Decking Trends Bring Tailored Options

“We’ve chosen to increase the amount of recycled content in our products [about 80 percent] and the co-extrusion process we use to manufacture our CorrectDeck CX decking provides both high performance and sustainability,” says Patti Pellock, CertainTeed Corporation senior marketing manager.

Wolmanized L³ Outdoor wood is treated with a nonmetallic, carbon-based solution so the biocides used in the preservative will degrade in soil; they are not bioaccumulative. The product’s preservative formulation has earned it a listing as a GreenSpec environmentally preferable product. The wood can be painted or stained without discoloration from the preservative, and has no more effect on woodworking tools than untreated wood.

PureWood, from Bay Tree Technologies, thermally modified wood decking is real wood that is treated and enhanced for better performance. The product undergoes a heat-based, nontoxic treatment process that is 100 percent free of added chemicals and metals so there are no health, disposal or environmental issues. The product features a factory-applied sealant so it resists rot and decay and can be sanded or stained. PureWood decking is supported by a 25-year transferable warranty.

Practical Needs Trump Frivolous Dreams

The summer road trip is out. Thanks to a tanking economy, consumers are finding more enjoyment in their own backyard than a distant destination. While some are cutting back on remodel jobs, others are rethinking the possibilities of improving their living area and increasing their property’s value.

“I think it certainly has had an impact; however, some homeowners have chosen to improve their outdoor living environment instead of taking that expensive family vacation this year,” says Mike Decoteaux, marketing manager for Correct Building Products.

“The rising cost of living is a driving force behind a stay-at-home mentality,” says Chris Beyer. “As more people are making their homes a destination, they are updating outdoor living areas. The less upkeep required to enjoy their outdoor oasis, the better.

“Decking is more in the repair and remodel market and more affected by equity lines,” adds Beyer. “Homeowners who are investing in their homes are remodeling and adding decks to enhance the value and enjoyment of their homes and outdoor living space.”

“One of the top trends in decking right now is customization,” says Adam Zambanini, Trex senior product manager of decking. “Decks are now like another room of the house — people want to customize their outdoor living space to meet their unique needs. Railing design is an extremely important decision for homeowners because it truly serves as the crowning touch of their outdoor living space.”

In response to customer demand for customizable railing, Trex created the Artisan Series railings that offer the look of painted wood and match traditional architecture. Artisan railings are made from the company’s Fibrex material to eliminate issues like vibrations, squeaking and rattling. Fibrex also offers minimal thermal expansion. Trex has re-engineered the entire collection of Artisan railings for design flexibility to allow customers to select railings ranging from the basic to complex custom designs.

The Sheerline 4500 Series vinyl railing by LB Plastics features a 2-in. turned Colonial spindle and 4 1/2-in. wide ribbed top rail. The top rail of the 4500 Series features detailed shadow lines and depth and several picket styles are available. Picket options include 1.5-in. square picket, 2-in. colonial picket, 1.5-in diamond picket, and a 1.75-in. fluted picket. The 4500 Series railing is available in 4-, 6-, 8-, and 10-ft. sections that can be tailored on-site to fit the application.

Beautifully Low Maintenance

And who wants to work hard in their downtime? Ultra-low maintenance boards, planks and railing systems retain their appeal for a long time and only require an occasional washing.

“The biggest trend in decking in recent years is, of course, low-maintenance alternatives to wood, with stain-resistance as well as resistance to scratching and splitting,” says Ralph Bruno, president of AZEK Building Products.