Composite Decking: 12月 2011

2011年12月29日星期四

Plastic Decking Explained, When Compared With the Other Decking Materials

Composite decking is but one selection of modern decking which has been created through extrusion. Its production requires a combination of timber particles and hot plastic mixture,blended with each other with different cool additives. This procedure yields plastic sheeting which can subsequently be trimmed to length. The composite plastic decks are usually trimmed to the dimensions of 16 feet but can always be personalized if ever the client so wants. The actual cross-section regarding the deck board will be determined by the shape in the decking die.

Composite decking features a wide range of advantages more than conventional timber decks the first simply being that decking delivers aesthetic beauty. Without a doubt, decking is built to appear visually pleasing. The fantastic thing about plastic decks is they are usually created to match your home plus they are additionally a incredibly contemporary style. Yet another advantage of decking is its incredible consistency.

It offers a smooth straightness and consistent visual appeal. The finish of these kinds of decks will always be smoother and finer than the ones from wooden decks. Wooden decks can have knot holes and raised grain areas and this is taken away if you choose to make use of decking. decking is also splinter resistant and this is definitely an added advantage in particular when it comes to families with small children. Its incredible uniformity can also be lightly roughened for greater traction as well as surface friction which is often very useful during rainy seasons.

When comparing the plastic decks to the wooden types, you will find that they are much more secure. Timber decking is known to shrink and therefore this is really a key trouble using this type of decking. Alternatively, composite decks are a lot more dimensionally stable than solid wood decks plus they are also made to be shrink protected. Dimensionally, the actual gaps within the decking will remain the same and in place for a long time after the installment.

When compared to traditional solid wood decks, its structure is more durable, because synthetic decks do not cup, warp, twist, or even loosen as it ages, as opposed to solid wood. Plastic decking can also help save the homeowners a lot of money as it doesn't require substantial maintenance on an annual cycle. On top of that, plastic decking is water resistant along with stain resistant and doesn't require sealing.

Should you be environmentally aware, you should think about the fact that plastic decking is actually environmentally friendly. The scientific process that this kind of material undergoes doesn't alter the fact that it's environmentally friendly. This is an eco benefit which homeowners should make the most of. To make plastic decking a lot more environmentally friendly as well as economical, manufacturers also make full use of recycled plastic in the production technique.

Nick Morgan is a specialist if you want more information on decking. To research all the stuff relating to decking, drop by the web presence located at >>> http://ecodek.co.uk

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2011年12月28日星期三

Vinyl Decking Provides the Beauty of a Wood Deck With the Long-Lasting Durability

Vinyl decking is the perfect choice for homeowners planning to erect a deck on their property. Durable and easy to maintain, this decking is worth every penny that you will spend on it, and will make a great addition to your house.

When was the last time you had friends over to your house for a backyard party on your large, beautiful deck? Don't have a large, beautiful deck? Well maybe it is high time for you to seriously consider having a deck built to accommodate those friends.

A deck is perfect for entertaining guests. As an open outdoor structure, a deck offers a more relaxed and comfortable feeling compared to a patio. Also, building a patio off of your house, if you don't already have one, is financially demanding. A deck is a more cost-effective choice than adding a whole new patio.

Before you start contacting professional deck installers, you should consider the various deck materials, particularly the decking or flooring.

Traditionally, American homes have hardwood decking. But there are other alternative materials on the market these days. Vinyl decking is one of the most popular choices for contemporary homeowners across the US.

Why Choose Vinyl Decking?

Long Lasting:

When it comes to building structures, one of our top concerns is durability. And that is what you can expect with vinyl decking. Traditionalists may say that no decking material will last longer than good old wood. Well, sorry to shatter those overflowing nostalgic feelings, but wood is an organic material that is destined to succumb to the elements over time.

When exposed to extreme heat and cold for a long time, wood has the tendency to crack and get deformed. And that will be aesthetically damaging to a deck. Vinyl decking, on the other hand, is made from highly durable synthetic materials that are proven to withstand long exposure to extreme heat and cold. Vinyl decks not crack or get deformed.

Rot Resistant:

Apart from being susceptible from the elements, wood decking is also prone to damage caused by fungi rot. When exposed to air, wood retains moisture. And that is what fungi spores want: an environment with moisture. In time, fungus growth will cause the wood to rot.

Sure, some people will say that wood decking can be treated to prevent fungi-caused rot. It works sometimes. But most of the time, fungi wins. It is just a natural process that is very hard to prevent. With vinyl decking, though, you will not worry about fungi-caused rotting. Vinyl decking is completely synthetic. No fungi will thrive on it.

Cost Effective:

There are some people who say that vinyl decking will cost more than wood decking. The material alone is more, expensive, but because of the lasting wear you get from vinyl over wood decking, vinyl wins in cost hands down. Also, wood decking is difficult to install. You may need to hire a professional to install wood decking, as every board is different, and requires specific techniques. It's kind of like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. With vinyl decking, though, if you have basic carpentry skills, you will not need the help from a professional installer. Vinyl is very easy to install. And if you still choose to pay someone to install it, you should be charged less for installation, as it is much easier to install vinyl decking compared to its wooden counterpart.

