Add value and style to your home with color treated decking and fencing

Sunny days and clear skies are perfect for making exterior home improvements. Homeowners want to use their time and money wisely, so it’s important to choose projects that don't require a whole lot of maintenance and have a good return on investment. Consider a top exterior project that will increase your home’s value and curb appeal – like a color treated lumber deck or fence. And, because you won't have immediate maintenance like staining or sealing, you’ll get more time to enjoy the beauty of your outdoor area. Fence, railing or deck upgrades: no painting or staining required If you’re... read more

Want to add value to your home? Think composite decking

The current economy has many homeowners looking at how they can add value to their real estate investment. If you're considering a variety of projects to enhance your property, adding a new deck should be at the top of your list. A deck is a valuable addition for many reasons. First, it expands your living space so your family can enjoy more time at home. Second, the right deck adds style to your exterior so your home is more visually appealing. Finally, it provides a solid return on investment - nearly 63 percent for composite decking, according to the 2011-2012 Cost vs. Value Report by... read more

What is the best deck railing material for your needs?

Long gone are the days when deck railings could only be wood. Today, you’ll find residential deck railing options in kits made of aluminum, composite material and vinyl or acrylic. Each material has its unique advantages. Deckorators’ aluminum deck railing is durable and lightweight. It’s ultra low maintenance and won’t rot, corrode or stain. It’s a great choice for decks, docks, balconies or anywhere that strength and durability are especially important. If you like the look of wood but crave superior low maintenance and durability, composite deck railing like Latitudes Intrepid can be an... read more

Deck Makeover – DIYer shows-off new deck with Deckorators CXT Deck Railing System

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... read more

The Right Look for Pool Decking

A swimming pool deck is a great way to enhance the beauty and functionality of your yard and swimming pool area - but only if it fits in with the style of your landscaping and home. Color and material of your pool deck should complement the architectural style of your home as well as the pool and landscaping. Keeping the cosmetic details in mind will ensure you build an eye-catching backyard oasis for entertaining your family and friends for many summers to come. And when it’s time to pick out pool decking, Latitudes has a variety of composite deck board options to suite your needs. Latitudes... read more

When do you need to install a graspable secondary handrail on a residential deck?

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.... read more

Post caps - the fast and easy way to dress up your deck or fence post

I've touched on decorative post caps in many posts, but these ornamental accents are such a versatile and economical way to dress up a deck or fence post, that they deserve their own moment in the spotlight. Post caps / post tops are easy to install, even for novice do-it-yourselfers. In addition to looking good, they also serve the purpose of protecting your post from the elements. Solar post caps can also add helpful illumination when you enjoy your deck and outdoor living area at night. If you're looking for a quick, weekend project that will give your outdoor area a whole new look, adding... read more

Cleaning composite decking and railing in the spring

Spring is the right time to clean your decking and railing. Keep in mind, when you build a deck with composite decking and railing, you get years of relaxing, carefree use when compared to traditional lumber decking. There’s no stripping, painting, sealing or staining necessary. Of course, thanks to nature, no product is maintenance free. But with Latitudes decking, a simple, occasional cleaning will prevent the buildup of dirt and chalk—as well as pollen and other debris that cause and accelerate the growth of mold or mildew.When it’s time to clean your Latitudes composite deck, here are some... read more

New Deckorators CXT deck railing system to be showcased at JLC Live in New England

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... read more

Abaco hardwood decking provides great looks, durability

Abaco tropical hardwood decking, from Aljoma Lumber, has a contemporary European design that features a traditional smooth finish on one face and an elegant moulded surface on the other. The moulded surface makes each board slip-resistant and cooler on the feet. Abaco has slotted sides for quick and easy installation of hidden fasteners. Use hidden fasteners designed for tropical hardwood that gap each board with the proper spacing and allow for natural expansion and contraction. By using a hidden fastener on Abaco, virtually all, pre-drilling is eliminated, making installation a breeze. The... read more

Benefits of composite deck railing

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 maintenanceWon't rot or splitResistant to insectsDurable, lonterm performanceEasy-to-install kits (video)Unlike wood deck railing, composite wood railing never... read more

How to make your deck a safe place for entertainment and fun

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

New deck accessory products perfect for spring projects

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... read more

Choosing the best composite decking and railing

There are several composite decking options on the market, so it can be overwhelming choosing the right one for your home. Your local building material dealer or builder can help recommended a composite deck product, but ultimately it's up to you as the homeowner to select the best composite decking for your taste and outdoor living area.Lumber and building material dealers typically carry a variety of top composite decking brands from various manufacturers. Each brand will have differences in appearance and composition (wood to plastic ratio, high-density plastic, low-density plastic,... read more

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