Outdoor Projects - Decks, Fences & More Design help, materials and maintenance for durable weather exposed projects. Composite & Plastic Lumber Trex® This site has answers to every question you could have about what Trex is and why you should use it. There is a deck planner link to help with planning and constructing a deck. NexwoodNW This website says: "Enjoy outdoor living in the great Pacific Northwest with a deck made with Nexwood, the next evolution in decking material. Made from a 98% recycled mixture of rice hull fiber and plastic, then heated and extruded into a high-density composite board, Nexwood virtually eliminates the constant maintenance and upkeep of wood decks" Fiberon This website says: "Fiberon Horizon® and Fiberon Outdoor Flooring™ PVC composite decking offer unsurpassed stain, fade, scratch and mold resistance. Stunning low maintenance beauty you can enjoy for years to come. Backed with the industry's first 20-Year Stain & Fade warranty." MoistureShield® This website says: "Tough and beautiful, moisture-resistant MoistureShield® Composite Decking is made from 95% pre- and post-consumer recycled content for an environmentally friendly decking option. Providing peace of mind, A.E.R.T. warrants MoistureShield products against rot, decay and termite damage with a limited warranty ranging from 20 years to lifetime, depending on the product." TimberTech This site says: "TimberTech maintains its color and beauty for years without the work of painting, staining or sealing. And, because it resists mildew, warping and insects, there’s no need to replace rotting, uneven or termite-damaged boards." DuraLife from GAF This website says: "DuraLife™ Siesta™ premium decking (formerly CorrectDeck CX) features enhanced anti-microbial protection that adds resistance to mold and mildew for ultra-low maintenance." Eon® This website says: "Eon products contain a blend of both virgin and reprocessed material. The reprocessed material used in our processes ensures that the material is diverted from landfills. Eon's primary material is the same material which is used in the production of food packaging, petri dishes and other containers such as test tubes, and does not constitute any hazard to humans." GeoDeck™ Their website says: "Easy to install, our state-of-the-art decking and railing is engineered and designed to function as a complete system that creates a professional craftsman look with less effort. With superior color retention, our patented formula that increases resistance to decay and mold, as well as best in class ratings for mechanical strength, you have everything you need to create something you can depend on for the long run. Whether a deck, patio, shade structure, pool and hot tub surround, walkway or dock, all of our products are backed by a 20-year limited warranty. None of which require painting or sealing." Latitudes™ This website says: "Uncompromising beauty and durability. Unbelievably easy upkeep. Unparalleled design flexibility. Only Latitudes® Decking and Railing is so at home creating everything you want from a deck. With hundreds of combinations of deck board styles, colors, railings, balusters and post cap options, Latitudes composite decking and railing offers unparalleled flexibility to create the deck that perfectly fits your individual style and tastes." Boardwalk Certain Teed composite deck, railing and fence products are presented here. Perma-Deck® See the presentation of Perma-Deck Advantage + and Perma-Deck Elegance along with site furnishings. Bear Board Plastic Lumber This website says: "Bear Board is your best source for environmentally friendly, cost-efficient recycled plastic lumber products. We manufacture and distribute dimensional profiles that serve a variety of applications—mainly decking solutions. Strength, durability, and longevity define our recycled plastic lumber, while a selection of vibrant colors lets you create your dream deck with the beauty and comfort you expect. Once your deck is built, minimal maintenance is required and we guarantee that our recycled plastic lumber will look as good as new for half a century.". Polywood, Inc. This website says: "Polywood, Inc. has developed a unique set of structural products made from 100% recycled plastic waste. Our plastic technology developed by Rutgers University, is challenging traditional methods, approach and views towards using plastic as an alternative to wood, steel and concrete." BamDeck Composite Bamboo Decking This website says: "CaliBamboo is proud to introduce the ultimate in outdoor bamboo decking: BamDeck™ Composite. Made from 100% recycled materials, BamDeck™ Composite has nearly twice the density, strength and durability characteristics as other composites and is the only one made from 30% recycled bamboo fibers and 70% recycled plastics." Wood to last in the Outdoors How does pressure-treated lumber work? From TLC - A Discovery Company The problem with wood is that many varieties of bacteria, fungi and insects find it appetizing. When wood is in contact with the ground or moisture for any period of time, these organisms attack the wood. Pressure-treated lumber is wood that has been immersed in a liquid preservative and placed in a pressure chamber. The chamber forces the chemical into the wood fibers. Pressure-Treated Wood FAQs From Simpson Strong-Tie Co. Read this and pay attention. From the EPA: Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA): Consumer Safety Information