April, 2009

Decks

Spring is here, and homeowners from coast to coast are itching to move their lives outside, into the fresh air and sunshine. That spells opportunity for dealers of decking products.

By Staff Report

Spring is here, and homeowners from coast to coast are itching to move their lives outside, into the fresh air and sunshine. That spells opportunity for dealers of decking products. Residential construction may be down, but decking has been pegged as a “breakout product category.” And why not?

Few home improvements cost as little as a new deck—yet add as much enjoyment, versatility and value. The demand is there and, as you’ll see in the coming pages, decking manufacturers have responded with products to satisfy your customers’ demands.

Whether you’re interested in the latest treated wood products—including Thermally Modified Wood—or your market prefers advanced composites or PVC decking, you’ll no doubt find what you’re looking for in this alphabetical roundup of decking and railing products.

AZEK Reserve Railing
The newest additional to the AZEK Railing line, Reserve features an upscale architectural design and flat handrail in white. AZEK Reserve joins The Premier Series, featuring a colonial style and flat handrail in white and three deck colors; The Trademark Collection, with a Victorian style and rounded handrail in white. All railing components are co-extruded with an encapsulated woodcomposite core and a high grade PVC capstock that will not peel. The AZEK Rail system, in 6' and 8' kits, is designed to be easy-to-install, with universal hardware and pre-drilled pilot holes. With the subtle texture of painted wood, the railings have the quality assurance of an ICC code listing (ESR-1481). Superior strength derived from using patented Strandex technology enables the railings to meet code requirements. www.AZEK.com

CorrectDeck CX from Correct Building Products
CorrectDeck CX is described as providing the best of both worlds in decking—the ultra-low maintenance of a plastic surface along with the sustainability and aesthetics of a composite. Correct Building Products premium decking uses a 60/40 recycled hardwood and polypropylene mix combined with an anti-microbial agent and UV inhibitors to provide a durable, stain, fade and mold-resistant decking that qualifies for USGBC LEED points. The company also offers coordinating RapidRail, Dimensional Composite Lumber and CorrectDock with CX Technology to provide the low maintenance homeowners demand. “With 80% recycled content and CX Technology,” says Martin Grohman, chairman, “consumers can have high performance without using PVC and reduce the use of virgin materials.” www.correctbp.com

Deck Images E2A Glass & Aluminum Railing Kits
Deck Images E2A™ railing kits are easy to assemble and look professionally installed. Interchangeable components in the system include round and rectangular aluminum balusters, thick tempered glass balusters, straight and angled rail connectors, and accessories. Available in standard 36" tall sections, the kits feature 6' on-center rail sections, colorful mix-and-match balusters, tempered glass balusters and compact, easy-to-ship kits. www.deckimages.com/dim

Earth Collection from Rhino Deck
Master Mark Plastics’ new Rhino Deck Earth Collection of colors are designed to complement the original Rhino Deck lineup—but with longer-lasting color. Rhino Deck Earth Collection offers the colors Earth, Sand, Slate and Adobe and is available in both solid and grooved deck planks in the standard 12' 16' and 20' lengths. The new colors have the same natural Rhino Deck look, with great color retention. Engineered to withstand the elements without splintering, warping or rotting, Rhino Deck offers a 20-year warranty. Rhino Deck products are listed in the GreenSpec Directory. www.RhinoDeck.com

Ecolife Stabilized Weather-Resistant Wood from Viance
Ecolife is a new environmentally preferred non-metallic preservative plus wood stabilizer system. Ecolife is registered with the EPA, and offers the natural beauty of real wood combined with advancements in weathering protection, fastener performance and environmental attributes. Backed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty, Ecolife (EL2) is an American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) standardized wood preservative for above-ground contact applications and meets all applicable major building code requirements. In addition to providing long-term protection from decay and termites, Ecolife features an advanced wood stabilizing polymer which provides weathering protection and substantially reduces cracking, warping and splitting. Ecolife can be painted or stained to match any outdoor color scheme, and can be used in direct contact with aluminum products and fasteners, even in wet applications. www.TreatedWood.com

