Concidering a composite deck? Deck building tricks and tips from our "Outdoor Living Expert" at Deck and Patio Company

Want Low Mainenance? Try the "NEW" compositeand PVC decks. The staining and mold issues are gone, they are fade and scratch resistant and the colors are so realistic! Below are some shots of a big 2 level Timbertech XLM PVC deck, with Trick and tips on each photo.

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Tip: Plan your space, think of what you might use this part of your deck for. In this case, we have one level just for the outdoor dining table, the are other...
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Tip: Consider accent colors for things like the rail, or the facia board, or something we call picture framing, which is a different color single or double bo...
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Tip: Look at decking that looks realistic. Everyone has an opinion on what looks real, this Timbertech XLM decking has 3 -4 different colors to accent it's g...
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Tip: Try designing spaces that are not always rectangular. This deck has 45 degree angles to orient the outdoor furniture toward the views. http://www.deck...
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Tip: On second story decks, consider breaking up the staircase with one or more landings. This adds to the drama and safety of the staircase and in...
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Tip: When creating levels, be mindful of not just creating level for aesthetic interest, make sure each level in usable. http://www.deckandpatio.com/dec...
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Tricks: Proper framing and building best practices should be followed. In this case note the 6" posts (not 4 X 4s), and simpson strong ties to connect the entire d...
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Tip: Instead of "skirting" the entire underside of this deck, we stained all of the exposed framing with a dark brown stain to blend it into the shadows to giv...
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Tip: Dark brown stain on framing gives a clean "floating" effect to the raised deck. http://www.deckandpatio.com/deck...
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Trick: Plan the deck, this staircase "hugged" the deck so it would not interfere with the patio below. http://www.deckandpatio.com/dec...
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This is a view of the Mountains of Long Island...there are no mountain on Long Island, but this one had a great view. http://www.deckandpatio.com/dec...
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Tip: Orient the furniture to the view that you would like your guests to enjoy. http://www.deckandpatio.com/deck...
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Tip: Plan spaces for specific uses. http://www.deckandpatio.com/decks
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This was the deck for chaise lounges, it was the sunny spot and over looked the pool.
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8 Comments

Becky H Tampa, FL

Who made that particular composite decking? Were the planks made from recycled materials?

on Sep 12, 2012 · Like 1
Acorn Landscaping Rochester, NY

Thanks for sharing all the great info here. Great design! I like how the you created different rooms and what an amazing location.

on Sep 12, 2012 · Like 1
SheilaG, Plum Doodles Acworth, GA

I guess we had the old composite decking at our last house- mold and staining, couldn't get it clean. What was the problem with the old stuff, and how is the new stuff different?

on Sep 12, 2012 · Like 1
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

I think those pointers would apply no matter what the deck is made of. Thanks for sharing.

on Sep 12, 2012 · Like 1
Deck and Patio Company "O... Huntington Station, NY

This project not a composite deck, it is PVC made by Timbertech called XLM. I'm not sure about the recycled content. With this new material and the new "capped composite" decking materials the key is that they now cap the the composite (the old stain and mold type) with this high tech plastic cap and that's why there is no longer issues with stains, mold, scratches, and fading. Great Stuff so far!!

on Sep 12, 2012 · Like 1
AK Complete Home Renovati... Marietta, GA

Great looking design. Thanks for the info.

on Sep 13, 2012 · Like 1
Bridget Marietta, GA

What a beautiful deck and the views are breathtaking. What about the railing and post sleeves? Are they made by Timbertech, too?

on Sep 13, 2012 · Like 1
Deck and Patio Company "O... Huntington Station, NY

Yes Bridget the rails are from Timbertech, the are called Radience Rail.

on Sep 14, 2012 · Like 0