It’s that time of year when homeowners are lured outside by the warm, sunny weather. Is your outdoor s
pace ready to be enjoyed to the fullest? If your deck or patio needs updating, catching up on the top design innovations and trends will help you create an inviting area that will add value to your home investment.
This year’s leading trends focus on blending functionality with beauty to construct a stylish and usable space that requires little maintenance. To create the best outdoor space on the block, consider these popular ideas for your home.
Decorative post caps
A big trend in decking is beautification – taking your functional space and adding stylish elements that 
produce visual appeal. One easy way to incorporate this trend is by installing post caps. Mounted at the highest point on the railing, post caps are one of the most prominent features of any deck or patio. Deck and fence post caps like Deckorators VersaCaps give a polished, upscale look for your outdoor space. These one-size-fits-all caps have nested inserts that are compatible with wood, composite and vinyl posts, making installation simple. They come in a variety of colors and many are available with a built-in solar light. These unique post embellishments are sure to fit your color palette and will enhance your overall outdoor design aesthetic.
Fascia corners
Corner joints can separate over time, creating unsightly gaps. If you're looking for an easy way to spruce up your current deck, consider adding decorative fascia corners. Simple and unique, decorative fascia corners are an elegant way to adorn deck skirting and cover corner joint connections. Deckorators also offers two black powder-coated fascia corner designs - ridge and leaf - that install easily with screws. Fascia corners are an easy way to capture your own personal style while complementing your home's architecture.
Outdoor lighting
Incorporating lighting into your deck area is a big trend because it extends the time you are able to spend in your outdoor space. It also adds an element of safety in a visually pleasing manner. Look for solar powered lights to continue to be popular - you'll find this sun-powered option on numerous outdoor items such as string lights and fountains. Recessed deck lights are another popular lighting option - perfect for stairs because they softly illuminate steps once the sun has gone down.
Multifunctional furniture
Furnishing outdoor space is essential for creating a relaxing, comfortable environment, but it is also a big investment. That’s why more people are looking for multifunctional options that provide a variety of benefits. For example an outdoor sectional can serve as a large couch or be separated for multi
ple sitting areas. A small table serves double duty when it opens for hidden storage. An outdoor umbrella with solar lights provides shade during the day and soft light at night for easy all-day entertaining.
Composite lumber decking
If it's time to replace your whole deck, you might want to consider using composite lumber decking in your new design. Composite decking continues to grow in popularity due to its low maintenance and durability. Today's composite decking is much different than past options because the designs closely mimic the natural look of wood. Latitudes composite decking, for example, features a more natural-looking surface with a realistic grain pattern available in a variety of colors. Plus it's backed by a 25-year stain and fade warranty, so it's guaranteed to look great on your home for a long time,
making it a wise investment.
By incorporating these top trends not only will you have a great outdoor space this year, but for many years to come.
With temperatures on the rise, does your mind often wander to the sunny days of spring? Maybe you long for the activities only warm weather can provide, such as outdoor barbecues, sharing ice cream with the kids, or watching the sunset from your favorite Adirondack chair. Many of these cherished activities center around one area of the home: the deck.
If your house doesn't have a low maintenance composite lumber deck, or perhaps the old wood deck you have leaves something to be desired, now is the perfect time to take action and make a plan. That way, when warm weather arrives, you're ready to start building and can enjoy every moment outdoors.
If you're not quite sure what your dream deck should look like, you can find inspiration by looking through photo galleries of different decks. Explore the treated lumber decking and composite lumber decking photo galleries and deck railing images to see a sampling of the options that are available.
For the past couple years, Deckorators has held deck design contests, drawing entries from across the country from both builders and DIYers. Submissions for those contests can be viewed on the Deckorators Flickr page for even more idea generation, as well as motivation to enter your new deck into this year’s contest.
Additions to Latitudes Composite Decking and Railing products and Deckorators deck railing and deck railing accessories products for 2012 have been added online, so there are plenty of new things to incorporate into your final dream deck design.
Periodic washing with soap and water is necessary to remove surface dirt and chalk that accumulate on the surface of a composite deck. This will also prevent the build-up of pollen and debris that can cause mold and mildew growth. Pressure washers should be used for wetting and rinsing only. Pressure washers should not be used to “blast-off” soiling agents; attempting to do so can drive the dirt deeper into the 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 furniture. Commercial degreasers contain propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and various detergents for removing grease and oil stains.
