Composite Decking Material

Americans will spend nearly $141 billion on remodeling in the first half of this year (2011), according to Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies. And If you'll be among the many homeowners opting to improve, rather than relocating, you may be curious to see what renovations are likely to give you the best balance of enhanced resale value and immediate enjoyment.

Whether you prefer pressure treated wood lumber or synthetic lumber, adding a deck is one of the best ways to improve resale value, expand your living space and up your enjoyment of your home environment. On average, homeowners who add a wood deck can expect to recoup more than 80 percent of its cost when it comes time to sell, according to Remodeling Magazine's 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value Report. Composite lumber deck additions return nearly 71 percent at the time of resale.

For those who love the look and feel of an “all-natural” deck, there’s no substitute for wood, weather it be pressure treated lumber or tropical hardwood. But for consumers who prefer the low maintenance alternative, composite decking may be the material of choice.

View more information on adding value to an existing deck in my past blog or visit a related blog on outdoor improvements.

Start designing your dream deck free with the Deck Visualizer.

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.

Post cap deck lights are one of the most prominent deck enhancements available. Solar deck lighting accessories highlight the deck posts at the top and bottom of a stair rail and act as both a deck railing ornament and as a source of ambient light for composite lumber decks and treated lumber decks.

Solar lighted post caps are much easier to install than wired low voltage deck lights as they do not require an electric outlet. Regardless of power source, both types of post and rail lighting help improve deck safety.

Deck post cap lights are typically sold with wood, plastic or metal bases to fit the most common deck post sizes of 4x4 and 6x6. Wood post cap bases are often available in the same species used for constructing decks like pine, redwood or cedar so they can be stained to match a decks color. See article.

Some ornamental post cap lights have on/off switches so you can control which post caps illuminate at dark. By turning the switch off, you're able to maintain a consistent appearance in the daylight and can avoid over-lighting at night. If your solar post caps do not come with an off switch, simply pull the rechargeable batteries out of the post cap lights you don't want to illuminate.

Solar post cap lights are available in several styles and materials including metal, plastic and wood, so they can match deck balusters and complete the look of your outdoor living area.

See my past blog article on other deck accessories.

Adding or updating a deck to your home's outdoor living area can be a significant investment, so you’ll want to make sure you have a top notch deck builder working on your wood or composite decking project. It’s critical to make sure you hire a experienced, reputable contractor with a history of quality deck building and satisfied customers.

Doing your homework will help make a good choice
Get recommendations from your friends, family and local lumberyard and then check in with the Better Business Bureau for a list of members in your area. Look for yard signs and see what work is underway in your neighborhood. Talk to both the contractor and homeowner at the site to get a feel of how the job is going.

Do phone interviews
Once you've assembled a list, I recommend that you make a call to each of your prospective deck builders / contractors and ask a series of important qualifying questions:

• Are all deck builders on site bonded/insured?
• Will they provide a list of past projects and customers?
• Do they have a portfolio to show examples?
• How many other projects would they have going at the same time?
• Does the contractor have liability insurance?
• Are background checks run on the builders?
• Will they offer a warranty on their workmanship?

Answers to these questions will reveal a lot about the builder's availability, reliability and how much attention your deck project will get. And if your phone call is not returned within a few days, cross that builder off your list.

Always meet face to face
Based on the phone interviews, pick the top three deck contractors for further discussion. Make sure you take notes for reference.

Investigate the facts
Call up former customers of the deck builders to find how their deck project went and ask to see the completed deck project. And just as important, visit a current job site to see how the builder works. Is the job site in order? Are the deck builders considerate and careful with the homeowner's property?

Communicate plans, get bids
When you’ve narrowed your search to a short list of deck builders whose track records appear clean and work ethic looks responsible, it's time to move forward with your project. A reliable contractor will get a sense of what the homeowner wants out of a project and what they plan to spend. Be sure to communicate the type of deck structure you want. Provide all builders with a sketch or deck design that you desire as this will help manage expectations. To compare bids, ask everyone to break down the cost of deck materials and labor.

Set a payment schedule
NEVER pay 100% up front! No deck builder / contractor should ask for more than half the quoted amount of the project up front before starting the job. Most ask for a deposit when the work is first started. You should pay your contractor within 24-48 hours of the contract completion. For larger deck projects, a schedule often starts with 10 percent at contract signing, three payments of 25 percent evenly spaced over the duration of the project and a check for the final 15 percent when you feel your project is 100% complete based on the agreement.

