Basic maintenance to prep your treated wood deck for cold weather can help ensure it will endure the cold or snowy season in great shape. Thoroughly clean the decking, posts and railings using an appropriate cleaning product. If your deck boards and deck railings are made of wood and showing some wear, consider giving them a fresh coat of stain or sealant. It’s also a good idea to check for nail heads popping up, loose or damaged boards, posts, and railings. Better to repair them now so you’re only worrying about how to enjoy your outdoor living space and not spring maintenance when the weather warms up again.
Blocking a treated wood deck post is critically important for making sure your wood railing, composite lumber railing or metal deck railing stays secure for the life of the deck. Blocking/bridging is installed into the side framing mainly to control lateral movement. If you have to run handrail in the direction of the joists, use blocking to create your box and bolt through the post and the blocks. The bridge will help keep the outside joist from deflecting when you lean on the handrail.
Installing a post when the railing runs parallel to the joists First mark the location of the post with a carpenter's pencil on the interior rim joist. The next step in securing your 4x4 or 6x6 lumber deck post is to measure the distance between your outer rim/band joist and your first interior joist beam. Pre-cut two pieces of pressure treated 2x6, 2x8 or 2x10 wood blocking (often cut from scrap) to a length that will fit loosely between the joists. If the cut pieces have to be pounded into place, cut an 1/8- to 1/4-inch to avoid bowing the joists. Each piece will roughly measure 14½ inches long for joists installed 16 inches on center.
Next, place the treated wood blocking on both sides of the deck rail post markings. Nail the blocking in place with two galvanized nails at each end. Measure, cut and install a small piece of wood blocking as a cross member which completes the box. Make sure this small piece fits into place easily then secure with two galvanized nails on each end.
Fit the pre-cut deck rail post into place while making sure it sits flush with the bottom of the outer rim joist. Tack the post into place with two nails on each side (or use a clamp)
Next, drill ½-inch pilot holes and install two ½-inch galvanized carriage bolts (approximately 8 inches long) and matching washers and nuts (do not over-tighten). The pilot holes should be positioned no closer than one inch from the top and bottom of the joist edge for maximum reinforcement.
Installing a post when the railing runs perpendicular to the joists This method is similar to the parallel install version except you need to install only one cross-member – as seen in image two.
In both cases use a post level to make sure each post is plumb. Insert a shim if needed prior to cinching the carriage bolts.
By installing the rail post into the framing and then blocking around the post, it makes a for a more sturdy and durable connection, which in my opinion works best.
As always, check your local building codes to make sure this deck post installation method is acceptable in your area.
Deck railing accessories can be the crowning touch on your new railing. Decorative post caps can change the look of any railing, and install quickly and easily. Whether you opt for metal, glass or even planter post caps, adding ornamental post caps to your railing can really create a one-of-a-kind look.
Faux stone postcovers are another way to enhance the look and personality of your deck railing. Deckorators cast stone postcovers fit over the standard 4x4 or 6x6 treated wood posts of your deck railing, and provide a realistic appearance of authentic stone without the cost. Top them with a matching post cap, and it’s easy to create a memorable, unique look. Postcovers work with 2x4 wood railings, composite lumber railing, and Deckorators aluminum and co-extruded railing systems.
Cooler weather can make outdoor projects easier. Upgrading your deck railing is a project that will make your old deck look new again and help create an outdoor environment you’ll enjoy year-round.
For more ideas, check out the Deckorators Deck Visualizer interactive program to “try on” different railings, balusters, post caps, decking and other unique deck accessories.
With summer winding down and cooler weather approaching, it’s a great time to think about upgrading your treated wood or composite lumber deck. Updating your deck’s railing is one of the easiest, most versatile ways to make your outdoor living area unique and more appealing.
If you’ve never really thought about the function and design of your deck railing, keep in mind a few key points:
Railing is an important safety feature, especially if your deck is several feet off the ground. It’s important to maintain a code-compliant deck railing to ensure it provides adequate protection against potential falls.
