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IN DEPTH: Decks

Microshades-micronized-color-technologyThe MicroShades micronized color technology for treated wood products offered by Koppers (formerly Osmose) provides natural colors similar to redwood and cedar for pressure-treated wood. A patented technology using micronized iron-oxide color pigments, it is specially formulated for use with a variety of the company’s wood-preservative systems including MicroPro.

Some types, such as teak and mahogany, remain popular, but only a few work well over the long term due to resins in the cell walls, he says. “Even our species isn’t good unless it’s kiln dried properly. It’s important to know the limitations of these products and be aware of how they need to be treated.”
The payback for using hardwoods can be high, he adds. “Our product has zero maintenance forever. There’s nothing else needed.”

Filling the Middle Ground
More homeowners are looking at high end wood products and hardwoods as they see the gap between typical wood decks and the high-end products. “Homeowners look to composite decks because of low maintenance and high performance,” says Snavely’s Kirit. “But they can be cost-prohibitive for many. Modified wood is a middle ground.”

UFPI has introduced a higher-grade option to traditional pressure-treated lumber, says Chris Fox, product manager. “There’s a big gap for deck products between standard treated lumber and composites. That gap can be filled by products like our new decking, which has relief grooves on the bottom to help reduce cupping and offers a better grade of product with fewer knots.”

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Composite-board manufacturers also see potential in the mid-range niche. “We are working diligently to close the gap between wood products and composites so more homeowners can afford the lower-maintenance benefits composites offer,” says Fiberon’s Kello. DuraLife offers a value-oriented board targeted to this market. “This board has gained attention due to its positioning,” says Mike Descoteaux, marketing manager. “Our value board offers an easier entry point for those moving from pressure-treated wood into capped composites.”

Universal Forest Products has created a Good-Better-Best spectrum, bringing all of its products together under a new name, Deckorators. “We wanted to position our products at the more affordable part of the high end by creating a product with a good price point and value proposition and having everything sold under one name,” explains Chris Camfferman, director of product management and merchandising.

Capped Composites Grow
[glossary]Capped composite decking[/glossary] products are growing, rapidly replacing the uncapped lines. “The market is trending toward capped composites,” says Fiberon’s Kello. “Last year, we had some uncapped products, but now all the products we sell in North America are capped. That’s true for most companies. The capped products are easier to clean and have more durable surfaces that provide stain and fade resistance.”

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