2013 Top Home Improvement Trends for Decks and Outdoor Living Space Materials

Posted on January 22, 2013 by decksmaryland

We were recently asked what the upcoming top home improvement trends for decks and outdoor living space materials are for 2013. Since we here at Archadeck of Central Maryland work with many clients to create the perfect outdoor spaces, including decks, patios, sunrooms, screen porches, hardscapes, gazebos and more, we were happy to tackle the question. So what materials, techniques and types of projects do we think will dominate 2013?

Short answer: Top materials trends we’re seeing are Cap Stock materials & PVC technology.

And a more thorough answer: Three technologies exist today for producing low maintenance decking: composite, cap stock and PVC.

Composite was first introduced by Trex and is still available from all of the major manufacturers today. However, composite is prone to staining, scratching, fading and is more susceptible to mold and mildew. Many of the composite product do not look very natural. Its only advantage today is cost. As a result of the improved products on the market composite is quickly losing market share. Many of the products have been discontinued and those still in production will likely not be around much longer.

PVC

We’re seeing a trend in PVC Technology using top-notch materials like Azec and Fiberon. The benefits of using these types of materials for decks and outdoor living areas are that it’s stain-, mold- and scratch-resistant. The product can dent, but is a lower price point, and we’re seeing a growing number of decks and outdoor structures constructed from it. PVC is generally the most expensive material compared to the other materials we’ve already described.

Cap Stock

Another top 2013 trend for outdoor structure materials are Cap Stock materials. These are recycled wood and recycled plastic on the inside with an acrylic, high density polypropylene or other propriety formulation shell. This provides extra protection for the boards and helps extend the life of the deck. Cap Stock has all of the stain, mold, mildew resistance as PVC, looks more like natural wood, is almost as scratch resistant, and is lower in cost than PVC. As a result this has been the most popular choice for customers looking for the best value in low maintenance flooring. All of the major manufacturers including Trex, Fiberon, TimberTech (acquired by Azek in August 2012) and some of the other lower profile manufacturers like Rhino Deck all offer this technology.

We’ll be sharing more top home improvements trends and projects right here on our blog, so feel free to email us any related questions and we may feature your query in a future blog post!

Archadeck of Central Maryland is a leader in outdoor design & construction for Montgomery County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County or Prince Georges County MD. Our team has been designing & constructing outdoor living spaces for the past 11 years and has been the recipient of CotY (Contractor of the Year) awards and other distinctions, plus featured in the Washington Post. We’d love to help you with your next home renovation, whether you’re thinking of building a new deck, 3- or 4-season room, sun room, screened porch, patio, trellis, pergola, arbor, fire pit or other project. Our design consultation is free. Give us a call at 301-926-3001 or email us to schedule yours today.

Fill ‘er up with a new deck this year. What does the price of gas have to do with your new deck?

Posted on November 5, 2011 by decksmaryland

This deck by Archadeck of Central Maryland is constructed from AZEK, a composite decking material that looks lovely against the backdrop of autumn leaves.

You can probably feel the sting in your wallet every time you visit the pump to fill up. With the ever-increasing price of gas, many aspects within our economy can be affected. Gasoline is derived from crude oil, which is a commodity, and like many other commodities when demand is on the rise, the price goes up. Everything from hand lotion, to dish washing detergents and even frozen foods are made using derivatives of crude oil in one form or another, and when the demand from crude oil rises, so do the prices we pay for these everyday items.

This composite deck with pergola by Archadeck of Maryland, is just one example of the many outdoor structures we can have ready for you by spring.

One aspect that is affected by the rising price of crude oil, is composite decking materials. One major component that goes into creating composite decking is plastic and plastic is a bi-product of refining crude oil . The plastic is costing the composite manufacturers more so the composite prices will increase. Throughout the year the trend in rising crude oil prices fluctuates and intermittent pricing of materials that are derived from crude oil will be affected, however through past price hikes we have seen a trend in crude oil prices experiencing a brisk rise during the month of December in recent years. There is always an increase in composite deck materials which occurs twice a year. The increases are generally seen in December and during the mid-summer months. This means that deciding to go ahead and build that deck or outdoor structure you have had on hold now may save you quite a bit of green in the long run. Aside from the avoidance of rising composite prices, there are many other reasons why building your outdoor structure now, rather than later can benefit you greatly.

