Gomposite deck checklist

By Craig Sherrett Fiber Composites, LLC

A FTER posting double-digit la.growth over the last six years. alternative decking materials now account for more than 2OVo of the total decking market-and the industry is forecasted to continue expanding quickly as consumers seek lowermaintenance alternatives to traditional pressure treated lumber.

Composite and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking products have accounted for a majority of this growth by offering the best of both worlds-more naturalistic wood appearances and variations without edge cracking, stain retention, and water absorption. With the total decking market projected to reach $7.5 billion by 2O09, and more than one in five decking projects in 2008 to include composites, you can help your customers capture part of the profit by educating them on the newest decking solutions their customers will be asking for.

Low-maintenance composites not only keep the homeowner happy, contractors also appreciate the hassle-free installation. Research shows that at any given time, 3l%o of households are considering improving their outdoor areas and the average homeowner can spend up to seven months planning their dream deck. But after an initial consultation with a deck specialist, the contractor becomes the product specifier. Do you have the tools you need to help them choose the best product?

Consider offering composite decking products with:

. A variety of lengths with reversible surfaces, so contractors can cut fewer boards, save time, and cre- ate less scrap.

. Grooved (GV) boards to allow the use of invisible side fasteners.

. Durable surfaces that resist scratching and water-absorption.

. Natural color variation and photo-realistic color graining. Hidden fasteners, which are completely concealed and automatically space boards apart by 3/16". (Using traditional screws on composite decking requires an extra step of hammering the material to conceal the screw, and the material may shift and mushroom.)

Designed to work with all grooved deck boards, Fiber Composites' Phantom II is a "top-down" system that allows installers to securely anchor the deck from above. requiring no special tools or glue.

- Craig Sherrett is marketing director for Fiber Composites, LLC, New htndon, NC. He can be reached at craigs@fibercomDosites.com.