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 help reduce the wind, which is why many lakefront homeowners choose to incorporate them into their deck design.
Deckorators Scenic glass balusters come in two shapes—Frontier, a straight, beveled-edge baluster, and Contour, a tapered, hourglass-shaped design. Scenic glass balusters are the perfect alternative to glass panels.
Frontier - available in 4" x 5/16" x 26", which must be installed with Scenic Connectors for a 36" rail height or 4" x 5/16" x 32" for a 36" rail height when face mounting and a 42" height when using scenic connectors.
Contour - available in 4" x 5/16" x 32" for a 36" rail height when face mounting and 42" height when using scenic connectors.
Each 32" baluster has four predrilled holes with preinserted rubber grommets for face-mount installation. Stainless steel screws included. Rubber grommets can be removed for use with scenic connectors.
Scenic balusters are designed to install 1.5 balusters per linear foot using our installation guide.
Scenic balusters can be used with either wood, metal or composite lumber decking and do not require special fasteners.
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 look and makes installation easy, especially on stair rail applications. Pre-drilled rails increase the speed of installation by taking the guesswork out of baluster spacing.
Available in two distinct profiles, Contemporary and Colonial, the CXT railing is offered in 6- and 8-foot lengths and in 36- and 42-inch installed heights. The unique “U-Bracket” design provides a fastener-free look and makes installation easy, especially on stair rail applications. Pre-drilled rails increase the speed of installation by taking the guesswork out of baluster spacing.
Best of all, Deckorators CXT railing allows deck builders to work with several popular Deckorators railing baluster infills and deck post accessories. In addition, Deckorators offers four eye-catching post cap styles, including Tiffany-style Mission Glass, Copper, Solar and Traditional.
The 2012 JLC Live Tradeshow at the Rhode Island Convention Center featured many great hands-on demonstrations like Abaco Hardwood Decking.
The Abaco Tropical Hardwood Decking booth was packed with deck building pros wanting to know more about the decking and railing system. Also featured in the Abaco booth was the Pro Plug Fastening System from Starborn Industries.
The Pro Plug System has been engineered to maximize performance and provide beautiful results.
Drill, screw, glue and plug in under 20 seconds with the Abaco Pro Plug System. Secure your Abaco hardwood deck boards with a proven engineered system. The Abaco Pro Plug system has been precisely engineered to maximize performance and provide beautiful results. This fastening system makes securing and plugging quick and easy. Pro Plug system has been shown to significantly cut installation time when compared to other plug installation methods.
Drill, screw, glue and plug in under 20 seconds with the Abaco Pro Plug® System. Secure your Abaco hardwood deck boards with a proven engineered system. The Abaco ProPlug system has been precisely engineered to maximize performance and provide beautiful results. This fastening system makes securing and plugging quick and easy. Pro Plug system has been shown to significantly cut installation time when compared to other plug installation methods.
So if you value strength of top down fastening and a high-quality finished look of hardwood plugs, put the Abaco Pro Plug System to work on your next hardwood decking project.
Abaco Pro Plug kits are available in 350- and 1,000-plug quantities. Each box contains #8 Abaco plugs. 2.5 in. stainless steel fastener screws, glue nozzle and driver bit. Pro Plug tool is sold separately.
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 on the aluminum railing. See video.
Deckorators railing systems are designed to allow builders to incorporate all styles of Deckorators baluster infills and post accessories into a project.
About Deckorators CXT Deck Railing
Available in two distinct profiles, Contemporary and Colonial, the CXT railing is offered in 6- and 8-foot lengths and in 36- and 42-inch installed heights. The unique “U-Bracket” design provides a fastener-free look and makes installation easy, especially on stair rail applications. Pre-drilled rails increase the speed of installation by taking the guesswork out of baluster spacing.
About Deckorators Aluminum Deck Railing
Deckorators aluminum railing offers a durable black or white powder-coated finish that weathers the elements. The aluminum railing system with a robust profile and eye-catching appearance is backed by a lifetime limited warranty, designed to work with all Deckorators baluster styles, and available in 36- and 42-inch rail heights and both 6' and 8' lengths.
About Deckorators Deckorators is the first name in deck railing and accessories and the originator of the round aluminum baluster. The pioneering spirit behind the brand has kept the Deckorators name on the leading edge of designing products that create beautiful and unique decks. The brand started the low-maintenance aluminum balusters category with the Classic Series and has since led the industry with innovative products: Colonial balusters, offering the look of traditional colonial times; Architectural balusters, with the beautiful appearance of hand-forged wrought iron; accessories that provide the special accents needed to customize the look of your deck; Connector Series installation products that make installing Deckorators balusters simple and easy. The company’s approach to developing exciting and distinctive deck rail and railing products allows customers the opportunity to express themselves on their deck as they do in their home.
See all Deckorators 2012 Builders' Show featured product video clips.
It is not uncommon to discover a tree that was just a sapling when you built your deck has now grown up and is too close to your outdoor living space. Cutting the tree down is an option, especially if it is not healthy and a danger to your home. If you wish to keep the tree, you can preserve it by incorporating it into your deck design and expanding the deck around it.