Sheet Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA): Consumer Safety Information Sheet: Inorganic Arsenical Pressure-Treated Wood Including Chromate Copper Arsenate (CCA), Ammoniacal Copper Arsenate (ACA), and Ammoniacal Copper Zinc Arsenate(ACZA) Western Wood Preserving Co. This website says: "Located in Sumner, Washington, Western Wood Preserving Co. has been a manufacturer of pressure treated wood products since 1971. Our facility includes 12 acres of treatment, drying and storage areas, and produces top quality treated wood products for residential and commercial consumers in the wholesale market. The Pacific Northwest is our home. Strategically located in Western Washington, we have lumber supply resources available to us from all over the Pacific Northwest. Located next to the ports of Tacoma and Seattle, we have easy access to the Alaskan, Hawaiian and Pacific Rim markets." Pressure Treated Wood & Lumber Preservatives from Osmose, Inc. This website says: "Established in 1934, Osmose, Inc. is recognized as a world premier supplier of lumber preservative technologies. Osmose has a long history of successful development and diversification into specialized areas of wood preservation." MicroPro treated wood This website says: "NAHB Research Center, Green Approved - MicroPro treated wood products have been approved for points toward Nation Green Building Certification to the ICC 700-2008 National Green Building Standard. MicroPro pressure treated wood is treated with micronized copper preservatives, which help protect against termite damage and fungal decay. MicroPro offers many benefits including significantly improved corrosion performance." TimberSIL® This website says: "We Combine The Best Properties Of Wood : paintable/stainable, strength, beautiful look and feel, easy to cut and machine, and cool to the touch. With The Best Properties Of Glass : Class A Fire Retardant, insulator, unaffected by seawater, unaffected by heat, barrier to rot, decay or insects. TimberSIL® Wood Products are Green Certified For Green Building Programs." Wolmanized® Residential Outdoor® wood This website says: "Treated with a copper-based preservative and an efficacious fungicide, this wood is ideal for applications including decks, retaining walls, fences, picnic tables, planter boxes, walkways, sill plate and structural members. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty for most residential applications." NatureWood This website says: "NatureWood preserved wood product is offered as an alternative to traditional CCA pressure treated wood. The preservative technology in NatureWood products has been commercially used since 1991 throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States. For many backyard and commercial projects such as decks, fences and landscaping, NatureWood products are an ideal alternative to traditional pressure treated wood." Chemonite® (ACZA) is pressure treated wood This website says: "Chemonite® is the registered trade name for wood protected by ACZA, or ammoniacal copper zinc arsenate, against termites and fungal decay. Learn more about Chemonite® wood advantages. The treatment was originally developed, and remains today, as the only waterborne wood preservative which consistently meets recognized standards of penetration and retention in desirable, but otherwise difficult-to-treat species such as coastal Douglas fir." Pressure-treated Southern Pine decking This website says: "SouthernPineDecks.com offers the building professional a host of construction details and installation tips to create safe, code-compliant outdoor living spaces that maximize homeowner satisfaction. Because of its wide use in outdoor applications, special guidance is provided for pressure-treated Southern Pine structural lumber and decking boards." Western Red Cedar Lumber Association This website says: "Whether you are a seasoned pro, a do-it-yourselfer, or you are comparing Western Red Cedar to alternative house decking material, you'll find complete information, photos, and specifications on: Western Red Cedar deck designs, Building wooden decks and patios with red cedar, Decking pictures, Deck railings, Deck Stain and more." California Redwood Association This website says: "Why Redwood? Invite the classic and natural beauty of redwood into your home and make it part of your new outdoor living space. The warmth and rich luxury of genuine redwood is not only affordable, but adds great value to your home" Redwood is not a common material for Puget Sound but if you are open minded and want a natural product take a look here. I have worked with Redwood in my toolbelt carrying past and would choose it first for a deck at my house all other things being equal. Those days were in California. Cedar is to Washingtonians as is Redwood to Californians. IPE fsc decking This website says: "Deep rich brown tones with low to moderate grain variation. FSC-certified; harvesting doesn't destroy forests. Lasts 25 years and is naturally rot-resistant. Extremely hard wood: Janka (hardness) rating of 3680 psi. Resists splitting and warping. Not treated with pesticides, so it won’t contaminate water or soil. Boards are 1" thick, 6" wide, and in various lengths." Tigerwood fsc decking This website says: "A gorgeous gold and red toned wood with streaks of brown and black. FSC-certified; harvesting doesn't destroy forests. Lasts 25 years and is naturally rot-resistant. Extremely hard wood: Janka (hardness) rating 1870, nearly three times higher than white oak. Resists