Feature Story

DECKORATORS’ new stair treads were a response to demands for enhanced traction for improved safety, especially near water.

Decking innovates to meet the wants and whims of 2022

When the pandemic hit, demand for alternate decking materials surged so high that manufacturers appeared more focused on cranking out sufficient volume and expanding capacity for current products, rather than looking for new avenues to expand into.

But now that they have begun adjusting to the new normal, suppliers are again preparing to roll out exciting new products, all designed to solve existing shortcomings and desires among deck builders and homeowners.

Faster, Easier Installation

Installation time is always an issue, so Trex and AZEK/TimberTech are both rolling out new hidden fastener tools to make application of their decking products quicker and easier.

Debuting this month, the EDGELoc hidden fastener system is easy to use, reduces installation time for TimberTech EDGE grooved deck boards, and results in a smooth, fastener-free finished surface.

Similarly, the new Trex Universal Fastener Installation Tool was designed to help cut decking installation time in half. The tool also properly activates fasteners and streamlines the tightening process to help finish projects with greater accuracy and efficiency so builders can move onto what’s next.

As for railings, buyers are gravitating toward easy-to-install solutions, and companies including Envision have responded with railing systems offered in complete kits. “These features make it easier for dealers to sell, as well, helping to ensure railings remain at the forefront of the decking conversation,” added Chase Moritz, director of marketing for Envision.

More Bang for the Buck

MoistureShield positioned its latest innovation, Meridian decking, to incorporate as many premium features as possible at a moderate price point. According to VP of sales Matthew Bruce, “There was a market gap for a mid-priced capped composite that addresses natural looks, water contact, heat surface temps, and other issues all in one product. It’s also WUI approved for the West.”

Greater Protection

Ask any contractor where a deck is most likely to fail, and chances are they’ll tell you at the ledger board. The makers of Trex Protect Joist &

Beam Tape and the Trex RainEscape deck drainage system have created a new butyl-based tape reinforced with aluminum specifically engineered to flash ledger boards and rims to protect against water damage and deterioration.

According to Leslie Adkins, Trex VP of marketing, “It can also be used to seal a deck’s perimeter—including first, last and rim joists—to create a moisture-proof barrier for any horizontal wood surface areas that are flat blocked. Its larger size (11” wide by 5.5”) helps cover more area more quickly and its double-release liner makes for a smooth, accurate installation.”

Increased Privacy

Among the hottest trends in outdoor living for 2022 is privacy. With this in mind, the makers of Trex Pergola created Trex Privacy, a new series of stylish

THE RICH COLORS and bold highlights of Envision Outdoor Living Products’ Distinction Collection of composite decking emulate the textures and natural color variations found in exotic wood.

and low-maintenance aluminum privacy wall panels. Offered in both permanent and moveable options, the decorative panels not only enhance privacy around decks, patios and pools, but can be strategically integrated into spatial plans to define various functional areas within any outdoor living space.

A Smarter Deck

Fiberon has been looking to extend the smart home trend to the outdoors. “The concept of the smart home, with technology and features connected via smart home devices, is a common trend in the building products industry. However, decking and railing brands have not introduced smart lighting features for outdoor living spaces yet,” said Donna Contat, senior director of product management for Fiberon. “We enhanced our lighting product line with the new smart home outlet, a device exclusive to Fiberon lighting, that allows homeowners to control their deck and railing lights using their smartphone or connected smart home device.”

Higher tech also continues to be improved when it comes to planning and purchasing decking. Most manufacturers offer deck design software or apps, with the newest entry being the Fiberon Discovery App.

“The shopper journey has moved beyond just being digital. The ability to visualize a product before stepping foot in a physical location is becoming increasingly important to homeowners,” said Eric Dotson, director of ecommerce and data management for Fiberon. “The Fiberon Discovery app helps homeowners visualize Fiberon decking or cladding on an existing surface using augmented reality, allowing them to easily switch board colors and direction to find the perfect look.”

Greater Personalization

“When Deckorators began planning our new products for 2022 we wanted to include components that give our contractors opportunities to personalize their projects, while also making a space as functional and safe as possible,” said Jase DeBoer, senior marketing manager for outdoor living. “This sentiment applies to our newly launched 11-1/4” Voyage Step Treads. Featuring enhanced traction and available in colors Tundra and Khaya, these treads make it easier for contractors to create an outdoor space with the design and colors that their clients want while also providing key safety features, especially near water.”

Also new from Deckorators for 2022

FIBERON’S (top) new smart home adapter allows homeowners to manage their outdoor lighting using a smartphone, Amazon Alexa, or Google Home device. (Bottom) The augmented reality app, Fiberon Discovery, allows you to reimagine the surface of your existing deck, exterior walls and other surfaces.

are low-voltage recessed lighting components. Deck and riser lights that are easy-to-install and Bluetooth compatible make it easier than ever to increase visibility and create outdoor ambiance.

Secondary handrails—now available in bronze—are a new addition to the Deckorators product line and exemplify a seamless combination of style and function for safety and livability.

AZEK is adding two on-trend composite deck-board colors. “As demand for outdoor living spaces increases, homeowners continue to request design-forward decks that reflect their personal style,” said AZEK CEO Jesse Singh. “These new product extensions enable us to build on our commitment to deliver beautiful, sustainable, and low maintenance decking—while providing more options to meet the latest home-design trends.”

Its Landmark Collection, which mimics the look of reclaimed wood, will add French White Oak, a unique, lighttone board with subtly blended shades of natural oak, warm gray, and tannin. Softer tones have become a sought-after trend in indoor flooring, and French White Oak seamlessly extends those trends to the outdoor living space.

And its TimberTech EDGE Prime+ Collection now includes Dark Cocoa, a warm brown shade, flecked with varied hues that give natural color dimension.

Along the same lines, customizable metal railing systems, such as Fortress Building Products’ recently introduced Al¹³ HOME and Fe², deliver proven performance to support deck functions, while giving play to today’s in-demand modern farmhouse aesthetic.

The overall goal is to make deck builders’ lives easier and make their clients’ living spaces feel complete. “At the top of their home improvement wish list, homeowners are commissioning hardworking outdoor spaces that extend the functions of everyday living beyond the walls of their home,” explained Toby Bostwick, Fortress’ VP of product & brand. “Decks should draw the comfort and aesthetic of a home’s interior to the outdoors.”