To do this, you will first need to run beams in front and back of the tree between two double wood joists. Fasten the joists on both sides of the tree with their load being relocated around the tree. Install diagonal supports at the corner and between the joists and the tree, creating an opening. Be sure to leave plenty of room for additional growth!
Beautifully built for the long haul, Deckorators CXT Deck Railing features:
Co-extruded cap made from two layers of materials and incorporates Strandex® technology inside for superior long-term performance
The consistent cap stock finish looks like real painted wood, is ultra-low maintenance and provides long-term durability and strength
Unique “U-bracket” design provides a fastener free appearance in this easy-to-install alternative to other railing systems on the market
Two distinct profiles and three colors: Contemporary and Colonial in white, black and an all new bronze
15 deck baluster options in varying styles and colors, and four eye-catching post cap styles also in white, black or bronze
Compatibility with a wide range of Deckorators railing accessories for maximum design flexibility
20-year limited warranty
Best of all, Deckorators is extending the rebate program by offering up to $500 in customers rebates through December 2011! View details here.
If you live in Minnesota, Iowa or surrounding area and are interested in Deckorators CXT deck railing kits, find a dealer in your area by visiting the "Where to Buy" section on the Deckorators web site.
DIYer/homeowner, Dan Simpson of Manchester, New Hampshire recently constructed a masterpiece deck using Deckorators CXT Railing while incorporating compatible Deckorators glass balusters and solar post caps for great looks and safety.
"I'm very happy with the railing and have received nothing but compliments," said Mr. Simpson.
About Deckorators CXT Deck Railing System Deckorators CXT deck railing emulates the look of real painted wood and combines proven Strandex® technology on the interior with an ultralow-maintenance exterior cap stock for long-term durability and strength. Deckorators CXT Railing boasts a 20-year limited warranty.
Available in two distinct profiles, Contemporary and Colonial, the CXT railing is offered in 6- and 8-foot lengths and in 36- and 42-inch installed heights. The unique “U-Bracket” design provides a fastener-free look and makes installation easy, especially on stair rail applications. Pre-drilled rails increase the speed of installation by taking the guesswork out of baluster spacing.
Best of all, Deckorators CXT Railing allows deck builders to work with several popular Deckorators railing baluster infills and post accessories. In addition, Deckorators offers four eye-catching post cap styles, including Tiffany-style Mission Glass, Copper, Solar and Traditional.
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.
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!
Universal Consumer Products has added a second deck railing system to the Deckorators® brand lineup called CXT. The Deckorators CXT railing system is co-extruded for ultralow-maintenance and is available through Wolf, the newest distributor of Deckorators brand products. The CXT railing system will be showcased at the 2011 JLC Live tradeshow in New England, beginning March 25.
Deckorators CXT railing emulates the look of real painted wood and combines proven Strandex® technology on the interior with an ultralow-maintenance exterior cap stock for long-term durability and strength. Deckorators CXT railing boasts a 20-year limited warranty.
Available in two distinct profiles, Contemporary and Colonial, CXT deck railing kits are offered in 6- and 8-foot lengths and in 36- and 42-inch installed heights. The unique “U-Bracket” design provides a fastener-free look and makes installation easy, especially on stair rail applications. Pre-drilled rails increase the speed of installation by taking the guesswork out of baluster spacing.
Best of all, Deckorators CXT railing allows deck builders to work with several popular Deckorators railing baluster infills and post accessories. In addition, Deckorators offers four eye-catching post cap styles, including Tiffany-style Mission Glass, Copper, Solar and Traditional.
Available in spring 2011, the CXT railing system will be showcased at the 2011 JLC Live Show in New England (Deckorators booth 1036 and Wolf booth 306).
Deckorators deck, railing and fence accessories are available through an established network of building material retailers in the United States and Canada. Visit www.deckorators.com for complete information.
About Deckorators Deckorators is the first name in deck railing accessories and the originator of the round aluminum baluster. The pioneering spirit behind the brand has kept the Deckorators name on the leading edge of designing products that create beautiful and unique decks. The brand started the low-maintenance aluminum balusters category with the Classic Series and has since led the industry with innovative products: Colonial balusters, offering the look of traditional colonial times; Architectural balusters, with the beautiful appearance of hand-forged wrought iron; accessories that provide the special accents needed to customize the look of your deck; Connector Series installation products that make installing Deckorators balusters simple and easy. The brand’s approach to developing exciting and distinctive deck rail and railing products allows customers the opportunity to express themselves on their deck as they do in their home.
Abaco tropical hardwood decking, from Aljoma Lumber, has a contemporary European design that features a traditional smooth finish on one face and an elegant moulded surface on the other. The moulded surface makes each board slip-resistant and cooler on the feet. Abaco has slotted sides for quick and easy installation of hidden fasteners. Use hidden fasteners designed for tropical hardwood that gap each board with the proper spacing and allow for natural expansion and contraction. By using a hidden fastener on Abaco, virtually all, pre-drilling is eliminated, making installation a breeze. The end result is a beautifully smooth and durable, fastener-free surface. Abaco tropical hardwood decking has a rich mahogany color similar to Ipe and is competitively priced compared to Ipe decking and other tropical hardwoods.
