How to make your deck and outdoor living area stand out when it’s time to sell

Saturday, March 13, 2010 by Chris Fox
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 staging it so that it flows seamlessly with the rest of the house. 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.

A bonus space—for example, a tiny deck or rarely used balcony off a master bedroomLatitudes Deck Stones—can be transformed into a romantic getaway by adding cushioned seating and a raised fire pit. You can safeguard your deck and add designer style with 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 fire pits or grills, or when used to create an outdoor kitchen.

More than ever before, people look at their decks as outdoor rooms. 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 nondescript deck into a great outdoor space.

Latitudes Capricorn Tropical Composite DeckingThe Latitudes product line features low-maintenance, top-quality synthetic decking, hand railing and accessories. Latitudes Capricorn composite decking gives the exotic look of rich tropical hardwoods which is a current design trend that will instantly update a home.

Whether working with an old wood deck or a new composite lumber custom deck, details count when it comes to staging. Outdoor rail lighting on a deck or patio provides ambience and adds versatility to the space, showing buyers endless possibilities for evening entertainment.Solar post caps and recessed LED lights from Latitudes

If you want to open up the view on a bonus space, consider replacing wooden deck balusters with tempered glass balusters from Deckorators, or update the rails with distinctive aluminum balusters. New rails will add a dramatic difference to your deck. Deckorators aluminum rail systems come in kits that allow easy installation and give old decks a fresh look at a fraction of the price of a total deck replacement or addition.

Buyers will react positively to nice decks that look like a great place to hang out. From a buyer's perspective, if all else is equal, it's true that the home with the best deck and outdoor living area wins.

Indulge your exotic side with tropical hardwood decking

Thursday, March 4, 2010 by Chris Fox
Abaco Tropical Hardwood DeckingWhen you want to create a unique look for your outdoor living space, consider tropical hardwood decking from Aljoma Lumber; it's a sure-fire way to catch some attention. Tropical hardwoods come in a multitude of species. Aljoma markets one of their tropical species as Abaco decking. Abaco shares some of the same features and characteristics as other popular hardwood choices like Ipe and Cumaru (see Abaco / Ipe comparison).

Ipe and Cumaru, two durable and long lasting tropical hardwoods, help create an exotic look for your deck and outdoor living area.

Ipe
Ipe is a strong, super-durable hardwood found in the Brazilian Amazon, Bolivia and Paraguay. ItTropical Hardwoods from Aljoma Lumber features a fine to medium texture and is warp resistant. When pre-drilled, Ipe holds nails well, is available in most popular decking sizes, and has a wide array of other uses such as:
•    Decking
•    Industrial and Decorative flooring
•    Carpentry
•    Exterior Joinery

Find out more about Ipe and other hardwoods available from Aljoma.

Cumaru
Cumaru is a native of the forests of South America, with its heartwood being of a beige to light-brown color. It is sometimes purplish-brown in color. It is strong like Ipe, but features a course texture. Some alternate uses for Cumaru are:
•    Decking
•    Exterior Joinery
•    Flooring

More on Cumaru's specifications

Aljoma Lumber also offers other species of hardwoods, plywood, composite decking, wood fencing, pressure treated lumber and landscape timbers.

New Deckorators integrated aluminum deck railing system delivers beauty, versatility

Friday, January 29, 2010 by Chris Fox

Long known as the leader in decorative railing accessory products, Deckorators now offers a fully integrated deck railing kit of its own.

Deckorators deck railingThe sleek, durable top profile creates an eye-catching appearance and is compatible with all Deckorators baluster styles. This innovative new railing system is available in powder-coated black or white and features a lifetime limited warranty. The rails are sold in kits to make purchasing simple. Post sleeves, stair rail bracket kits, angled brackets and matching post caps are also available. All kits can be shipped via UPS.