splitting and warping. Not treated with pesticides, so it won’t contaminate water or soil. Doesn’t gray as fast as other decking. Boards are 5/4" thick,6" wide, and in various lengths." Preserving, Maintaining & Cleaning Outdoor Structures Western Wood Preservers Institute This website says: "Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, the Western Wood Preservers Institute (WWPI) is a nonprofit member trade organization who has represented the interest of the preserved wood products industry throughout western North America for more than 60 years. The membership consists of companies that either manufacture products or are directly affiliated or provide a service to the preserved wood industry". American Wood Protection Association The American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) is a non-profit organization which is responsible for promulgating voluntary wood preservation standards. AWPA's Standards are universally specified for wood preservation in the USA, and are recognized worldwide. Wood Care Systems This website says: "Wood Care Systems has a full line of borate based wood preservatives for wood restoration and wood protection. These products include Bor8 Rods, Impel Rods, Bora-Care, Tim-bor, Jecta and Board Defense. Our restoration epoxies by System Three Resins include RotFix, SculpWood putty and the all new SculpWood paste." Restore-X This website says: "Restore-X Brand Products are a unique group of high quality products designed to make otherwise difficult projects easy. All Restore-X Products are specifically formulated for unique, but specific applications required by a contractor or consumer. Whether your project is cleaning and renewing your wood deck, sealing your driveway, or eliminating a slippery spot on your stairs, Restore-X has the answer. 5-Minute Fence Stain This website says: "Stain 100 feet of fence in just 5 minutes. Stain, protect and waterproof in one easy step. Spend five minutes every five years and your fence will forever look new and be protected against whatever nature has to throw at it. Stop your fence from turning gray or make a gray fence look new again. " Superdeck® This website says: "Duckback Products is a leading manufacturer of premium quality coatings for wood and concrete and is sold under the nationally recognized brands of Superdeck and Mason's Select. Our products include oil based transparent wood stains, water based transparent wood stains, specialty wood finishes, acrylic concrete stains and sealers, and an assortment of cleaning and prep products. These products enhance, beautify and protect decks, fencing, siding, trim, log homes, outdoor furniture, sidewalks, patios, garage and basement floors, a variety of composite lumber and fiber cement siding." Sikkens This website says: "We are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality products and services through the use of the most advanced technology and manufacturing processes. At the same time, we strive to be environmentally responsible." Sun Frog This website says: "NEW DECKS-If you have a new deck, and it's clean, see Sealing below. Cleaning with Deck Cleaner or brightening with Born Again, Sun Frog’s preparatory products, are usually not needed. OLDER DECKS-If you have an older, existing deck, you probably are aware that it doesn'’t look as good as it could. Decks accumulate dirt, bear foot traffic, suffer standing water for prolonged periods and get beat up by the Sun. They need protection. Providing protection means providing up-front MAINTENANCE (work and products) that will leave your wood with the ingredients that help it fend off these forces of attack while looking better all the while." United Coatings In-Wood Stain This website says: "IN-WOOD utilizes state of the art wood protection technology in combining the highest quality oils with microscopic Trans-Oxide pigments, allowing maximum penetration for long term performance. Trans-Oxide pigments, at approximately .01 micron, are 1/15 the size of standard paint or stain pigments. These Trans-Oxide pigments allow for superior penetration and ultraviolet protection. The UV transmission is reduced to nearly 5% compared to the 50-65% transmission of common pigments found in semitransparent stains. A natural version is also available for maintaining wood in its present or natural state.. Grace Vycor® Deck Protector™, This website says: "Grace Vycor® Deck Protector™, is a unique solution for corrosion protection and joist rot prevention. It allows you to enjoy the full life of your deck ensuring continued peace of mind. Putting Grace Vycor® Deck Protector™ on the top of all your deck joists will ensure the best protection possible, no more rotted supportive joists and stringers." Pro Tect Water Shield Their website says: "A water-based silicone rubber liquid water shield that seals a multitude of surfaces with just one coat. Can be applied with a brush, roller or sprayer or be mixed into water-based paints or coatings. Protects while allowing the coating to breathe and flex (up to 300% which helps prevent cracking and peeling). Can substantially prolong the life of any porous surface with no need for seasonal recoating. Effective deck sealer for wood decks. Easy deck sealing application, sealant breathes but seal is good for deck waterproofing." Gaco Deck Kit This website says: "GacoDeck allows homeowners to apply a high-quality waterproof deck system over plywood, concrete, metal, fiberglass, and painted surfaces. The