Abaco is the perfect choice for a beautiful wood deck, thanks to its inherent ability to resist rot, decay, termites, splintering, twisting and cracking. Abaco also features all the deck railing components needed to construct a beautifully matched railing. Abaco railing components include balusters, handrails and end posts.
The species used in Abaco are abundant, have fine textures and are dense, naturally strong, extremely durable, and will provide an elegant, exotic look for years to come. Abaco tropical hardwoods are kiln-dried for exterior use and have a superior fire rating when compared to redwood, cedar and pressure-treated lumber. Because Abaco is all-natural, it does not need to be chemically treated. And best of all, it's environmentally friendly.
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.
Deckorators, the leading brand of deck and fence accessories, has designed and introduced the first tropical hardwood cap rail for its aluminum deck railing system. Also, several new compatible solar, Tiffany-style glass and metal post cap accessories have been added to the aluminum railing system.
Deckorators aluminum railing system with tropical hardwood cap rail is available in code-compliant 6-foot deck railing kit and an all-new 8-foot kit. The innovative cap and rail insert system allows installers to snap on the cap rail without visible fasteners. The tropical hardwood cap rail features a moulded appearance and is finished with an oil-based stain.
“The number of choices within the Deckorators lineup is a testament to our commitment to providing unique, attractive deck railing options and accessories in our offering,” said John Hess, director of sales for Universal Consumer Products. “The tropical hardwood cap rail for the Deckorators aluminum railing system provides a stylish appearance, which will appeal to deck builders and homeowners alike.”
Available in spring 2011, the new tropical cap rail kit and aluminum railing post caps will be showcased at the International Builders’ Show.
Deckorators deck, railing and fence accessories are available through an established network of building material retailers in the United States and Canada. Visit www.deckorators.com for complete information.
See what one satisfied Latitudes Decking and Railing customer says.
"I chose the Latitudes Intrepid deck system for a number of reasons. I liked the natural look of wood with very little maintenance, it is splinter-free, not hot to walk on barefoot and the Equator hidden fastener system minimized the number of face screws that gave my deck a clean look. I also used the Latitudes Intrepid composite rail system because of the matching color, hidden fastener and concealed mounting hardware. This composite deck railing system provided me with the clean, seamless appearance that I was looking for. I am very confident in my decision to choose Latitudes composite decking and composite railing and know with very little maintenance I can enjoy my deck for many years!"
Latitudes deck stones are stylish deck tile add-ons and are the perfect alternative or complement for composite lumber decking or treated lumber decking when deck surface transitions are desired. Latitudes deck stones can be used in virtually any area on the deck and are well suited for outdoor kitchens, deck grilling areas and raised fire pits on a composite lumber deck. Deck stones also add deck safety in areas where you plan to grill or add a portable fire pit.
An easy-to-install deck accessory Deck stones / deck tiles can be installed on new or existing conventional wood framed decks and are capable of supporting typical building loads. The high-strength fiberglass substrate frame attaches easily to 16" on-center wood joists with hidden fasteners. Latitudes Deck Stones are available in durable 16-inch-square Smoke slate or Riverstone real granite deck tiles, deck stepping stones are interlocking and self-draining and do not require mortar.
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.
Deckorators Best Deck contest highlights creativity and superior worksmanship of both DIYers/consumers and professional builders. Each photo submission was ranked by creative use of deck building material and overall appearance.
Best Deck Designs - Winners There were many masterful entries, but the stunning, two-story New England composite deck from Josh Flowers (DIYer) captured the top prize due to its seamless implementation of decking and railing materials, resulting in two gorgeous decks. George and Caron Evans' DIY entry of a beautiful two-toned synthetic deck in Maryland earned them second prize for utilizing hidden deck fastener technology, low-voltage deck lights, Deckorators autumn-tinted Scenic Glass Balusters. Rounding out the top three was Steve Patterson's (professional builder) luxurious pressure-treated wood deck that displayed the stately nature of Deckorators to perfection with bronze classic deck balusters and decorative centerpieces. See all three winning entries.
Best Deck Designs - Honorable Mentions The level of work on display made choosing a difficult task, and there are three more decks we would like to show off as honorable mentions. Joe Wengrin, Brian Manthey, and Mark Ferguson all submitted exquisite examples as well. View each of these marvelous wood decks in the honorable mentions section.
The 2012 JLC Live Tradeshow at the Rhode Island Convention Center featured many great hands-on demonstrations like Abaco Hardwood Decking.
Decking
It is not uncommon to discover a tree that was just a sapling when you built your deck has now grown up and is too close to your outdoor living space. Cutting the tree down is an option, especially if it is not healthy and a danger to your home. If you wish to keep the tree, you can preserve it by incorporating it into your deck design and expanding the deck around it.
Available in two distinct profiles, Contemporary and Colonial, the CXT railing is offered in 6- and 8-foot lengths and in 36- and 42-inch installed heights. The unique “U-Bracket” design provides a fastener-free look and makes installation easy, especially on stair rail applications. Pre-drilled rails increase the speed of installation by taking the guesswork out of baluster spacing.
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.
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 
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.
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.
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