When it comes to maintenance costs, vinyl decking offers no burdensome expenses. You do not need to buy special chemicals to maintain the appearance of your vinyl deck. All you need to do is to occasionally clean it with a cloth. No waxes and other costly chemicals needed. With regularly cleaning, your deck would look fresh year in and year out, and you will be ready to invite guests over any time, as long as the weather permits, of course.

Greg has been writing articles for over 4 years. Please visit his latest website about decks and backyards at Vinyl Decking, with information on finding the best Trex Composite Decking and other backyard ideas and discussions that any outdoor enthusiast would be interested in.

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Seven Tips For Making a Small Deck Appear Larger

If you're struggling to fit a cedar or composite deck into a tiny yard, or if you have a small deck you wish looked bigger, you're not alone. During the past century, average American house sizes have grown, while yards have gotten smaller. As a result, more and more homeowners are trying to make the most of minimal outdoor space. Fortunately, by applying a few basic deck design principles, you can easily make a small deck look larger.

1. Landscape with care. The first step is to carefully choose plants and landscaping features that will expand your space.

Avoid clutter. Don't overwhelm a tiny yard with hundreds of blossoms and abundant statuary. Be careful not to go overboard with colors, or they could lend a clownish appearance to your tiny space. Instead, plant blocks or spots of complimentary colors.

Vary height and texture. As you surround your deck with inviting plants, maximize the use of your space by incorporating vertical elements into your deck design. Tall, skinny plants, such as bamboo, draw the eye skyward and make the area feel more expansive. By using contrasting textures, you can add complexity to your landscape without overwhelming it.

2. Emphasize the deck. Instead of planting around your boundary line, surround your deck with appealing plants to make it the focal point of your yard. Use variegated, glossy or compact plants to draw the eye. Keep the area around your cedar deck from becoming overgrown by hacking back overwhelming bushes and trees to allow the open space to shine.

3. Rearrange your deck furniture. Give some extra thought to how your furniture will be situated. A round table goes especially well in the corner of a cedar deck, for example. If your super-sized grill is crowding your deck, consider buying a smaller one or adding a small, off-deck patio for grilling.

4. Add sensual details to create privacy. It can be difficult to make a small space feel separated from the outside world. To create a sanctuary around your deck, activate the five senses with objects such as wind chimes and fountains. Consider adding a trellis or pergola to your deck design to provide a surface for climbing plants to grow into a natural sound barrier.

5. Consider built-in furniture. A bench around the edge of your cedar or composite deck will provide much-needed seating while taking up minimal space.

6. Keep pathways clear. Nothing makes a space feel cramped like having to sidestep ill-placed furniture. Make sure your furniture placement does not block the natural movement within your deck.

7. Choose cool and/or pastel colors. Colors that make a space feel larger include blues, greens, grays, whites and tans. In contrast, warm tones such as ruby make a space appear more intimate. Keep these principles in mind when choosing either the color of your composite deck or a deck stain for your cedar deck.

If you enjoy entertaining outdoors, dealing with a small deck design can be frustrating. However, making a few simple changes to open up the space can often lead to surprising results.

~Colleen Welch, 2010

Discover more tips to help you make the most of your cedar deck design at the Rick's Fencing & Decking website for cedar and composite decks in Vancouver, Tri-Cities, Salem and the greater Portland area.

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2011年12月27日星期二

Steps To SUCCESS In Buying The Most Appropriate Decking Material

The steps to successful buying of any decking material can easily be remembered by using the pneumonic - SUCCESS

S - Start with a clear view of what you are buying and why (consider benefits as well as features).

U - Understand what your own customers really want. It may be different to your opinion.

C - Comparative analysis of alternative materials.

C - Centre your buying activity on customer needs.

E - Educate yourself regarding alternatives.

S - Sincerity is the key to lasting customer relationships; do not try to sell your own prejudices.

S - Start from the beginning each time you buy, whilst remembering to build on previous relationships where value has been obtained.

During the mobilisation phase of any large project it is usual for the project procurement manager to issue procurement procedures specifically for the project well in advance of the first commitment being made. These procedures determine how the vendors will be selected and how awards will be made.

It is usual to state that the cheapest material that is technically acceptable will be procured. This stark requirement process is however in danger of ignoring any special requirements that your customers may have, and it is vital that these requirements should be fully established at an early stage so that SUCCESS can be achieved.

What are the minimum requirements that should be met when selecting decking material?

The following are minimum requirements that the decking material under consideration should meet, in no particular order of priority:

It should be safe for pedestrian traffic
It should be weather resistant and rot free
It should provide value for money and offer good whole life costs
It should be structurally sound and durable
It should be (environmentally friendly), sustainable in production, use and eventual disposal

There are of course a number of other desirable qualities that the decking should possess such as being splinter free, stain resistant and algae resistant (nonporous) but for the purpose of evaluation these other qualities can each be assigned to one of the main categories set out above

How do you ensure client requirements are met?

