Composite Decking: Outdoor

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2012年9月11日星期二

Types of Outdoor Decks

These days there are many types of decking materials available on the market. Purchasing a deck involves making some important decisions like choosing the material and selecting the overall size and appearance of the deck. People interested in designing a deck or having a deck built will be aware of the many kinds of decking material available to choose from. Decking may be an expensive outlay but it will add value and charm to a family home. When choosing decking products, you should look at the kind of decking components you prefer, you may want to also take into consideration how long that deck components will last for as well as the maintenance that the various different decking materials require. Deciding on the best material will help ensure the decking for your property is a good investment decision for the future. When choosing a deck there are many factors to consider, such as your budget, style of your home, style of your neighbors homes and outdoor areas. People in different areas will choose different types of decking due to the availability and cost of materials and the weather conditions.

Natural stone Decks

This is an option for individuals who want to construct a spectacular and classic patio. Stone decks look remarkable. The slabs are not as heavy as you may imagine, this is a very tough and durable material. In Australia stone decking is somewhat expensive and difficult to transport. People in Brisbane who want a stone patio would usually contact a paving company as opposed to a deck builder, and may work in conjunction with a builder to build the roof over the stone deck.

Preserved Soft Wood Decks

Decks created from pressure-treated pine can last for several years if the surface is properly cared for, but no matter how often a preserved pine deck is treated, pressure treated lumber can still warp. Wood obtained from older pine is less likely to bend and distort than wood taken from younger trees. Regardless of the age of the wood it can still warp, when exposed to extreme heat, rain and general weathering. Brisbane has a tropical climate with very warm and damp conditions throughout much of the year making wood decking increasingly less popular. Wood decking may not be suitable for Brisbane homes especially if the deck is to be uncovered.

Hard Wood Decks

Hard wood decking material is a fantastic option for those people who can afford the luxury this decking material gives. Hardwood still needs to be treated but is much more durable than pine and other soft woods. Hardwood is expensive and often imported due to deforestation restrictions.

Timber Hybrid Decks

Wood composite is often used for decking timber; this is a combination of wood fiber and plastic. This material is gaining in popularity as it is very durable and has a similar texture to real wood, the synthetic component makes this material really simple to clean and it will not absorb any moisture. It is an attractive material that should not warp or split. Despite the fact that timber composite decking is a lot more costly than pressure-treated wood, it's well worth the cost. Timber composite deck materials last longer than timber. Assuming wood composite decking material is something you can afford, it is an outstanding option for any outside area.

Vinyl Decks

The look and feel of vinyl is similar to wood. Vinyl decking is trouble free and easy to own, it can handle a lot of abuse and is a great choice for families with children. Vinyl deck material is easy to mop, and it's available in many textures and colours. People often choose Vinyl because it does not get hot to the touch under the sun, making this a particularly good choice for home owners in hot climates.

QHI http://www.qhi.net.au Brisbane decking company based in Tingalpa. QHI has over 50 years of combined experience building decking, extensions, renovations, patios, awnings and other types of home improvements in Queensland. QHI specialise in building decks in Brisbane. Types of decking include, hard wood, soft wood, composite and vinyl. QHI's blog site can be found at http://www.decksbrisbane.com

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2012年9月2日星期日

How to Maintain and Maximize the Usefulness of Your Outdoor Composite Deck

A deck next to your house is a real added bonus and one that you can't very easily do without once you get used to having it. They have a load of different uses when it comes to summer fun one of which I think each of us has had a time or two; a good old summer BBQ.

There is no doubt, decks can be fun, but that is not as far as decks go. They are an added value to your home that can't be beat by most other additions of the same cost, but for the average home owner the deck's value goes way beyond money. It becomes part of the family as an entertainment area and a place where we all gather to bond.

Now, a place that has so much meaning will also need care or it will be gone before you can even think twice. Deck care is a simple process that needs to be done from time to time to keep it in its pristine condition.

Though not all decks are made of the same material each has its own set of maintenance issues. Composite decks are low maintenance and require a lot less work than a conventional wood deck. Since they don't crack, warp, or shrink and don't turn black due to sun damage. You don't need as intense a cleaning and repair work as you would on your wooden deck.