This new line also features two matching styles and colors of post caps to accent the railing. Deckorators aluminum post caps, available in black or white, include a pyramid and a square, solar-powered post cap. The solar post cap requires no wiring or electricity and comes with two rechargeable AA batteries. The small solar collector rests atop an attractive silhouette light made of shatter-resistant glass. Its glow is perfect for casting a relaxing ambiance on deck areas.
Deckorators white aluminum railing
“As an industry leader, we continue to push the design envelope and give builders and consumers world-class options for decks and outdoor living areas. We’re confident our new railing system will be a hit as we showcase it at the 2010 LBM Expo in Boston," said Rick Preble, Director of Product Development for Universal Consumer Products.

Deckorators aluminum railing and deck and fence railing accessories are available through an established network of building material retailers in the United States and Canada. Visit www.deckorators.com for complete information.

Safeguard your mailbox from snowplows while adding curb appeal

Friday, December 11, 2009 by Chris Fox
In wintry climates where massive snowplows patrol the streets, it seems like mailboxes are marked with a bull’s eye. At least in my neighborhood in West Michigan, mailboxes appear to be a favorite target for these super-sized snow dispensers. While plow drivers aren’t intentionally trying to dismantle your mailbox, you should consider protecting it nonetheless. 

 

With snow and ice adding up, plows begin their early morning expedition up and down the streets scraping and blasting snow and slush out of the road and into yards and driveways. No matter how well constructed, average mailboxes on treated wood posts cannot stand up to the pummeling a snowplow will unleash. Snowplows hurl hundreds of pounds of snow in one pass, and the result can be devastating. 

 

Mailboxes are absolutely essential, but they can be very expensive to replace each year. So, if you're tired of the hassle and expense of replacing or repairing your mailbox, or don’t want to be among those in the neighborhood to plant a fallen mailbox into the snow bank until the ground thaws, assemble your own decorative mailbox support with wood. 

 

Pressure treated wood mailbox support and snow guard with decorative accessoriesUse pressure treated lumber and 4x4 or 6x6 wood posts and design and assemble your own piece of front yard art that not only looks great year-round but also will defend your postal integrity. Add decorative 6x6 or 4x4 post caps: wood post capscopper post caps, solar post caps, or other low voltage lighting will add that final touch. For your posts, make sure to use MCA or MCQ lumber or other treated wood that’s approved for ground contact prior to constructing. 

 

When you’re finished, you’ll have a decorative and structural mailbox support that will stand up to virtually anything the plows can throw at it.

 

Mailbox Placement

Placing your mailbox at a safe distance away from the road as you possibly can is a good place to start. There are, however, postal regulations for the distance your mailbox can be from the street. Your mailbox must be at least 8 to 12 inches away from the curb of the street and 36 to 42 inches off the ground, according to the U.S postal regulations, so be sure to keep those numbers in mind before beginning any project.

Outdoor improvements offer great return on investment

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Chris Fox

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 Latitudes Composite Deckinginvestment 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 architectual balustersDeckorators 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, deck 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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Lattice—a versatile deck add-on

Thursday, September 17, 2009 by Chris Fox
If you have a deck or are planning on constructing a deck, then consider installing wood lattice or plastic Wood lattice pergolalattice 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:
  • GatesDimensions Plastic Lattice
  • 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.

Add function and beauty with post caps

Thursday, August 20, 2009 by Chris Fox
Post caps are ornamental accessories that serve a dual purpose — they add beauty to the top of the post while providing cover from the elements, which helps prevent cracking and splintering.


Standard 4x4 and 6x6 post caps are the most common size post capsDeckorators brushed stainless high point post cap and are ideal for covering the top of cedar, pressure treated wood, composite deck lumber, vinyl and metal posts on decks, fences, porches, mailboxes or anywhere a finishing touch is desired. Solar glass post cap

 

Today you can choose from hundreds of eye-catching post caps made from wood, vinyl, metal, composite and glass. Some post caps are simple and conventional, while others are more elaborate and display amazing detail. Deckorators' decorative post caps by Maine Ornamental include tiffany-glass or metal post caps with solar LED lighting. Solar-lit post caps add an intimate glow without wiring or electricity.

