Deck Railing Accessories

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 proper post cap size. VersaCaps are compatible with wood, composite and vinyl posts and are available in traditional solar, solar band and high point pyramid options and in a variety of colors.

Deckorators full line of VersaCaps will be available in the spring of 2012 and showcased in the Deckorators booth (W429) during the International Builders’ Show in Orlando.

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.

Latitudes Composite Decking bolsters its deck accessory lineup with decorative, metal fascia corners. The new fascia corners will be available in the spring of 2012 and can be seen in the Latitudes booth (W429) during the International Builders’ Show in Orlando.

Latitudes decorative fascia corners are a stylish way to dress up deck skirting and cover corner joints. Each corner is sold individually and installs easily with eight color-matched screws (provided). Made of stainless steel and powder-coated black, fascia corners are available in Leaf and Ridge designs and are offered in 7,” 9” and 11” heights to fit virtually any size fascia boards.

Latitudes composite decking, railing and accessory products are available through an established network of building material retailers in the United States and Canada.

You need to install a gripable / graspable handrail on one side of the deck stairs when you have four or more steps / treads or when your deck is elevated more than 30 inches off the ground. (R311.7 2009 IRC book)

Gripable / graspable secondary handrails are required by more and more building codes / deck codes in areas across the country, so please refer to your local building code.

Deckorators features an attractive secondary handrail system in its deck railing products lineup.

A cap rail is NOT considered a secondary handrail.

Deckorators tropical hardwood cap rail is not considered a gripable handrail. Deckorators cap rail is an add-on accessory piece installed on the horizontal top portion of the Deckorators aluminum deck railing.

Building a 2x4 deck railing? Consider using Deckorators deck railing connectors for a secure connection of the top and bottom rails.

These deck railing connectors create a strong and effective support to the rail. The railing connectors make attaching standard 2x4 rails to the deck post quick and easy. Made from heavy duty nylon, these connectors are available in five colors including black, cedar, redwood, gray and mahogany to accommodate virtually any type of 2x4 deck rail system.

• Durable plastic is pre-drilled for accurate attachment of the rails to the posts.
• Works with composite deck railing, wood deck railing and metal deck railing.
• Stainless steel screws are provided to help ensure a solid connection.
• Railing connectors are designed for installation of 90° railing to posts.
• Multi-angle railing connector (shown far right) is designed for installation of 22° to 45°railings.

Check out Deckorators full line of connectors and accessories.

See this blog on choosing stylish deck railing balusters.

In a perfect world, no one would ever have to face the challenge of trying to sell a house when there’s snow on the ground and the trees are bare. In reality, people have to sell and buy homes throughout the year.

While winter may not be the optimum season to showcase your landscaping, there is one improvement you can make that will help you boost your home’s outdoor appeal no matter what the season: a deck.

When potential buyers visit your home in winter, they might not be able to envision how green and lovely your backyard will look come spring. But they will be able to see with their own eyes the square footage that a deck adds to the home’s living space.

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. Yet outdoor improvements like a deck can significantly enhance your home’s value and appeal. In fact, at the time of resale, a deck will recoup, on average, about 73 percent of the original cost of building it, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report.

"Anything that adds 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," says Mary Beth Harrison of The Harrison Group, a Dallas-based real estate agency. "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."

The cooler temperatures of fall and early winter make the season a great time to add a deck to your home. Or, if you already have a deck, you can enhance its appeal by adding simple touches and accessories.

A bonus space - for example, a tiny deck or rarely used balcony off a master bedroom - can be transformed into a romantic getaway by staging it with cozy, cushioned seating and a raised firepit. You can safeguard your deck and add designer style with Latitudes 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 firepits or grills, or when used to create an outdoor kitchen.

Lighting is another way to boost appeal. LED deck lighting kits, like those offered by Deckorators, are both practical and visually appealing. Adding lighting to a deck can be an important safety feature, and also helps create a warm, welcoming mood for evening entertaining.

Another improvement that speaks to both safety and visual appeal are deck railings. Decorative railings with ornate balusters, post caps and postcovers can give virtually any wood or composite lumber deck a distinctive look for a modest investment.

More than ever before, people look at their decks as outdoor entertainment areas. Latitudes Composite Decking and Railing and Deckorators, a leader in decking railing systems and deck accessories provide many ways to turn the inside out – 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 plain deck into a great outdoor space.

"Potential home buyers always react positively to nice decks that look like a great place to hang out," says Harrison. "From a buyer's perspective, if all else is equal, it's true that the home with the best deck wins."

See blog entitled "Update your deck, add value to your home".

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.

Locate a Deckorators deck railing contractor in your area.

Adding a built-in bench to your deck seating area evokes the charm and convenience of a window seat while providing additional seating for family gatherings and entertaining.