An outdoor oasis by Archadeck of Maryland

Not only will you avoid the long lines and waiting periods that usually accompany Spring construction, your structure will actually be ready for you and your family to use and enjoy in the Spring. You can enjoy the first blooms of spring from your deck or outdoor structure instead of saying, ” I wish we already had our outdoor structure up and running”. There are also fewer winter weather delays now than in the months of January and February. The cooler weather conditions also means the crews can work longer hours because of the absence of the summer heat which can sometimes create a longer than expected building deadline to occur if weather conditions are too hot and require more hydration breaks for the workers.

GuardDeck Guardian Elite decking Maryland

GuardDeck Guardian Elite composite decking by Archadeck of Maryland

Another key aspect of choosing to build now is there is less damage caused to your turf and landscaping when materials and construction crews are upon it. Most plants and turf are dormant during the late fall and winter months which helps protect them from damage that may occur from construction, as well as cooler temperatures creating a firmer ground to work on with less risk of turf damage. Archadeck of Montgomery County also encourages homeowners to consider building now because of the savings that can be accrued by just the concrete aspect of your outdoor structure. During the cooler months concrete is being poured below the frost line which means you can use cold water concrete and this can be poured down into the lower single digit temperatures, and financially this comes out to a great deal for the homeowner.

This deck by Archadeck shows the beauty that can be yours with a composite deck.

If you are yearning and dreaming of a new deck, patio or other outdoor structure choosing to build now can mean a big difference in the savings, and in having your structure sooner than you could’ve imagined by avoiding the spring backlogs. Even choosing to wait until April or May to begin construction could put you into mid-summer having your structure completed. Right now Archadeck of Montgomery County is offering up to $2,500 off your project if you sign up before the end of 2011. Our offer gives you 10% off with a cap of $2,500, contact us for details.

Don’t wait any longer, wouldn’t the perfect outdoor structure be the perfect holiday gift for yourself and your family? Contact us today to get in on the savings, from the gas pump to your backyard. (301) 926 – 3001
centralmaryland@archadeck.net or montgomeryco@archadeck.net

For more beautiful composite and PVC deck designs, visit our composite and PVC deck photo gallery on our website.

Composite, PVC or Capstock Decking? That is the question.

Posted on August 22, 2011 by decksmaryland

This deck by Archadeck shows the beauty that can be yours with a composite deck.

Composite, PVC and capstock decking materials are fairly new to most of us although they are trusted and true materials in the world of outdoor structures. You may have heard about all of these different types of expensive, fancy and maybe good decking materials, but the dilemma is how does the homeowner make sense of it all?

How to decide?

When selecting a material for your new deck or re-decking needs, the variance in selection can make this task quite daunting. Archadeck of Maryland wants the task of selecting the right material for your individual needs to be an easy and pleasant experience, this is why we have taken the three basic types of decking materials and broken them down to explain the basic components and functions of each group.

Composites ( also known as synthetics) are by far the oldest decking product on the market. Composites have been around for quite a few years, and being the oldest means all, or most, of the “kinks” have been worked out with this product. Over the years we have watched this product improve greatly in appearance as well as durability. Many composites promise the best of everything, from stain resistance to low maintenance and a myriad of other benefits. Because there are now so many choices and options within the realm of composites, we want to quell the fears of the unknown by giving homeowners a simple and concise picture of what these types of decking are and the pros and cons of each.

Composite deck with pergola by Archadeck of Maryland

Composite decking material requires a lot less maintenance than its solid wood counterparts – even those treated with preservatives. Composites can be made to emulate the look of real wood, with wood graining that in a quality composite can rival the real thing. A high quality composite can also inhibit the growth of mold and mildew by the addition of mold inhibitors present in the makeup of the composite.

