Composite Railing

If you're preparing to sell your home this spring but aren't in a position to invest in ambitious renovations, such as a kitchen remodel or new hardwood floors, the best advice is to look to the "bonus" spaces in and around your home and maximize their appeal.

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.

Upgrades that add 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. 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.

A bonus space—for example, a tiny deck or rarely used balcony off a master bedroom—can be transformed into a romantic getaway by adding cushioned seating and a raised fire pit. You can safeguard your deck and add designer style with 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 fire pits or grills, or when used to create an outdoor kitchen.

More than ever before, people look at their decks as outdoor rooms. 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 nondescript deck into a great outdoor space.

The Latitudes product line features low-maintenance, top-quality synthetic decking, hand railing and accessories. Latitudes Capricorn composite decking gives the exotic look of rich tropical hardwoods which is a current design trend that will instantly update a home.

Whether working with an old wood deck or a new composite lumber custom deck, details count when it comes to staging. Outdoor rail lighting on a deck or patio provides ambience and adds versatility to the space, showing buyers endless possibilities for evening entertainment.

If you want to open up the view on a bonus space, consider replacing wooden deck balusters with tempered glass balusters from Deckorators, or update the rails with distinctive aluminum balusters. New rails will add a dramatic difference to your deck. Deckorators aluminum rail systems come in kits that allow easy installation and give old decks a fresh look at a fraction of the price of a total deck replacement or addition.

Buyers will react positively to nice decks that look like a great place to hang out. From a buyer's perspective, if all else is equal, it's true that the home with the best deck and outdoor living area wins.

An overlooked design element when constructing a balcony is its look. What look do you want to achieve? Simple, yet elegant? Want to make a statement? It doesn't matter which you choose, Deckorators—the leader in deck railing baluster infills—has a solution for your treated wood or composite balcony railing.

Classic Aluminum Deck Balusters give you a distinctive look that is simple, but eye-catching. They come in seven colors (Black, White, Clay, Forest, Bronze, Stainless and Rust) and in three lengths.

If you're looking for something equally simple, but with a little zing, the Colonial Aluminum Balusters are the way to go. It combines the classic baluster look with a traditional Colonial twist. Available in three colors (Black, White and Bronze).

Many Deckorators balusters are able to be customized with baluster accessories like collars, centerpieces and designer connectors. They can be installed on a wood or composite lumber deck railing. Deckorators also offers Post Base Trim to help hide the gaps between your posts and decking.

When thinking of deck renovations, sometimes the best thing to do is go simple. You can focus on the type of wood for decking or deck accessories, but small changes can make a big impact.

Latitudes, a leading composite decking brand, and Deckorators, the leader in deck railing accessories, both have options for glass deck baluster infills. A graceful alternative to the traditional wood or metal baluster, glass shouts elegance while bringing you closer to nature.

Using glass balusters for your deck railing will provide you with an unobstructed view from your deck. No longer will those old wooden balusters keep you from taking in the scenery while relaxing on your deck.

To top off your newly installed glass deck balusters, a nice touch is to add deck lighting using designer solar post caps. No matter if you have 4x4 deck posts or 6x6 deck posts, there’s a post cap style for you.

Deckorators offers several attractive solar lighting choices. From metal post caps, such as copper or stainless steel, to Tiffany-style glass post caps. They even offer a convertible post cap light that allows you to use either solar power or candles for accent lighting on your deck. With no wires to connect, lighting your outdoor living space is a breeze.

Long known as the leader in decorative railing accessory products, Deckorators now offers a fully integrated deck railing kit of its own.

The sleek, durable top profile creates an eye-catching appearance and is compatible with all Deckorators baluster styles. This innovative new railing system is available in powder-coated black or white and features a lifetime limited warranty. The rails are sold in kits to make purchasing simple. Post sleeves, stair rail bracket kits, angled brackets and matching post caps are also available. All kits can be shipped via UPS.

This new line also features two matching styles and colors of post caps to accent the railing. Deckorators aluminum post caps, available in black or white, include a pyramid and a square, solar-powered post cap. The solar post cap requires no wiring or electricity and comes with two rechargeable AA batteries. The small solar collector rests atop an attractive silhouette light made of shatter-resistant glass. Its glow is perfect for casting a relaxing ambiance on deck areas.

“As an industry leader, we continue to push the design envelope and give builders and consumers world-class options for decks and outdoor living areas. We’re confident our new railing system will be a hit as we showcase it at the 2010 LBM Expo in Boston," said Rick Preble, Director of Product Development for Universal Consumer Products.