It is the first duty of the procurement manager to ensure that the client's requirements are met, and within budget. A happy client will be likely to return again and again with repeat business and importantly is likely to recommend the contractors work to other potential clients - thus becoming a salesman for the organisation.

There are four main groups of decking material from which the modern procurement manager can make his selection:

(1) hardwood from, ideally, a sustainable source;

(2) recycled plastic decking;

(3) glass reinforced plastic; and

(4) decking manufactured using wood flour and polyester (composite decking).

Each group has different benefits and disadvantages that can make a balanced evaluation difficult. There are however a number of aids that assist the procurement manager in his duty and these include, published data, technical papers, published test results and articles in trade papers.

Set out below is a comparison between recycled plastic decking and composite decking.

Recycled Plastic Decking

This is typically made from high quality recycled plastic residue mainly from the nutrition and packaging industry. The various constituent plastics are ground, mixed and fused at high temperature and pressed into moulds.

Properties (relevant material characteristics):

Maintenance free - no algal growth
Potential life of 50/70 years
100% recycled input material
Polymeric material is recyclable after use
Does not exude toxic substances
Thermal expansion 0.1mm/m/oC
Fire resistance Class B2 DIN 4102
European manufacture

Composite Material Decking

Composite decking boards can be formed from a mixture of wood flour and ground recycled plastic mixed together with virgin polymer resins and curing agents before being extruded to the required section. If polyester resins are used durability can be compromised.

Properties (relevant material characteristics):

Algal growth can feed on surface wood flour
Life 25 years (10 in extreme conditions)
Resin supplies have high oil demand
Polymer composites discarded after use
Resins & curing agents emit greenhouse gas
Some thermal expansion
Fire resistance Class 3 BS476 Part 7
Often Far East manufacture

What does the information above tell us?

When you compare the properties for recycled plastic and composite decking, it is clear that recycled plastic decking gives better value for money as it requires little or zero maintenance, lasts longer and is actually better for the environment.

When aiming for SUCCESS, more thought has to be given to alternatives to traditional hardwood or composite decking as the impact on maintenance schedules, safety and replacement timetables is huge. Recycled plastic decking is now readily available, and offers better value for money while maintaining a low negative impact on the environment compared to alternatives.

David Croucher is the Managing Director of Plasti Limited, providers of fully recycled industrial plastic products in the marine, building and civil engineering sectors. Plasti products are manufactured using feedstock from approved sources. They are also extremely safe, have very long lives, are environmentally friendly and require zero or low maintenance. This means they have excellent whole life costs when compared to hardwood and composite alternatives.

David's expertise in the specification and design of marine, building and civil infrastructures is recognised within the marine and construction industry. His technical advice and input into projects is highly valued, which is a result of his great experience as a senior procurement leader in complex, global organisations.

For more information about Plasti Limited, please visit http://www.plasti.co.uk.

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Timbertech Decking Provides Protection From Damage to Your Outdoor Structure

Looking for decking for your backyard entertainment area? Does it being fire-proof make a difference to you? Then Timbertech decking might be the best choice for you!

Fire is, no doubt, deadly. More people across the United States have died from fire than all natural disasters combined. As of the latest estimates of the US Fire Administration, 3320 people die annually due to fire accidents, a death rate which is by far higher than yearly casualty rates in the Afghan War.

About 1.5 million fire accidents occur each year. While the mainstream media has the propensity to highlight only industrial fires or raging wild fires, nothing can erase the fact that the vast majority of fire accidents happen in US households. More alarmingly, residential fires account for about 84 percent of all civilian fire deaths.

That is why Timbertech decking will be a great investment for your home. A product of Crane Building Products, Timbertech decking is one of the leading fire-resistant decking in the US. Ever committed to provide quality and safe products, Timbertech engineers have devised sophisticated testing schemes to ensure that their decking will meet requirements of federal and state fire codes.

Timbertech deck products have, for instance, passed the California State Fire Marshal and San Diego County requirements for use in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) areas.

The well-being and safety of our family is more important to us than anything else in this world. And that is what you will get with Timbertech decking. For a reasonable price, Timbertech offers decking that is resistant from fire. With fire-proof decking, you can definitely sleep soundly at night, knowing that your deck will never be a fire hazard.

But protection from fire is not the only thing that you will get with Timbertech. Whether you choose fire-resistant vinyl or composite decking from Timbertech, you will be able to get huge long-term benefits.

Just consider this fact: Timbertech decking does not require costly maintenance. There is no need for you to buy water sealants to keep water and moisture from damaging your decking, as it is built to resist water and moisture. You also will not worry about structural damages that may be caused by termites or fungi: Timbertech's products are immune from those problems.

Plus, you are able to simply clean your decking with the most basic materials: soap, water, and a piece of clean cloth. You will never need to shop for costly cleaning materials or machines. Just plain old water, soap, and cloth will be enough to maintain the integrity of your Timbertech decking for years.