Edgewood Vinyl Railing from CertainTeed
CertainTeed’s new Edgewood vinyl railing boasts a realistic woodgrain surface— a first-of-its-kind texture to the industry. Available in White, Almond and Sierra Blend colors, and in octagonal and square baluster design options, building professionals can easily customize their designs. Using an I-rail design for both top and bottom rails and exclusive bracket design, Edgewood offers easy installation and long-lasting performance. The system’s precision-fit components do not require pre-drilling for installation. For long-lasting security, the brackets come complete with corrosion-resistant
stainless steel screws, which are concealed by sleek trim covers. With its durable construction, Edgewood is engineered to meet International Residential Code standards for building safety and is suitable for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories high. The product is backed by a lifetime limited warranty featuring exclusive SureStart protection that covers repair and replacement costs—including labor—in the unlikely event a manufacturing defect occurs within the first five years after installation. www.certainteed.com

Envision PVC Decking from Tamko
In response to PVC decking’s increasing popularity among consumers, TAMKO’s new Envision PVC deck boards are lightweight, low-maintenance, easy to install and require no pre-drilling. Envision PVC decking is manufactured with advanced, cellular vinyl technology for an extremely hard surface that provides impressive performance and durability. Envision PVC contains no organic fillers, to create a solid core PVC material for consistent density throughout and exceptional moisture resistance. Featuring a wood grain texture, Envision PVC is available in Taupe, Sand and Grey. The surface is infused with unique pigments for UV protection and longlasting colors. Additional features include high-heat resistance, which helps lead to a cooler deck during hot summer months, and exceptional resistance to staining, scratching and splitting. Envision PVC comes with a 25-year limited warranty against rotting, cracking, delaminating and termite damage and has a Class A rating E-84 for flame spread. www.tamko.com

Fiberon Sensibuilt PVC Decking
Fiberon Sensibuilt decking is the latest line of PVC decking from Fiberon and features patent-pending Lumenite technology. This fusion-bonded surface technology offers ultimate stain, scratch, fade and mold resistance for high performance decking and ultra low maintenance. Sensibuilt backs this patent pending technology with the industry’s first 10-Year Fade Resistant Warranty. In addition to exceptional stain, scratch, fade and mold resistance, Fiberon Sensibuilt is moisture, impact and slip resistant, and it won’t chalk, split or rot. The Sensibuilt infrared, heat reflective surface is impermeable and cooler underfoot. Available in four bold, architectural colors (mocha, driftwood, redwood and cedar); Sensibuilt never requires painting, staining or power washing. www.fiberondecking.com

Genovations Solid PVC Deck Boards
Described as “Stronger than wood, stronger than composite, engineered for life,” Genovations solid PVC Deck Boards from Genova Products are available in two profiles—2"x6" and the new 5/4"x6" (for new or existing construction). Produced in the U.S., the mainte-nance-free boards are designed for quick and easy installation with no special fasteners and no expensive spacers—only common deck screws are needed. Available in four fade-resistant/stain-resistant earth tone shades (sandalwood, birchwood, cedar and driftwood). www.GenovaProducts.com

GeoDeck Decking & Railing System
The GeoDeck Decking & Railing system consists of matching boards, railings, posts, balusters, end caps, fascia board, post caps, post base trim and hand-rail collars—everything needed to create a great looking deck. Manufactured from a combination of recycled and other plastic, and blended with the company’s Biodac formulation of cellulose fiber and minerals, GeoDeck is described as versatile enough for decks, porches, patios, pool and hot tub surrounds, walkways, docks, boat slips and more. By using Biodac rather than wood chips as its fiber source, GeoDeck is said to be highly fade resistant, and to exhibit minimal weathering over a period of years. GeoDeck has a 20-year limited warranty. www.GeoDeck.com

Latitudes Capricorn Tropical Composite Decking from UFP
Featuring two unique tropical colors, adobe and koa, Latitudes Capricorn boards resemble the exotic hardwoods mahogany and ipe. With a natural-looking woodgrain pattern on both sides, Capricorn was designed to bridge versatility and aesthetics in one unique style. Capricorn tropical decking is fortified with the same Strandex technology used in all Latitudes composite products, and it is co-extruded for ultralow maintenance. Resistant to fading and moisture, and virtually impervious to stains, Latitudes Capricorn is available in 12-, 16- and 20-foot lengths, in slotted and standard planks. www.latitudesdeck.com; 877.463.8379