Deckorators aluminum railing and deck and fence railing accessories are available through an established network of building material retailers in the United States and Canada. Visit www.deckorators.com for complete information.

I knew that Latitudes Capricorn tropical composite decking was more than just another pretty board—and others agree! Latitudes Capricorn composite decking is a BUILDERnews awards 2009 Best Products winner in the Decks and Railings category.

Each year, BUILDERnews chooses winners based on criteria including ease of use, durability, inventiveness and innovation in the building industry. Readers are also invited to submit their favorite tools or products they have used throughout the year. “Even in a down economy, there are still hundreds of products released and brought to the market every year. This year’s honorees represent some of the nation’s most innovative products in the industry and ones that our editorial team felt readers would find most useful to build better and stay competitive,” said D.C. Curry-Lawrence, CEO and publisher of BUILDERnews.


Latitudes Capricorn features two unique tropical colors, adobe and koa. These exotic-looking synthetic deck boards resemble tropical hardwood like mahogany and ipe. With a natural-looking woodgrain pattern on both sides, Capricorn bridges versatility and aesthetics in one unique style.

Capricorn tropical decking is fortified with the same proven Strandex technology used in all Latitudes composite products. And it’s co-extruded, which helps make it an ultra low maintenance decking product.

With the addition of Capricorn tropical composite decking, Latitudes has one of the most diverse, attractive and user-friendly lineups of composite decking in the industry.

Resistant to fading and moisture, and virtually impervious to stains, Latitudes Capricorn is barefoot-friendly and proven not to splinter, split or rot, providing long-lasting beauty and comfort with no sealing, painting or staining required. Capricorn is perfect for pool decking, walkways, porches or anywhere low-maintenance deck material is desired. Latitudes Capricorn is covered by an all-new 25-year limited warranty.

Capricorn tropical decking is available in 12-, 16- and 20-foot lengths, in slotted and standard planks. Slotted planks feature the patented Equator® Hidden Deck Fastener. The fastener’s unique design automatically gaps each board and delivers automatic, consistent alignment of deck boards for striking results and considerable savings.

See video on Latitudes Capricorn Composite Decking.

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The North American residential decking and railing market dropped from $4.6 billion in 2006 to $2.8 billion in 2009 reflecting a 40% decrease over this time period. These changes have been caused largely by the deep economic recession which has dramatically reduced the homeowner`s ability to finance a new deck or replace an existing deck.

About 2.5 million decks are expected to be built on residential structures in 2009, and over 90% are on existing homes as part of a remodeling project or replacement (R&R) of an existing deck. Job losses, tight credit, devalued homes, the inability to tap into home equity to finance home improvement projects, and record lows in consumer confidence have combined to push decking and railing demand back to levels that have not been seen since the early 2000s.

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With the real estate market slowly rebounding from its plunge and credit still tight, housing figures show that more homeowners are staying put. But that doesn’t mean they’re sitting idly by. People are investing in affordable home upgrades that not only make an immediate impact, but make their property more attractive should they decide to put it on the market later.

Today, when it comes to upgrades for your home, it’s all about bang for the buck. Homeowners are looking for the best return on investment as well as simple, inexpensive ways to make dramatic improvements to their homes. Outdoor living spaces, landscaping, decks and patios all make a big difference -- not only in how comfortable your current home is now, but how buyers see it when you’re ready to sell.

The trend in outdoor living space has moved toward creating outdoor living “rooms,” and the options available to homeowners have grown with the number of available products on the market.

When you’re looking at homes in a certain price range, you tend to see a lot of the same things. The features that make a home stand out and make people want to live there are often the outdoor spaces.

Outdoor living products, including composite lumber decking and deck and fence accessories, have continued to sell well in this economy, even as new construction remains slow.

Decking products, such as Latitudes Composite Decking, continue to be desirable for homeowners who are staying put and updating their existing homes rather than moving. Deck updates and upgrades are projects that make sense in this economy and that create added value for the future, as well as enjoyment and added living space for right now.

Composite decking products are low maintenance and eco-friendly. Latitudes is made from 70 percent recycled materials. And “green” home improvements can make a difference when buyers are comparing properties.

Homeowners who already have decks find that swapping out balusters or adding decorative post caps or lights can also make a dramatic difference that adds beauty as well as value to their outdoor living space.

Deckorators offers aluminum and glass balusters in a variety of styles to accent virtually any architectural look. Deck railing balusters can be installed on a new deck or can be used to update the look of an old one.

In neighborhoods where every home has a deck, the nicer decks can help sell the home faster. Typically, it’s about the details even more than the size. Designer rails, deck lights and finishes make all the difference.

