Deck Railing Balusters

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.

Here's a video from Extreme How-To magazine on how to build a pressure treated wood deck handrail using Deckorators deck railing accessories. This video features Deckorators balusters, post caps and deck railing baluster connectors and accessories.

Latitudes Intrepid composite railing is perfect for use as both deck railing and porch railing. It's a durable, easy-to-install deck railing system that will enhance your backyard deck or front porch with attractive looks and safety. Latitudes composite deck railing is a great alternative to wood, and best of all, it's available in six foot section kits for simple installation.

Key benefits of Latitudes composite deck railing include:

• Low maintenance
• Won't rot or split
• Resistant to insects
• Durable, lonterm performance
• Easy-to-install kits (video)

Unlike wood deck railing, composite wood railing never needs to be painted or sealed. In addition, composite railing will not splinters, has minimal fading and is low maintenance – simply wash twice annually in the Spring and Fall. See my past blog on maintaining composite decking and railing.

Composite deck rails can take virtually anything mother nature throws at it, season after season, in any climate. The best composite deck railing will not rot or become infested with insects. Composite deck rails retain their color and resist stains. They are non-porous and come in a variety of natural-looking, attractive colors to match any homes exterior.

Composite deck railing will add both beauty and comfort to any outdoor deck area. While composite deck railing will cost twice as much as a treated wood railing, composite lumber will typically outlast treated lumber and require less maintenance over the years. Composite deck railing also resist water damage and can be used for many types of deck designs.

Adding ornamental deck rail balusters, ornamental post caps and other deck railing accessories to composite deck rails will make your deck or porch area stand out, creating enduring beauty for years to come.

Create the look of your dream deck in minutes with the latest deck design tool.

The sky’s the limit with this new Deck Visualizer deck design software. The Deck Visualizer lets you explore your imagination by selecting from hundreds of decking and railing combinations, designed with two industry-leading brands in mind: Deckorators and Latitudes.

Deck Visualizer deck design software lets your imagination take over. Simply select a deck scene, then begin to drag and drop (or click) endless combinations of decking and railing products to create your custom deck design. Along the way to your finished design, you can find out more details on any of the products simply by clicking the information icon.

Choose from wood decking, composite decking, deck railing and accessory options. Before you’re done, add some pizzazz with deck railing accessories such as baluster baskets or centerpieces and solar post cap lights. Want to know what your selections look like on a different deck scene? It’s easy. Simply select a new deck and any compatible product selections will transfer to the new scene.

The Deck Visualizer is compatible with most any computer or mobile device and allows you to print your custom deck design, save it, e-mail it to your contractor or share it with friends and family. Your Deck Visualizer print out will generate a summary of the products you’ve chosen as well as a final image, so you’ll know exactly which decking and railing products you’ve selected for your project.

"I wanted to write to give you a testimonial about the Deckorators products.

Our company is committed to providing high-end design and construction services for our customers.  We try to stay on top of the latest products and trends in the industry. One of the greatest improvements in deck construction over the past generation has been the improvements in deck handrail design, and Deckorators has been a leader in this movement. All-wood deck handrails used to be the mainstay, but they had little architectural interest and they aged poorly. Deckorators came along and changed everything. For more than eight years Deckorators has given LandWorks the innovative deck railing product options we need to make our decks stand out from the competition. Your products are well designed, easily available, and have stood the test of time. We have been rewarded with countless customer referrals, industry awards, and even magazine exposure.

Thank you Deckorators for your fine products and thank you for your contributions to our industry."

Steve Patterson
Owner
LandWorks
Silver Spring, Maryland
www.elandworks.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New outdoor deck lighting installation video from Deckorators, the leader in deck railing accessories. Deckorator's elegant low voltage, recessed LED deck lighting kit helps create an inviting environment on both wood decks and synthetic decks.

• loose connections like wobbly deck railing and railing balusters
• missing connections — the wood ledger board is not properly fastened to the house
• treated lumber is corroded
• rotted deck boards or deck railing
• cracks in either the deck boards or the supporting structure

Making your home the hub for fun and entertainment can be as easy as creating the space and inviting folks in. But it’s important to make sure your outdoor living spaces are as safe as they are fun. If you already have a deck, give it a thorough spring checkup. See if you have any loose railings or balusters, and inspect the structure of your deck for rotting wood, corroded or loose fasteners and any mold and mildew.

If you find that your deck needs repairs, consider updating it with new composite decking and railing. Latitudes, a leading composite decking brand, offers several unique decking and railing combinations, each offering superior strength and resistance against the rotting, fading and warping that typically occur with wood due to varying weather cycles.