Spot removers/thinners can be used sparingly on particularly 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.
Visit my video blog on Cleaning Latitudes Composite Decking.
With temperatures chilling you to the bone, does your mind often wander to the sunny days of spring? Maybe you long for the activities only warm weather can provide, such as outdoor barbecues, sharing ice cream with the kids, or watching the sunset from your favorite Adirondack chair. Many of these cherished activities center around one area of the home: the outdoor deck.
If your house doesn't have a treated wood or composite lumber deck, or perhaps the one you have leaves something to be desired, now is the perfect time to take action and make a plan. That way, when warm weather arrives, you're ready to start building and can enjoy every moment outdoors.
If you're not quite sure what your dream deck should look like, you can find inspiration by looking through photo galleries of different decks. Explore the Latitudes Composite Decking and Railing photo gallery and the Deckorators deck railing and deck accessories gallery to see a sampling of many deck products and design options that are available.
For the past couple years, Deckorators has held a deck design contest, drawing entries from across the country from both builders and DIYers. Submissions for the contests can be viewed on the Flickr page here for still more idea generation, as well as motivation to enter your new deck into this year’s contest. Additions to Latitudes products and Deckorators products for 2012 have been added online, so there are plenty of new things to incorporate into your final dream deck design. This year’s contest details will be announced soon!
When it comes to designing your deck, the possibilities are endless. Seeing examples and putting together a solid plan is the first step toward getting ready for the warm days of spring.
See this blog for features to consider when creating an outdoor living space on a deck.
Start designing your dream deck with an online deck design program.
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
Latitudes Composite Decking bolsters its deck accessory lineup with decorative, metal fascia corners. The new fascia corners will be available in the spring of 2012 and can be seen in the Latitudes booth (W429) during the International 
Builders’ Show in Orlando.
Latitudes decorative fascia corners are a stylish way to dress up deck skirting and cover corner joints. Each corner is sold individually and installs easily with eight color-matched screws (provided). Made of stainless steel and powder-coated black, fascia corners are available in Leaf and Ridge designs and are offered in 7,” 9” and 11” heights to fit virtually any size fascia boards.
Latitudes composite decking, railing and accessory products are available through an established network of building material retailers in the United States and Canada.
The current economy has many homeowners looking at how they can add value to their real estate investment. If you're considering a variety of projects to enhance your property, adding a new deck should be at the top of your list.
A deck is a valuable addition for many reasons. First, it expands your living space so your family can enjoy more time at home. Second, the right deck adds style to your exterior so your home is more visually appealing. Finally, it provides a solid return on investment - nearly 63 percent for composite decking, according to the 2011-2012 Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine.
Why choose composite decking over wood? The upfront cost is more, but in the long run it could save you both time and money. Known to be low-maintenance and long lasting, composite decking is sure to provide season after season of family enjoyment. Buyers recognize this benefit as well, and it's definitely a positive should you ever decide to sell your home.
If you're worried that composite decking lacks the natural appearance of wood, take a look at Latitudes Composite Decking and Railing options for the perfect solution. With Latitudes, you get the natural look of wood, but in a hassle-free composite material. You'll find a variety of colors and finish types to choose from, so you can get exactly what you want for your home's exterior.
So when thinking about investing in your home, it's smart to put adding a composite deck at the top of your list. You'll get years of enjoyment out of the investment, and added value when it comes time to sell.
See my past blog posts entitled Selling your home out of season? A great deck makes a difference and How design details can make your deck unique.
Unlike wooden structures, composite decking never needs to be sanded, stripped or stained. In fact, composite deck cleaning is usually as easy as some soap, water and a brush. One word of caution – avoid using paint thinner or similar solvents on composite decking, as these products can affect the finish and grain of the material. See cleaning recommendations for cleaning Latitudes Composite Decking.
See blog on Cleaning a wood deck in the Fall.
Visit my video blog on Cleaning Latitudes Intrepid Composite Decking.
Location, weather and years of everyday wear can sometimes cause wood deck boards to warp, split or generally lose their good looks. If there are just one or two problem boards, it’s typically not difficult or expensive to replace them. Remove the boards you wish to replace and install new ones cut to the appropriate length. If your deck has a protective finish such as stain, it’s a good idea to apply the finish to replacement boards prior to installation.