Homes are sitting on the market longer, and that causes property owners to look for things they can do to set their property apart. In many areas, that means adding more living space to docks or replacing tired-looking wood decks with long-lasting composite material.

Whether you’re looking to update an existing home for personal enjoyment or preparing it for sale, outdoor living spaces present opportunities for improvement. Turning a generic deck into an inviting and attractive space to spend time sets a home apart, which is what real estate experts say home buyers will look for when the real estate market improves.

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Composite decking is an excellent choice for above or in-ground pool decks. Whether you're a do-it-yourself or a professional deck builder, consider installing composite deck building material in your pool or spa area for its aesthetics, barefoot friendly, slip-resistant surface and its low maintenance performance. Most composite lumber deck boards now days are available with hidden fasteners and in several attractive colors to complement your home and outdoor living area. 

When planning your new composite lumber pool deck, don’t let the deck railing system be an afterthought. There are several attractive options on the market that will complement your home and pool design, ranging from aluminum and composite to vinyl.

Metal deck railing, with an all glass panel infill or glass balusters, is one of my favorite styles, as it allows for unobstructed views of the pool area. 

When custom homebuilder Scott Gregory decided it was time to put a deck on his lake cottage, he did what many builders do when they have the chance to work on their own property: He tried some new things. The result is an amazing outdoor living space with multiple levels, designated purpose areas, built-in seating, curves and innovative use of color.

His goal with his deck? To create a space his family and their guests could enjoy, while also perfecting innovative building techniques that he can incorporate into the outdoor spaces he builds for his clients.

The National Association of Homebuilders says trends in outdoor living continue to grow. It’s a niche that doesn’t look to be going away any time soon, with outdoor living areas remaining a major draw for home buyers and existing home owners.

Gregory’s summer home, located on White Lake in Whitehall, Mich., gets a lot of action during the summer. His family includes young children, and he and his wife often entertain at the cottage. Many of their most frequent visitors just happen to have large families, so having 12 to 15 people around over a weekend is common.

Because he wanted an expansive space for outdoor living, Gregory took the time to really think about how the space would be used and to plan for enough space for everyone.

He wanted separate areas for cooking, eating, sunning and partying. He also wanted to make sure the composite decking material he used would be low maintenance, slip resistant and splinter free, since tiny feet often ran across the deck on their way in and out of the water.

In addition, harsh winters in Michigan can wreak havoc on anything outdoors. Through the years, Gregory learned that cedar and pressure treated lumber often require yearly maintenance after being exposed to severe cold and moisture. Although he has built many cedar decks, he recently switched allegiances to man-made materials that offer lower maintenance and more variety in appearance.

For his own deck, Gregory wanted to visually separate the spaces. And with over 1,600 square feet of decking spread out over five different levels, composite materials allowed him the variety to do that. Gregory chose to use composite decking material from Universal Forest Products, a composite lumber product made from a combination of plastics and 100% reclaimed wood.

What Latitudes allowed him to do was to mix and match different colors, use hidden deck fasteners and create interesting curves for seating, built-in planter boxes and other custom details.

“I’ve always wanted to experiment with curves on a deck, but oftentimes the homes I build for my clients have to conform to neighborhood conventions or a homeowner’s relatively conservative vision,” says Gregory. “With my own deck I had the opportunity to test the materials and see just how versatile they could be.”

Not only was Gregory able to incorporate twists and curves, but he also infused his deck with a nautical star inlay—a compass rose that accents the main deck area and creates a focal point attracting his guests’ attention.

“We’ve created a deck that accommodates a lot of people and several different purposes. We have a hot tub and sunning area, a grilling area that is near the kitchen, a bar area perched high up so that adults can keep an eye on kids and water activities, an eating area and a cozy fire pit for enjoying the chill of a Michigan evening,” he says.

Through his business, Scott Gregory Designer Homes, Gregory finds his outdoor living projects to be among the most enjoyable. It’s a growing part of his business, particularly as homeowners take advantage of low interest rates and a huge variety of innovative products for use in creating comfortable outdoor living areas.

“Outdoor stuff is fun to build. Not only does it offer an opportunity for creativity, but it adds true value to an existing home and my clients just love it,” he says. “More and more of the custom homes I build take into account large outdoor living areas. When we first started 20 years ago, we would build relatively small decks on the back side of homes. Today we are adding expansive decks and patio spaces that literally wrap a home with added living space. New building materials make it possible to be creative, and products like Latitudes are incredibly versatile for work of this type.”

For more information on Latitudes Decking and Railing and a wide variety of other products designed for outdoor living, visit www.latitudesdeck.com.