Greg has been writing articles for over 4 years. Please visit his latest website about decks and backyards at Vinyl Decking, with information on finding the best Timbertech Decking and other backyard ideas and discussions that any outdoor enthusiast would be interested in.

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2011年12月26日星期一

Snow Removal: Keeping Your Deck and Yard Clear

A harsh winter has been forecast for the Pacific Northwest this year, which means many homeowners may find themselves shoveling more snow than usual. While it may be tempting to merely shovel a hasty path to the front door and wait for the rest to melt, being proactive about snow removal not only makes your home safer for coming and going, but it can help minimize the storm damage done to your yard.

Following are some guidelines for removing snow from your yard and driveway.

Clearing Pathways

The first concern in any snowstorm is to clear a safe path to your door. Keep in mind, however, that the ultimate goal in effective snow removal is to consolidate the snow in your yard as much as you can. A few things to consider:

-- A good, safe path should have a width of at least 42 inches. This is especially important if children, the elderly or people with wheelchairs or other mobility devices will be using the walkway.

-- Completely clear any sidewalks in front of your home.

-- If conditions become icy, sprinkle some sand along sidewalks and pathways for extra traction.

-- Don't forget to clear a path to the garbage can and any other areas of the yard you may need to reach while you're waiting for the snow to melt.

-- Before you start shoveling, survey your yard and choose a location for dumping the excess snow. It should be in an area you won't need to access for a while, as the piled-up snow will take longer to melt than the rest of your yard. Make sure you aren't piling snow on top of your garden or favorite spring plants.

-- A snow blower can make snow removal vastly easier. These work best when the snow is at least several inches deep. Tune up your snow blower after each big snow to ensure it keeps working as long as possible.

Clearing Your Decking Material

One part of the yard many people forget about in a snowstorm is the deck. While it's magical to look out the window and see drifts piling up on the deck and railings, snow can damage the decking material if left too long. Not only can the weight of snow buildup put added strain on the structure, but the moisture from melting snow can encourage the growth of mold and mildew as well as cause the decking material to rot.

It's a good idea to keep your cedar deck or composite decking material as snow-free as possible. Best practices for clearing snow from your deck include:

-- To avoid damaging your decking material, sweep the snow of with a stiff-bristled broom.

-- If you must use a shovel, choose a plastic one, as metal can scrape or gouge a cedar or composite deck.

-- Shovel along the length of the boards of your deck, not across, and don't use the shovel to chip away at ice.

-- To remove ice from a cedar deck, carefully pour hot water over the ice to help break it up, then sweep away the chunks with an outdoor broom. Lay down some cat litter to prevent additional ice from building up. Avoid using rock salt or de-icers on a cedar deck, as they can ruin the finish and even stain the wood.

-- Rock salt can be used on composite decking material as long as you rinse off the remaining residue once the ice has melted.

Learn more about keeping your decking material snow-free and in top shape this winter by contacting Rick's Custom Fencing & Decking, a premier provider of fencing and decking materials in Washington and Oregon.

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The Five Basic Types of Outdoor Decks - And How to Choose the Best One for You

When you're ready to begin building a new deck, the first thing to ask yourself is what you want that deck to accomplish. Decks can bring your family years of enjoyment, and add value and beauty to your home, but it's rarely a good idea to simply build a deck without a plan in mind, simply for the sake of having a deck on your property. Sure, there are other issues to address - like, what kind of decking material you'll use (whether wood or composite decking), what kinds of plans you'll use, and how you'll fit your new deck (or decks - who knows, right?) in with local zoning regulations. But for right now, it's OK to fantasize about exactly what kind of deck will beautify your home.

So, without further ado, here are The Five Major Types of Outdoor Decks:

Porch Decks. Yeah, that's right - porches are decks. If you'd like to step out of your front door onto a deck that winds its way around to the back door, you might be looking for a porch. These types of decks are best for rural homes, or houses with a lot of land around them. Porch decks give any home a classic Little House on the Prairie feel - only without the horses and lack of indoor heating.

Barbecue Decks. Looking for a place where you can grill steaks without feeling trapped in the kitchen? Barbecue decks have become more popular with the recent grilling renaissance that's swept through American suburbs like a warm front in June. Real wood decking, or some of the woodier-looking composite decking materials, are best for barbecue decks, where you'll undoubtedly want to keep the rustic, outdoorsy tone that comes with these types of decking.

Pool Decks. Well, maybe you don't have a pool yet. But if you get a pool, well, you've pretty much got to build a deck around it, right? (Use this reasoning if your family resists your argument that decks add value and beauty to homes.) Pool decks should be easy on bare feet, so decking with a smooth, satiny surface is your best bet for these kinds of decks. Some decking manufacturers make composite materials specifically designed to be easy on bare feet.

Second-Story Decks. Where is it written that decks can only extend from the ground floor? Nowhere, that's where! Second-story decks are great for parties, and if built right, can double as carports. These are especially attractive in rural mountain homes, where they'll blend well with a hilly landscape.

