Gomposite makers roll out new decking

f, s oecx sEASoN approaches. manAufacturers of composite deck boards are introducing new products-or expanding and improving old ones.

Advanced Environmental Technologies Inc. is the proud parent of NanoShield, the first composite deck board to incorporate nanotechnology. The Springdale, Ar., company developed the new product in partnership with NanoMech, Fayetteville, Ar. The process bonds inorganic nanoparticles to treated wood particles to form a durable shell of similar composition.

"We believe nanotechnology will be one of the next technology leaders for this industry," says chairman and c.e.o. Joe Brooks. "AERT's NanoShield board will represent a game-changing product with unmatched performance and characteristics."

Brent Gwatney, vice president of sales and marketing for AERT's MoistureShield brand, says that NanoShield will be a "high-end product that will look more like wood. It will be something to compete with cellular PVC and capstock composites."

Ta,uro Building Products, Joplin, Mo., plans to introduce a new compression-molded deck board that is capped on three sides, but details have not been released. However, industry sources believe that the new oroduct will be christened Envision, the sa-. name used in 2009 for a PVC deck board that failed to gain significant market share.

The new product will be produced using T.Llrro's compression-molding manufacturing process - already used for the company's EverGrain composite decking-which experts say gives boards a deeper grain and texture than composite boards that are injectionmolded.

Armadillo Deck is the latest offering from Master Mark Plastics, Albany, Mn., which also produces

NyloDeck Expands Distribution

Nyloboard LLC is expanding distribution of its NyloDeck, NyloTrim, and NyloSheet products in the Southeast. Produced from 100% recycled carpet fiber and VOC-free bonding resins, the products are also available in California and Hawaii.

"We spent much of last year modifying our process to become much more efficient, so we could become more competitive and be able to produce much more volume," said Kevin Guthard, vice president of operations for the Covington, Ga., company.

Last year, the company's 200,000sq. ft. plant was modified and new equipment was added so loose-fill carpet fibers could be used, which significantly lowered manufacturing costs.

"The challenge has mostly been in manufacturing," said Guthard. "We had to travel across the globe to make sure we have the right technology and equipment for manufacturing."

Guthard believes that NyloDeck has an advantage compared to other alternative decking products because it looks like hardwood. lt also has natural resistance to mildew and water because it is made from 100% recvcled

r$lurre hgl5: Deck Ledger Board

carpet fiber and bonding resins that are free from volatile organic compounds.

Available in three colors-caramel, cocoa and gray-NyloDeck has an ultraviolet coating for fade-resistance and can be installed with conventional building tools.

"lt is impervious to moisture and water because there is no wood in the product," said Guthard. "lt also appeals to people who appreciate the idea of diverting carpeting from a landfill."

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Rhino Deck. The composite boards are made from a proprietary mix of wood pulp and recycled, high-density polyethylene plastics, then fully wrapped with a tough polyethylene coating to resist fading, weathering, scratching, stains, and mildew. Available colors are painted desert, canyon gray, Sedona, and driftwood, with wood grain on both sides.

Trex, Winchester, Va., recently introduced Enhance composite decking, which is positioned between its Transcend and Accents lines. Like Transcend, Enhance has a three-sided shell that protects against staining, fading, mold, rot, cracks and splinters. Available in two colors-clam shell and beach dune-it's manufactured from 95Vo recycled content, including reclaimed wood, sawdust and plastic bags.

"Enhance will both expand and strengthen our high-performance decking portfolio and provide consumers with a composite product that features a multitude of innovative features," says Ronald W. Kaplan, chairman, president and c.e.o. "We're establishing a clear 'good, better, best' decking line-up, which allows consumers to select the ideal product to meet their outdoor living needs."

TimberTech, Wilmington, Oh., has added three new colors-brick, slate and brownstoneto its new Earthwood Evolutions collection. Featuring proprietary HydroLock technology, the line is the company's first fully capped composite decking product, with a flat-grain surface that doesn't trap dirt and a consistent variegated color for the look of hardwood.

"The success of Earthwood Evolutions exceeded even our expectations, but we knew that customers were looking for a product with increased scratch, stain and fade resistance coupled with unmatched aesthetics," says product manager Toby Bostwick. "The collection brings the

Japanese Composite Technology Hits U.S.

Geolam Inc., Toronto, Ont., is bringing wood-plastic composite decking, siding, and trim products--developed in Japan and widely used around the world-to the U.S.

"We want to bring a whole new level of soohistication to the evolution of wood in the American marketplace," said Ron Factor, who co-founded Geolam lnc. with Christian Stephan seven years ago.

"Geolam-brand products grace the finest buildings in the world, yet have been unavailable in North America," said Stephan. "With much research, independent third-party testing, and market analysis, we concluded there is a strong need for WPC materials of this caliber in the U.S." same high performance qualities with a color palette that offers customers a more traditional choice."

The patented Einwood technology removes 100% of the moisture from the wood-fiber so the injected plastic is fully integrated or embedded, to create a new homogenous product. lt is fully recyclable, has no formaldehyde emissions, and is free of all solvents and chlorine. According to Geolam, it's the only wood-plastic composite to earn Eco-Mark certifi cation.

"The results were very positive and undeniably set a new standard for composite decking performance with the U.S.," said Factor.

Universal Consumer Products, Grand Rapids, Mi., is unveiling the next generation of co-extruded composite decking under its Latitudes Capricorn and Captiva brands. The new product has a more natural looking, realistic grain pattern that is resistant to scratches, stains and fading.

"The new cap stock we've employed is highly durable and proven in many exterior applications," says sales manager Geoffrey Meyer. "Builders, d-i-yers, and homeowners will appreciate its great looks and exceptional performance."

ProTekt capped composite deck boards from Fiberon, New London, N.C., are now offered in four colors: two solids, canyon brown, and harbor gray, and two multi-chromatics, chestnut and gray birch. Each board has a rigid core that is encased on three sides with a patent-pending, non-organic surface material that is resistant to staining, fading, scratches, and mold.

"The best aesthetics in alternative decking products drive market demand," says marketing director Edie Kello. "Fiberon offers homeowners innovative. low maintenance products that retain their beauty for years and enhance their quality of life and the value of their homes."

Natures Composites, Torrington, Wy., mixes recycled milk jugs with wheat straw cellulose to Produce TerraDeck composite decking in three grades: standard, premium, and ultimate. All three contain 94Vo tecycled content and 6Vo non-toxic adhesive.

Formerly known as Heartland BioComposites, the company is now owned by the RRM Composites investment group, which stePPed in when Heartland went bankruPt and closed its doors after defaulting on loans of more than $5 million.

Current vice president Heath Van Eaton founded the company and developed the products, which recently received building certification from ICC Evaluation Services, a subsidiary of the International Code Council.

"The market's been soft, but this year is looking much better," said Kim Boos. national sales and marketing manager. "We are priced l5-207o less than traditional wood-plastic composites, and we have a green story that resonates with people."