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Deck railing and baluster accessories have evolved over time to become featured highlights on a deck. These days, you can enjoy cool views from your deck with clear glass balusters.

Since the introduction of glass balusters, deck railing systems have never been the same. Deckorators, the pioneer of deck railing baluster accessories, offers two elegant designs in their Scenic glass balusters series. Scenic glass deck railing balusters are available in a straight, beveled-edge design as well as an hourglass-shaped design. These thick tempered glass balusters are an attractive alternative to standard treated wood pickets and offer a clear view to the pool or anywhere you desire an unobstructed view. Best of all, glass railing insets can be used on vinyl railing, composite lumber railing or wood deck railing.

Consider breaking up the wooden look of your deck with faux stone post covers. Post covers help match the look of your deck to a stone house, to a backyard with stone pavers or to a stone wall.

Adding faux stone post covers provide a realistic high-end look. Post covers are an easy way to simulate dry stacked stone and enhance your decks appearance, and at a fraction of the cost of real stone. The high-density polyurethane covers realistically simulate the look of a dry stacked stone post. Matching deck post caps add a finishing touch.

Faux stone post covers easily install over 6x6 or 4x4 treated wood posts and are available in several colors.

Post covers integrate easily into virtually any deck railing system or porch design. They work perfectly with wood, vinyl or composite railing.

Deck post covers are also perfect for applications under a raised deck to disguise the plain appearance of pressure treated lumber posts.

On May 13, 2009, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall of 48 million linear feet of composite lumber decking made by Louisiana Pacific Corporation (LP). The recall includes composite decking and railing made for the following brands: ABTCo, LP WeatherBest and Veranda.
 
The affected composite wood decking was sold under the Veranda name at The Home Depot stores only in the following Western states, from January 2005 to August 2008: AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WY, and TX (El Paso markets).
 
IMPORTANT
Today Veranda composite decking and railing is made by two manufacturers, Universal Forest Products and Fiber Composites.  The recall DOES NOT include products manufactured by either of these companies; it affects only product made by LP, delivered to stores in the states above, before August of 2008.
 
The composition, formulation and extrusion methods employed by the current Veranda suppliers are different from those that were used by LP, and don’t lead to the same quality issues that caused the recall.
 
For more information contact LP toll-free at (888) 325-1184, or visit their recall Web site at www.deckingnotice.com.

Whether your installing a composite railing, treated wood railing or a metal deck railing, it's important to keep your deck, porch and balcony safe by installing a structural deck railing when required. Properly installed, a structural railing reduces the risk of injury and gives you peace of mind. Whether you’re installing a deck railing system or a licensed builder is constructing/installing one for you, make sure you know when and why a structural railing is needed.

Structural Deck Railing Requirements
Structural railings used in residential applications must meet specific requirements as outlined in the International Residential Code (IRC). Decks attached to single family detached homes are regulated under the rules of the IRC.

The IRC requires a minimum 36-inch-high railing, from the bottom surface to the top of the rail, for all decks, balconies, or screened enclosures more than 30" off the ground. For child safety, the balusters (vertical infills) or other decorative infill must be spaced less than 4" apart
(a 4-inch-diameter ball should not pass between the balusters).

1. Railing must be at least 36" in height.
2. Bottom of the rail possess a gap less than 4".
3. A stair railing allows up to a 6" diameter gap through the triangle opening formed by the stair riser, stair tread, and bottom rail.
4. All deck railing must be able to withstand a 200 lb force anywhere and in any direction along the top of the rail.
5. Deck railing balusters are required to resist 50 lbs in a 1' square foot area
6. Rail posts should be spaced no greater than 6' apart.

If you're planning on selling your home, the deck, porch or balcony will need a structural railing installed where required to pass a home inspection.

Most municipalities will require a building permit for the construction of any deck, especially if it's to be attached to the house or it's more than 30 inches above ground. Check your local building codes prior to installing a structural deck railing system.

May is Deck Safety Month; so before you get the deck furniture out of storage, give your deck a thorough inspection. Grab a pen and notepad and take your time inspecting and documenting trouble areas that need repair or need to be inspected by a professional.

Common deck problems include:
• Loose railings and balusters
• Missing or loose connections
• Corroded fasteners
• Wood rot
• Warped and cracked wood
• Nail and screw pops
• Insect infestation
• Mold and mildew growth

For a comprehensive deck safety checklist visit NADRA (North American Deck and Railing Association) Web site.

Most experts agree the average life expectancy of a treated wood deck is 10 to 15 years, but with proper maintenance, it’s possible to extend its life a few more seasons. With composite wood decking you can expect an even longer lifespan if maintained properly.