Free-Standing Decks. As decks go, these are probably the easiest to build, since you don't have to remove siding, attach the decking to your home, or otherwise risk damage to the house itself during construction. Of course, these decks will need structural support on all sides, so it's best to plan carefully.

So there they are: The Five Major Types of Outdoor Decks. But listen close and we'll tell you a secret: There are more than five. The number is limited only by your imagination, carpentry skills, and budget. Try combining ideas from the above list: Maybe you can extend a second-story deck to surround your above-ground pool. Decks can be a wonderful outlet for your creativity, so don't stop at these five. See what you can come up with on your own.

Good luck, and happy decking.

Kevin Ott writes about home improvement projects (like deck construction, basement remodeling and mold removal) and a wide variety of other topics. He writes for dozens of clients, including Sequoia Supply, the premier supplier of decking material in the Northeast.

Visit Sequoia Supply at http://decksupplies.com

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2011年12月25日星期日

Ipe Decking - Creating Your Outdoor Oasis

Do you want a high-end look to complement your home and lifestyle? Are you concerned about chemically treated wood and/or living on the water? You have found your answer in ipe decking. Also referred to as Ironwood and Brazilian Walnut, this species of hardwood is nature's answer to outdoor living. When you consider the alternatives you will see why Ipe is the primary product of choice for outdoor applications such as piers and decks. The composite decking does not have the rich warm look and feel of real wood nor does it have the resistance to mold and fungus of Ipe and as for strength well sawdust and particleboard will never compare to the ipe wood. Ipe will sink when placed in water, it has a fire rating the same as steel and slip resistance that surpasses the minimum required co efficiency of friction standard for commercial applications.

Clients working with custom decor inside the home deserve something of comparable quality outside. More and more consumers are creating an outdoor oasis to compliment their dream home. Ipe is the natural choice without a doubt. The rich brown red color and dense wood resists pests without any chemicals. The tight grains keep the wood from bending or warping. Nothing beats the look and feel of an exotic hardwood like Ipe.

To compare it to a composite is like comparing plastic to marble. Nature has a way of creating all her products in a unique and magnificent manner. Educating yourself on the pro's and con's of different materials used for patios and docks will make the choice an easy one. The extreme humidity of Florida to the dry environments in Las Vegas and Phoenix are just some of the areas of success for Ipe. Couple the material with a professional application using hidden deck fasteners such as the Ipe Clip(R) brand will create the foundation for your vacation hideaway in your own backyard.

Rosi Lehr is a contributing writer for Advantage Trim & Lumber Co.
Ipe Decking

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Tigerwood - Why It's the Best Choice For Wood Decking

Tigerwood also known as Goncalo Alves, Muiracatiara and Brazilian Koa, is rapidly becoming a popular deck choice for many homeowners and contractors. This wood decking species is found mainly in South America and offers a beautiful and totally look. With a remarkable array of rusty orange, amber, and reddish brown hues and dark streaks a deck made of Tigerwood is a real sight to see. Designers and high end consumers rave over the distinguished look and unique coloring and streaks that lend an exotic and striking feel to what might otherwise be the same old look. When you add the many wonderful properties that come with this exotic wood and you have the perfect combination.

Tigerwood lumber has been used for many years domestically in the countries it is found in. It is a recent discovery for the US market that has many contractors and builders excited. With a Janka Hardness rating of 1850, it is over 4 times stronger than California Redwood. This exotic wood is sustainably harvested and available in FSC certified and non FSC certified timber. While all FSC certified wood is more expensive, you can rest assured that with the Lacey Act in place, you are guaranteed a responsibly harvested deck that supports the local environment and assures positive forest practices. There are also custom rails and posts available in this hardwood for a unique and custom application. The finished look of this deck material is surprisingly tropical in feel and creates the atmosphere of your own private oasis.

Tigerwood has many benefits that make it great for outdoor garden decking. It is naturally slip resistant and, thanks to its high density, repels insects. These factors are huge because no pesticides or chemicals have to be added. You also can have peace of mind and no concerns about chemical exposure to your children or family members. Tigerwood decking is also naturally mold and fungus resistant so you don't have to worry when the black spots will appear as plastic decking. The longevity of this wood is well over 25 years without preservatives and can be extended with deck oil finishes. This lifespan exceeds the time that most people will ever stay in their home. It also means that you won't have to remove and replace your deck in 5-7 years. When you compare the cost of it and composite to Tigerwood you will find that it is also one of the least expensive tropical wood decking species for your money.

For you contractors and deck builders out there, this material doesn't require pre-drilling and is very easy to work with. If you have installed other hardwoods, then you know what I am talking about. You won't get a call back about the deck peeling like you can with composite decks and you don't have to worry about environmental concerns as this wood is completely biodegradable. You will have customers that refer you to their friends and family and praise your name because they have a beautiful project no matter what size. Ultimately, when you offer genuine material that will not cause you a headache later and is priced well below other similar deck boards, you can proceed to your deck building project with confidence. With these facts in mind, you can see that Tigerwood decking really is the perfect choice for your home or commercial project.