GacoDeck system provides lasting surface protection and waterproofing, plus a skid-resistant surface that cleans up easily. One GacoDeck Kit will cover 100 square feet." Spantex This website says: "Spantex is a synthetic rubber, elastomeric coating made from Dupont's Hypalon. It is used where a tough, waterproof, skid resistant coating is needed. Spantex mechanically adheres to the surface being coated and forms a complete moisture barrier. Spantex remains flexible indefinitely and expands and contracts with temperature variances. The rubber granules that give Spantex its skid resistant texture are pliable and will not wear through the coating." Design, Drawing & Planning Help Trex This website says: "With a few clicks of your mouse customize your deck with different colors, textures, design shapes and outdoor living accessories to create the outdoor living space of your dreams." TimberTech This website says: "Start planning the the TimberTech deck of your dreams with our free deck design tools. Learn which decking materials are best for you with our quick quiz. Create free deck designs with our online deck designer. Mix and match our decking and railing colors with our Color Visualizer and see other deck designs in our deck photo gallery." Western Red Cedar Lumber This website says: "This free deck plan design tool allows you to select your deck plan shape, size, stairs and railings. Once designed you receive a 3D model, checklist, tips, materials lists and your 3 closest retailers." California Redwood Association This website says: "Redwood is easy to work with, and with our complete project plans, you can add to your outdoor living with 'how-to' help and diagrams for every step. From chairs and benches to gazebos and tool sheds, these tried and tested plans help make your projects sturdy and beautiful. Better Homes and Gardens This website says: "Want to spruce up your backyard with a beautiful deck? Decide on the best layout, stain color, stairs, railings, accessories, and more and start designing your dream deck. You'll create a deck you love before you start shopping. With hundreds of possible combinations Design-a-Deck is also the perfect tool to get deck ideas before you start building your deck." DekBrands This website says: "With the Award Winning DekBrands Floating Foundation Deck System, adding a deck to your home has never been easier. The Floating Foundation Deck System has revolutionized deck construction. The system is easy to use, allows for a variety of customized applications for decks and costs up to 25% less than conventional construction." Decks USA This website says: "the most complete deck plans and deck designs website on the Internet! Home of the Deck Designs™ CD-ROM the #1 selling interactive software for deck plans. We also offer porch plans, gazebo plans, accessory plans, custom design services, computer software, contractor support and contractor referrals." DIYonline.com This website says: "Design your dream deck with the Deck Designer. It allows you to select your deck shape and size, add stairs and railings and a second level. After you submit your custom design, your Deck Specification Kit gives you a 3D model of your design, a how-to checklist, tips for success, and a materials list." decknow.com This website says: "Your search for the perfect free deck plan has ended. Here on our site, we have unlimited potential unique designs with our modular decking tiles, including 8 free deck plans that can be reviewed, downloaded, printed and used for your specific deck design ideas." Arch Wood Protection This website says: "Few home improvements can match a wood deck for usefulness, beauty, and enhanced value to a home. A deck increases your home's living area adding space for entertaining, relaxation and dining, as well as offering a play area for children. Decks are also an ideal home improvement project for the average handyman or woman. Design is straightforward and no advanced carpentry skills or sophisticated tools are needed. " DIYnetwork.com This website says: "Pick a plan, then learn how to properly build and care for your deck. It’s one of the smartest home additions you can make." Assembly & Attachment Hardware Critical Deck Connections From Simpson Strong-Tie Co. Read this and pay attention. Deck2Wall Spacers™ This website says: "Deck2Wall Spacers™ are designed to easily and efficiently provide airspace between buildings and deck ledgers, stair stringers, shade structures, railing posts, fence posts, etc... Proper airspace and sound construction details should prevent rot from occurring at these connections." EB-TY® Hidden Deck Fasteners This website says: "Hidden composite deck fasteners create smooth and safe decks, making sure there are no nails, or screws or pop ups to mar the beauty or the comfort of the deck. The decking boards are held together by polypropylene biscuit fasteners whose design has been patented, producing a smooth surface that enhances the appearance of the building materials." Tiger Claw® Hidden Deck Fasteners This website says: "Tiger Claw Hidden Deck Fasteners' unique patented design produces a smooth "nail free" surface to emphasize the beauty of the wood. With a free installation block in every box, Tiger Claw Hidden Deck Fasteners install faster and easier. With all work done from the top, you can save on labor costs." Swan Secure Decking Fasteners This website says: "Swan Secure offers a full range of options to meet your deck fastening needs. Whether you're