If your wood or composite deck is old and appears fatigued, consider hiring a professional to inspect and repair.

The surge in popularity of outdoor living space has brought many new options to decorate railings, like outdoor lighting, decorative balusters and eye-catching post caps. It’s no surprise virtually every big box retailer, lumber dealer and garden house is stocking many of these unique and affordable add-ons.

Ornamental fence and deck post caps help define your area by putting the finishing touch on wood or vinyl fence posts and treated wood or composite wood deck railings. Post caps come in an array of designs and can be multifunctional to accent your outdoor living space and to spruce up your ornamental railing. With unique design patterns, solar post caps have become a hot trend.

Popular deck railing and fence accessories include solar-powered post and stair lights, metal post caps, solar-powered post caps, stained glass post caps and even convertible post caps, which allow you the option of ambient light with a solar LED or a small candle.

Maintaining the proper baluster spacing on your deck railing system is important for both aesthetics and safety. Most building codes require a maximum space less than 4" between baluster edges. To be safe, I recommend spacing  wood, composite, glass and metal balusters 3.75" apart (edge-to-edge).

For aesthetics, keep the on-center baluster spacing approximately the same around the perimeter of the deck.

When marking for baluster placement, start in the middle of the railing section and allow small space fluctuations to fall near the pressure treated wood or composite lumber posts. Note: drill pilot holes before driving screws into rails to help eliminate splitting.

Check out this tool for a quick and simple way to determine how many balusters your deck railing will need.

Also important to note, there needs to be a gap less than 4" between the lowest point of the bottom rail and the composite lumber or treated wood deck surface, although I would recommend a smaller 3" gap, as it looks better.

Check local building codes in your area for specific details.

There are many different fence styles designed for a myriad of reasons. When deciding on a type and material of fence, several criteria must be taken into consideration. Items like a home’s architecture, décor and outdoor living area along with the final application of the fence are keys to determining the proper fence. The choice of fencing will dramatically impact the look and feel of your outdoor living space.

The most popular fence material today is still made of wood, but there are other great options on the market worth considering: vinyl, composite lumber, iron, aluminum and chain link. Each material has a unique style designed for a specific reason. Vinyl, plastic, composite and pressure treated wood are the most common material options for pool surroundings or wherever privacy is desired. Vinyl fencing is available in many light colors which can withstand the sun’s UV rays, but they are also typically the most expensive.

Pressure treated wood fencing is an excellent option as it is made from the greatest renewable resource on the planet; what’s more, it’s the most economical. Today the list of wood fencing options is virtually endless, from spilt rail and spaced picket to taller shadowbox and stockade privacy fencing. Unique features can include lattice and other decorative accents.

One of the greatest benefits of installing a vinyl fence is that it should last a lifetime with virtually no maintenance. This means you’ll only need to install your fence once. With wood fencing there are regular maintenance duties that need to be taken into consideration like staining and replacing warped or split pickets. But if you prefer the natural look with a low up-front cost and don’t mind periodic maintenance, redwood, cedar or MCQ treated wood fencing is the way to go.

Wood/plastic composite fencing is an up and coming category in the marketplace. It offers the natural look of wood without the upkeep. Composite products are already commonly used in many outdoor applications, particularly for deck construction. It is formulated with reclaimed wood fiber mixed with plastic resin. Its natural beauty lasts many years and it won’t rot, split warp or peel over time.

Deck railing accessories come in an array of eye-catching materials and styles, making it easier than ever to design or upgrade your deck railing system. Enhancing the look of your wood railing or composite railing with these accessories will increase the charm and functionality of your deck and outdoor living area. With so many ornamental post caps, decorative balusters and other add-ons, you'll be able to customize your railing system to match your taste while complementing your home's architectural style.

The latest trend is to add ornamental lighting with post caps. Post cap lights highlight the posts at the top and bottom of stairways or deck entrances, or mark the perimeter of a deck. Solar post caps require no wiring and give off ambient light that's not overpowering.

In most cases, railing upgrades are easy to make. Installing post caps can be as simple as adding some adhesive to the post caps and securing it directly to the post. Some post caps are built specifically for composite deck posts, so you'll want to check with the manufacturer to see what options are available and install according to their specifications.

Installing maintenance free powder coated aluminum baluster on your deck railing system is another way to add creative flair, but will take a bit more time to install, especially if you'll be retrofitting a current railing system. Deckorators aluminum deck railing balusters are available in several colors and designs and come with a lifetime warranty on the finish. Adding ornamental glass balusters is also a unique idea if you desire an unobstructed view to a pool or lake, or if you just want to enjoy a scenic setting.