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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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Wednesday, May 1, 2013 by
Now that warmer temperatures are taking hold,
people are heading to their favorite outdoor spots, like the deck.
Once primarily used for sunbathing, decks have grown into outdoor
living spaces to work, relax, cook, dine and entertain -- day or
night. And deck options have grown with them. Here are a few basics
any deck planner should consider: Decking materials Wood, composite
or plastic? It’s perhaps the most important - and most difficult --
choice to make because cost, durability and maintenance needs can
vary significantly. Wood can be the most affordable or the most
expensive...
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Tuesday, February 26, 2013 by
By introducing new colors, materials and products for decks
and rails, manufacturers have opened up the doors for homeowners to
add more personality to their outdoor spaces. They also have swept
away a few dusty rules of decking, such as the need to maintain a
uniform color and material. Now, deck colors and materials no
longer need to match. They can just coordinate. Fortunately,
the options are simple enough that you don't need to hire a
professional designer. But it pays to be aware of the new products
and materials that are available, the color options that come with
them, and the ways...
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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
Friday, October 26, 2012 by
Updating your deck to enhance its appeal doesn't mean replacing the
entire structure. A few easy steps and simple additions to refresh
your deck’s appearance can give your outdoor space a new
personality. Clean the entire structure When is the last time you
cleaned your deck? Even if you don't use your deck frequently,
nature's elements leave layers of dust, dirt and grime that detract
from the appearance. The easiest way to clean a deck is
with soap and water. Once it dries, you'll be amazed at how fresh
and clean your outdoor space appears. For deeper cleaning and more
detailed information...
read more
Friday, September 28, 2012 by
You've decided to add a new composite deck to your home. A wise
investment. Composite decking, such as natural-looking materials
from Latitudes Decking and Railing , brings visual appeal
to your home and expands your living space. The first step is to
decide what design best fits your use. While the size of your house
and yard, along with your budget, will impact your design options,
there are still a multitude of choices to be made during this
important planning phase. Basic Composite Deck Designs If you have
a smaller backyard, a limited budget or simply prefer a minimalist
approach to...
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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
Thursday, May 3, 2012 by
Now that warm weather has arrived, you’ll be outside more; your
outdoor space should be an area that you truly enjoy and are proud
to show off to guests. You may not need a complete deck remodel to
achieve that level of perfection. With some smart deck upgrades you
can create an upscale look for less. Start by looking at the deck
railing itself. More than just a safety feature, the railing is one
of the most prominent design elements of any deck, and changing it
is a cost-effective way to make an eye-catching statement.
Remember, your railing doesn’t have to match your current deck
material....
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Friday, April 27, 2012 by
Available at many lumberyards and big box retailers, Deckorators
Scenic glass deck baluster infills are both a dramatic and
practical accessory for your custom deck railing. If you have young
children, these railing infills allow them to view the yard safely.
Deckorators Scenic Glass Balusters are made of durable 5/16-inch
tempered safety glass, which makes them extremely durable. These
balusters are also an advantage grownups too as they can relax in a
Adirondack chair or chaise lounge while glancing out to view the
pool, lake or wooded area without having to stand. Glass balusters
will also...
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Friday, April 27, 2012 by
It’s that time of year when homeowners are lured outside by the
warm, sunny weather. Is your outdoor space ready to be enjoyed to
the fullest? If your deck or patio needs updating, catching up on
the top design innovations and trends will help you create an
inviting area that will add value to your home investment. This
year’s leading trends focus on blending functionality with beauty
to construct a stylish and usable space that requires little
maintenance. To create the best outdoor space on the block,
consider these popular ideas for your home. Decorative post caps A
big trend in decking is...
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Friday, April 27, 2012 by
It’s pretty simple actually. Design and build a treated
lumber deck or composite lumber deck based on the types of
activities planned for the outdoor living space. But a good rule of
thumb is that you should not exceed twenty-percent of the home's
interior square footage. Take time to consider how your family will
spend time enjoying the deck, because if you build an expansive
deck that’s too big you’ve wasted money on unnecessary material and
space that won’t be used. And conversely, if you build a deck
that’s too small, it’s going to cost even more to add on to the
existing structure. Your...