But they do get dirty and will require cleaning each year to keep them looking new. Though, if you do forget to clean it for a couple of years it is quite forgivable. Composite decks main problem area is organic matter getting between the boards and causing mold and mildew to form.

It is quite easy to clean using a knife or spatula to loosen it up and washing it out with the garden hose. Another great method to clean composite decks is using a pressure washer. Opposed to a wood deck pressure washers work great for composite decks because you need not worry about blasting out the softer wood grain.

A nice clean deck can go a long way, but it still needs to be accessorized to make it that beautiful outdoor place you can enjoy. Some well placed potted plants and a dining set with an umbrella to keep the sun off you is really great. Then accentuating it with some well spaced lighting will make it the perfect place to entertain even after dark.

Come visit my site for your low voltage LED outdoor lighting needs or spruce up your night life with some outdoor deck lighting so you can entertain your friends well into the night.

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2012年8月23日星期四

Trex Composite Decking Brings Beautiful Durability to Your Outdoor Living

Tired of the artificial look of many alternative wood decks on the market? Well, why not try natural-looking Trex composite decking?

For centuries, wood has been the favored decking material across the globe. Nowadays, though, manufacturing wooden decks has a big dilemma: destruction of hundreds of acres of forests. Because of the numerous negative effects of deforestation, many homeowners nowadays are looking for alternative decking materials.

For years, vinyl decking has been the top alternative decking material. Manufacturers advertise vinyl decking as an inexpensive solution for homeowners who are reluctant to use wood decking. And it is really true. Compared to hard wood, vinyl decking is inexpensive.

But there is one really huge downside with vinyl: appearance. Sure, a vinyl deck is very affordable, but it is not really aesthetically appealing. Manufacturers have yet to refine the art of making vinyl decks that appear real and elegant. Just take a look at vinyl decking at any local home improvement store, and you will see that it really does look kind of artificial. It pales in comparison with real wood decking in terms of appearance.

Fortunately, there is the Trex Company. One of the largest makers of wood-alternative decking in the country, Trex provides nature-loving homeowners the best decking material on the market. With Trex composite decking, homeowners will get that natural elegance that is usually offered only by real wood.

Made from recycled plastic and waste wood, Trex composite decking is one of the most eco-friendly alternative decking materials for homeowners across the US. Unlike vinyl decking, Trex composite decking has that wood-like elegance that many homeowners desire.

And that is not the end of it. There are other rewarding benefits that you can get with Trex composite decking. One very huge advantage of Trex decking is that it can offer homeowners more options on enhancing the look of their decks. Why is that so? Well, this decking can be molded and shaped to fit personalized needs--and that comes without much hassle or expense.

Another great thing with Trex decking is that it can be kept in good condition with minimal maintenance. Unlike pure wood decking, you do not need to apply water-proofing sealants to it: This Trex material is built to be water and moisture resistant.

There will be no need for you to purchase special cleaning equipment or chemicals. You can just use basic cleaning materials to maintain the integrity of your Trex composite deck. All you need to do is regularly clean it with soap and water.

What about treatment for termite and fungal damage? Well, that is not necessary with Trex composite decking. Although it is partly made from wood, Trex has designed special manufacturing techniques that make their finished composite decking unappealing for termites and fungi.

But will your Trex deck last long? The answer to that is a big YES. Trex products are designed to resist the elements. However cold or hot the weather gets, rest assured that this decking will not crack or splinter. And that comes without application of special sealants or other coatings.

Durable, low maintenance, and natural-looking, Trex composite decking simply has the perfect qualities that homeowners want with alternative decking. Get Trex decking and give yourself a wonderful deck, and at the same time, help preserve the well-being of our environment.

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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2012年7月6日星期五

Easily Increase The Enjoyment And Usable Space For Your Home By Adding An Outdoor Deck

People are moving their living area to the outside. The beauty of

nature is enticing home improvement geared to creating outside

living spaces. These beautiful outside spaces include decks,

porches and sunrooms. The extension of the living space to outside

areas has increased over the tremendously over the last decade.

People are creating spaces for relaxation and entertaining their

friends while enjoying nature. The living area is moving beyond the

traditional four walls of the home to include outside living areas

that in case of decks have no walls.

