Low maintenance is key to today’s Energizer Bunny lifestyles, and manufacturers of composite decking have capitalized on this. Plastic-based decking materials limit the wood component, minimizing the threat of mold and decay. But don’t discount wood altogether. One manufacturer has found a way to make wood decking more user-friendly. With these products, maybe homeowners will be able to relax on their decks this summer instead of working on them.
Bay Tree Technologies. PureWood real wood decking offers an alternative to composites and chemically treated decking. The manufacturing process incorporates Stellac technology, which uses specially designed kilns. Heat and steam from the kilns force a biological change in the wood sugars to a natural substance that cannot be damaged by insects, fungus, or mold, the maker says. Chemical- and metal-free PureWood is available in 1½-inch-thick, 5-inch-wide boards in two profiles. 888.575.4180. www.purewoodproducts.com.
Deceuninck. Oasis wood-plastic composite deck and rail products have been re-branded as the Kodiak Building Products deck and rail line. The decking material is available in four colors: Carolina pine, Pacific redwood, New England gray, and teak. The line will also include PVC fencing, porch posts, and a PVC-based composite cladding product. 800.432.9560. www.kodiakbuildingproducts.com.
Trex. Using cellular PVC technology, Trex Escapes decking resists stains, mold, and scratches, the maker says. The material is designed to appeal to consumers who place a premium on low maintenance. Featuring a natural wood-grain pattern, Trex Escapes is available in pewter, Sahara, and acorn colors. Matching fascia is available and also comes in white. 540.542.6300. www.trex.com.
PAM Fasteners. A new collated screw designed especially for ipe decking eliminates pre-drilling in the dense hardwood material. The screws drive easily and result in an attractive cosmetic installation. The 10-gauge, 21/2-inch screws are made from 304 stainless steel for durability. 704.394.3141. www.pamfast.com.
Azek. Featuring Procell technology, Azek Deck cellular PVC decking resists scratches and stains, and does not require pre-drilling for installation, the maker says. Because the material contains no wood fibers, it will not mold or mildew and can be kept looking new with an occasional soap-and-water cleaning. Five available colors allow for design creativity. 877.275.2935. www.azek.com.
TimberTech. XLM expanded polymer decking planks, designed to offer low maintenance and scratch- and stain-resistance, weigh 40% less than the maker’s composite planks. XLM features a solid cap to reinforce structural integrity and is available in grooved or non-grooved textures. Three colors are available in 12-, 16-, or 20-foot lengths, along with color-matched railings from the Radiance Rail line, and 12-inch-wide fascia in 12-foot lengths. 800.307.7780. www.timbertech.com.
Simpson Strong-Tie. Clip Deck Spacers onto joists in deck framing to easily keep boards evenly spaced. Unlike a 16-penny nail, commonly used for spacing in wood decks, plastic Deck Spacers meet specific spacing requirements for composite decks, and also work well for redwood, cedar, and other woods. The maker says the spacers also act as a shield for the top of the deck joist and help shed debris and moisture away from the framing. Three colors are available. 800.999.5099. www.strongtie.com.
CertainTeed. EverNew vinyl decking is now available in an almond color option, recently added to the existing lineup of tan, white, and gray colors. Developed in response to consumer requests, almond is designed to complement stone, brick, and stucco wall finishes, and to accent homes in wooded settings. 800.233.8990. www.certainteed.com.