You can enhance the cozy atmosphere of your outdoor family room with the addition of a fire pit. If adding to a deck, define the space for your chiminea or fire pit and protect your deck by using Latitudes Deck Stones. Available in 16-inch square Smoke slate or Riverstone granite tiles, the deck stones interlock, self-drain, require no mortar and can easily be installed on new or existing conventional wood-framed decks. See Deck Stones installation video.

Lighting is another key element of your indoor family room, and it’s just as important in your outdoor space. Versatile outdoor lighting is not only an important deck safety feature; it can help create the perfect ambiance for evening entertaining. Deckorators recessed deck lighting kits are ideal for building into stairs, step-downs, doorways or wherever else you need ambient lighting.

Another way to create mood with light is by adding solar post caps on your deck railing. Available from Deckorators in glass or metal, these solar-powered post caps can illuminate a rail or fence post while creating a warm, comforting glow.

Create a spa-like feel by incorporating a decorative garden area complete with a water feature. Add plantings that provide a splash of color and fragrance along with functionality. Water features provide a subtle, calming sound and can also help soften unwanted noise caused by roads and other sources. Use various plant types to create space definition, cover from wind and sun or a sense of seclusion and visual privacy. Add a bird bath, like the serpentine jade version from Outdoor Essentials, to get the birds singing.

With just a few simple enhancements and the right accessories, you can turn your outdoor space into an outdoor family room the whole family will enjoy.

See blog on landscaping on and around a deck

Deck railing accessories can be the crowning touch on your new railing. Decorative post caps can change the look of any railing, and install quickly and easily. Whether you opt for metal, glass or even planter post caps, adding ornamental post caps to your railing can really create a one-of-a-kind look.

Faux stone postcovers are another way to enhance the look and personality of your deck railing. Deckorators cast stone postcovers fit over the standard 4x4 or 6x6 treated wood posts of your deck railing, and provide a realistic appearance of authentic stone without the cost. Top them with a matching post cap, and it’s easy to create a memorable, unique look. Postcovers work with 2x4 wood railings, composite lumber railing, and Deckorators aluminum and co-extruded railing systems.

Cooler weather can make outdoor projects easier. Upgrading your deck railing is a project that will make your old deck look new again and help create an outdoor environment you’ll enjoy year-round.

For more ideas, check out the Deckorators Deck Visualizer interactive program to “try on” different railings, balusters, post caps, decking and other unique deck accessories.

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Whether your railing is wood, metal, composite or vinyl, you have plenty of options for decorative balusters.

Deckorators pioneered the use of metal balusters and offers the widest array of aluminum balusters in many shapes, styles, colors and sizes. Installing maintenance-free powder coated aluminum balusters on your deck railing system is a great way to add a creative, colorful touch. Deckorators aluminum deck balusters are available in several colors and designs and come with a lifetime warranty on the finish.

You can also find glass balusters from Deckorators or Latitudes (for composite decking) — a particularly appealing option for decks with great views (like pool decking or lake view decking), since the glass allows you to enjoy the scenic setting without the visual obstruction of traditional baluster infills.

See this blog on adding decorative railing accessories to your deck.

• add unique features to railing with decorative post caps or postcovers
• incorporate metal or glass baluster infills to your deck rail
• built in bench seating
• incorporate deck stone transitions
• install low-voltage or solar deck lighting
• place colorful plants on your deck and stairs
• incorporate colorful outdoor furniture
• add a portable water feature or fire bowl

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.

As a savvy homeowner you're always looking for something new and different—and you should be, too! If you're willing to do a little exploring, you can create or renovate a composite deck or lumber deck that positively sizzles with visual and functional appeal in your outdoor living space.

Suggest creating multiple levels. Perhaps an embedded inset for visual appeal. And why settle for straight lines and predictable runs? How about incorporating sweeping curves or compound angles with your deck planks? Create contrast with complimentary deck board colors and reversible textures. A grill bump-out could keep young fingers out of heat's reach and add more usable space. An outdoor kitchen or fire pit area with inset deck stones will add functionality and interest.

Deck Railing Ideas
When you're done with basic design, start thinking about the nuances and finishing touches that really make a deck sing. Deckorators has code approved aluminum railing kits and deck handrails, balusters, post caps and lighting in a wide range of styles and colors. You'll have no problem finding the right accessories for any deck railing design. More deck railing ideas in this blog.

A new or rehabbed deck project is a rare chance for you to make profound changes to your outdoor living environment. Start a project today!

You’ve probably heard the expression “God is in the details.” Well, when it comes to creating a truly unique and beautiful deck design, the right mix of details can create a heavenly result.

Every deck is essentially a blank canvas. Adding design details such as ornamental post caps, decorative balusters and deck inlays, can turn your blank canvas into a custom deck that is a work of art.

Not sure which details will work best for your tastes and design parameters?