A deck handrail is one of the most prominent features of any deck, and updating it is a cost-effective way to make an eye-catching design statement.
Deck railing material doesn’t have to match your deck material. Have a wood deck? It’s perfectly okay to upgrade your deck with metal or vinyl railing.
If you’re ready to upgrade your railing, you have several design decisions to consider:
For many of us, it just doesn't feel like summer until you’ve cooked outdoors. Dining and cooking al fresco is so popular, in fact, that according to the American Society of Landscape Architects, nearly 95 percent of residential landscape architects say kitchens and other entertaining spaces are their most frequently requested project.
An outdoor kitchen can be the crowning glory of your custom-designed treated wood or tropical hardwood deck or composite wood deck or patio. Here are key features that every outdoor kitchen should have:
If you're constructing a raised vegetable garden using The M Brace raised garden bed kit, you should have no reservation about using the latest in pressure treated lumber for your side and end walls. In the last five years a new generation of pressure treated lumber was developed and is know as Micronized Copper Azole (MCA) or by brand name – MicroPro, ProWood Micro and Home Depot's WeatherShield among others.
When constructing a raised garden bed with The M Brace garden bed metal brackets you should have no fear using the MCA pressure treated lumber. Because (MCA) micronized copper formulations use a treatment process that has earned Environmentally Preferred Product status from Scientific Certification Systems, it's safe for any type of garden and is a great choice for wood that comes in contact with the ground as it resists rotting and insects. This new formulation even has a lighter, fresher appearance compared to other/older pressure treating formulations and is less corrosive to fasteners. And less corrosive is good if you choose to use the stainless steel/non powder-coated M Brace. The metal will last longer and not accelerate corrosion.
Now go make your garden and outdoor living area even more beautiful with The M Brace raised garden bed brackets with pressure treated wood.
Watch a video on constructing a raised garden bed using The M Brace.
Take a look around: So many decks these days settle for the same old 2x2 treated wood balusters that really do little to enhance appeal or add interest. You get what you settle for.
Deckorators balusters bring an entirely new visual dimension to deck railings—it's all about choices and alternatives.
The aluminum balusters zip up deck designs by introducing curves, angles and simulated lathe-turned profiles in Classic, Colonial, Architectural, Estate and Traditional designs.
Further your flair with elegant baluster accessories. Deckorators centerpieces attach to vertical balusters for an extra measure of design panache. Special collars and baskets lend a rich and elegant feel. And you can mix and match colors for contrast or complement. Try doing all that with standard 2x2 spindles!
Great deck railing ideas start with Deckorators! Deck building season is here and style calls for a look that enhances at a glance. Deck railing and deck railing accessories dial up the visual interest, whether designed-in or retrofitted. Deckorators offers decorative and functional metal deck railing systems and accessories to make your deck stand out from the crowd.
Put the sizzle on your composite lumber deck or treated wood deck with signature metal balusters in an array of colors and styles. Decorative glass balusters let the view come through. Solar post caps accentuate and illuminate. It’s easy to offer great suggestions when you know what’s available. There’s some very cool outdoor accessories in the Deckorators lineup.
The Deckorators brand of deck railing accessories offers decorative and functional balusters by style. It’s also a mecca for metal, glass, wood and illuminated post caps.
For even more deck railing ideas, check out the Deckorators deck visualizer and start designing your dream deck!
Americans will spend nearly $141 billion on remodeling in the first half of this year (2011), according to Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies. And If you'll be among the many homeowners opting to improve, rather than relocating, you may be curious to see what renovations are likely to give you the best balance of enhanced resale value and immediate enjoyment.
Whether you prefer pressure treated wood lumber or synthetic lumber, adding a deck is one of the best ways to improve resale value, expand your living space and up your enjoyment of your home environment. On average, homeowners who add a wood deck can expect to recoup more than 80 percent of its cost when it comes time to sell, according to Remodeling Magazine's 2009-2010 Cost vs. Value Report. Composite lumber deck additions return nearly 71 percent at the time of resale.