Rosi Lehr is a contributing writer for Advantage Trim & Lumber Co. Ipe Decking

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Synthetic Decking Materials - A Serious Alternative To Pressure Treated Wood

Today's homes use an abundance of man made materials such as windows, shingles, molding and especially lots of vinyl siding. One area of your home that needs serious consideration in the use of synthetic materials is backyard decking. Man made decking in the form of a composite substance or various plastics have become a good choice and a serious alternative to pressure treated wood. So which material is right for your house in terms of looks, cost and upkeep?

Synthetic decking material made up of plastic resin and wood fibers, called a composite substance is very popular. The appearance of this deck material vary, with some looking like realistic looking wood grain. While others look similar to particle board. This decking material is nearly maintenance free and holds its looks compared to solid wood. Composite decking is known for virtually crack free installation, is mildew resistant and accumulates very little dirt therefore it is easier to clean.

Another type of synthetic deck material is made of plastic or virgin vinyl including PVC and polyethylene made from recycled plastic bottles. This type of synthetic deck material can have a smooth surface and look like cheap patio furniture. While others have a very nice looking wood grain texture. The planks are and almost maintenance free, light weight when compared to resin and wood fiber composite decking material and extremely slip resistant.

Synthetic decking manufacturers are quick to admit that their products are not perfect. But then neither is wood. Planks are made from a variety of trees. The cheapest and most common is pressure treated pine. You will pay more for cedar, redwood and other hardwoods. Wood decking material is prone to cracking and requires regular application of a good protective treatment to maintain its appearance.

When choosing decking materials, know all your options. Shop where you can find the largest selection of Composite Decking planks and stainless Decking Screws, at our new web site http://www.lunchtimeshopper.com. Where you can - Find what you want in 30 minutes or less!

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2011年12月24日星期六

Pressure Treated Lumber For Decks - Alternatives to Chemically Processed Lumber Which May Be Better

The pressure treating process of lumber was invented approximately 70 years ago. ?Up until 2004, the main method for pressure treating lumber was with chromated copper arsenate. ?The main problem realized with CCA treated wood is that arsenic was discovered to leach out from this pressure treated lumber. ?Unfortunately this meant that almost every deck, gazebo, pergola and playground was exposing families to the highly toxic arsenic.

Many proponents and individuals working in the lumber industry have categorically denied that CCA lumber is environmentally safe. ?Claims have also been made that no one has been harmed or experienced any ill effects from CCA treated lumber. ?Fortunately, independent testing and medical records has shown otherwise. ?While the leaching out of toxins can be minimal, major negative health problems have been much higher when CCA lumber has been burned or exposure to sawdust from cutting the pressure treated lumber. ?

While the levels of arsenic which people were exposed to varied, the production of this type of chemical pressure treating was banned in the U.S. and parts of Europe in all residential and general use lumber as of 2004. ?Despite being banned, some old stock can turn up in stores. ?Even though CCA lumber was banned, it is still being produced in some products. ?The exceptions allowed are poles, marine lumber, piles and guard rails.

There are alternatives to using this older pressure treated lumber which have been created. ?ACQ, or Alkaline Copper Quat, is the most prevalent and easily found in home improvement stores for general use carpentry. ?There is a marginal increase in cost of this newer pressure treated lumber, but it does not have the same health risks associated with CCA.

No matter what type of chemical is used to treat the wood, eventually is will begin to break down from exposure to the elements. ?Another alternative to using wood as decking and playground equipment is synthetic lumber. ?One may also hear synthetic lumber go by the term composition decking. ?

Originally, synthetic lumber looked like it was synthetic. ?The quality and appearance of many different brands of synthetic decking are virtually indistinguishable from real wood today. ?Synthetic lumber has different formulas, but are essentially composed of resins, plastics and recycled material. ?The greatest advantage of utilizing synthetic decking lumber is that it is largely impervious to rot and damage from insects. ?The increased durability will also be accompanied by an increase in cost as opposed to using basic pressure treated deck boards.

There are several additional pros and cons to using particular types of synthetic lumber over others. ?Experienced and professional decking contractors should be able to inform the home owner of the important major differences and which type of decking is preferred for the specific climate and region. ?Should the contractor not provide a variety of possibilities; the home owner may need to do additional research.?

Many websites provide additional information on the topic of decking and pressure treated lumber. One such site worth visiting is http://www.paradisedecking.com.

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Dan Elliott independently authors articles for WebDrafter.com, Inc. ( http://www.webdrafter.com ) for search engine marketing. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those solely of the author, and not of any other person, company, or organization. No guarantee or warranty, express or implied, is made regarding the accuracy, fitness, or use of the content herein.

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You Don't Have to Be a Master Carpenter to Build Great Decks

Sure, you could hire a construction crew to come to your home and build your new deck. You could spend a lot of money, put up with the delays, and deal with contractors tromping through your bed of prize-winning begonias.

Or you could do it yourself.