If your deck has more bad boards than good, you may want to replace all the decking and maybe go so far as to change the layout and style. Consider upgrading to Latitudes composite decking, which won’t rot, warp or split over time.
See my past blog on refacing a deck.
Wood deck railings can loosen and get wobbly over time, compromising the safety and beauty of your deck. Fixing this problem is usually a simple matter of tightening or replacing existing screws or bolts, or possibly adding new ones. If deck railings have deteriorated, it may be necessary to replace them. In fact, replacing an old worn railing with sturdy, decorative alternatives like Latitudes composite railing or Deckorators aluminum railing is an easy, high-impact way to upgrade the look and feel of your deck.
In a perfect world, no one would ever have to face the challenge of trying to sell a house when there’s snow on the ground and the trees are bare. In reality, people have to sell and buy homes throughout the year.
While winter may not be the optimum season to showcase your landscaping, there is one improvement you can make that will help you boost your home’s outdoor appeal no matter what the season: a deck.
When potential buyers visit your home in winter, they might not be able to envision how green and lovely your backyard will look come spring. But they will be able to see with their own eyes the square footage that a deck adds to the home’s living space.
Decks, patios, sunrooms and porches have always been popular with home buyers, but real estate agents say that too often those spaces are neglected or not used to their best advantage. Yet outdoor improvements like a deck can significantly enhance your home’s value and appeal. In fact, at the time of resale, a deck will recoup, on average, about 73 percent of the original cost of building it, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value report.
"Anything that adds living space adds value, and the least expensive way to gain space is to build a deck or turn the one you have into an outdoor room by staging it so that it flows seamlessly with the rest of the house," says Mary Beth Harrison of The Harrison Group, a Dallas-based real estate agency. "A great deck can set your home apart from others with the same interior floor plan or square footage, and deck additions typically add value when it comes time to sell."
The cooler temperatures of fall and early winter make the season a great time to add a deck to your home. Or, if you already have a deck, you can enhance its appeal by adding simple touches and accessories.
A bonus space - for example, a tiny deck or rarely used balcony off a master bedroom - can be transformed into a romantic getaway 
by staging it with cozy, cushioned seating and a raised firepit. You can safeguard your deck and add designer style with Latitudes deck stones, 16-inch interlocking square tiles made of natural slate or granite. Deck stones can provide an effective fire barrier that's an asset under firepits or grills, or when used to create an outdoor kitchen.
Lighting is another way to boost appeal. LED deck lighting kits, like those offered by Deckorators, are both practical and visually appealing. Adding lighting to a deck can be an important safety feature, and also helps create a warm, welcoming mood for evening entertaining.
Another improvement that speaks to both safety and visual appeal are deck railings. Decorative railings with ornate balusters, post caps and postcovers can give virtually any wood or composite lumber deck a distinctive look for a modest investment.
More than ever before, people look at their decks as outdoor entertainment areas. Latitudes Composite Decking and Railing and Deckorators, a leader in decking railing systems and deck accessories provide many ways to turn the inside out – For some, it's a kitchen; for others, a living room. Decks can be party spaces or quiet retreats. With so many different types of deck materials, lighting, rail systems and decorative accents, it’s possible to turn a plain deck into a great outdoor space.
"Potential home buyers always react positively to nice decks that look like a great place to hang out," says Harrison. "From a buyer's perspective, if all else is equal, it's true that the home with the best deck wins."
See blog entitled "Update your deck, add value to your home".
What makes Latitudes composite decking special is the Strandex technology it employs. Like individual strands of a rope make the rope stronger, Strandex technology makes Latitudes composite decking products 
stronger. Strandex technology offers superior protection against UV degradation and water absorption, because every “strand” of wood fiber is encased in high-density polyethylene. Latitudes uses Strandex inside, so you can be assured that you’re getting the highest, most consistent quality and strongest composite product available in the industry.
Has Strandex Technology been tested in Saltwater/Marine environments?