For those who love the look and feel of an “all-natural” deck, there’s no substitute for wood, weather it be pressure treated lumber or tropical hardwood. But for consumers who prefer the low maintenance alternative, composite decking may be the material of choice.
View more information on adding value to an existing deck in my past blog or visit a related blog on outdoor improvements.
Start designing your dream deck free with the Deck Visualizer.
Deckorators, creator of the Postcover, has launched a new and improved cast stone Postcover deck railing accessory line that boasts the look and feel of real masonry.
Deckorators Cast Stone Postcover mimics the look and feel of real stone columns, and is made of glass-fiber reinforced concrete for increased strength and superior protection against the elements. The Deckorators Postcover is designed to coordinate well with wood, composite or vinyl deck railing, wood deck columns and fence posts. Postcovers are hand-painted and come in three unique styles: Gray Cobblestone, Gray Fieldstone and Beige Stacked Stone. All-new cast stone post caps (sold separately) complete the personalized look.
The 8x8 Postcover is easy to install over deck and fence posts, and is available in 42” or 53” heights. It secures directly to 4x4 or 6x6 cedar or pressure treated wood posts with shims, and ties into the deck’s rails using a rail connector. Deckorators Postcover carries a 15-year warranty against cracking, splitting or warping.
Our new Postcover line offers three realistic options for adding design detail to any deck railing. The Postcover will also help create an inviting entrance on a porch or add a decorative touch to a mailbox, fence post or other design feature. The Deckorators Postcover is innovative and low-maintenance, and costs much less than real stone. Incorporating Postcovers allows homeowners and builders to add a touch of affordable sophistication into their deck design.
Installing deck skirting on your Latitudes composite lumber deck or pressure treated wood deck will help hide an uninteresting open area and will give your custom-built deck a more robust look and design appeal. Deck skirting also helps keep unwanted animals from getting under the deck, hides the treated lumber framing and adds privacy for raised decks with hot tubs.
Most deck skirting is constructed with lattice panels or vertical boards made from treated wood or composite decking. Lattice is available in both pressure-treated wood and plastic. Plastic deck lattice is available in several different patterns, sizes and colors. Wood lattice can be painted or stained to match or complement the deck or home’s color palette. Add a unique design touch on plastic lattice with easy-to-install tiffany-style glass stainlettes.
As a rule of thumb, you should make sure to include an "under deck" access point for taller areas being enclosed as you may want to use the free space under your deck as a storage area or for quick access underneath the deck.
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 landscape lighting in the tree opening or recessed LED deck lighting in treated wood or synthetic decking planks surrounding the tree. Top off the deck railing posts with ambient lights using Deckorators solar post caps. When dark, lights will make the tree and surrounding deck railing stand out.
Build with caution when constructing a deck around a tree. A tree’s root system is very complex and can be easily damaged during construction, especially if you need to dig piers for vertical support. In addition, the root system of the tree must be able to receive enough water to live, so make sure planks are spaced accordingly (about 1/4 inch between each deck board). It’s important to leave enough room around the trunk of the tree (at least 3 inches on all sides) for growth. If designed and constructed properly, you’ll be able to enjoy an attractive deck featuring a unique, natural centerpiece.
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:
Unlike wood deck railing, composite wood railing never needs to be painted or sealed. In addition, composite railing will not splinters, has minimal fading and is low maintenance – simply wash twice annually in the Spring and Fall. See my past blog on maintaining composite decking and railing.
Composite deck rails can take virtually anything mother nature throws at it, season after season, in any climate. The best composite deck railing will not rot or become infested with insects. Composite deck rails retain their color and resist stains. They are non-porous and come in a variety of natural-looking, attractive colors to match any homes exterior.
Composite deck railing will add both beauty and comfort to any outdoor deck area. While composite deck railing will cost twice as much as a treated wood railing, composite lumber will typically outlast treated lumber and require less maintenance over the years. Composite deck railing also resist water damage and can be used for many types of deck designs.
Adding ornamental deck rail balusters, ornamental post caps and other deck railing accessories to composite deck rails will make your deck or porch area stand out, creating enduring beauty for years to come.