Low-maintenance composite decking never requires staining or sanding, and is available in several natural-looking colors. Latitudes Capricorn composite decking offers the rich look of tropical hardwood. From a safety standpoint, all of the deck surfaces are slip-resistant and splinter-free—definitely a consideration when you’re designing a space to entertain.

Are you planning to build a new deck this year? Before you begin construction, think carefully about how you’re going to use your deck. Create a space for an outdoor kitchen or barbecue area, and perhaps a place for relaxing and keeping an eye on the kids. You might even want to consider a place for dining.

You could also consider installing deck stones by Latitudes. Use these self-draining, real stone tiles to create a fire or grease barrier under your grill. You can also use these stones if incorporating a fire pit into your deck plans—making it a favorite hangout for teens and late-night marshmallow roasting.

When safety is paramount, be sure to plan for lighting. There are many new products that provide direct or ambient lighting to help make your deck and outdoor living area safer for you and your guests, even late into the night. Latitudes and Deckorators both offer low-voltage, LED recessed deck lights, which can be set to turn on automatically at dusk, adding a measure of security to your home.

Deck lighting using eco friendly solar lighted post caps come in styles ranging from the basic to the dramatic. The new Dynasty copper post cap light offers Asian flair in a Craftsman-inspired copper and gunmetal that offers illumination and high style. Post cap lights are designed to fit on virtually any railing post on your deck. And with solar caps, no wiring is required.

If your existing deck simply needs to be refreshed—or needs sturdier rails to make it safe—the easiest way to update is with new balusters or rails. Deckorators offers a durable, powder-coated aluminum exterior railing system that is sold in kits, complete with rails, post sleeves and post caps to help put a whole new face on a tired-looking deck.

This deck building season, consider spending some of your home improvement dollars on the safety of your deck and the outdoor living areas of your home. These entertainment spots not only beckon to friends and neighbors, but add safety and value to your home.

As the economy starts to come back around, many remodelers and deck builders expect to see a significant up-tick in requests from homeowners who want a new deck or want to update an existing deck to an expansive outdoor living area. Architects, landscape designers and building professionals are among those who typically stay up-to-date with the hottest deck trends.

Expansive, multi-feature decks

• multi-level decks that allow homeowners to add separate areas for entertaining
• incorporating unique deck patterns, deck insets, benches, built-in planter boxes and grill kick outs to make an outdoor living area one-of-a-kind

Outdoor living rooms, kitchens, grilling areas

• appliances, televisions, fireplaces and water features have become popular outdoor amenities for many homeowners
• many decks incorporate deck stones to protect the deck surface and add separation between outdoor kitchens and lounge areas. These natural stone deck tiles are perfect for use under grills and raised fire pits.

• co-extruded and other synthetic surfaces that are virtually impervious to stains and fading are becoming more common over their wood decking counterpart
• ultra-low maintenance decking requires less upkeep than treated lumber and standard composite lumber decking
• achieve a unique, exotic look with a composite deck plank that emulates tropical hardwood

Deck railing accessories

• add an extra touch of class with stylish post caps available in wood, metal or decorative glass
• unique railing infills like scenic glass balusters allow you to see with an unobstructed view to the pool or lake
• baluster accessories are inexpensive, ornate add-ons that turn an ordinary deck railing into a work of art

Deck lighting

• low voltage step and stair lighting is used for both ambiance and safety
• perfect for ambient lighting, solar post cap lights are already one of the top trends in accessorizing your deck
• installing rope lighting under deck railing highlights the rail and adds enough light to entertain throughout the night

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

Wash and rinse your deck
Start cleaning your composite decking by washing with soapy water. Start at the top of the deck railing and work your way down to the composite deck surface. It's necessary to remove the dirt and chalking that accumulates on the composite deck surface. This will also prevent the build-up of pollen and debris that can cause mold and mildew growth. Pressure washers should only be used at lower pressures to wet and rinse synthetic decking and railing. Pressure washers should not be used to “blast-off” soiling agents; attempting to do so can drive the dirt deeper into the decking material. Test on an inconspicuous area before washing the entire deck.

Basic deck cleaning agents
Deck wash / cleaners usually contain sodium percarbonate and a detergent, which is effective on normal dirt and grime and bleaches out mold and mildew stains. Oxalic acid cleaners are effective on rust stains from metal patio furniture. Commercial degreasers contain propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and various detergents for removing grease and oil stains.

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