Yes. In the late 1990’s the Office of Naval Research sponsored a project to determine the acceptability of wood plastic composites as components of naval piers. One of the areas of concern was possible bio-degradation of the wood plastic composites. Washington State University, in cooperation with Strandex Corporation, supplied composite materials for bio-degradation testing. Some of these materials were made using the formulation that has become the recommended Strandex PE formulation. Bio-degradation testing was carried out using a protocol developed by the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center. Two areas of concern are relevant to wood based composites exposed to a salt water environment. Fungal decay is of concern in parts of structures that are above water because of the moist conditions and periodic wetting. Marine boring organisms attack wood under water in the marine environment. This is the second area of concern. The recommended Strandex formulation was tested and found resistant to fungal decay in accelerated decay procedures and resistant to attack from marine borers. The marine borer test specimens evaluated after 2 years of exposure did not show any colonization. Because the potential use in piers testing was focused on structural integrity of the composites, aesthetics such as color fade and staining were not addressed by the study.
See Phase 1 Testing/Studies
See Phase 2 Testing/Studies
See blog: Bring Your Boat Dock Back to Life.
Adding a built-in bench to your deck seating area evokes the charm and convenience of a win
dow seat while providing additional seating for family gatherings and entertaining.
You can enhance the cozy atmosphere of your outdoor family room with the addition of a fire pit. If adding to a deck, define the space for your chiminea or fire pit 
and protect your deck by using Latitudes Deck Stones. Available in 16-inch square Smoke slate or Riverstone granite tiles, the deck stones interlock, self-drain, require no mortar and can easily be installed on new or existing conventional wood-framed decks. See Deck Stones installation video.
Lighting is another key element of your indoor family room, and it’s just as important in your outdoor space. Versatile outdoor lighting is not only an important deck safety feature; it can help create the perfect ambiance for evening entertaining. Deckorators recessed deck lighting kits are ideal for building into stairs, step-downs, doorways or wherever else you need ambient lighting.
Another way to create mood with light is by adding solar post caps on your deck railing. Available from Deckorators in glass or metal, these solar-powered post caps can illuminate a rail or fence post while creating a warm, comforting glow.
Create a spa-like feel by incorporating a decorative garden area complete with a water feature. Add plantings that provide a splash of color and fragrance along with functionality. Water features provide a subtle, calming sound and can also help soften unwanted noise caused by roads and other sources. Use various plant types to create space definition, cover from wind and sun or a sense of seclusion and visual privacy. Add a bird bath, like the serpentine jade version from Outdoor Essentials, to get the birds singing.
With just a few simple enhancements and the right accessories, you can turn your outdoor space into an outdoor family room the whole family will enjoy.
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.
Whether your railing is wood, metal, composite or vinyl, you have plenty of options for decorative balusters.
Deckorators pioneered the use of metal balusters and offers the widest array of aluminum balusters in many shapes, styles, colors and sizes. Installing maintenance-free powder coated aluminum balusters on your deck railing system is a great way to add a creative, colorful touch. Deckorators aluminum deck 
balusters are available in several colors and designs and come with a lifetime warranty on the finish.
You can also find glass balusters from Deckorators or Latitudes (for composite decking) — a particularly appealing option for decks with great views (like pool decking or lake view decking), since the glass allows you to enjoy the scenic setting without the visual obstruction of traditional baluster infills.
See this blog on adding decorative railing accessories to your deck.
Just as the kitchen in your house has a clearly defined location for food preparation and cooking, your outdoor kitchen needs one too. If you’re looking to incorporate a kitchen into an existing or new wood or composite wood deck, consider using Latitudes deck stones to define the space. Installation is a breeze and they’re an attractive, stylish way to integrate a natural stone look with virtually any type of decking. Their durability also makes them great around grilling and prep areas.
Everyone loves eating in the kitchen, and this will hold true in your outdoor kitchen as well. Keep in mind that the grill will give off a lot of heat, and for comfort and safety, seating for your dining area should be kept well away from the cooking area. With deck stones defining the cooking area, it will be easier to guide guests to seating where they can watch the action but stay away from the heat.
Consider installing Latitudes deck stones under the eating area as both an accent and for ultra-low maintenance clean up. Built-in bench seating made from wood or composite lumber decking is another good choice for a dining area. When it comes to entertaining, you’ll want your guests to be comfortable, both at the grill and at the table when it’s time to eat.