In a recent issue of Remodeling Magazine, the consensus among

homeowners was that a deck provides more value to a home.

"The 2005 Cost vs. Value Report," reported a deck addition recoups

more than 90 percent of the project cost upon resale.

People choose decks to enhance the value of the home but also to have

a place to celebrate the best of outdoor living. The beautiful

greenery, soft breezes experienced from a deck represent the epitome

of outdoor enjoyment. A deck adds beauty and privacy to your yard.

Choosing to build a deck in your outdoor space will add character to

your house and entice your family to spend more time with nature.

Homeowners can incorporate their own personal style into the selection of decking materials and add customized amenities. There are so many varieties of decking material that the homeowner can fit the deck to the style of the house. The deck can blend into the natural surroundings or be a stand alone covered deck in the back yard

The materials for the deck can be made from redwood, cedar, cypress,

or any number of new treated composite materials, Redwood is the

premiere deck material, Redwood decks are beautiful and durable.

Redwood is one of the more expensive materials among the natural

woods.

Some homeowners choose to reduce their cost by combining redwood

with cedar a less expensive wood for the framing and use redwood

for the actual decking. Cedar is resistant to rot and is also very

durable. Cedar costs about 20 percent less than redwood but requires

a sealer to prevent discolorations.

The materials you select for your deck are important. The materials

will determine more than just appearance. The choice of materials

will determine the cost. The materials will can influence how long

the deck will last. Other considerations include the durability and

the amount of maintenance required.

Decking can be expensive, so understanding the various materials

and their maintenance requirement is crucial to making a

cost-effective decision. Before purchasing the material,

you will want to define the function of the deck.

1) Is this going to be a hang out place for you and your friends

2) How much maintenance are you prepared to do?

3) Is this a place for family gathering?

4) Are you using the deck for extended floor space?

5) Are long are you planning to stay in your house?

The style of the deck can be as diverse as the material you choose.

The style of the deck can vary from a simple basic desk to an extreme

deck project involving excavation to create a multi- level deck with

a waterfall, or an outdoor kitchen or a There are reinforced deck

built to surround a spa or swimming pool. The choice of styles is

almost endless

Visit the local lumberyard so you can research the various material

up close. Ask questions concerning the use of natural wood versus

composite materials. . Choosing the right materials and style to fit

the function of the deck will create an outdoor space for the

enjoyment of your friends and family for years to come.

Interested in more valuable information on wood deck plans [http://www.deck-plans-and-designs.com/Articles/Wood_Deck_Plan.php], swimming pool decks, deck railings, deck contractors and deck drainage systems [http://www.deck-plans-and-designs.com/Articles/Deck_Drainage_System.php] then please visit Deck-Plans-And-Designs.com

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2012年7月4日星期三

Deck Planters For Creating Flowered Beauty In Outdoor Living

Bucking the "composite" trend where outdoor decks use synthetic material tread stock, glass deck railing and solar deck lighting, decorative deck planters give 3-season cultivated growing of flowers, herbs or other plants for easy back door access and everyday enjoyment.

What's The Right Look? Choices Galore. Deck planters and deck planter boxes run the gamut of shapes...colors...patterns...materials options...and sizes. Cast aluminum urn planters with full fluted decorative panels compete with intricately molded concrete planters...copper planters...ceramic terra cotta planters in every imaginable shape, size and color. Positioning? Larger deck planters, perfect for flowers, herbs, even small trees have just the right mass to stay put, or smaller deck planters can be screwed into your deck for a semi-permanent fit. Alternatively, deck railing planter designs are sized to complement typical 4in. to 6 in. deck railing systems. Fitments and installation? Easy, with spacer and tensioning hardware.

Self Watering Planter. Trying to keep up with a plant's thirst needs is no longer a chore or a mystery. New generation self watering planter designs "draw" water from the water reservoir along soil tubes to directly replenish the water needs of plant roots. Keep the water reservoir full...walk away...and your self watering planter does all the "heavy lifting".

Deck Railing Planters. Getting flowers and other plants off the deck and into better sight line...plus creating a more dynamic design "finish" to your outdoor deck is simple, using latest best-of-breed deck rail planter designs. Installation of most deck railing planters is simple...spacers and toe-anchor locking mechanisms are one of many straight-forward techniques to safely secure your planter box. Materials? Wood...ceramic and terra cotta planters ...vinyl...composite...concrete planter designs...even copper planter designs along with cast aluminum planters.