building with redwood, ACQ, exotic hardwoods such as Ipe, or any of today's popular composite materials, you can count on Swan Secure fasteners to provide the ultimate in strength, durability and corrosion resistance." GRK Fasteners This website says: "Today, GRK offers a complete line of fasteners for many different applications and a size range which cannot be matched by the combined catalogs of any two competitors. All of GRK's products are unique, featuring at least one patent." FastenMaster® GuardDog™ This website says: "The FastenMaster® GuardDog™ is a premium deck screw manufactured for use in the new ACQ and Copper Azole pressure treated lumbers. Copperite: The Copper Stopper The GuardDog is coated with our patent pending Copperite coating. Copperite coating has undergone extensive testing with the new pressure treated lumbers and is guaranteed to protect against rusting for the life of the project." Deckmaster® This website says: "DECKMASTER® is a premium hidden deck fastening system which was designed by Weston Leavens, a professional deck builder, who wanted to give his customers a premium quality fastening system that enhanced not only the look of the deck, but last years longer than conventional decks." Shadoe® Track This website says: "With the SHADOE® TRACK deck fastening system, Tracks are fastened to joists with SHADOE® TRACK nails. Screws secure each board from below, preventing water penetration through fastener holes. No water penetration, no rot." Grabber Construction Products This website says: "GRABBER Professional Grade Fasteners are known for their quality. With the right screw for almost any application, GRABBER is the right choice. You’ll experience fewer defects including sheared-off and cammed-out screws and less waste." Railings Stainless Steel Cable Rail This website says: "Slender CableRail cable assemblies are the perfect railing infill option for settings with a view. Assemblies are made from beautiful yet weather-tough type 316 stainless steel with an assortment of attachment hardware options. They're strong, durable, easy to install, virtually maintenance free and very easy on both the eyes and the view: a perfect complement to any railing design, indoors or out. " DecKorators This website says: "Design an outdoor living space that expresses virtually any look you could envision…or let Deckorators® inspiring forms and originality take your imagination to a whole new, more enchanting place. Deckorators makes it easy to create an outdoor oasis brimming with unique style and taste, with beautiful balusters, post caps, Postcovers, railings and accessories. It might be classic or contemporary. Earthy or more innovative. Subdued or sublime. But when you build out your corner of the great outdoors with Deckorators, it’s sure to be inspired." RailPro Railing Solutions This website says: "Let's face it: By the time you think about railing your job is near completion. At RailPro we make it easy. Whether it's a tight time line, the need for creative design alternatives, or just the confidence that you are working with a company that listens and follows through, especially as you are wrapping up your project, Rail Pro is your answer." Deck Railing Ideas Using Galvivized Panels This website says: "Using galvanized steel panels is a recent trend in deck railing materials. The growth of the "industrial" look for loft spaces and apartments has worked its way from indoors to outdoors, making steel an alternative to wrought iron or wood. Galvanized steel makes sense to use outdoors because it can withstand the weather and give your deck a contemporary look." Keeping it dry under your deck. DrySpace under deck drainage system This website says: "Ideal for second-story decks, TimberTech’s DrySpace under deck drainage system collects and channels moisture from the spaces between your planks. Attaching easily to your new or existing deck joists, DrySpace effectively turns lower level patios into extra leisure and storage space – creating a usable and completely dry space under your deck." Rain Escape This website says: "RainEscape®, the world’s best under cover deck drainage system available to keep your deck dry below. The RainEscape® DECK DRAINAGE SYSTEM is concealed under your decking to provide you the ability to finish your outdoor living environment. Water simply runs down the RainEscape® troughs to the RainEscape® downspouts and into a rain gutter to give you a space that is dry below your upper deck." D.I.Y. Home Center This website says: "What is UnderDeck? UnderDeck installs to the underside of new and existing elevated decks. UnderDeck is designed for the homeowner to install. Professional installation is not required. UnderDeck turns the area under your deck into an enjoyable and usable living space." DEK Drain This website says: "All components of the DEK Drain system are made from the same specially designed rubber membrane. This material is lower cost, more flexible, longer lasting and more eco-friendly than systems fabricated with metal or plastic." Dry Under Decks This website says: "The Dry Under Decks system was originally designed for high end commercial applications and, as such, produces a product designed for performance and durability. Our roll-forming manufacturing machinery is unique in its use for residential applications." |Who is Tim?| |You Heard It| |My Choices| |Contractors| |Give & Take| |Health| |Safety| |Energy| |Water| |Hot Water| |Roofs| |Gutters| |Outdoor Wood| |Concrete|