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Wednesday, May 1, 2013 by
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Now that warmer temperatures are taking hold,
people are heading to their favorite outdoor spots, like the deck.
Once primarily used for sunbathing, decks have grown into outdoor
living spaces to work, relax, cook, dine and entertain -- day or
night. And deck options have grown with them. Here are a few basics
any deck planner should consider: Decking materials Wood, composite
or plastic? It’s perhaps the most important - and most difficult --
choice to make because cost, durability and maintenance needs can
vary significantly. Wood can be the most affordable or the most
expensive...
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Monday, August 13, 2012 by
Boaters and folks who live on the water — whether it’s an ocean,
lake or river — know better than any of us the toll the elements
take on almost anything left outdoors unprotected. And structures,
such as docks, intended to be wet most of the time, don’t last long
unless the proper materials are chosen to begin with. So when
residential or business owners invest in something as substantial
as a new dock, they want durability, sustainability,
low-maintenance, and above all, longevity — ensuring years of easy
use and enjoyment. With Latitudes composite decking and composite
marine decking,...
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Tuesday, March 20, 2012 by
Decks are a great “value add” for residents, but property managers
face plenty of risks—including having a deck collapse—if their deck
isn’t regularly inspected and maintained. It’s happening more
frequently than many property managers and homeowners realize.
Between 2003 and 2007, the Consumer Product Safety Commission
reported 224,740 injuries caused by outdoor decks and porches.
“What’s happening across this country is an epidemic at this
point,” says Michael Beaudry, executive vice president of the North
American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), adding that “in most
cases if a deck...
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Wednesday, October 5, 2011 by
Building a 2x4 deck railing? Consider using Deckorators deck
railing connectors for a secure connection of the top and bottom
rails. These deck railing connectors create a strong and effective
support to the rail. The railing connectors make attaching standard
2x4 rails to the deck post quick and easy. Made from heavy duty
nylon, these connectors are available in five colors including
black, cedar, redwood, gray and mahogany to accommodate virtually
any type of 2x4 deck rail system. Durable plastic is pre-drilled
for accurate attachment of the rails to the posts. Works with
composite deck...
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Wednesday, September 21, 2011 by
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...
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Tuesday, July 19, 2011 by
This is one of the most common concerns homeowners have and for
good reason. You want to maintain the great looks of your new deck
surface as long as possible, so treat your composite decking with
care just like you do with wood floors inside your house. In my
opinion, preventive maintenance is the key. Tips for maintaining a
beautiful deck surface: Don’t drag heavy furniture over your deck
Apply pads to the legs of deck furniture Use covers under your
flower pots and other stationary items Add a grease pad / splatter
guard under your grill In the winter shovel snow off the deck with
a plastic...
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Tuesday, April 5, 2011 by
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...
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Wednesday, March 9, 2011 by
Deckorators solar post caps add a great finishing touch to any deck
or fence. At night, they enhance your outdoor living area with a
soft, welcoming glow. With a top-mounted solar lens, rechargeable
double-A batteries and long-lasting LED bulbs, these eco friendly
products require no wiring and mount easily to wood deck posts,
composite deck post or vinyl posts.You’ll find they’re very easy to
install and maintain. To begin installation, remove the protective
clear plastic film from the top of the cap. Pull off the top by
gripping the sides firmly, and lifting it off. Then pull the red
tab (if...
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Monday, November 1, 2010 by
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...
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Thursday, September 16, 2010 by
Post cap deck lights are one of the most prominent deck
enhancements available. Solar deck lighting accessories highlight
the deck posts at the top and bottom of a stair rail and act as
both a deck railing ornament and as a source of ambient light for
composite lumber decks and treated lumber decks.Solar lighted post
caps are much easier to install than wired low voltage deck lights
as they do not require an electric outlet. Regardless of power
source, both types of post and rail lighting help improve deck
safety.Deck post cap lights are typically sold with wood, plastic
or metal bases to fit...