It's not hard. Decks aren't rocket science - mostly, it's a matter of simply finding a good plan and following it closely. Sure, there are codes to follow and guidelines to remember, but as long as you remember a few simple rules of thumb and choose the best decking material, there's no reason you can't build yourself a deck (or - as long as we're instilling confidence - decks).

Of course, decking isn't a project you can finish in an afternoon (unless your deck is going to be two feet by three feet - but decks this small are technically considered large stairs). You'll need to plan extensively, and ask yourself a series of questions about what you'll actually use the deck for, and what kind of decking (whether wood or maintenance-free composite decking) you'll use. The longer you spend in the planning process, the more smoothly construction process will go, so try to anticipate every detail. Pay a visit to your local zoning office to ask what their construction regulations dictate.

All decks have five basic components:

Vertical posts set in a concrete footing. These provide the foundation for your decking.

Horizontal beams set on the posts.

Joists between those beams, to distribute the weight of the deck.

Decking material, whether wood or composite, laid over the joists - this is the part you'll walk on.

Railings, typically at least three feet high, around the edges of the deck.

There are a variety of decking plans to peruse online, many of which are free (those that aren't free are inexpensive). Give yourself a couple of hours with a cup of tea and a search engine to find the plan that's best for your home.

Decks can be any shape you want them to be, so don't limit yourself to 90-degree angles. Of course, a more complicated building plan will entail more work and invite more potential complications, so be sure to work within your means.

Remember also that decks can have multiple levels - this is especially true of pool decks and decks built on sloping ground. Some decks even look like balconies, extending from the upper floor of a home. Remember that decks that rise more than about four feet from the ground are usually required to have reinforced bracing to prevent swaying and buckling; check with your local zoning office for details.

With a little research, a lot of planning, and plenty of elbow grease (and maybe a little help from friends and family), there's no reason you can't build your own great deck at home. So get to it!

Visit Sequoia Supply at http://decksupplies.com

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Ipe the Proven Leader in Decking

Many people have never heard of ipe decking let alone have any idea why they would want to look at it. This hardwood is very recently being used more by residential users as commercial applications have been utilized for years. Little was known as milling was difficult and transport expensive. Now with technological advancement in equipment and more transportation venues the costs are competitive with the composite industry and sometimes less. Decking is an investment and does increase the value of your home. For that reason alone you want to find out why Ipe is the proven leader for all your outdoor decking needs. Now let find out a little more about what it is.

Ipe is an exotic hardwood originating mainly from South America but also from Central America and Caribbean. This decking is so dense that no chemicals are needed to repel insects and it also is mold and fungus resistant. The janka hardness is over 3600 compared to California redwood at 420, 8 times the strength. Ipe has the same fire rating as concrete and steel for flame spread. Naturally slip resistant, this deck has a life span of over 40 years without UV inhibitor. With UV inhibitor, the life span of Ipe is over 100 years so no need to replace in your lifetime and your kids can enjoy it through their adult years as well.

There are questions in reference to the environment and concerns over the future of the forests. There are companies such as Advantage Trim & Lumber that only purchase from reputable companies that practice responsible forestry. FSC certified lumber is also available for the more discriminating clients, architects and designers. This allows you to have a paper trail from the actual forest where it was cut to the final destination from where you purchased. Responsible forestry includes cutting down only older trees that no longer bear fruit and replacing with two or more young trees that have the space and time to grow. Selective areas are chosen and land is retained for forestry rather than burnt down for agricultural cash cropping or cattle grazing. This is what will help us save our future forests and prevent the land being used for other sources.

Now let's take a quick look at the competitive products. Pressured treated decking has been the most popular and least expensive but in the long run has to be replaced in as little as 5-10 years depending on how often it is sealed and the out gassing of chemicals is a detriment to your health and environment. Composite decking has a terrible history of warping, molding, staining, flaking, and delaminating. Warranties have not been honored in the past and now are being written with verbage to exclude labor to reinstall. Lawsuits are mounting and new products are yet to be tested.

I hope this has answered your basic questions about why Ipe is a proven deck leader. This product was chosen on such commercial applications as Miami boardwalk and Atlantic City Boardwalk for good reason. Do it once and do it right the first time as the saying goes. No one wants to pay to rip out and re-install a deck but rather enjoy their time with family and friends on their new outdoor oasis.

Rosi Lehr is a contributing writer for Advantage Trim & Lumber Co. Please visit her for all your lumber and decking needs.
Ipe Decking

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Stop! Read This Before Building Your New Deck

No matter what the housing market looks like, adding a deck to your home is an almost foolproof way to improve its value. Even in today's uncertain climate, decks can add as much as (and sometimes more than) 75 percent of the cost of their construction (including decking, railing and other materials) to the value of your home. A deck can add square feet of floor space to your home, and looks great during the dime tour. Decking can be a great summer home improvement project, and the result is a great spot for you to relax with family and friends.