Deck design software can help you envision how your deck will look with the addition of certain details. The Deck Visualizer is a free online program that allows you to choose from a selection of scenes and then dress up each with a variety of designer details, such as wood color, railing design, and baluster and post cap accessories.

Designer touches are limited only by your imagination – and creativity in forming combinations. In addition to ornamental post caps and decorative balusters – which we’ve talked about before in this blog – there are many other ways to customize your deck, including:

• Deck inlays – A deck inlay can be anything from decorative stone or ceramic tile to a design made up of different colored composite deck boards placed at interesting angles.
• Reversible boards – Unlike standard deck boards, Latitudes Intrepid composite deck boards can be placed with either side facing up. Each side has its own unique texture (woodgrain or brushed) and color variance, allowing you to create an interesting design while using just one type of decking material.
• Picture framing – By installing a trim board around a deck, you can give your wood deck surface a unique appearance, and protect plank ends that can deteriorate over time when exposed to the elements.
• Hidden fasteners – Strategically placed nails or screws can be incorporated into a deck’s design, but for an ultra-clean look, consider Latitude’s Equator hidden fastener. Concealed below the deck surface, Equator composite deck hidden fasteners fit into the groove on the side of the deck board secured at each joist to eliminate pre-drilling and allow for quick and easy installation, leaving a deck looking smooth and sleek. Installing the right hidden fastener will make your composite deck barefoot friendly.
• Recessed lighting – Deckorators recessed lighting kits use compact, ultra-bright, low-volt LED lights to make decks more appealing and accessible after dark. Build them into stairs, step-downs and anywhere you need illumination both for looks and safetypurposes.
• Benches and boxes – Built-ins are a hot deck trend and you can use Latitudes composite decking to build curved composite benches and planter boxes around your deck.

Whether you choose to add just one detail or many, designer touches can truly make your deck one-of-a-kind – and make you feel like you have your own little slice of heaven in your own backyard.

A graspable secondary handrail is an important component to consider when planning a deck with stairs. So whether you're constructing a residential composite deck, lumber deck or a deck made from other decking material, you're typically required to install a graspable secondary handrail on one side of the deck's stair railing when there are four or more stair risers present.

Key Residential Stair Handrail Requirements (IRC - International Residential Code)

1. Stairways having four or more risers, or rising more than 30 inches in height, whichever is less, must have at least one grab rail.
2. Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of at least 1-1/4 inches and not greater than 2 inches. If the handrail is not circular it shall have a perimeter dimension of at least 4 inches and not greater than 6-1/4 inches with a maximum cross section of dimension of 2-1/4 inches.
3. The grab rail must terminate at the newel post (top and bottom posts).
4. Clear space between a handrail and a wall or other surface shall be a minimum of 1-1/2 inches.
5. The height of handrails must be installed 34 inches - 38 inches from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread.

Graspable secondary handrails are required by more and more building codes / deck codes in areas across the country. Both Deckorators and Latitudes brands feature a secondary handrail system in their respective deck railing products lineups.

These attractive and highly versatile graspable handrails are ideal for meeting building codes when required. Made of heavy gauge aluminum and durable PVC, these systems include five different radius elbows and several styles of returns to meet every possible installation. The railing is available in three colors (adobe, tan and white) to complement a homes exterior.

Check out the American Wood Council's "Design for Code Acceptance" document for complete details. Stair handrail requirements are outlined on page 18.

Looking to distribute secondary handrails or components? Look to Waymark to supply all your fence and railing accessories.

New deck trends include low maintenance decking, unique railing and railing accessories as well as lighting options. And as the trend for enjoying customized decks and outdoor living space grows, personalized outdoor living areas are the latest in home improvement upgrades.

Building or updating an existing deck isn't simply a great investment: It provides opportunities to personalize your backyard or porch and customize the look to your taste. And with many families staying home this summer thanks to high gas pricing and a recovering economy, why not build your perfect area for entertaining?

By designing your deck with accents, lights and unique accessories, you can transform your backyard into an outdoor retreat you'll never want to leave, whether you're catching up with friends over a grilled dinner in the evening or are curled up with a book in a lounge chair on a sunny afternoon.

With a new emphasis on value, durability and ultra-low maintenance, many homeowners seek deck materials that resist fading and staining. Latitudes Capricorn Tropical composite decking and Captiva decking, sold through dealers nationwide, are good choices. Low-maintenance, eco-friendly composite decking material is made from a mixture of recycled wood fiber and postindustrial high-density polyethylene, which looks natural and feels great on bare feet.

Add unique touches to really make the deck your personal haven. Change your deck's look with interesting balusters to match other decorative accents on your house or in your yard. You'll find traditional bronze balusters, classic rounded rails or even scenic glass balusters, which give your outdoor room a clear view.

