Decking and Outdoor Living

Extend the enjoyment of decks and outdoor spaces by creating or updating your outdoor living area.

In my blog, I’ll cover product news and trends while helping you learn how to make the most of your outdoor space with ideas for decking, railing, fencing and accessories.

Exposed decks take a beating from Mother Nature, and general wear and tear from moving outdoor furniture around, kids playing and occasionally the family pet. Whether your deck has constant sun beating down on its surface or you live in an area that typically gets a lot of rain or has harsh winters, your wood deck boards may wear faster than expected and become unsightly or even dangerous to walk on. Provided your deck structure (framework underneath decking boards) is solid and up to code, consider refacing / replanking the surface (deck boards)—It's more cost-effective and most DIYers can handle this type of project.

If the original deck builder installed the wood substructure correctly, like adding properly installed flashing to protect the frame and the ledger board (part of the frame that attaches to the house), you may be able to save your structure and simply reface the top with new pressure treated wood or composite deck boards—Regardless, make sure you check and replace damaged or rotting structural boards if needed. If you do find some structural issues, consider consulting with your local building inspector or hire a licensed builder.

If you can move your deck by simply pushing it from side to side, you may be facing some structural issues. Make sure your deck substructure is sound before adding new planks. By starting with a sound substructure, your project should be easier and more affordable than building a new deck from the ground up. Keeping your deck safe

You have multiple options when it comes to refacing your deck. You could install new pressure-treated decking, switch to synthetic decking or even tropical hardwood decking. I’ll cover some of these options in a series of posts starting with composite decking.

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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If you have a deck or are planning on constructing a deck, then consider installing wood lattice or plastic lattice as an accent or barrier.

Installing lattice on your deck is a great way to accent your outdoor living area and add privacy. Commonly used as skirting, lattice is a perfect solution for keeping pets and other animals from digging or nesting under the deck. Adding lattice to your composite lumber deck or pressure treated decking frame also allows you to create a hidden storage area and helps conceal the otherwise exposed wood deck support posts.

Lattice can be used in a variety of ways—from decorative to practical. Other common uses include:

• Gates
• Hot tub enclosures
• Fence tops
• Arbors
• Gazebos and trellises

Plastic lattice and pressure treated wood lattice are typically sold in 4x8 sheets in both large and small diamond or square patterns. Plastic lattice comes in many different colors to complement your deck or home. Most big box retailers carry lattice in a variety of colors and styles.

Add a custom color to wood lattice by applying exterior paint or stain to the surface. If you have a treated lumber deck that has been stained, be sure to apply a matching or complementary stain on newly installed lattice.

Installing lattice is a simple DIY project that is very affordable and won’t take all day to install.

Even with the economy woes, homeowners are still interested in improving their homes — whether to enhance resale value or personal enjoyment — and they’re looking for improvements with the biggest payback. 

Decks remain a top renovation, often cited as delivering the highest return on investment and homeowner enjoyment. The outdoor living trend is likely to remain strong this year, and a great deck is the showpiece of your outdoor environment. 

Now, one of the most popular looks in natural wood decking — tropical hardwood — is available in a composite form. Latitudes Capricorn composite deck lumber features two tropical colors, Adobe and Koa, that mimic the woodgrain and colors of mahogany and ipe.

Composite wood decking remains a leading choice for savvy homeowners who seek a low-maintenance, great-looking, eco-friendly deck. Latitudes Decking is a composite lumber material made from a mix of recycled wood fiber and high-density polyethylene. 

So if you're looking to ride the tropical wave of ultra-low maintenance composite decking material, consider Latitudes Capricorn for your outdoor living space. 

If you're thinking about having a new dock built or are about to replace an existing dock, then consider two popular types of decking material—natural lumber decking and composite lumber decking. Each type of dock / deck building material has it's own unique benefits, and each has passed the test of time in unforgiving elements.

 

Natural Lumber Decking

Pressure-treated wood decking is a great option for a tighter budget. The classic look of wood gives a more rustic feel, and can be stained or painted to match virtually any color scheme. Pressure-treated decking can be notched for installation of hidden deck fasteners for a clean, fastener-free appearance.

Tropical hardwood has a highly desired exotic look and is very durable. Hardwood species like Ipe have been known to last over twenty years. Tropical decking like Abaco can span greater distances to accommodate wide 24" on center joist spacing. Some hardwood decking comes pre-grooved for use with a hidden fastener system.

 

Composite Lumber Decking

Composite decking is manufactured from wood fiber and plastic to form a plank that requires less maintenance and typically has a longer lifespan than natural wood decking. Composite lumber is similar in cost to tropical hardwood and has many of the same benefits. Like tropical hardwood, Latitudes Marine composite decking allows for long 24" on-center joist spans. Latitudes Marine also incorporates a profiled edge specifically designed for docks, boardwalks and walkways. Additional benefits of composite lumber decking is that it's barefoot friendly, slip-resistant and comes in a variety of colors that never need to be sealed or stained.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Create your own one-of-a-kind deck surface by adding a deck inlay or border accent. To add a personal touch of flair, consider incorporating a unique deck design that uses multiple colors of composite lumber decking along with different surface patterns (woodgrain, brushed or smooth). Most composite wood manufacturers offer dual-sided boards that feature two distinct finishes on one plank. Whether you're looking to incorporate a sophisticated design, like a compass rose, or simply adding a contrasting border color or deck surface, composite wood decking is one of the most versatile deck building materials available. What's more, most composite deck material can be cut and shaped like typical wood for decking.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check local building codes in your area for specific details.

Whether cleaning pressure treated wood decking or synthetic / composite decking material, many of the same cleaning agents are effective on both surface types.

Many deck wash/cleaners contain sodium percarbonate and a detergent, which works well on normal dirt and grime and bleaches out mold and mildew stains. An oxygen bleach-based formula is another great alternative. It's effective in removing mildew stains and the weathered grey residue from UV (sunlight) degradation. Both cleaners are environmentally safe and will not harm plants or animals, damage wood's cell structure or leave a bleached-out look.

Oxalic acid cleaners are effective on rust stains left from metal furniture.

Commercial degreasers contain propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and various detergents for removing grease and oil stains.

Spot removers/thinners can be used sparingly on particularly stubborn grease or oil stains, but should be washed off quickly with water as they will attack the grain pattern. These normally include petroleum distillates, xylene, methanol, acetone, or other organic solvents.