Composites can be cleaned by simple soap and water cleanup. If stains sit for a period of time, they may take a little more effort to clean. There are many good composite cleaners on the market. As with any deck that contains natural derivatives you will still have to contend with fading, scratching and dirt. Composites, even though they do require maintaining, do no compare with the chore of staining and painting on an annual basis that is necessary with a pressure treated or other entirely wooden deck.

One composite brand we use quite a bit of is Fiberon Professional. Fiberon Professional requires no painting, staining or sealing. It comes in rich colors and is resistant to termites, splinters and decay.

Fiberon Professional color options

TimberTech is another well-known brand of composite decking. Their line offers scratch, stain and fade resistance that carries a 25 year warranty. TimberTech, like the majority of the leading composite manufacturers has created stunning similarities with the appearance of the composites with wood graining and details that closely resemble the look of real wood. In the case of these quality composites it is like real wood, but even better.

This AZEK deck is accented with a TimberTech radiance rail.

PVC Decking

Cellular PVC decking is very high performance and similarly is most often the more expensive option. PVC decking materials have fade and stain protection through their warranties. PVC is a solid cellular plastic. This makeup creates a non porous and denser decking material. PVC decking only requires minimal maintenance. It will not fade, warp, crack, splinter or stain. PVC is also moisture friendly and is used heavily around pools, spas and as a docking material.

Guardeck Elite PVC decking Maryland

When you think in terms of the price point when choosing any decking material, Archadeck of Maryland urges the homeowner to take the long-term investment into consideration when choosing the material for your deck. PVC has superior protection because of the 25 year stain and fade warranties that some PVC manufacturers offer, but that type of quality does cost a bit more. We really like Guardian Elite decking and use it quite a bit.

GuardDeck Guardian Elite decking Maryland

Guardian Elite decking offers very strong fade, stain and moisture resistance. It does not require any painting, staining or sealing – ever. No splinters. No cracking or rotting. And, it’s resistant to mold, mildew, fungus, moss – and even insects.

Fiberon Horizon is a product that we have used many times and has proven itself as a superior PVC material. This product uses PermaTech innovation to offer superior stain and fade protection and only requires soap and water cleanup. There are other PVC brands on the market as well such as AZEK and TimberTech XLM just to name a few.

This Fiberon deck is breathtaking when accented by this vinyl pergola.

What is capstock?

Capstock is the newest material on the market. It is made up of a proprietary PVC polymer shell and contains a composite wood and recycled plastic core. It is considered a composite decking material but boasts a durable PVC shell. It is also known as a composite hybrid, as well as being referred to as capstock decking. These products are being backed with some of the best warranties in the business, therefore we expect good things from Capstock products.

Guardian Prestige Deck in Weathered Wood

As far as capstock goes, we really like Guardian Prestige and Fiberon Horizon. The Guardian Prestige line has advanced fade, stain and scratch resistance. Like other composites and capstocks, it requires no painting, staining or sealing. Guardian Prestige has a very nice realistically embossed woodgrain. On top of that, it’s made right here in the USA.

Guardian Prestige Decking Colors

Guardian Prestige comes in four colors: Pewter, Weathered Wood which you see above, Cedar and Walnut.

Another really strong capstock decking material is called Fiberon Horizon. The Fiberon Horizon line offers the look of tropical hardwoods with some of its darker colors including Ipe, Rosewood and Tudor Brown.

Fiberon Horizon color options

If you are considering a deck of composite, PVC or capstock, contact Archadeck of Maryland to help you decide which material is the best for you and your family. Our knowledgeable and talented team can pair you up with the deck of your dreams. Call (301) 926 – 3001 or email us at centralmaryland@archadeck.net

Maryland Custom Outdoor Builder – Decks, Porches, Patios, and More

Category Archives: PVC decking

2013 Top Home Improvement Trends for Decks and Outdoor Living Space Materials

Fill ‘er up with a new deck this year. What does the price of gas have to do with your new deck?

Composite, PVC or Capstock Decking? That is the question.

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