What makes Latitudes composite decking special is the Strandex technology it employs. Like individual strands of a rope make the rope stronger, Strandex technology makes Latitudes composite decking products 
stronger. Strandex technology offers superior protection against UV degradation and water absorption, because every “strand” of wood fiber is encased in high-density polyethylene. Latitudes uses Strandex inside, so you can be assured that you’re getting the highest, most consistent quality and strongest composite product available in the industry.
Has Strandex Technology been tested in Saltwater/Marine environments?
Yes. In the late 1990’s the Office of Naval Research sponsored a project to determine the acceptability of wood plastic composites as components of naval piers. One of the areas of concern was possible bio-degradation of the wood plastic composites. Washington State University, in cooperation with Strandex Corporation, supplied composite materials for bio-degradation testing. Some of these materials were made using the formulation that has become the recommended Strandex PE formulation. Bio-degradation testing was carried out using a protocol developed by the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center. Two areas of concern are relevant to wood based composites exposed to a salt water environment. Fungal decay is of concern in parts of structures that are above water because of the moist conditions and periodic wetting. Marine boring organisms attack wood under water in the marine environment. This is the second area of concern. The recommended Strandex formulation was tested and found resistant to fungal decay in accelerated decay procedures and resistant to attack from marine borers. The marine borer test specimens evaluated after 2 years of exposure did not show any colonization. Because the potential use in piers testing was focused on structural integrity of the composites, aesthetics such as color fade and staining were not addressed by the study.
See Phase 1 Testing/Studies
See Phase 2 Testing/Studies
See blog: Bring Your Boat Dock Back to Life.
Spring is here, and that means plenty of time spent outdoors on your deck. And a deck built with Latitudes composite lumber decking is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the warmer weather. 
Six wood-tone colors—classic gray, cedar, redwood and walnut, and two rich, tropical colors, adobe and Koa—make a lasting impression that doesn’t require painting or staining.
Choosing your style is easy, thanks to Latitudes Intrepid reversible boards. One side has a wood-grain surface, while the 
other reveals a smooth, brushed surface. Our Capricorn tropical ultra low maintenance deck boards provide a smooth, wood-grain surface on both sides. If along the water is more your style, check out our Latitudes Marine composite deck boards, specifically designed for use at marinas and on boardwalks and docks.
Whether it’s the exotic look of Capricorn or the strength of our synthetic Marine board, all of our Latitudes products are easy to maintain and perfectly complement any outdoor decor.
Looking for more information on Marine decking? Check out this marine decking blog post.
Choosing the right hidden fastener for composite decking is pretty simple, but it's important to choose a 
system that allows each deck plank to expand and contract for varying weather cycles. Some of the more popular hidden fasteners systems are made of UV resistant plastic or metal. These hidden fasteners brands include the Equator hidden fastener (made specifically for composite decking), TigerClaw, Eb-Ty, Phantom and Lumber Loc.
When installing Latitudes slotted composite decking or other decking products that have a 5/32” groove, the patented Equator hidden fastener accommodates for the expansion and contraction in the boards width and length which occurs naturally in composites / synthetic deck boards. Read my blog post on how the Equator hidden fastener can even be used with the extra thick Latitudes Marine decking.
The Equator fastener installs in the grooves of the slotted composite decking and virtually eliminates the need for pre-drilling. What's more, the system automatically gaps each board with the proper spacing—ensuring a painless, easy installation. The fastener is not exposed, so your deck surface remains eye-catching and uninterrupted by screw patterns.
With a hidden fastener system, you'll give your deck an extra-clean touch without any visible blemishes such as nail pops or mushrooms. And when you choose the innovative design of the Equator hidden fastener, it’s what you don’t see that makes all of the difference!
Check out another one of my blog posts on hidden fasteners.
The Equator hidden fastener may be used on Latitudes
composite marine decking. Because Latitudes marine decking is not manufactured as slotted or grooved decking, a 5/32" slot must be notched out with a biscuit cutter
or a router. The Equator hidden deck fastener is designed for use on Latitudes composite decking and other grooved composite decking with a gap of 5/32".
Latitudes marine decking is much thicker than its more
residential decking counterpart, so in order for the Equator hidden fastener to work as designed, the groove must be vertically offset so the bottom of the hidden fastener sets about 1/16" off / above the structural support joist.
When installing Latitudes marine decking with
Equator hidden fasteners, I strongly suggest pre-drilling the composite lumber and adding two composite deck screws near both ends of each deck plank to securely hold the composite board in place. This method helps prevent lateral movement of the boards while providing a fastener-free appearance where people will be walking.
Composite decking such as Latitudes Intrepid™ composite decking (5/4X6) is intended for use on residential applications like decks, porches and residential docks. If the bridge you are are building is
just a walk way with no motorized traffic, Latitudes
® wood plastic composite decking is a great choice. Make sure all the structural elements of the foot bridge are designed properly to support the decking with 12-inch or 16-inch on-center joist spacing as specified in the
Latitudes installation instructions.
For heavy or commercial traffic, consider using Latitudes
Marine composite decking as it is thicker and is designed for wider joist spans up to 24 inches on center. Latitudes Marine decking is perfect for boardwalk decking and marina dock planks. Latitudes Marine composite decking also comes with a
10-year commercial warranty.
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.
focused on the house and yard, has your wood dock slowly slipped away, and now is in need of a facelift? That's where 
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