If there is an upside to being at home so much of the last year-plus, it's that we came to appreciate—and improve—the quality, functionality, and style of our outdoor spaces.
“Outdoor space has never been more important,” says Leslie Adkins, VP of marketing for Trex Company, a leading engineered decking manufacturer. “It’s where we start our days with a morning cup of coffee, where we enjoy some much-needed fresh air over an al fresco lunch break, where we relish a change of scenery after a day of screen fatigue, and where we can visit safely with friends and family.”
A new or extended deck, namely off the back of the house, has become a symbol of luxury and stylish outdoor living at almost every price point. And, after 2020, decks have been asked to do (and be) more, serving as work or learning spaces as well, not to mention second kitchens and dining areas, and even storage under the deck boards. Decks are also getaways, providing much-needed privacy and relaxation.
And, as natural decking materials, namely cedar and redwood, become increasingly scarce and costly, engineered decking, which is typically a combination of wood fibers and polymers—and now includes PVC alternatives—has emerged to offer beautiful, durable, and workable solutions.
Deck accessories also are getting smarter, from railing extensions that enable the inclusion of light fixtures to tools that conceal fasteners with precision.
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Check out these six new decking products:
DuraLife Composite Hardwood Decking
The Hardwoods Collection of composite decking from DuraLife is available in four exclusive wood tones—Golden Teak, Garapa Gray (shown, main image, above), Brazillian Cherry, and Tropical Walnut—and uses a random dispersal process to create non-repeating color variations within each board. The decking consists of a proprietary polypropylene and hardwood composite that stays cool in the summer sun and provides exceptional tracking in both wet and dry conditions, the company says, while the brand’s proprietary SolarGuard co-extruded polypropylene outer shell resists staining and fading. Click for more info
Complete Decking System From Envision
Envision Outdoor Living Products combines Envision’s composite decking collections with the Fairway Railing Collection of aluminum, composite, steel, and vinyl/PVC railings, along with accessories including outdoor lighting, fencing, pergolas, and more to deliver a complete package from one supplier. Shown: Ridge Premium, now available in 16- and 20-foot grooved edge boards. Click for more info
Promenade PVC Decking by Fiberon
Fiberon’s Promenade PVC Decking offers six multi-tonal hues boasting rustic sophistication and the aesthetic of high-end, handcrafted wood decking with the benefits of premium PVC. The series also features a next-generation surface coating that provides superior weather-resistance and durability, the company says. Click for more info
Trex Deck Board Fastening Tool
The new Universal Fastener Installation Tool from Trex is designed to enable a one-step approach to driving the company’s Universal Fasteners to reduce installation time by up to 50%, the company says. Featuring a nose cone to ensure consistent performance, a handle that allows for both pushing and pulling, and a handy bit holder in the bottom, this tool was created with both the professional and DIYers in mind. Click for more info
Deck Railing Extension From Deckorators
Deckorators has introduced two modern, functional aluminum deck railing accessories: the ALX post extension (shown) and ALX Contemporary aluminum deck gate. The 5-foot, 5-inch extension, available in Classic and Contemporary styles, features a preinstalled insert placed into a 2 ½-inch railing post, providing an ideal solution for hanging lights from the carabiner clip provided; the preassembled 48-inch-wide gate system coordinates with ALX Contemporary railing. Click for more info
Unique Color Decking From TimberTech and Azek
Based on beautiful reclaimed wood, the capped polymer decking in the TimberTech Azek Landmark Collection features sophisticated highlights and lowlights that run from end to end and board to board for completely unique color blending, the company says. Available in Castle Gate and American Walnut, each color boasts a matte finish with a classic cathedral grain that’s complemented by a rustic crosscut. Click for more info
