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Tuesday, January 31, 2012 by
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Introducing the next generation of Latitudes co-extruded composite
decking with an innovative new cap stock for a richer look and even
better performance. The new decking features an improved scratch
resistant surface that is extremely stain- and fade-resistant.
Backed by an all new 25-year Stain and Fade Warranty, it offers a
more natural-looking surface, realistic grain pattern and is
available in two Capricorn® tropical colors in Koa and Arabica and
three Captiva™ colors in gray, cedar and walnut. Fortified with the
same proven Strandex® technology, the new Latitudes co-extruded
synthetic...
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Monday, August 29, 2011 by
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...
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Thursday, June 16, 2011 by
Top outdoor living trends for 2011 A survey by the American Society
of Landscape Architects finds that light and fire are now the most
sought-after enhancements for an outdoor living area. Fencing,
arbors, and pergolas are the most popular structures, with decks
(synthetic decking, lumber decking among others) ranking near the
middle. Homeowners want function, efficiency and fire pits in their
outdoor space, according to the 2011 American Society of Landscape
Architects (ASLA) Residential Trends Survey. The survey asked
residential landscape architecture professionals to rate the
expected...
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Thursday, April 14, 2011 by
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...
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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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Monday, March 14, 2011 by
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...
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Wednesday, March 2, 2011 by
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...
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Tuesday, November 9, 2010 by
Deckorators Best Deck Contest–Take 2 turned out some great looking
decks including this masterpiece from Richard DeVuyst of Overland
Park, Kansas. A Winning CombinationA multi-level, composite wood
deck with a firepit, outdoor kitchen, fourseason room, outdoor bar
rail, and built in planters. Wood railings include Deckorators
spindles throughout.This wonderful deck and outdoor living area was
clearly well-thought out. Its multilevel design incorporates a
dining area, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, bench seating, ceramic tile
bar rail, sunken hot tub and unique composite...
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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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Wednesday, October 27, 2010 by
After the leaves have fallen on and around your deck, consider
giving your composite wood deck or pressure treated deck a thorough
cleaning, especially in colder climates where snow could deter your
decision to maintain your decking and outdoor living area. Cleaning
your deck late in the year is always a good idea as it helps
prevent the buildup of mold and mildew on the deck surface. By
making sure all leaves and debris are swept off the deck surface
before snow accumulates, your spring cleaning will be much
easier.It's important to clean bird droppings and common spills
that happen...
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Wednesday, September 1, 2010 by
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...
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Wednesday, July 14, 2010 by
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 - WinnersThere
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...
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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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Thursday, June 24, 2010 by
New outdoor deck lighting installation video from Deckorators, the
leader in deck railing accessories. Deckorator's elegant low
voltage, recessed LED deck lighting kit helps create an inviting
environment on both wood decks and synthetic decks.
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Thursday, May 13, 2010 by
In this comprehensive composite deck cleaning video you'll learn
about proper deck cleaning techniques and the most effective
chemicals to use. These key composite deck cleaning tips will help
guide you along to ensure the best cleaning for Latitudes composite
decking and railing.It's important to note that pressure washers
should only be used at lower pressures to wet and rinse synthetic
decking and railing. Pressure washers should not be used to
“blast-off” soiling agents; attempting to do so can drive the dirt
deeper into the synthetic decking material. And be sure to test
cleaning agents...
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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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Friday, May 7, 2010 by
Your deck is the perfect place to enjoy the warm weather with
family and friends. And an unsafe deck could possibly collapse,
causing serious injuries to you and your guests.The number of deck
failures and resulting injuries has been increasing at an alarming
rate. Between 2000 and 2008, there were at least 30 deaths reported
as a direct result of deck collapses, and more than 75 percent of
people on a deck when it collapses are injured or killed. With 40
million decks in the United States that are more than 20 years old,
it's important for homeowners to check their deck."The deck is the
most...
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Thursday, April 15, 2010 by
As the economy starts to come back around, many remodelers and deck
builders expect to see a significant up-tick in requests from
homeowners who want a new deck or want to update an existing deck
to an expansive outdoor living area. Architects, landscape
designers and building professionals are among those who typically
stay up-to-date with the hottest deck trends.Expansive,
multi-feature decksmulti-level decks that allow homeowners to add
separate areas for entertainingincorporating unique deck patterns,
deck insets, benches, built-in planter boxes and grill kick outs to
make an outdoor...
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Friday, April 9, 2010 by
Crush blocks are important support pieces that fit snugly between
the bottom section of your deck railing and deck surface. These
blocks are used to support composite / synthetic wood railing, PVC
railing, wood railing and many other deck railing material to keep
the rail section from sagging and possibly warping over time. Crush
blocks are often made from leftover deck building material like 2x2
composite decking pieces, aluminum balusters, square aluminum
balusters or treated lumber. You can also cut a piece of 5/4x6
decking and stand it on end under the bottom rail of a deck...
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Friday, April 2, 2010 by
Spring is the start of the outdoor living season when homeowners
begin to get their deck or patio ready for outdoor
entertaining. Here are some general tips for cleaning your
composite deck along with types of cleaning agents best suited for
washing composite decking materials.Wash and rinse your deckStart
cleaning your composite decking by washing with soapy water. Start
at the top of the deck railing and work your way down to the
composite deck surface. It's necessary to remove the dirt and
chalking that accumulates on the composite deck surface. This will
also prevent the build-up of pollen...
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