Deckorators Best Deck contest highlights creativity and superior worksmanship of both DIYers/consumers and professional builders. Each photo submission was ranked by creative use of deck building material and overall appearance.
Best Deck Designs - Winners There were many masterful entries, but the stunning, two-story New England composite deck from Josh Flowers (DIYer) captured the top prize due to its seamless implementation of decking and railing materials, resulting in two gorgeous decks. George and Caron Evans' DIY entry of a beautiful two-toned synthetic deck in Maryland earned them second prize for utilizing hidden deck fastener technology, low-voltage deck lights, Deckorators autumn-tinted Scenic Glass Balusters. Rounding out the top three was Steve Patterson's (professional builder) luxurious pressure-treated wood deck that displayed the stately nature of Deckorators to perfection with bronze classic deck balusters and decorative centerpieces. See all three winning entries.
Best Deck Designs - Honorable Mentions The level of work on display made choosing a difficult task, and there are three more decks we would like to show off as honorable mentions. Joe Wengrin, Brian Manthey, and Mark Ferguson all submitted exquisite examples as well. View each of these marvelous wood decks in the honorable mentions section.
We often get asked for our painting recommendations for pressure treated wood. Our recommendation is short and simple: Don’t.
We do not recommend the use of a conventional multi-coat paint system or varnish. The performance is nearly always disappointing, and repainting often has to be preceded by scraping and sanding. By nature of its make-up, pressure treated lumber does not need protection from the elements, so applying an opaque paint or stain is gilding the lily. If you want to keep it looking new for years to come there are some simple maintenance tips we do recommend.
So, you don’t care what we say and you want to paint your pressure treated wood project anyway? That's fine. Start with an outdoor primer/sealer and make sure the wood is dry. If you just bought the wood wait at least 60 days (don’t let it lie about loose or it will warp). Pour a bit of water on the surface of the boards. If the water beads, it’s not dry enough. If the water soaks in, it’s ready. It’s not only water that wants to escape from the cells of the pressure treated lumber, but natural pitch wants to come out as well, once the surface heats up in the sun and starts to dry out. Once it does it will peel any finish you’ve applied.
Be sure to follow the paint or stain manufacturer’s recommendations and remember that horizontal surfaces will get much more punishment than vertical surfaces.
Outdoor LED deck lighting offers several benefits. LED lighting improves visibility on and around the deck or patio, provides aesthetic benefits and uses less electricity than traditional wired deck lighting. Since LED deck lighting is low voltage, it’s a great way to make your deck area more functional without having to incur outrageous electricity costs. Most importantly, deck lighting helps to comply with various local building codes and reduce potential trip hazards.
There are many additional benefits that come along with installing deck lighting. Installing deck lighting allows you to showcase your treated wood deck or composite deck to its best advantage. LED deck lights are the perfect application for highlighting specific areas on your deck such as stairs near or on pool decks, by hot tubs and around fountains or statues as well as other deck features.
There are several different types of pressure treated wood available in retail lumber yards today. A discussion involving all of them would result in an alphabet soup of acronyms for the various types of treatment formulations.
At Universal Forest Products, we treat our ProWood Micro CA pressure treated lumber with a formulation known as Micronized Copper Azole, or MCA. And its makeup is simpler than you may have guessed.
The finished product contains two active ingredients to stop decay and termite attack: copper and a non-metallic “organic” called tebuconazole. “Azoles” are used in several everyday personal care products such as foot creams and fungal ointments. Copper is, of course, a common metal used for drinking water pipes, wiring, and other applications that humans come in contact with every day. These two ingredients are applied in a mixture of water at a solution strength of less than 1% active ingredients (99% or more water). The EPA has registered this preservative and deemed it appropriate for the protection of wood from rot and termites where used as directed. The result is pressure treated wood that is an eco friendly product and servicable for decades.
