As the trend toward exterior living spaces serving as an extension of the interior continues, manufacturers offer up a host of products designed with designers in mind. Decorative railings, grain and color options, drainage systems and concealed fasteners are available to make the deck visually appealing and user-friendly.

Today, Americans are busier than ever before, so a deck that is virtually maintenance free is almost a necessity. Composite and PVC deckings are high quality products with the added benefits of being easy to clean and resistant to damage.

CorrectDeck CX ultra-low maintenance composite decking features Microban anti-microbial protection for added resistance to mold and mildew. The product’s co-extruded top layer encases the exposed wood fibers on the top and sides of each board for resistance to color fading and staining. CorrectDeck CX is available in colors including sand, coastal gray, pebble and sage.

“Like individual strands of a rope make the rope stronger, Strandex technology makes Latitudes Decking and Railing stronger,” says Chris Fox, marketing manager for Universal Forest Products. “Strandex technology offers superior protection against UV degradation and water absorption because every “strand” of wood fiber is encased in high-density polyethylene. Because Latitudes uses Strandex, you can be assured that you’re getting the highest quality composite product available.”
Fiberon Sanctuary Decking consists of a cellular PVC (or foamed PVC) core with no fiber fillers, which eliminates edge cracking, stain retention and water absorption. This core is surfaced with a layer of ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) so it resists fading, and abrasions. Added to this is a proprietary process that uses unique color tones from a blend of light and dark hues for the natural variations found in real wood.

SheerGrain by L. B. Plastics is created using the company’s proprietary SheerGrain Technology, a copolymer blend whose main ingredient is acrylic. The use of acrylic delivers fade-resistance and long-term weathering and heat dissipation.

SheerGrain Decking does not absorb moisture and does not promote mold growth. SheerGrain is naturally resistant to common stains such as grease, mustard and spilled drinks. SheerGrain is engineered for scratch resistance and the impact of everyday living.

According to Ralph Bruno, president of Azek Building Products, “Azek is resistant to staining and scratching and is much easier to install than composite. From an installer and a consumer basis, it’s the next generation of decking. This stain- and scratch-resistant decking is something that appealed to the marketplace.”

In 2007, AZEK added mouldings and decking with proprietary Procell Technology to the company’s product list. AZEK Building Products are available in over 2,000 lumberyards throughout the US and Canada.

A Deck with a View

“Fifteen years ago, people would think they were doing a wood railing so they had to do pickets,” says Andrew Penny, VP of marketing and advertising for Fenney Architectural Products. “Options like tempered glass and cables have been catching on lately as the word gets out. From the very beginning, we found the fact that you can see through it was what was driving it.”

For a clean, finished look that won’t impair views, Feeney offers CableRail cable assemblies as an alternative to metal or wood pickets. CableRail is made from weather-tough type 316 stainless steel and is available in three cable sizes (1/8-, 3/16- and 1/4-in. diameter). All assemblies are sold in standard, pre-cut lengths from 5 to 70 ft. (in 5 ft. increments) for easy ordering. Precise railing measurements are not needed as excess can be trimmed in the field. Each assembly includes a stainless steel Threaded Terminal fitting factory attached to one end of the cable and a field installed QuickConnect-SS fitting for the other end.

According to Patti Pellock, CertainTeed deck and railing marketing manager, “In 2008, CertainTeed is adding a new almond color to its EverNew vinyl decking product line. CertainTeed also offers a complete product line of EverNew railing systems which include vinyl reinforced with aluminum, PVC-capped composite and a new aluminum railing system. The new aluminum railing system, named Durham, features a unique beveled rail design and spring-pin construction and is available in boxed kits and pre-assembled sections.”

CertainTeed Kingston composite railings are available in white and clay for the classic look of a traditional wood railing system. Designed for flat and stair applications, the white Kingston railing system is available in 3- and 3 1/2-ft. height and 6, 8 and 10 ft. lengths. The aluminum-reinforced rails are routed to accept 1 1/2- by 1 1/2-in. balusters in Square and Traditional (3 ft. white only) styles. CertainTeed offers a choice of five different mounting brackets. The Kingston is suitable for decks, porches and balconies up to three stories in height on one- and two-family dwellings. The system is also backed by a lifetime limited warranty and the company’s five-year SureStart Protection.