Then consider breaking up the wooden look of your deck with Deckorators postcovers, to help match the look of your deck to a stone house, to a backyard with stone pavers or to a stone wall. Easily installed over a wooden 4x4 or 6x6 post, faux stone postcovers come in several stone patterns. See my blog post on deck post covers.

Finish off your railing system with post caps. Deckorators post caps are functionally and artistically decorative. Maybe you're interested in the more traditional black, stainless or pewter colors, topping a solar LED light to illuminate your deck for evening use. Or try a creative look with stained glass post caps, bringing a colorful flair to each deck post.

With so many unique decking and railing design options available, you can transform your wood or composite deck into a new outdoor living area. And because you designed it, it will perfectly fit your lifestyle.

Check out my past blog for deck railing ideas.

Take a look around: So many decks these days settle for the same old 2x2 treated wood balusters that really do little to enhance appeal or add interest. You get what you settle for.

Deckorators balusters bring an entirely new visual dimension to deck railings—it's all about choices and alternatives.

The aluminum balusters zip up deck designs by introducing curves, angles and simulated lathe-turned profiles in Classic, Colonial, Architectural, Estate and Traditional designs.

Scenic Glass balusters let the views shine through with grace and distinction.

Further your flair with elegant baluster accessories.
Deckorators centerpieces attach to vertical balusters for an extra measure of design panache. Special collars and baskets lend a rich and elegant feel. And you can mix and match colors for contrast or complement. Try doing all that with standard 2x2 spindles!

Read more in one of my prior blog posts about how to accessorize your deck railing with style.

Solar post caps illuminate and color the enlightened way: Solar. No wiring. No load. Solar post caps gather the day’s energy for night's use and provide gentle, non-disruptive illumination for deck railings, stairs, overhangs and fence posts. Solar post cap installation is a breeze and the energy’s always free. See the complete lineup of Deckorators brand solar-powered deck and fence post caps.

See my blog on new deck accessory products perfect for spring projects.

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.

Great deck railing ideas start with Deckorators! Deck building season is here and style calls for a look that enhances at a glance. Deck railing and deck railing accessories dial up the visual interest, whether designed-in or retrofitted. Deckorators offers decorative and functional metal deck railing systems and accessories to make your deck stand out from the crowd.

Put the sizzle on your composite lumber deck or treated wood deck with signature metal balusters in an array of colors and styles. Decorative glass balusters let the view come through. Solar post caps accentuate and illuminate. It’s easy to offer great suggestions when you know what’s available. There’s some very cool outdoor accessories in the Deckorators lineup.

The Deckorators brand of deck railing accessories offers decorative and functional balusters by style. It’s also a mecca for metal, glass, wood and illuminated post caps.

For even more deck railing ideas, check out the Deckorators deck visualizer and start designing your dream deck!

With the housing market on the rebound many homeowners remain cautious about overspending on home improvements. And lower-cost targeted improvements are becoming a popular way to add value to a home. Updating your deck is one improvement that nearly always offers a great return on investment.

Deckorators, an industry-leading brand which offer aluminum railing kits, decorative balusters, post caps and accessories, has seen demand increase for the past several years.

Consumers are investing in their homes by adding decorative elements to their existing deck and outdoor areas and creating expansions or adding tasteful accessories to compliment the space.

Also aiding growth is an emphasis on creative design by deck builders and do-it-yourselfers. The wealth of new products on the market lets homeowners differentiate their properties from those of neighbors and friends. It’s personalization once reserved only for interior spaces.

New products from Deckorators include LED deck lighting kits, unique baluster infills and aluminum railing kits. Deckorators also sees continued interest in their decorative glass balusters and stylish architectural balusters that offer the look of wrought iron with a finish that lasts for years. Demand for Deckorators solar-powered post caps has also skyrocketed as easy installation allows for even the most novice DIYer to easily and affordably update their deck railing.

Homeowners are taking more pride in their homes and investing in high quality products outdoors. That’s a smart move for increasing the value of your home.

Leigh Brown, a Charlotte, N.C., realtor with RE/MAX Signature Properties, says one of the most popular features home-buyers are looking for today is outdoor living space.

“Everyone wants to spend time outside, and communities are being built around greenbelts, golf courses and parks. This generation of first-time home-buyers is tilting toward a more environmentally conscious lifestyle, and it’s fitting that those same people want a home that has a nice flow between the inside and the out,” says Brown.

Deckorators deck accessory products appeal to deck builders and homeowners looking to express their style and individuality.

Today, many decks incorporate seating areas, cooking areas and often recreation areas. Hot tubs and spas are popular features, and families spend lots of time enjoying decks and patios.
“Today’s deck is much more than a place to park your grill,” adds Brown. “It’s the hub of the family’s social life.”

Design your dream deck with the Deckorators free online Deck Visualizer program.