Gomposite decking producers roll out new wave of design tools

j-lorr,rrosrrE DECKING manufacturers are unveiling a host \-,of new computerized design tools to help contractors and homeowers visualize their outdoor projects-and ensure they spec in their deck brands during the process.

MoistureShield's new Decklife online design tool allows users to create complex deck plans with a detailed 3D image. Available free at www.moistureshield.com, the software shows users what the completed deck will look like, while letting them make real-time changes in the material, color and layout of the decking and railings.

Dealers, contractors and homeowners can all work together using Decklife to ensure they are on the same page prior to installation and to save time when changes arise by simply editing the 3D design to see automatically updated specification reports. At anytime during the design process, users can view detailed composite decking material and cut lists, beam layouts, and stress analysis reports for their decking project.

Upon design completion, an all-inclusive Deck Designer Specification Kit can be printed. It includes a deck layout diagram, installation tips, and all of the reports.

"One reason our customers continue to use MoistureShield composite decking goes beyond product performance to the tools and services we provide to make their jobs easier," said Brent Gwatney, v.p. of sales and marketing for MoistureShield. "Decklife is another way we are helping contractors and homeowners get the MoistureShield deck of their dreams quickly and cost effectively."

Fiberon's online Deck Designer tool (www.fiberon. com) similarly allows users to watch their ideas come to life. With a couple of clicks, they can complete a deck layout that includes cut lists, building plans, and contractor and dealer listings.

Users select their deck shape and size, including the number of levels, stairs, railings and footings, and the widths of the boards. The project can then be tweaked by swapping in different Fiberon products, colors, textures, design shapes, and accessories. Multiple designs can be created and saved to compare and review later.

Universal Forest Products' new online Deckorators Deck Visualizer (www.ufpi.com) lets users select one of four deck configurations. Then they can swap in any of 10 different composite colors and textures, black or white railings, eight different baluster styles (in various colors), dozens of post cap options, and stair lights or other accessories.

The tool can be used on virtually any computer or mobile device and allows custom designs to be saved, printed, or emailed.

Gossen's Color Visualizer (www. gossencorp.com) allows users to view projects featuring three different styles of WeatherReady decking and, with the click of a button, see what the project would look like with different colored decking and railings.

TimberTech (www.timbertech. com) offers both a sophisticated online deck designer and a color visualizer. Since TimberTech offers multiple styles of decking, each with 11 color options, and eight color choices for its railings and posts, the color combinations are virtually endless. The site will help out with recommendations of more popular color combinations.

Trex's site (www.trex.com) offers a customizable deck designer, color visualizer, fencing estimator, and sample deck plans. But the manufacturer has taken it to the next level, with its recent introduction of software strictly for professionals.

The new program, DeckWorks, allows pros to produce and output photo-realistic 3-D renderings of outdoor living spaces for their customers.

According to Ron Kaplan, chairman, president and c.e.o. of Trex, "Remodelers and landscapers are often involved in creating outdoor living spaces, but may not have access to software in which decking is wellrepresented. By offering a program that provides superior quality and versatility to these professionals, we're creating an opportunity for incremental Trex product sales."

DeckWorks, we're helping both exisr ing and new professional partners to distinguish their work from the com- petition, bring a greater level of creativity to their designs and ultimately increase profitability."

Alternative decking makers add coordinated accessories

UNIVERSAL Forest Products hopes to sell more Latitudes decking and Deckorators railings with its new online design tool.

The software features a variety of common wood products but positions Trex as the exclusive wood-alternative option for decking and railing. In addition, it makes it possible to incorporate landscaping, lighting, furniture and accessories to visualize a complete outdoor living space.

DeckWorks is powered by Vectorworks, one of the leading design platforms for landscape architects, designers and contractors worldwide. Professionals who already own select Vectorworks software simply purchase a Trex DeckWorks plugin to begin incorporating Trex products into their designs. generating material lists and creating budgets and professional proposals.

"Professionals who use realistic 3D imagery to help potential customers visualize their dream decks achieve both higher close rates and project values," Kaplan said. "With hsrsnn,trNBo to find additional I-luses for their patented technologies, alternative decking manufacturers are expanding their offerings to include other outdoor products that can complement their decks.

LifuTime Lumber, known for its composite decking, has added privacy fence and pergola products.

"LifeTime Lumber is one of the few companies whose products have the versatility to offer this number of design options for the builder contractor looking to offer sustainable, long lasting materials for their projects," said president Jim Mahler. "Now privacy fences and pergolas can be matched with other outdoor applications -decks, docks, ranch fencing, and planters."

Using LifeTime Lumber for all the non-structural building components, these new privacy fence and pergola profiles allows builders the option to deliver more affordable, fully coordinated. low mainte- nance, outdoor construction materials.

Trex is now producing outdoor furniture. Its four different collections include dining chairs, folding chairs, Adirondack chairs, dining tables, side tables, coffee tables, sofas, ottomans, and chaise lounges.

Bqrrette Outdoor Living has expanded its Xpanse collection to include vinyl fencing. Two different series are offered-the Elite and the lower-priced Select series. They come in privacy. semi-private, traditional and contemporary picket panels, with several post and rail options.

The fencing lines are designed to complement Barrette's sheds, lattice, railings and accents.

AZEK Building Products has introduced an in-deck storage kit, for safely storing furniture cushions and covers, umbrellas, or other deck items. The compartment is concealed within the deck and blends risht in.