MicroPro Treated Lumber from Osmose
MicroPro pressure treated wood is treated with micronized copper preservatives, which help protect against termite damage and fungal decay. According to the company, MicroPro offers many benefits to builders and homeowners, including significantly improved corrosion performance. MicroPro treated wood products are U.S. building code compliant. The Osmose MicroPro technology is the first treated wood process to be certified under Scientific Certification Systems Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) program based on Life-Cycle Assessment. End uses include interior and exterior above-ground, ground contact, and fresh water immersion. Osmose also offers MicroShades—innovative micronized pigment color choices that make pressure treated wood appear similar to redwood and cedar. www.Osmose.com

MoistureShield Rainforest Collection from A.E.R.T.
Simulating the look of rainforest hardwood, the environmentally conscious Rainforest Collection by MoistureShield Decking offers a unique look with the durability to withstand the harshest conditions. Made with 90% pre- and postconsumer recycled content, the Rainforest Collection is manufactured using Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies’ unique plastic encapsulation process that shields and protects the wood fiber from moisture and insect damage. The Rainforest Collection’s elegant wood grain textures and multi-dimensional color shading give it the look and feel of real wood, but unlike traditional wood decking, it offers exceptional durability and does not need staining, painting or sealing to maintain its natural beauty. In addition, the Rainforest Collection is easy to install and backed by a limited lifetime warranty against rot, decay and insect damage. Available in two colors—Desert Sand and Terracotta, the Rainforest Collection also exceeds the requirements for landscape decking published in the LEED for Homes standard. www.moistureshield.com

Monarch Exotics Edge decking
The latest decking solution from Monarch looks great, and is also affordably priced. New this year, Monarch introduces Exotics Edge, a natural appearance deck board that is priced right. Monarch engineers developed Exotics Edge with the same high quality ingredients you have come to expect from Monarch products, but with a twist. The difference is obvious when observing the board’s profile; the Exotics Edge unique channel design provides an exceptional value without sacrificing structural integrity. The Edge provides the same strength performance of traditional composite deck boards, while utilizing fewer raw materials. The end result is a board that looks like natural exotic hardwoods, is guaranteed not to warp, crack, split, or splinter, and by using less resources is better for the environment. www.MonarchDeck.com

PureWood Thermally Modified Wood Decking
PureWood offers an all-natural, non-toxic alternative to chemically treated or composite materials without sacrificing performance or workability. Proven effective in Europe for more than a decade, PureWood’s Thermally Modified Wood (TMW) process combines heat, moisture, and time to “temper” the wood at a cellular level. The process converts wood sugars into a substance that naturally resists rot and decay with no added chemicals or preservatives. While PureWood has shown remarkable resistance to the elements, it can be cut, sanded, painted, and handled as any other natural wood product. PureWood is performance enhanced with a factory-applied sealant and available in three lines. The standard style Sahara board has 1/8" eased edges, the Linea Euro-style board features a linear groove pattern on both sides, and the Simplicity board is a 3/8" radius-edged S4S board. www.PureWoodProducts.com

Radiance Thermally Modified Wood Decking
Radiance Thermally Modified Wood Decking begins as renewable, natural lumber. Then it undergoes a proprietary heat based process that is chemical-free and changes the compounds in the wood. Then Radiance is further enhanced with an exclusive patented factory- applied non-VOC sealant that is specifically designed to enhance the colorfastness of the wood. The result is a real wood product that is protected against rot, decay, mold and mildew without adding any chemicals or metals. Radiance comes with a 2/20-year transferable warranty on colorfastness and decay. www.RadianceWood.com