Here are my top keys to consider when choosing a deck builder:

• Don't let price make or break the deal
• Get it in writing
• Go with your gut feeling

Whether you’re prepping your house for sale or just looking to make a change, nothing lends a splash of the new and different than remodeling or updating your deck. Real estate agents know how popular decks are with prospective buyers and few home renovations will get you a higher return on your investment dollar. And if you’re staying put, a remodeled deck breathes new life into the enjoyment of your home. If you're considering selling your home, check out one of my previous blog posts—How to make your deck and outdoor living area stand out when it's time to sell.

Deck Railing Ideas
Consider replacing your old wood balusters near your pool decking with scenic glass balusters from Deckorators. They’re great for opening up the view and will make your deck seem larger without adding a single square foot. Plus they offer a clear unobstructed view.

Deck Lights
New deck lighting can make a dramatic difference when dusk arrives. From solar metal post cap lights to recessed deck lighting, Deckorators has a wide range of deck lighting to amp up the ambiance.

Decking Material
Don’t forget about the deck surface itself. Latitudes Capricorn composite decking mimics the look and feel of real tropical hardwood decking like mahogany and ipe. If your deck is made of pressure treated lumber, consider stepping up to Latitudes Intrepid composite decking for low-maintenance, superior durability and your choice of four natural colors with a reversible finish.

If you’re selling your house, buyers will love it. If you’re staying, your family will love it!

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

Transforming your deck into a one-of-a-kind outdoor living area can be as simple as updating your existing deck railing or installing unique balusters to the railing itself. When you decide to build a new composite lumber or pressure treated deck be sure to think about the type of material you desire for the railing and the style of baluster infill that will suite your needs. Deck railings are one of the most prominent parts of any deck, and today there are many unique deck rail options made from different material.

Aluminum Deck Railing
Aluminum deck railing from Deckorators is strong, durable and lightweight, which makes it a perfect choice on decks, docks and balconies or wherever durability is important. Deckorators’ aluminum railing is ultra-low maintenance, won't rot or corrode and is impervious to stains. What’s more, most Deckorators baluster styles are compatible with the Deckorators aluminum railing system.

Wood Deck Railing
Wood is the most common type of deck railing material used. Its strength and natural appearance have made it a timeless favorite among homeowners. Wood can be cut into unique shapes, or it can be mixed with other unique accessories, such as glass or aluminum balusters. Unlike other types of deck railing, wood deck rails can be stained and painted to a specific color. Keep in mind; wood deck railing has its limitations. Wood railing requires regular maintenance like staining and sealing at least every few years; Not to mention, you may need to replace some wood railing components if they warp, split and become unsafe. But, keep in mind pressure treated lumber deck railing is typically the least expensive type of railing, so if other railing options are too expensive, treated lumber may be your best or most versatile option.

Composite / Synthetic Deck Railing
Synthetic deck railing, such as Latitudes Intrepid railing, combines the natural beauty of wood with the durability of a synthetic (plastic). Composite deck railing is a popular choice among homeowners who like a wood look but desire a more stable railing material for varying weather conditions. Composite deck railing, available in a variety of colors, is usually made from a mixture of plastic (virgin and/or recycled) and wood flour material that typically last much longer than standard lumber railing. Composite decking railing should not split, warp, rot or become infested with insects. Most composite deck railings are sold in matching railing kits that allow you to mix and match with ornamental baluster styles to accentuate your outdoor living space and your home’s architectural style.

Vinyl Deck Railing
Vinyl railing, like Latitudes Luster railing, is a durable, ultra low-maintenance option that stands the test of time. Vinyl deck railing is resistant to scratching, fading, insect infestations and cracking, and stands up well in extreme conditions. Vinyl railing can also be purchased in kits and is one of the more expensive railing options on the market.

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.

An outdoor swimming pool combined with a pool deck is a great way to have fun and relax with family and friends from late Spring into early Fall, or maybe all-year-round depending on the climate. Outdoor pools and pool decks from the Midwest to New England are typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. But pools and pool decking in hot southern climates like Atlanta and Miami may be open most of the year.

Adding pool decking to your outdoor living area
Whether you have an above-ground swimming pool or an in-ground swimming pool, there are a few things to consider before you add a swimming pool deck.