This is one of the most common concerns homeowners have and for good reason. You want to maintain the great looks of your new deck surface as long as possible, so treat your composite decking with care just like you do with wood floors inside your house. In my opinion, preventive maintenance is the key.
Tips for maintaining a beautiful deck surface:
- Don’t drag heavy furniture over your deck
- Apply pads to the legs of deck furniture
- Use covers under your flower pots and other stationary items
- Add a grease pad / splatter guard under your grill
- In the winter shovel snow off the deck with a plastic shovel
- Clean up spills immediately
- Clean the deck surface 2X a year (once in the Spring)
Use good-ole common sense and care for your wood or composite wood deck and it will look good for many years to come. Latitudes Capricorn and Latitudes Captiva 
co-extruded composite decking helps reduce scratches and virtually eliminates stains as they are capped with a rugged, natural-looking surface layer.
Check out this blog on cleaning a composite deck.
You’ve probably heard the expression “God is in the details.” Well, when it comes to creating a truly unique and beautiful deck design, the right mix of details can create a heavenly result.
Every deck is essentially a blank canvas. Adding design details such as ornamental post caps, decorative balusters and deck inlays, can turn your blank canvas into a custom deck that is a work of art.
Not sure which details will work best for your tastes and design parameters?
Deck design software can help you envision how your deck will look with the addition of certain details. The Deck Visualizer is a free online program that allows you to choose from a selection of scenes and then dress up each with a variety of designer details, such as wood color, railing design, and baluster and post cap accessories.
Designer touches are limited only by your imagination – and creativity in forming combinations. In addition to ornamental post caps and decorative balusters – which we’ve talked about before in this blog – there are many other ways to customize your deck, including:
Deck inlays – A deck inlay can be anything from decorative stone or ceramic tile to a design made up of different colored composite deck boards placed at interesting angles.- Reversible boards – Unlike standard deck boards, Latitudes Intrepid composite deck boards can be placed with either side facing up. Each side has its own unique texture (woodgrain or brushed) and color variance, allowing you to create an interesting design while using just one type of decking material.
- Picture framing – By installing a trim board around a deck, you can give your wood deck surface a unique appearance, and protect plank ends that can deteriorate over time when exposed to the elements.
Hidden fasteners – Strategically placed nails or screws can be incorporated into a deck’s design, but for an ultra-clean look, consider Latitude’s Equator hidden fastener. Concealed below the deck surface, Equator composite deck hidden fasteners fit into the groove on the side of the deck board secured at each joist to eliminate pre-drilling and allow for quick and easy installation, leaving a deck looking smooth and sleek. Installing the right hidden fastener will make your composite deck barefoot friendly.- Recessed lighting – Deckorators recessed lighting kits use compact, ultra-bright, low-volt LED lights to make decks more appealing and accessible after dark. Build them into stairs, step-downs and anywhere you need illumination both for looks and safetypurposes.
- Benches and boxes – Built-ins are a hot deck trend and you can use Latitudes composite decking to build curved composite benches and planter boxes around your deck.
Whether you choose to add just one detail or many, designer touches can truly make your deck one-of-a-kind – and make you feel like you have your own little slice of heaven in your own backyard.
Is this summer your family’s year to finally put in that backyard pool they’ve been dreaming about? Or maybe you already have a pool and you’re looking for a way to make using it an even more enjoyable experience.
Composite pool decking is a great way to enhance the look, appeal and usability of any pool or hot tub. Latitudes composite decking is a great choice, especially around water, as it's slip resistant. Add matching composite pool deck railing, aluminum pool railing from Deckorators or Veranda vinyl pool fencing and you’ve got a great start on your own personal outdoor oasis.
Whether your pool is above-ground or in-ground, the area around it is an important part of how much your family can enjoy their pool. Bare ground could result in some very muddy summers. Concrete or patio pavers can cut the mud but get blazing hot in the summer sun.
Swimming pool decking is a practical and beautiful alternative to other types of around-the-pool landscaping.
When you’re planning your pool deck, keep all the cosmetic details in mind. Doing so will ensure you end up with a backyard feature that looks great and that your family will enjoy for many summers to come.
Check out these blog posts on tips for planning your pool deck:
- Pool Decking: The Sun Factor
- Location, Size and Access for your Pool and Deck
- Pool Deck Safety
- The Right Look for Pool Decking
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