 

Key residential deck railing requirements

Monday, May 18, 2009 by Chris Fox
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).

Structural Deck Railing by Deck Images
  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.
 

Add a finishing touch to your fence and deck railing

Friday, May 8, 2009 by Chris Fox
The surge in popularity of outdoor living space has brought many new options to decorate railings, Deckorators Tiffany-style solar post cap by Maine Ornamentallike 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. PoDeckorators convertible post cap by Maine Ornamentalst 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.

Deckorators post and stair light by Maine OrnamentalPopular 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.

Defining fence options

Friday, April 17, 2009 by Chris Fox
There are many different fence styles designed for a myriad of reasons. When Lattice Top Shadowbox with Post Finialsdeciding on a type and material of fence, several criteria must be taken into consideration. Items like a home’s architecture, décor and outdoor living area along with the final application of the fence are keys to determining the proper fence. The choice of fencing will dramatically impact the look and feel of your outdoor living space.

The most popular fence material today is still made of wood, but there are other great options on the market worth considering: vinyl, composite lumber, iron, aluminum and chain link. Each material has a unique style designed for a specific reason. Vinyl, plastic, composite and pressure treated wood are the most common material options for pool surroundings or wherever privacy is desired. Vinyl fencing is available in many light colors which can withstand the sun’s UV rays, but they are also typically the most expensive.

Pressure treated wood fencing is an excellent option as it is made from Dog Ear Shadowbox Fencethe greatest renewable resource on the planet; what’s more, it’s the most economical. Today the list of wood fencing options is virtually endless, from spilt rail and spaced picket to taller shadowbox and stockade privacy fencing. Unique features can include lattice and other decorative accents.

One of the greatest benefits of installing a vinyl fence is that it should last a lifetime with virtually no maintenance. This means you’ll only need to install your fence once. With wood fencing there are regular maintenance duties that need to be taken into consideration like staining and replacing warped or split pickets. But if you prefer the natural look with a low up-front cost and don’t mind periodic maintenance, redwood, cedar or MCQ treated wood fencing is the way to go.
Veranda Premium Composite Fencing with ornamental post caps
Wood/plastic composite fencing is an up and coming category in the marketplace. It offers the natural look of wood without the upkeep. Composite products are already commonly used in many outdoor applications, particularly for deck construction. It is formulated with reclaimed wood fiber mixed with plastic resin. Its natural beauty lasts many years and it won’t rot, split warp or peel over time.

Accessorize your deck railing with style

Thursday, April 16, 2009 by Chris Fox
Deck railing accessories come in an array of eye-catching materials and styles, making it easier than ever to design or upgrade your deck railing system. Basket and collar accessories by DeckoratorsEnhancing the look of your wood railing or composite railing with these accessories will increase the charm and functionality of your deck and outdoor living area. With so many ornamental post caps, decorative balusters and other add-ons, you'll be able to customize your railing system to match your taste while complementing your home's architectural style.

The latest trend is to add ornamental lighting with post caps. Post cap lights highlight the posts at the top and bottom of stairways or deck Deckorators tiffany-glass solar post capentrances, or mark the perimeter of a deck. Solar post caps require no wiring and give off ambient light that's not overpowering.

In most cases, railing upgrades are easy to make. Installing post caps can be as simple as adding some adhesive to the post caps and securing it directly to the post. Some post caps are built specifically for composite deck posts, so you'll want to check with the manufacturer to see what options are available and install according to their specifications.

Installing maintenance free powder coated aluminum baluster on your deck Deckorators aluminum balusters and post caps railing system is another way to add creative flair, but will take a bit more time to install, especially if you'll be retrofitting a current railing system. Scenic glass balusters from DeckoratorsDeckorators aluminum deck railing balusters are available in several colors and designs and come with a lifetime warranty on the finish. Adding ornamental glass balusters is also a unique idea if you desire an unobstructed view to a pool or lake, or if you just want to enjoy a scenic setting.