• Which type of pool decking material do your prefer (low maintenance composite lumber, pressure treated lumber, tropical lumber, concrete, stone pavers, other)?
• Choose a composite deck color or treated wood stain that complements your outdoor space

Pool deck safety is important
Make sure you choose a pool decking material that has a slip-resistant surface. Composite decking such as Latitudes Intrepid has a reversible brushed/woodgrain finish that is slip-resistant. Abaco tropical hardwood decking has a ribbed / grooved top surface on one side which allows for good traction in wet areas such as around pools.

Since most pools are under full sun, it's important to know that the deck surface may become hot. I strongly recommend using hidden fasteners on pool decks. Protruding metal fasteners can heat up under direct sunlight and burn the bottom of your feet or even cut bare feet. If securing wood or composite pool decking with traditional top screw fasteners, always countersink the fastener's head.

In this comprehensive composite deck cleaning video you'll learn about proper deck cleaning techniques and the most effective chemicals to use. These key composite deck cleaning tips will help guide you along to ensure the best cleaning for Latitudes composite decking and railing.

It's important to note that pressure washers should only be used at lower pressures to wet and rinse synthetic decking and railing. Pressure washers should not be used to “blast-off” soiling agents; attempting to do so can drive the dirt deeper into the synthetic decking material. And be sure to test cleaning agents in an inconspicuous area before washing the entire deck.

• Never leave a burning fire unattended
• Always have a fire extinguisher or active garden hose handy
• Keep the deck area clear of flammable material
• If a hot ember lands on the wood or synthetic wood deck surface, make sure to remove it by dousing with water as it may blemish the deck surface or even worse, start the deck on fire

Spring is the start of the outdoor living season when homeowners begin to get their deck or patio ready for outdoor entertaining. Here are some general tips for cleaning your composite deck along with types of cleaning agents best suited for washing composite decking materials.

Wash and rinse your deck
Start cleaning your composite decking by washing with soapy water. Start at the top of the deck railing and work your way down to the composite deck surface. It's necessary to remove the dirt and chalking that accumulates on the composite deck surface. This will also prevent the build-up of pollen and debris that can cause mold and mildew growth. Pressure washers should only be used at lower pressures to wet and rinse synthetic decking and railing. Pressure washers should not be used to “blast-off” soiling agents; attempting to do so can drive the dirt deeper into the decking 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 effective on normal dirt and grime and bleaches out mold and mildew stains. Oxalic acid cleaners are effective on rust stains from metal patio furniture. Commercial degreasers contain propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and various detergents for removing grease and oil stains.

When cleaning composite decking, spot removers can be used sparingly on those stubborn grease or oil stains but should be washed off quickly with water, as it will attack the grain pattern. They normally include petroleum distillates, xylene, methanol, acetone, or other organic solvents.

• past performance – does the product have a proven track record?
• color – will the colors offered complement your home's exterior?
• appearance – is the surface aesthetically pleasing?
• texture – does the surface look and feel like real wood (not like plastic)?
• durability – how well has it performed for builders and other homeowners?
• price – the most expensive composite deck board isn't always the best composite deck choice
• warranty – will the manufacturer stands behind it's warranty?

Composite decking is a great alternative to wood decking. And because synthetic decks are made with wood plastic composite material, you need to take precaution when clearing off snow and ice during the winter season.

Here are three key tips for cleaning off snow and ice from your Latitudes composite deck:

• Shovel all loose snow off with a plastic shovel. Shovel parallel with the grain. Make sure there is NOT a metal blade at the end of the shovel as it could scratch the surface.
• After the snow is gone, spread rock salt or calcium chloride over the deck surface and wait for the ice to melt; then simply shovel away using a plastic shovel. Never chop at the ice as it may gouge the surface.
• Once the weather is consistently above freezing, rinse off the deck surface and lightly broom off remaining salt residue.

Just as wood decking materials can get marred or gouged, composite deck surfaces can be scratched just the same. If scratched, I recommend allowing normal wear marks to fade, as they will blend in with the weathered color over time.

I am not aware of any adverse effects from the temporary use of ice melting products on Latitudes and other composite decking brands; however, I recommend using an ice melt product that has a less harsh effect on the surface. These types of ice melt products may indicate "will not harm concrete" or "will not kill grass" on the packaging. Be sure to brush off any residual ice melt product after the ice and snow melts.