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Wednesday, May 1, 2013 by
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Now that warmer temperatures are taking hold,
people are heading to their favorite outdoor spots, like the deck.
Once primarily used for sunbathing, decks have grown into outdoor
living spaces to work, relax, cook, dine and entertain -- day or
night. And deck options have grown with them. Here are a few basics
any deck planner should consider: Decking materials Wood, composite
or plastic? It’s perhaps the most important - and most difficult --
choice to make because cost, durability and maintenance needs can
vary significantly. Wood can be the most affordable or the most
expensive...
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Friday, October 26, 2012 by
Updating your deck to enhance its appeal doesn't mean replacing the
entire structure. A few easy steps and simple additions to refresh
your deck’s appearance can give your outdoor space a new
personality. Clean the entire structure When is the last time you
cleaned your deck? Even if you don't use your deck frequently,
nature's elements leave layers of dust, dirt and grime that detract
from the appearance. The easiest way to clean a deck is
with soap and water. Once it dries, you'll be amazed at how fresh
and clean your outdoor space appears. For deeper cleaning and more
detailed information...
read more
Friday, September 28, 2012 by
You've decided to add a new composite deck to your home. A wise
investment. Composite decking, such as natural-looking materials
from Latitudes Decking and Railing , brings visual appeal
to your home and expands your living space. The first step is to
decide what design best fits your use. While the size of your house
and yard, along with your budget, will impact your design options,
there are still a multitude of choices to be made during this
important planning phase. Basic Composite Deck Designs If you have
a smaller backyard, a limited budget or simply prefer a minimalist
approach to...
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Wednesday, April 18, 2012 by
With temperatures on the rise, does your mind often wander to the
sunny days of spring? Maybe you long for the activities only warm
weather can provide, such as outdoor barbecues, sharing ice cream
with the kids, or watching the sunset from your favorite Adirondack
chair. Many of these cherished activities center around one area of
the home: the deck. If your house doesn't have a low maintenance
composite lumber deck, or perhaps the old wood deck you have leaves
something to be desired, now is the perfect time to take action and
make a plan. That way, when warm weather arrives, you're ready...
read more
Thursday, March 1, 2012 by
With temperatures chilling you to the bone, does your mind often
wander to the sunny days of spring? Maybe you long for the
activities only warm weather can provide, such as outdoor
barbecues, sharing ice cream with the kids, or watching the sunset
from your favorite Adirondack chair. Many of these cherished
activities center around one area of the home: the outdoor deck. If
your house doesn't have a treated wood or composite lumber deck, or
perhaps the one you have leaves something to be desired, now is the
perfect time to take action and make a plan. That way, when warm
weather arrives,...
read more
Friday, October 14, 2011 by
If you're having your deck built or doing it yourself, deck
building requires planning and forethought. Even the best deck
plans can get off to a bad start if you don’t understand how your
deck construction components fit together. Deckorators offers
special connection products to make installing these glass baluster
infills on a wood deck rail quick and easy. A few easy steps will
get your deck rail up and looking good in no time. Before you
install Deckorators Scenic Glass Deck Balusters, check with your
local building inspector to verify the product made with 5/16-inch
tempered safety glass...
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Wednesday, September 28, 2011 by
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...
read more
Friday, August 19, 2011 by
Building a deck from scratch or remodeling an existing deck with
new railing? There are plenty of ways to make your wood deck or
composite wood deck stand out—and it doesn't have to cost an arm
and a leg.Here's a short list of cool and unique ways to make your
deck area pop without breaking the bank:add unique features to
railing with decorative post caps or postcoversincorporate metal or
glass baluster infills to your deck railbuilt in bench
seatingincorporate deck stone transitionsinstall low-voltage or
solar deck lightingplace colorful plants on your deck and
stairsincorporate colorful...
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Wednesday, June 22, 2011 by
Is this summer your family’s year to finally put in that backyard
pool they’ve been dreaming about? Or maybe you already have a pool
and you’re looking for a way to make using it an even more
enjoyable experience. Composite pool decking is a great way to
enhance the look, appeal and usability of any pool or hot tub.
Latitudes composite decking is a great choice, especially around
water, as it's slip resistant. Add matching composite pool deck
railing, aluminum pool railing from Deckorators
or Veranda vinyl pool fencing and you’ve got a great
start on your own personal outdoor oasis. Whether...
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Friday, June 3, 2011 by
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) Stairways having four or more
risers, or rising more than 30 inches in height, whichever is less,
must have at least one grab rail....
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Friday, March 25, 2011 by
Let’s say you’re contemplating having a treated lumber deck or a
Latitudes composite lumber deck built or remodeled, and you don’t
have the time or the inclination to do it yourself. Choosing the
right contractor/deck builder is both art and science. Doing your
homework goes a long way toward being satisfied with the end
result.Important tips for choosing the right professional deck
builder:Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations or reference
the decking or railing manufacturer's web site for a list of
preferred installers (composite decking installers, deck railing
installers). Narrow...
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Friday, January 14, 2011 by
Turn your deck design ideas into reality with the Latitudes Deck
Visualizer interactive deck program. This deck design software
allows you to freely design a unique, conceptual composite decking
and railing layout.The Latitudes Deck Visualizer is an intuitive
program that allows users to create a custom look in just a few
minutes. This unique deck design tool can be used on virtually 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.Latitudes Deck Visualizer incorporates real life
background...
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Tuesday, November 30, 2010 by
Deckorators Deck Visualizer is a free interactive deck design
program for generating a unique, conceptual deck design.The Deck
Visualizer is an intuitive program that allows users to create a
custom look within minutes. This unique deck design tool can be
used on virtually 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.Deckorators Deck
Visualizer incorporates realistic background scenes and gives the
designer complete control of selecting decking types and color,
railing styles and a...
read more
Wednesday, September 1, 2010 by
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...
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Friday, August 13, 2010 by
Adding or updating a deck to your home's outdoor living area can be
a significant investment, so you’ll want to make sure you have a
top notch deck builder working on your wood or composite decking
project. It’s critical to make sure you hire a experienced,
reputable contractor with a history of quality deck building and
satisfied customers.Doing your homework will help make a good
choiceGet recommendations from your friends, family and local
lumberyard and then check in with the Better Business Bureau for a
list of members in your area. Look for yard signs and see what work
is underway in...
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Thursday, May 6, 2010 by
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...
read more
Thursday, April 29, 2010 by
New deck and deck railing products this year are more creative than
ever. Deckorators recently introduced its spring product lineup,
including fully integrated aluminum railing kits, recessed deck
lighting and a wide variety of decorative post caps. The new
Deckorators Aluminum Railing is designed to work with every
Deckorators baluster style and features a lifetime limited
warranty. Available in black and white, this exterior aluminum
railing offers robust, eye-catching profiles and comes in 36" and
42" rail heights. With the beauty and durability of this rail
structure, you'll want to make...
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Monday, April 5, 2010 by
Spring is here and so is the start of deck building season. It's a
good time to add a composite lumber deck or update old, worn
out deck railing with new balusters infills or alumnium railings.
Participate in our poll and let us know when you're planning to
build or update your deck this year. Online
Surveys & Market Research
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Saturday, March 13, 2010 by
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...
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Friday, July 24, 2009 by
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...
read more
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