To protect the wood against water damage, Wilder recommends Anchor Seal to prevent the lumber from cracking over time. “The seal will literally add years of life to the wood without having to recoat,” he says.
Incidentally, Anchor Seal’s latest product AS2, which is a hybrid of polymers and petroleum wax, is advertised as non-toxic and made from renewable, natural ingredients with less petroleum-based raw material than the first-generation sealer.
Wood-Plastic Composites
While the U.S. demand for wood decking is predicted to remain flat through 2013, wood-plastic composites are expected to grow 9.5% annually, according to a 2009 report published by the Cleveland-based market research company, The Freedonia Group. In addition, another 2009 study by the University of Washington’s Center for International Trade in Forest Products discovered that while pressure-treated lumber is predominantly used for substructure applications, wood-plastic composites are now the market leader in deck surface applications across the United States, excluding the South.
While these composites got off to a rocky start as they weren’t quite as mold resistant and maintenance free as originally touted, the second-and third-generation product introductions are currently offering improved functionality and aesthetics, reports George Nader, owner of Nader Homes in Whippany, N.J.
In particular, these newer boards are coated for better durability, color retention, stain and scratch resistance, and often have a 25-year warranty.
Manufactured from wood fiber and varying amounts of recycled plastic, the first-generation composites were relatively green. However, it’s not clear if the newer products are being coated with eco-friendly materials. And while the durability of the composite’s core is a most desirable feature, environmentally, for some brands, it’s a con because the wood and plastic cannot be easily separated, and the scraps may end up in a landfill.
That said, builders do have many good quality composite products to choose from. For example, Trex, one of the oldest solid composites on the market, manufactures its most recent offering, Transcend, with 95% recycled content. And competitor Certainteed’s latest capstock product, EverNew, comes in natural-looking woodgrain embossed patterns and exotic hardwood tones.
In the hollow composites market, Keith E. Moore, vice president and director of construction of Burlington, Mass.–based Northland Residential, recommends Fiberon Premium Grade Decking as a great middle-of-the road price point for good quality.
You can incorporate energy-efficient LED lighting on post caps for both way-finding and aesthetic appeal.
THE UNDERSIDE
While composites, plastics, and metals all have their place in the surface decking and railing market, treated wood continues to significantly dominate the substructure market, accounting for 80% of the residential U.S. decking industry in 2009, according to the Center for International Trade in Forest Products, University of Washington.
“Treated wood continues to be, by far, the most popular choice because of cost availability and ease of installation,” confirms George Nader, owner of Nader Homes.
While alternative framing materials exist, such as galvanized steel framing, lightweight aluminum trusses, and some engineered lumber products, they often can’t compete if price is the only consideration.
In addition, Ryan Winchester, owner of Winchester Decks, points out that in some municipalities, an engineer’s design or approval is required for alternate framing methods, which can further increase the cost.
TIMBERTECH RADIANCERAIL
Thanks to a new mix-and-match program, builders can easily visualize a virtual deck. Different colored railings, balusters, and posts can be swapped out with assorted decking and accent decking color choices. Manufactured from pre-consumer recycled wood flour, rail and baluster packs can purchased as a kit or as individual components for reduced waste.
www.timbertech.com
19
03.2011
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