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Wednesday, August 18, 2010 by
If you’re considering a backyard BBQ party to celebrate the
end of Summer, you need to be aware of some important safety tips
when it comes to using a charcoal/wood fired or gas grill on your
wood deck, composite deck or patio.Read the owner’s manualAlways
read the owner’s manual before using your grill and follow specific
usage, assembly, and safety procedures. Contact the grill
manufacturer if you have specific questions.Grills are for outside,
onlyBarbecue grills are designed for outdoor use, only. Never
barbecue in your trailer, tent, house, garage, or any enclosed area
because carbon...
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Thursday, July 1, 2010 by
Transforming your deck into a one-of-a-kind outdoor living area can
be as simple as updating your existing deck railing or installing
unique balusters to the railing itself. When you decide to build a
new composite lumber or pressure treated deck be sure to think
about the type of material you desire for the railing and the style
of baluster infill that will suite your needs. Deck railings are
one of the most prominent parts of any deck, and today there are
many unique deck rail options made from different material.Aluminum
Deck RailingAluminum deck railing from Deckorators is strong,
durable...
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Wednesday, June 9, 2010 by
Latitudes composite decking has been granted a Canadian
Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) Listing for Latitudes wood
plastic composite deck board, when used as exterior decking planks
and as stair treads.CCMC ReportThe CCMC 13378-R report indicates
that Universal has demonstrated the capability to manufacture
composite decking products that meet specified criteria of
performance specific to the Canadian building code. The product is
a wood thermoplastic composite made primarily from wood fiber,
virgin and reclaimed polyethylene, and talc. The product is a
rectangular solid deck board with...
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Tuesday, May 25, 2010 by
There are many brands of wood plastic composite decking on the
market, and in my opinion, only a few should be considered "high
quality". The best composite decking brands share three common
traits:Made using finely ground wood flour that has very consistent
particle size which mixes very well with other ingredients. Many
composites use very large wood particles which create the rough
surface and voids or open areas in the product which allow dirt and
debris to collect. These open areas may allow the decay to
start and to attack the wood. Superior raw material Top quality
composite decking...
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Tuesday, May 11, 2010 by
Raised fire pits can be a great addition to a wood deck or
composite lumber deck. Not only are fire pits an attractive
centerpiece for your outdoor living area, they're a practical way
to stay warm during chilly Spring and Fall evenings. Fire pits
offer warmth, light, and ambiance while providing an inviting
atmosphere.Prior to installing a fire pit, research and understand
your local codes. If deck fire pits are not permitted, a fine could
be levied.With any type of raised or built-in fire pit, you should
exercise caution during and after installation. Fire pits should
not be used directly...
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Monday, April 26, 2010 by
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...
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Wednesday, March 24, 2010 by
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,...
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010 by
With many brands of synthetic decking on the market, few stand out
as being ultra-low maintenance. You may ask yourself, what is ultra
low maintenance? Well, in my opinion, ultra-low maintenance decking
is a deck board that withstands staining and fading that can occur
on standard wood plastic composite decking. It should also require
only periodic cleaning with soap and water. Latitudes Capricorn® is
a great example of ultra-low maintenance composite decking.
Inspired by Nature. Perfected by Latitudes. Capricorn
decking uses advanced co-extrusion technology for a surface that
not only is...
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Wednesday, January 20, 2010 by
Composite decking is a great alternative to wood decking. And
because synthetic decks are made with wood plastic composite
material, you need to take precaution when clearing off snow and
ice during the winter season. Here are three key tips for cleaning
off snow and ice from your Latitudes composite deck: Shovel all
loose snow off with a plastic shovel. Shovel parallel with the
grain. Make sure there is NOT a metal blade at the end of the
shovel as it could scratch the surface. After the snow is gone,
spread rock salt or calcium chloride over the deck surface and wait
for the ice to melt;...
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Thursday, October 29, 2009 by
Mold and mildew can be a nuisance on any exterior building surface,
regardless of the material. If the conditions are right, they will
spawn on wood, plastic, concrete, metal and other surfaces. Mold
formation is most prevalent in consistently wet, shaded areas.
Spores from the natural environment are carried by the wind and
commonly land on decks surfaces. It is important to note that the
appearance of mold and mildew is a function of nature, not
necessarily a deficiency with any of the material on which it
grows. Deck Cleaning Periodic washing with soap/detergent and
water will help remove...
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