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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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Wednesday, April 18, 2012 by
With temperatures on the rise, does your mind often wander to the
sunny days of spring? Maybe you long for the activities only warm
weather can provide, such as outdoor barbecues, sharing ice cream
with the kids, or watching the sunset from your favorite Adirondack
chair. Many of these cherished activities center around one area of
the home: the deck. If your house doesn't have a low maintenance
composite lumber deck, or perhaps the old wood deck you have leaves
something to be desired, now is the perfect time to take action and
make a plan. That way, when warm weather arrives, you're ready...
read more
Thursday, March 29, 2012 by
Deckorators CXT Deck Railing is co-extruded from two layers of
materials—making this one beautiful and tough railing system. The
core is made with Strandex—the most tested and trusted composite
technology—while the outer cap-stock layer gives CXT Composite Deck
Railing the look of painted wood and makes it ultra scratch- and
weather-resistant. Deckorators CXT code-compliant deck railing is
available in white, black and bronze colors and boasts a 20-year
limited warranty for piece of mind. Deckorators CXT Deck Railing
Installation Video The unique "U-Bracket" design provides a
fastener-free...
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Thursday, March 29, 2012 by
Periodic washing with soap and water is necessary to remove surface
dirt and chalk that accumulate on the surface of a composite deck.
This will also prevent the build-up of pollen and debris that can
cause mold and mildew growth. Pressure washers should be used for
wetting and rinsing only. Pressure washers should not be used to
“blast-off” soiling agents; attempting to do so can drive the dirt
deeper into the material. Test on an inconspicuous area before
washing the entire deck. Basic Deck Cleaning Agents: Deck
wash/cleaners usually contain sodium percarbonate and a detergent,
which is...
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Tuesday, March 20, 2012 by
If you have decided to sell your home, that last thing you want is
for it to sit on the market for a long time. Taking some home
improvement steps before listing can make your house more
attractive to potential buyers and put you in a better position to
sell quickly. So what do you need to do to ensure that listing your
house floods your real estate agent’s office with showing requests?
1. Spiff up the entranceway Every interested buyer will enter
through your front door. Have you looked at your entranceway with a
critical eye lately? Consider replacing old or sagging screens. If
your front...
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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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Thursday, March 1, 2012 by
With temperatures chilling you to the bone, does your mind often
wander to the sunny days of spring? Maybe you long for the
activities only warm weather can provide, such as outdoor
barbecues, sharing ice cream with the kids, or watching the sunset
from your favorite Adirondack chair. Many of these cherished
activities center around one area of the home: the outdoor deck. If
your house doesn't have a treated wood or composite lumber deck, or
perhaps the one you have leaves something to be desired, now is the
perfect time to take action and make a plan. That way, when warm
weather arrives,...
read more
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 by
Over the years Deckorators has built a solid brand reputation by
offering innovation, durable deck railing accessories like
balusters and post caps. Now Deckorators has broadened its product
range to include CXT co-extruded composite deck railing kits and
aluminum deck railing kits. Showcased in the Deckorators booth at
the 2012 Builders' Show in Orlando, both Deckorators CXT Railing
System and Aluminum Railing System were highlighted using an
assortment of Deckorators brand balusters, including the new copper
colored round baluster, solar post caps and hardwood cap railing
and Duo Connectors...
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Tuesday, January 31, 2012 by
Deckorators, the nation’s leading brand of deck balusters and
decorative railing accessories, has introduced another industry
first called VersaCaps™ — decorative post caps with nested inserts
that allow for a snug fit over the most common size deck and fence
posts. With new VersaCaps, post size is no longer a barrier when
choosing the right post cap for your project. VersaCaps come with
three inserts perfectly nested inside the base, making them
adaptable for virtually any post ranging from 3-1/2”x3-1/2” to
4-5/8”x4-5/8”. The true-fitting nested inserts take the
guesswork out of matching up...
read more
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