Synthetic Decking

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 decking is the perfect balance of beauty, strength and ultra-low maintenance performance.

Latitudes Capricorn and Captiva composite lumber deck boards feature:  

• Specialized formulation of high-density polyethylene
• Advanced co-extrusion technology for ultra low-maintenance
• Durable, stain-and fade-resistant exterior finish
• 12', 16' and 20' slotted board lengths
• 16' solid length for stair and trim boards
• Slotted edges encapsulated on one side with a stain, fade and scratch resistant cap stock
• Solid edge boards capped on three sides

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 appealing option. Latitudes composite deck railing mimics the look of wood but offers the stability and durability of a synthetic material. It won’t split, bow or warp like wood can. Deckorators CXT Railing looks like real painted wood and provides an ultra low maintenance exterior top cap for durability and strength.

Vinyl deck railing, like Latitudes Luster railing, resists scratching, fading, insects and cracking. It’s a good option for decks in extreme climates or as an accent to tropical hardwood decking.

See this blog post on choosing the best deck balusters for your deck railing.

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 popularity of dozens of different outdoor living and landscape features for this year.

For 2011, the top outdoor living features are some of the most basic: light, fire, food and a place to sit and enjoy it all. Overall, 96.2 percent of respondents rated exterior lighting as somewhat or very popular for this year, followed by fire pits/fireplaces (94.2 percent), seating/dining areas (94.1 percent), grills (93.8 percent) and installed seating like benches or seat walls (89.5 percent).

Top Structures

1. Fencing (includes gates) – 85.1%
2. Arbors – 83.8%
3. Pergolas – 82.6%
4. Steps – 79.3%
5. Ornamental water features such as fountains or splash pools – 77.5%
6. Decks – 74.4%
7. Porches – 72.3%
8. Art (sculpture etc.) – 60.7%
9. Utility shed (tool shed, garden shed etc.) – 59.3%
10. Play structures (tree house, swing set, etc.) – 58.9%
11. Pavilions – 52.9%
12. Awnings, including retractable – 49.6%
13. Gazebos – 49.6%
14. Columns – 40.9%
15. ADA-accessible structures (ramps, bars, accessible shelving etc.) – 23.5%

Complete news article at http://www.asla.org/outdoorlivingtrends.aspx

Courtesy of American Society of Landscape Architects

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.

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 easy-to-follow guidelines for great results. If you use a pressure washer, use a fan-style tip—and only use the washer to wet down or rinse your deck. Avoid high-pressure blasting that literally can drive dirt and spores deeper into the composite decking surface.

Typically, you can clean your deck with soap, water and a scrub bush or use a high-quality cleaner available at your home-improvement center. Most cleaners contain Sodium Percarbonate and a detergent. These types of cleaners are very effective in removing dirt while bleaching out mold and mildew stains—simply follow the label directions.

When you find stains, there are simple ways to deal with them. For rust stains caused by metal furniture and other sources, look for a deck cleaner containing oxalic acid. To wash away grease and oil stains, use any standard commercial degreaser. Typically, these will contain propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide and detergents.

If your deck has a stubborn grease or oil stain, try a small amount of spot remover or paint thinner. But use it sparingly and wash it away quickly. These products usually contain organic solvents that can attack the grain pattern in your composite deck. Whatever you use to clean your synthetic decking and railing, always perform a test in an inconspicuous area before you use it on the entire surface. Always be certain to read, understand and follow all label instructions.

Some cleaning products and inhibitors may be more effective than others, depending on your environmental conditions. And remember, the best way to manage stains—is not to have them occur. Always try to deal with spills before they have a chance to set-up.

Remember, that while mold and mildew can reappear on any exterior building surface, there are ways to manage them effectively on composite decking. Above all, sit back, relax and enjoy your low-maintenance, high-reward Latitudes composite lumber decking and railing. See additional tips for preventing mold and mildew from my past blog. Also watch our deck cleaning video.

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 Best Deck Contest–Take 2 turned out some great looking decks including this masterpiece from Richard DeVuyst of Overland Park, Kansas.
A Winning Combination
A 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 bench seating.

Low-maintenance synthetic decking in contrasting colors and designs was used to separate outdoor rooms. The stained wood railing with Deckorators balusters surrounds the deck with class. Factor in the tastefully appointed planters and this one-of-a-kind deck is brimming with character.

Congratulations to Richard and the other winners of Deckorators Best Deck Contest—Take 2.

For a look at the top three winning decks with descriptions and a complete gallery of all deck contest photo entries, visit the Deckorators contest page.

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.

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 throughout the deck season. You don't want these cleanable mishaps to turn into stains on your composite or lumber deck because they remained on the surface too long.

Scrub and rinse your deck
Start cleaning your composite decking or pressure treated decking by scrubbing the surface with soapy water. Start at the top of the deck railings and work your way down to the deck surface. It's necessary to remove the dirt and debris that accumulates on the composite deck surface. This will also prevent the build-up of pollen that can cause mold and mildew growth. Pressure washers should only be used at lower pressures to wet and rinse synthetic decking and railing. For ground-in soil you'll need to apply a detergent, scrub the deck surface with a course bristle brush and rinse thoroughly with water.