Classic Urn Planter. Classic clay pot planters, shaped in the Grecian urn design tradition, extend their popularity into their 4th millennium. Wide base with hourglass sensuous shaping, along with fluted decorative panels, urn planters offer the best in elegant looks and ease-of-positioning anywhere on your deck. Traditionally shaped urn terra cotta planters recreate the look and ambience of ancient Mediterranean culture. Soft rusted-earth color tones or hard-glazed bold patterned urn planters are offered in heights over 36 inches.

Design Tips For Watering And Care. Varieties on the self watering planter include individual watering balls, suspended on a shaft that you insert into the planter box soil. Result? Your deck planter box waters itself! The natural "drawing" action of the plants will pull the water into the plant's root system.

Learn More About Deck Planter Boxes, Self Watering Planters, Deck Railing Planters And More To Enhance Outside Living.

Please go to the following links for the latest in deck planter designs for outdoor living.

Deck and Patio Planters: http://www.wise4living.com/hgdeck/patio-planter-hanging.htm

Decks: http://www.wise4living.com/hgdeck/

Author Robin Derry is publisher for http://www.wise4living.com/ a specialty knowledge site that gives insights and solutions on outdoor deck planter box designs, deck lighting solutions, outdoor deck railing ideas, advice on building deck stairs, home and gardening projects such as decks and deer fencing, plasma and LCD TV stand design trends, wall mount and TV ceiling mount systems, HDTV and home entertainment systems, specialty academic camps, auto tire and wheels technology trends, medical spas, technology trends, unique gift designs, technology gifts, tips for families committed to youth summer camps, body health, household, sport, travel, footwear, education, spendthrift trusts and family law legal needs, and much more.

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2012年6月21日星期四

Decking Boards - The Ground Floor to Outdoor Living

Outdoor patio decks are great assets to any home during the warm days of spring, and the hot days of summer. However, they can be more of a chore than a benefit for some. Usually, the outdoor decks that are made of wood can deteriorate if not treated at least annually.

This is because wood has a tendency to rot, warp, crack and twist. Some newer solutions can cut down on the time required to maintain an outdoor deck. Decking boards are made of several different types of materials. Untreated wood, pressure treated wood and composite are among the most popular. For those who are planning on building a new deck, the choices can be confusing.

Traditional decking boards that were made of wood, usually had to be painted and then waterproofed. These were generally redwood boards that were sold untreated from lumber yards. They required a bit of carpentry skill to fashion correctly. Many forms of decking boards today are prefabricated and sized for a more user-friendly installation. These boards are typically made of pressure treated wood, composite or vinyl. There are even cedar wood boards that are pretreated and sized as well.

The outdoors decks and patios of today are much more sophisticated than they were in years past. However, some of the newer materials can become problematic over time. Composite materials were designed to be lower maintenance, but have turned out to require much more care than some wood based decks might.

This is because they have a tendency to fade and actually weaken over time. Pressure treated wood often takes on an artificial appearance that can be the source great disappointment for some homeowners who have used it. Vinyl is rapidly becoming a popular choice due to its ability to mimic the look of wood and for its high strength and durability.

Decking boards are taking on a more modern and environmentally friendly tone. Today's materials are much easier to install and some require very little maintenance. However, consumers would be wise to do their research in finding the most cost effective decking board materials that are high in quality, and aesthetically appealing.

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2012年6月8日星期五

Types of Outdoor Decks

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2012年6月4日星期一

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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2012年5月19日星期六

How to Maintain and Maximize the Usefulness of Your Outdoor Composite Deck

Come visit my site for your low voltage LED outdoor lighting needs or spruce up your night life with some outdoor deck lighting so you can entertain your friends well into the night.

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2012年5月10日星期四

Trex Composite Decking Brings Beautiful Durability to Your Outdoor Living

Tired of the artificial look of many alternative wood decks on the market? Well, why not try natural-looking Trex composite decking?

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2012年3月5日星期一

Building Deck Steps Now That Outdoor Entertainment Season Has Arrived

Planning a summer barbeque...reading a great book out on your new or remodeled deck...creating a new season tan have gotten easier and classier with the New Age materials available for building deck stairs that deliver a design statement plus create value for your home and property.