Tiger Deck featuring Tigerwood
Tiger Deck is a leading importer and manufacturer of Tigerwood decking systems. Tigerwood (Astronium spp), an exotic hardwood known for its natural durability, resistance to decay and long lifespan, is directly imported from well-managed forestry operations in Latin America and processed using stringent quality control methods for consistent quality and stability. When constructed with the company’s exclusive state-of-the-art hidden fastening system, Tiger Deck is a beautiful, hardwood deck that is free from unsightly surface penetrations, easy to install and requires minimal maintenance for a lifespan of at least 25 years. Tiger Deck offers distributors a complete range of decking products, including a wide selection of deck board sizes with a 25 year limited warranty against rot and insect damage, a patented hidden fastening system with two clip options (perpendicular and angled joist), profiled hand and sub rails, fascia, balusters, stepping and posts. Tiger Deck is FSC Chain of Custody certified. www.tigerdeck.com

TimberTech XLM Desert Bronze PVC Decking
TimberTech has introduced a new Desert Bronze—a new, unique color in TimberTech’s XLM, extreme low maintenance line of PVC decking. The rich brown color is enhanced with the company’s proprietary color streaking process that provides a unique pattern to each and every plank, similar to real tropical hardwoods. Engineered to provide unparalleled scratch, stain and mildew resistance, also TimberTech’s XLM has received a Class A Flame Spread Rating. A full 40% lighter than TimberTech’s wood plastic composite planks, XLM features a solid cap surface to reinforce its structural integrity and is available in grooved or nongrooved planks. Grooved planks are designed to work with TimberTech’s CONCEALoc, a stainless steel hidden fastener. XLM is offered in four long-lasting colors —Mountain Cedar, RiverRock, SandRidge Desert Bronze—and is available in 12', 16' and 20' lengths as well as matching 12" fascia and 71⁄4" stair riser in 12' lengths. All are backed with a 25-year limited residential warranty. www.timbertech.com

Trex Accents with Grooved Edges
Trex Accents—the company’s most popular decking line—is now available with optional grooved edges designed to work with the brand’s exclusive Trex Hideaway Hidden Fastening System. Trex Accents features the warm, natural look of real wood on reversible boards. One side offers a subtle wood grain pattern, while the other provides a smooth, refined look to perfectly complement the aesthetics of any outdoor living space. The addition of grooved edges to Trex Accents boards allows for the use of the Trex Hideaway Hidden Fastening System. Trex Accents is available in four colors—Winchester Grey, Saddle, Madeira and Woodland Brown. Protected by a 25-year limited residential warranty, the collection is low maintenance— with durability that guards against rotting, cracking or splintering. www.Trex.com

WeatherReady Passport by Gossen
WeatherReady Passport decking features an exotic wood look based on advanced Gossen technology that delivers ultra low maintenance, lasting beauty and durability. Available in London Grey and Tuscan Cherry, WeatherReady Passport boards are lightweight and easy-to-handle, weighing in at just 1.5 lbs. per foot. The stain- and scratch-resistant boards are factory grooved to accommodate hidden fasteners. In addition to proven protection from termites, mold and mildew, Gossen’s advanced technology provides Class A fire-rated safety, longer-lasting color protection and a comprehensive lifetime warranty. Available in common building dimensions, WeatherReady is lead-free, R4, manufactured in the U.S. to strict industry standards, is ARCAT green compliant as a product for sustainable design, and carries a CCRR-0124 rating. www.GossenCorp.com

Wolmanized L3 Outdoor Wood from Arch
Arch Treatment Technologies, Inc. introduced Wolmanized L3 Outdoor Wood, the first decking product protected by a carbon-based, nonmetallic solution, in early 2007. According to the company, the treating formulation has low environmental impact but is very effective as a preservative. Intended for out-ofground use, Wolmanized L3 Outdoor wood stands up to wood-destroying organisms, and is backed by a lifetime limited warranty. By itself, the preservative would leave wood its natural color, however, to resemble familiar types of treated wood and distinguish treated from untreated material, pigment is added to give the wood a light brown hue. It has a built-in water repellent, is protected by an EPA-registered formulation, and is comparable to untreated wood with regard to corrosion of fasteners. Wolmanized L3 Outdoor wood is listed in the GreenSpec Directory. www.wolmanizedwood.com