Apply a quality deck cleaner to the surface
Deck cleaners usually contain sodium percarbonate and a detergent, which is effective on normal dirt and grime and helps bleach out mold and mildew stains. Oxalic acid cleaners are effective on rust stains from metal patio furniture.

Watch our cleaning video or read care and cleaning instructions for Latitudes composite decking. For pressure treated decking, read our general maintenance guide (PDF).

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.

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 Railing
Aluminum deck railing from Deckorators is strong, durable and lightweight, which makes it a perfect choice on decks, docks and balconies or wherever durability is important. Deckorators’ aluminum railing is ultra-low maintenance, won't rot or corrode and is impervious to stains. What’s more, most Deckorators baluster styles are compatible with the Deckorators aluminum railing system.

Wood Deck Railing
Wood is the most common type of deck railing material used. Its strength and natural appearance have made it a timeless favorite among homeowners. Wood can be cut into unique shapes, or it can be mixed with other unique accessories, such as glass or aluminum balusters. Unlike other types of deck railing, wood deck rails can be stained and painted to a specific color. Keep in mind; wood deck railing has its limitations. Wood railing requires regular maintenance like staining and sealing at least every few years; Not to mention, you may need to replace some wood railing components if they warp, split and become unsafe. But, keep in mind pressure treated lumber deck railing is typically the least expensive type of railing, so if other railing options are too expensive, treated lumber may be your best or most versatile option.

Composite / Synthetic Deck Railing
Synthetic deck railing, such as Latitudes Intrepid railing, combines the natural beauty of wood with the durability of a synthetic (plastic). Composite deck railing is a popular choice among homeowners who like a wood look but desire a more stable railing material for varying weather conditions. Composite deck railing, available in a variety of colors, is usually made from a mixture of plastic (virgin and/or recycled) and wood flour material that typically last much longer than standard lumber railing. Composite decking railing should not split, warp, rot or become infested with insects. Most composite deck railings are sold in matching railing kits that allow you to mix and match with ornamental baluster styles to accentuate your outdoor living space and your home’s architectural style.

Vinyl Deck Railing
Vinyl railing, like Latitudes Luster railing, is a durable, ultra low-maintenance option that stands the test of time. Vinyl deck railing is resistant to scratching, fading, insect infestations and cracking, and stands up well in extreme conditions. Vinyl railing can also be purchased in kits and is one of the more expensive railing options on the market.

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.

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 in an inconspicuous area before washing the entire deck.

• Never leave a burning fire unattended
• Always have a fire extinguisher or active garden hose handy
• Keep the deck area clear of flammable material
• If a hot ember lands on the wood or synthetic wood deck surface, make sure to remove it by dousing with water as it may blemish the deck surface or even worse, start the deck on fire

• loose connections like wobbly deck railing and railing balusters
• missing connections — the wood ledger board is not properly fastened to the house
• treated lumber is corroded
• rotted deck boards or deck railing
• cracks in either the deck boards or the supporting structure

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 decks

• multi-level decks that allow homeowners to add separate areas for entertaining
• incorporating unique deck patterns, deck insets, benches, built-in planter boxes and grill kick outs to make an outdoor living area one-of-a-kind

Outdoor living rooms, kitchens, grilling areas

• appliances, televisions, fireplaces and water features have become popular outdoor amenities for many homeowners
• many decks incorporate deck stones to protect the deck surface and add separation between outdoor kitchens and lounge areas. These natural stone deck tiles are perfect for use under grills and raised fire pits.

• co-extruded and other synthetic surfaces that are virtually impervious to stains and fading are becoming more common over their wood decking counterpart
• ultra-low maintenance decking requires less upkeep than treated lumber and standard composite lumber decking
• achieve a unique, exotic look with a composite deck plank that emulates tropical hardwood

Deck railing accessories

• add an extra touch of class with stylish post caps available in wood, metal or decorative glass
• unique railing infills like scenic glass balusters allow you to see with an unobstructed view to the pool or lake
• baluster accessories are inexpensive, ornate add-ons that turn an ordinary deck railing into a work of art

Deck lighting

• low voltage step and stair lighting is used for both ambiance and safety
• perfect for ambient lighting, solar post cap lights are already one of the top trends in accessorizing your deck
• installing rope lighting under deck railing highlights the rail and adds enough light to entertain throughout the night

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 deck
Start 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 and debris that can cause mold and mildew growth. 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 decking material. Test on an inconspicuous area before washing the entire deck.

Basic deck cleaning agents
Deck wash / cleaners usually contain sodium percarbonate and a detergent, which is effective on normal dirt and grime and bleaches out mold and mildew stains. Oxalic acid cleaners are effective on rust stains from metal patio furniture. Commercial degreasers contain propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and various detergents for removing grease and oil stains.

When cleaning composite decking, spot removers can be used sparingly on those stubborn grease or oil stains but should be washed off quickly with water, as it will attack the grain pattern. They normally include petroleum distillates, xylene, methanol, acetone, or other organic solvents.