Cool Contemporary Trends In Materials For Building Deck Stairs. When is a step not merely a step? Answer? When it's designed into a larger deck and entertainment area for every day use along with entertaining friends. No longer a "tag-along after thought" for a deck, deck stairs and deck stair railing systems create robust design statements...materials include traditional wooden deck steps such as pressure treated lumbers or more expensive but durable Western cedar...eco-friendly long lasting composite decking in subtle earth tones...and even high density vinyl.

How To Build Deck Stairs. All good, and all great deck step designs...especially when the "finished look" will be architect inspired with a textured composite and color-balanced material...rely exclusively on the quality of the support structure. Here, you and your builder are thinking about how to build deck steps supported by concrete support pads, structural timbers such as 2 in. X 12 in. pressure treated "stringers", anchor bolts, hangar and joist support hardware brackets, 16 in. center tread support studs, and of course laser-sighted layouts to determine pitch and angles so that each stair is level and "true".

Deck Stair Plans. Do-it-yourselfers can obtain remarkable and detailed deck stair plans online...from "big box" hardware and building supply retailers or local builders and architects. To design deck stairs, you'll need some form of PC-based cad program, in order to model different design iterations...adjusting width, height or rise or considering graduated width or even spiral deck staircase layouts. Look for programs, or service providers who can input your raw dimensional data...work up a complete bill of materials, from lumber lengths to deck screws...and then create a number of design "looks" for you to consider. Take your time. Decide slowly.

Deck Spiral Staircase. When building deck stairs and you want to make a huge visual impact, here's where the unusual wrap-around effect of spiral deck stairs becomes a design option. The positive argument says you'll create the same deck access, long life and load carrying capability plus you're adding seriously cool looks which may translate into improved home values. The less sanguine argument states that you'll find someone who has a physical difficulty or even a certain mental hang-up about approaching a deck spiral staircase, and of course seriously large objects (think huge grills, furniture, pianos, a team of Sumo wrestlers) generate difficult access-use problems.

Deck Stair Railing Systems - A World of Choice. No longer rough milled logs strung up outside Lincoln's Illinois cabin, modern decks get incredible finishing treatment options including metal deck railings (think steel, alloys)...cable deck railings (think thin-profile high strength steel safety cables held taut between upright posts)...or ultra-modernist see-through safety glass deck railings. Safety tip: check with your town's building code to learn about deck stair railing "code" requirements...spacing and layout which reduces risk of accident to you or guests or delivery guys.

Find Out More About Deck Stair Designs, Materials And What?s Necessary For Building And Installing Deck Stairs.

Please go to the following links for the latest in deck stairs and deck stair design strategies for your outdoor living space.

Deck Stairs: http://www.wise4living.com/hgdeck/stairs-steps.htm

Decks in general: http://www.wise4living.com/hgdeck/

Author Robin Derry is publisher for http://www.wise4living.com/ a specialty knowledge site that gives insights and solutions on building deck stairs, home and gardening projects such as decks and deer fencing, plasma and LCD TV stand design trends, wall mount and TV ceiling mount systems, HDTV and home entertainment systems, specialty academic camps, auto tire and wheels technology trends, medical spas, technology trends, unique gift designs, technology gifts, tips for families committed to youth summer camps, body health, household, sport, travel, footwear, education, spendthrift trusts and family law legal needs, and much more.

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2012年2月6日星期一

Outdoor Living With Wire Deck Railing and Its Counterparts

A good number of people enjoy the thought of outdoor living because it is just wonderful. It is undeniable that even if you are not a fan of the great outdoors, it has a certain magic that draws you into liking it in a particular way.

Patios, terraced spaces, decks, these are some of the main areas that connect the outside world with the indoors. Considering decks, home owners with beautiful surroundings decide to have a deck built around the house or in strategic sides of the building. There are myriad choices when it comes to deck designs and there are also various deck railing types that match the architectural style of a residence.

A deck is an extension of a house, outside, and choosing the right style and the right deck railing is an investment for keeps. It can augment the value of a home in real estate or plainly be a nice addition to the property. Whether an old deck that needs railing updates or a non-existent deck that would soon be constructed, the home renovation industry experts are available for you.

