Shelter - September 2008

Volume 47, Issue 7 - September 2008

Products
Outside Living Quarters
Products to Spruce Up Customers' Outdoor Spaces

DECKING COMPONENTS
A Revamped Look Royal’s Deck Lok™ system has been given a face lift, and now comes with a woodgrain look.

The company’s customizable vinyl Deck Lok™ systems, all decking, railing, trim and column components interlock perfectly for seamless form, function and versatility that satisfy various homeowner tastes from traditional to modern.

All Deck Lok™ plank components are crafted using a tri-color extrusion process to create variegated textures mirroring the natural colors and look of wood. The system is available in two new colors, sandalwood and driftwood. The planks also feature non-slip, embossed surfaces. www.royalcrownltd.com

DECKING PRODUCTS
Looking for Stain-Resistant Decking?
SheerGrain® Decking, manufactured by L.B. Plastics, has a wood-like appearance, including the beauty of variegated grain patterns and shading found in wood deckboards. The company also says the decking does not absorb moisture like wood and most composites. Because it does not contain wood, it also does not promote mold growth. SheerGrain is naturally resistant to common stains such as grease, mustard and spilled drinks.

Company officials say independent lab tests show that the Sheergrain technology may offer the best fade resistance of any decking product available today. In addition, Sheergrain has hidden fasteners and good heatdissipation qualities. www.lbplastics.com

A Green Approach to Decking
If you have been looking for a Forest Stewardship Council-certified decking product, then General Woodcraft, Inc. of New London, Conn., may have the product you seek
Under the brand name, Mataverde®, the company now has inventory in FSC hardwood decking products that will support a wide range of projects in boththe residential and commerci a l marketplace.

General Woodcraft’s Mataverde FSC Ipe carries the highest rating from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for insect- and decay-resistance and is fire-resistant, according to a company release. General Woodcraft also offers FSC Cumaru and Garapa hardwood decking.

Mataverde® Premium Ipe has a rich brown color, is knot-free, and when left natural, turns a soft silver gray. It is resistant to splintering, twisting, cupping and checking and is extremely hard and dense.

Cumaru ranges from a golden tan color to a red shade of brown with some dark grain accents and is normally priced approximately 25 percent below Ipe decking. Cumaru decking will also weather to silver gray and is resistant to decay, fungi and insects.

General Woodcraft’s third FSC-certified product, Garapa, is a fine-grained decking that ranges in color from a light yellow to a warm golden color and will also weather to a silver gray. It is very durable and is naturally resistant to rot, decay, splinters, and fire without any chemical treatment and is often priced approximately 35 percent below Ipe decking. www.generalwoodcraftinc.com

FENCE SYSTEMS
Decorative and Solar Post Caps Available
CertainTeed Corp.’s Bufftech® vinyl fencing and EverNew™ vinyl railing lines give your customers another opportunity to make a statement outdoors. The new decorative and solar post caps feature a rugged, stainless steel top with a durable powder-coated finish. Both post caps are 5-inch by 5-inch in size, come with an adapter for 4- inch posts, and are offered in copper, amber and satin nickel.

Bufftech offers a variety of fence options, including styles featuring CertaGrain™ authentic woodgrain texture. One of the newest styles available, CertaStucco™, captures the beauty of traditional stucco styling in an economical, easycare vinyl design. All feature fade protection for superior color retention.

EverNew Oxford railing sports a traditional T-rail design, while EverNew Kingston railing delivers a classic wood look. In addition, the product line includes a selection of decorative vinyl balusters, post caps and trims, and structural porch posts, as well as colors, to offer even more design options for porches, decks and balconies. All design options are compatible with the new decorative and solar post caps. www.certainteed.com