Composite Deck Railing: Designs, Plans, Contractors And Installation

As summer time draws near and the backyard barbecues begin to be ignited, some folks are looking at their trusty wooden decks and railings with raised eyebrows. Many wonder how one season of winter could have demolished their beloved backyard refuge to such an extent. Then again, maybe it wasn't the rain that turned the pristine wood into a rotted rickety shadow of a fence, perhaps it was the termites. Where does one turn in these dire times of decking demise? One possibility lies in the world of composite deck railing.

Imagine this: stepping outside onto the back patio, arms stretched overhead and breathing in with the morning sun, while gazing at a radiant deck railing. It must have been five years ago when you decided to take a crack at railing installation, yet here it stands, strong, unfaded, and as magnificent as the day you turned the final screw. But how? How has this composite deck railing sustained the forces of nature in a way which no 2x4 could ever dream? The answer lies in the structure's composition.

Composite deck railing is composed of recycled plastics, much like PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Because it is not organic, composite deck railing it is not susceptible to traditional problems associated with building materials such as weathering, rotting, termites, and fading. With a multitude of designs and easy railing installation, composite deck railing is quickly becoming the choice of homeowners wishing to beautify their backyard living space, without the threat of eventual degeneration. Though the material is plastic based, composite deck railing is designed to have the similar appeal of natural wood, without the need to sand, seal, or any potential splintering that occurs with natural wood. Designs of composite deck railing come in a variety of color, from the lightest cedar finish to the darkest and warmest redwood radiance.

Whether the railing is installed by homeowners or contractors, the plans are constructed in a simple user-friendly manner, which ensure the job will be finished with ease. Construction of the structure is relatively manageable, as long as one has the proper tools, including a drill, screws, and patience. For those homeowners who do not fancy themselves as handy with a hammer, local contractors can complete the composite deck railing project for a reasonable price, and over the coarse of a weekend.

Composite deck railing is both fashionable and practical alternative to wood-based decking. Due to its composition, the polyvinyl chloride boards will outlast the most heinous of weathering, retaining both color and composure for years to come. And with prices comparable to the cost of lumber, sanding, and stain, composite deck railing cuts the work load by 66 percent, which equals quick and efficient construction at a fraction of the price. So, if considering revamping the backyard with a new deck, or simply installing railing along the perimeter of your property, consider the new trend that is satisfying home owners nation-wide: composite deck railing.


Sources:
Geo Deck Railing. GeoDeck. LDI Composites Co. 2006. 14 May 2007. http://www.geodeck.com/railing.html
Fence, Railing, and Deck Installation. CertainTeed Corp. 2007. 14  May 2007 http://www.certainteed.com/CertainTeed/Pro/Design+ Professional/FenceDeckRail/Installation/
Correct Deck RapidRail. CorrectDeck. 2006. Correct Building Products. 14 May 2007
http://www.correctdeck.com/products/rapidrail/de fault.htm
Pre-Installation. LP WeatherBest. Louisiana-Pacific Corporation. 14 May 2007
http://www.lpcorp.com/Literature/LP_WeatherBest_ General_Installation_Instructions.pdf