Many satisfied house owners claim that a wire deck railing is the best choice for those who love their view of nature. It is easy to build and a good investment for the type of cable used now lasts a long time. But there are also various types of deck railing offered in the market.

* Composite deck railing

Made of mixed materials, manufacturers have produced this type to match various flooring designs and provide clients with different colors.

* Glass deck railing

The glass used for this type of railing is safe-tempered and impervious to shattering, the borders are refined to prevent handlers from accidental cutting. Glass deck railings help preserve the view and protect people, especially children from falling off. This type is available in tinted glass.

* Metal deck railing

Coated steel or aluminum is typically selected for this type of railing. When aluminum is chosen for instance, the material is usually sawed to match a customer's required design. Metal rails are generally mounted by bolting them into the frames and to attain a powerful link, frame block is constructed to provide a stable foundation.

* Wire deck railing

Deemed as one of the best types of its own, the wire deck railing's cables are not easily noticed which makes the house dwellers have a full unblocked view of the landscape. Corrosion and fire resistant, this type looks its best in modern style residences. Aluminum and stainless steel are a few of the cable materials used. Installers properly stretch and secure the wires, following the rigid International Residential Code (IRC) strictly.

* Privacy fence or wall

Privacy is the primary reason behind installations of this type. Having a view of the landscape but keeping private moments from the neighbor's eyes is assured by the privacy fence or privacy wall. Fence planks or lattice are just two of the material components of this railing type.

Now living with the outdoors can definitely be enjoyed with the home improvement innovations that can be applied in the safety of one's home minus the hassle of leaving home.

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2012年1月28日星期六

How Deck Rails Can Transform Your Outdoor Living Space

There are many ways to personalize a deck, but one of the most visually stunning is to include unique or custom handrails. The handrails are one of the most visible parts of any deck, and these days, there are more deck rail options for consumers than ever before. Here's a look at the differences between some of the various handrail options on the market

Glass Handrails

If you have an amazing view you want to show off from your deck, glass handrails can help you do that. A glass deck rail system includes panels of glass held in place by aluminum, vinyl or wood. The transparent glass won't block your view of the surrounding landscape, but it will help block the wind and make your deck more comfortable, which is why glass handrails are popular for coastal homes.

Aluminum Handrails

Aluminum handrails are robust yet lightweight, which makes them a good, durable choice for areas that might see some rough wear. Not only is aluminum virtually maintenance free--it won't rot or corrode when exposed to moisture--but it's easily customizable to match the style of your home.

Cable Handrails

Cable handrails consist of stainless steel cable suspended between wood or aluminum posts. Not only do they require minimal maintenance, but they have a sleek, subtle look and are nearly invisible when viewed from the side. Like glass handrails, cable handrails won't obscure the view from your deck. Because of their ability to make small spaces more open, cable handrails are ideal for small cedar decks and balconies.

Vinyl Handrails

Vinyl handrails are a durable, low-maintenance option. They're resistant to scratching, fading, insect infestations and cracking, and they stand up well in wet climates like the Pacific Northwest. Vinyl handrails come in a variety of colors, allowing you to accent your deck by matching your handrails to the color of your home.

Composite Handrails

Composite deck rails combine the natural beauty of wood with the durability of plastic. They're a popular choice among homeowners seeking the warm appearance of wood without the regular maintenance. Often made from recycled materials, composite handrails are a sustainable, long-lasting option that won't fade or weaken in extreme weather.

Wood Handrails

When it comes to cedar decks, wood is the most commonly used handrail material. Its strength and natural appearance have made it a timeless favorite among homeowners. Wood can be cut into unique shapes, or it can be mixed with other materials, such as glass or aluminum. Unlike other types of handrails, wood deck rails can be stained or painted to achieve any color you desire. However, they do require regular maintenance and must be restained at least every few years.

Customized deck rails can add a dash of sophistication to your deck and make your property stand out from the rest of the homes in your neighborhood. With such a variety of materials to choose from, you can achieve just about any look you desire.

~Colleen Welch, 2010

Interested in making your deck stand out? Check out photos of our contemporary glass, cable and aluminum handrails to see how they can enhance your deck or balcony at Rick's website for composite and cedar decking in the Pacific Northwest.

