BUILDERS continue to incorporate inviting outdoor spaces as a way to attract homebuyers in a challenging market. Decking and landscaped areas enhance a builder's offerings in the minds of potential homebuyers, as many of them consider enhanced outdoor spaces an extension of their living space-essentially expanding the square footage of the home.
Increasingly popular for a variety of outdoor residential projects, composite decking has advanced in both design and suitable applications since the materials were introduced to the market in the early 1990s. The addition of versatile products, as well as new ways to incorporate environmentally responsible materials, has expanded the types of projects in which composite decking is used.
In addition to matching railing system components and accessories that complement composite decks, products are now available that help builders create varied outdoor designs with both function and flair.
New Products
Manufacturers have responded to the rising popularity of alternative decking materials by adding versatile products to composite decking lines.
Such products include 12"x12" composite deck tiles for surface applications on patios, verandas and rooftops-virtually any level concrete or gravel surface. Builders can complement existing structures, mix and match colors and patterns, and create interesting designs. The tiles come with a grid pattern for easy layout and snap together for simple and secure installation. Available in a variety of colors, the tiles can easily be reconfigured or rearranged by homebuyers to create a fresh look.
Composite decking boards are also increasingly being incorporated into landscaping projects. Common applications include landscape edging in gardens and flowerbeds and for planter boxes and containers. Other popular uses for composites include non-structural elements in gazebos and arbors, and for fencing. The newest composite fencing products are designed for installation with traditional treated wood frames or metal frame systems. Such fencing is available in both dark and lighter finishes, such as rustic cedar and earthtone, to enhance any outdoor environment.
The latest composite decking products also can help advance green building goals for builders who want to make homes more desirable to buyers who are increasingly aware of and concerned about using environmentally friendly building materials.
For example, new organic cedar composite decking is now available that is composed of heartwood cedar fibers from discarded cedar trees-which would otherwise be burned-and blended with recycled polyethylene plastic. Because it is made of natural cedar, the composite decking does not need or contain mildewcides, insecticides or coloring agents. Customers concerned about the environment can feel good about using composite decking products that make good use of natural resources and recycled material.
Bending the Rules
Applications in which composite decking boards are curved to fit certain design requirements are also gaining in popularity. Composite decking boards can be heated and then bent for use in such applications as curved stairs, yard structures that highlight architectural elements such as trellis and walkway arches, and any surface or non-structural applications that call for round edges.
Builders can also combine attractive design and function with curved benches in complementary colors, either stand-alone or built-in to decks. Curved and angled composite boards are also increasingly used in hot tub surrounds and on pool decks. Composite decking is a good way to combine the look of wood with long-lasting quality for modern projects that demand resilient surfaces.
Dealers who provide attractive composite decking products have an advantage in gaining and retaining customers by offering materials that are versatile, durable, and environmentally friendly. Customers benefit from using a decking material that offers design flexibility, engineered strength, and efficient use of recycled materials.
- Brent Gwatney is vice president of sales & marketing for MoistureShield. Reach him via www.moistureshield.com.