructing a new composite deck, or if you’re refacing / reskinning an existing deck with new composite lumber decking, make sure you take these weights into consideration when framing. Or in the case of reskinning a deck, you may need to add extra structural support to compensate for the added weight.