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Outdoor Decks - Choosing The Right Materials

The materials and finishes that we use on the interior of our homes require cleaning and occasional maintenance; we dust, we vacuum, we mop-n-glo to keep them looking good and long lasting. Without too much effort we can stay ahead of the wear and tear from our kids and our pets.

Materials on the outside, however take a daily beating from the sun, wind, rain, temperature changes, and other environmental elements (in addition to kids and dogs). Those materials need a great deal more care and maintenance but that can be reduced somewhat by selecting the proper materials to suit your goals.

Outdoor decks are subject to a great deal of abuse - the deck surface is especially susceptible to sun and rain. Wood is the most popular surface for decks, but it's also the quickest to wear out. Fortunately there are a variety of deck surface products available that allow you to choose between appearance, cost, and the effort needed to keep your deck looking great for many years.

Natural Wood Decking

Natural wood is the obvious first choice for decking. It's sturdy, attractive, easy to work with, and it comes in a wide variety of types with different qualities and costs.

Pressure-treated wood decking is far and away the most popular decking surface in use today. Most PT lumber is made from Southern Yellow Pine, impregnated with ACQ, a chemical that increases the wood's resistance to rot and insect damage. But treated lumber is often poorer quality material so the wood shrinks, cracks, and splits more easily.

A better choice for "real" wood decks is one of the many woods that have a natural resistance to rot and insect damage. These woods include Western Red Cedar, Redwood, and some species of tropical hardwoods. While these better quality decking materials last longer and look better they also cost more. One of the very best natural deck surfaces is a group of South American hardwoods called Ipe ("Ipe" is Portuguese for hardwood). These are extremely dense, tight-grained woods, dark in color and virtually free from knots. Ipe is very hard, heavy, and difficult to work with but is also very beautiful and is nearly indestructible. Expect to pay top dollar for Ipe materials and the labor to install it.

The use of any type of natural wood decking comes with some negative environmental impact. When pressure-treated decking is disposed of, the chemicals used to treat the wood may leach into groundwater; burning it puts these same chemicals into the air. And while the new ACQ treatment is less toxic than the previous CCA (which contains arsenic) the long-term effects of the chemical aren't fully known.

Much of the tropical hardwood used for decking material is plantation-grown, but some isn't and at the retail level it's nearly impossible to tell the difference. Most folks don't want their decks built at the expense of an acre of rainforest.

Wood Composite Decking

Wood Composite decking has become very popular recently due to its longevity and environmentally friendly characteristics. It's a pretty good imitation of natural wood in workability and appearance.

Sold under names like Trex, Correctdeck, and Timbertech, composite decking boards are made from recycled plastic (usually grocery bags or milk jugs) and ground-up waste wood. It can be cut and attached like real wood and requires almost no maintenance. Composite decking mimics the look of natural wood but varies in appearance and performance depending upon the manufacturer and the ratio of plastic to wood in the mix, usually about 50-60% wood products.

Although composite decking can't be stained or painted like natural wood, many manufacturers produce boards in several colors. Since the color is throughout the material, chips and scrapes don't require restaining to maintain a consistent appearance. And because of the high wood content, the uncolored composite boards weather to a pleasing silver-gray.

As with any decking surface, the method of securing composite decking to the framing can improve or reduce the appearance of the deck. Poor installation can even affect the structural integrity of the boards. Ideally, all decking boards should be installed with concealed fasteners - more effort and expense, but the result is a better looking and longer lasting deck.

There are a few other choices in decking - Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) for example, but they look much less like "traditional" decking than natural wood or wood composite. All-plastic and aluminum decking products also require the use of a large number of end caps, specialized fasteners, and other proprietary parts and pieces that can detract from the overall appearance of the deck.

Your choice of decking depends upon the desired appearance, budget, and your tolerance for the required maintenance of different materials. A good balance of those characteristics should result in a deck surface that the whole family will enjoy for many years - kids, dogs, and all.

Richard L. Taylor, AIA is a published author and recognized expert in Residential Architecture. He is President of Richard Taylor Architects, a 5-person firm in Historic Dublin, Ohio. Residential Architect - Luxury Home Plans

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