The first step in any decking project should be a phone call to your municipal coding office - often, local zoning boards set guidelines as to how broad or high a deck can be, as well as how deep builders may sink post holes. Thankfully, zoning boards rarely (if ever) set guidelines as to what kinds of decking materials homeowners may use, so don't feel pressured to go with one material over another.

Before designing , you'll also need to ask yourself some questions about what kind of deck you want. What will its primary uses be? Which doors will exit from your home onto the deck itself? Can you build a diverse deck that will be as useful in winter as it is in summer? Consider the placement of your deck in relation to any trees you might have near it - trees provide shade, but if they're too close they can litter a deck with leaves, berries and twigs.

Composite wood decking products -- as opposed to wood -- are maintenance-free, meaning there's no need to treat your deck with cleaning products or wood sealants. But even the most scientifically advanced decking planks won't keep the trees in your backyard from dumping leaves, berries and bird wastes on your deck. What we can do, however, is prevent the scratches and stains that come with those types of litter. Many types of composite decking feature dense, stain-free surface grains that resist scratching. All that's left for you to do is sweep your deck up and hose it off.

When you build your deck, be sure to create firm, level foundations to allow plenty of room for drainage (particularly if you're using wood decking, which is more vulnerable to standing water). Most decking products on the market resist rot and decay, but if you don't keep your deck a sufficient height from the ground, you could end up standing in a puddle if a heavy rain comes along.

Finally, make sure your deck is a good visual and aesthetic match with your home. The wood and composite wood decking materials come in a broad variety of colors, grains and patterns, so it should be easy to find the right complement to your home.

Kevin Ott is a freelance copywriter who lives in California and writes on a variety of topics, including home improvement, food, travel, marketing, and a variety of other topics. One of his clients is Sequoia Supply, the premier supplier of composite wood decking material (to both contractors and do-it-yourself homeowners) in the Northeast.

Visit Sequoia Supply here:

http://www.decksupplies.com

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This article is about Trex Transcend? Decking. However I have decided to include my experience on a host of other composite type decking so you might use this information as a handy reference in your selection of the best valued product for your next project.

Transcend? decking is a member of the newest generation of man made products. I often refer to it as a hybrid since it has combined the best properties of composite decking with the best properties of the new PVC decking products. Let me first touch on the features and drawbacks of these other two products and then I will explain why I believe this new Transcend? product is a best value.

First let's talk about composite decking since it has been around the longest. Composite is just what the name implies, depending on the product it is a combination of wood fiber and recycled plastic. A couple of great examples are the Trex Origins? and Brasilia? products. Composite products are very durable and they have made great improvements to the finishes and colors as exemplified in these two products. However the most common drawback or complaint I hear from my clients is in regard to the issues of fading and staining. These are common problems inherent to all composite products because of the fact that a large part of the material makeup consists of wood fiber. Wood fiber is porous and thus more likely to absorb stains. Because of its porous nature it is also more likely to give up some of its color over time and appear faded. While neither of these issues affect performance or overall durability of the product they do detract from the appearance, and after all you are spending a lot of money on a beautiful looking deck.

This brings me to the subject of PVC decking. PVC products like TimbertechR XLMRPlank are considered by many to be the answer to the issues of fading and staining. Because of their material makeup they are sealed on the exterior with a harder less porous PVC shell. As a result TimbertechR puts a 25 year limited residential warranty on this product. The downsides to PVC are its price as it tends to be on the upper tier of product cost and in my opinion its appearance, as most products I have dealt with directly still have a rather plastic or unnatural look.

Now that we have touched on the basic differences between composite and PVC let's take a more in depth look at why I feel Trex Transcend? Decking is the best value on the market today. Transcend? combines the cost effective technology of composite core with a tough durable stain and fade resistant outer shell of PVC on the top and two sides of each plank. I went to a very informational training session on this product line recently and the presenter started the session by laying three pieces of decking on a sheet of plastic then pouring ketchup, mustard, Italian dressing, and red wine in a large glob on the planks. We proceeded to cover topics on why this product was so different and installation practices related to the product for the next hour. At the end of the hour we all gathered around the sample and watched him clean everything up with just a water soaked towel. No stains, no discoloration, and best of all, No scrubbing to get it clean. The best part is that with all the value added durability this product is typically priced well under any true PVC product and is actually priced around the price of a good composite making it one of the best values on the market. Did I mention that it also comes with a 25 year limited warranty against staining and fading in residential applications?

Also for those of you who want to Keep it Green, Trex is made of 95% recycled materials, including plastic shopping bags, reclaimed wood and sawdust so Trex saves around 600 million pounds of plastic and wood scrap from landfills every year.

So there you have it, if a new deck is in your future I believe you owe it to yourself to research all your options but pay special attention to the question of how will the products you select hold up to the two biggest deck complaints today, staining and fading.

If you found this article helpful please drop me a note. I am looking for questions to create more in depth articles on this topic or ideas for other related article topics. You can keep up on all my work by checking out my site blog listed below.

Read more about Deck and Patio Design as well as Indoor Living Outdoors through my web site and research.

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