An outdoor swimming pool combined with a pool deck is a great way to have fun and relax with family and friends from late Spring into early Fall, or maybe all-year-round depending on the climate. Outdoor pools and pool decks from the Midwest to New England are typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. But pools and pool decking in hot southern climates like Atlanta and Miami may be open most of the year.
Adding pool decking to your outdoor living area Whether you have an above-ground swimming pool or an in-ground swimming pool, there are a few things to consider before you add a swimming pool deck.
Which type of pool decking material do your prefer (low maintenance composite lumber, pressure treated lumber, tropical lumber, concrete, stone pavers, other)?
Choose a composite deck color or treated wood stain that complements your outdoor space
Pool deck safety is important Make sure you choose a pool decking material that has a slip-resistant surface. Composite decking such as Latitudes Intrepid has a reversible brushed/woodgrain finish that is slip-resistant. Abaco tropical hardwood decking has a ribbed / grooved top surface on one side which allows for good traction in wet areas such as around pools.
Since most pools are under full sun, it's important to know that the deck surface may become hot. I strongly recommend using hidden fasteners on pool decks. Protruding metal fasteners can heat up under direct sunlight and burn the bottom of your feet or even cut bare feet. If securing wood or composite pool decking with traditional top screw fasteners, always countersink the fastener's head.
Your home center may have several options when it comes to pressure treated lumber for landscaping. You should know a few basic facts about each before you buy.
3”x5”x8’ landscape ties (nominal measurement) Most 3”x5”x8’ pressure treated landscape timbers (LST’s) originate as the center cants from plywood veneer peeling mills. Logs are kept wet to make peeling easier and the peeled cants arrive at the pressure treatment plant without benefit of kiln or air drying. Lumber that is not dried before pressure treatment cannot be fully penetrated by the treatment solution during the treatment process. This will be reflected with a shorter term warranty—in the case of ProWood Micro CA treated lumber, one year—than would have been otherwised offered by lumber that had the advantage of full preservative penetration. These ties are not recommended for applications that call for in-ground, structural performance over several years, such as fence posts.
4x4 and 6x6 timbers (nominal measurements) ProWood Micro CA timbers carry either a lifetime limited warranty or a one year warranty, depending on their intended end use. The surest way to know the difference between a timber made for landscaping and a timber made for a structural application is by the warranty. If the timber carries a lifetime limited warranty it means it was dried before pressure treatment and can be warranted for structural use. Generally, these timbers are building code approved and carry an Evaluation Service Report from ICC-ES, a third party testing agency. You can use timbers for fence posts, raised garden beds, retaining walls and any other projects that call for high performance over a long period of time.
End tags Every piece of treated lumber in the store has an end tag, on which you should find the following:
Third party testing agency
Standard to which it is treated (ESR-2240 in ProWood Micro’s case)
End use (ground contact or above ground, for instance)
Eco Friendly Products ProWood Micro treated wood products use the MicroPro treatment process which is certified under SCS's Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) program. In addition to EPP status, the technology has earned Green Approved Product certification from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center.
Knowing the above information will help you make the informed choice when specifying your next outdoor landscape project.
snowy season in great shape. Thoroughly clean the decking, posts and railings using an appropriate cleaning product. If your deck boards and deck railings are made of wood and showing some wear, consider giving them a fresh coat of stain or sealant. It’s also a good idea to check for nail heads popping up, loose or damaged boards, posts, and railings. Better to repair them now so you’re only worrying about how to enjoy your outdoor living space and not spring maintenance when the weather warms up again.
Next, place the treated wood blocking on both sides of the deck rail post markings. Nail the blocking in place with two galvanized nails at each end. Measure, cut and install a small piece of wood blocking as a cross member which completes the box. Make sure this small piece fits into place easily then secure with two galvanized nails on each end.
and bottom of the joist edge for maximum reinforcement.
For many of us, it just doesn't feel like summer until you’ve cooked outdoors. Dining and cooking al fresco is so popular, in fact, that according to the American Society of Landscape Architects, nearly 95 percent of residential landscape architects say kitchens and other entertaining spaces are their most frequently requested project.
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.
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