Are you planning to build a new composite deck or refinish an existing structure this summer? Along with deciding the size, shape and color of your outdoor living area, another important decision you’ll have to make is whether or not you want to use screws to attach the decking to its frame or use a hidden fastening system. The decision impacts both...

When it comes to the style and colors available for composite decking, there are many more choices for homeowners to consider than there were just a few short years ago. Long gone are the days when selections were confined to a few different types of composite blends that had very little in common with the “natural” look of the pressure treated...

Homeowners who are considering building a pool in their backyards have more choices than ever before now that composite decking materials have advanced in appearance, durability and strength. Today, homeowners no longer have to choose between the high cost of building a concrete or masonry platform around their pool and the high maintenance required to keep...

Building contractors and deck builders in most areas know that the outdoor construction season is short and sweet – more so some years than others. That’s why the most successful builders not only work harder, but smarter during those precious weeks and months. Working smarter benefits both the business contractor and the homeowners they serve....

Replacing a worn down deck sounds like an overwhelming project. The good news for homeowners is that it might not have to be. Completely dismantling your existing deck to replace it with a new one isn’t always necessary. Here’s how to determine if your aging wood deck needs a full makeover, or just a facelift.   Updating A Deck with...

One of the top reasons that homeowners choose to work with professional contractors is because they believe the person who does this for a living must know which products will perform best over time. They rationalize that builders must be constantly educating themselves about the latest and greatest new products – and weeding out the ones that...

As the snow continues to recede and a season’s worth of ice and sleet fade away to reveal a menagerie of leaves, twigs and other debris that Mother Nature has been silently depositing on your composite deck all winter, there are a few important steps that can help you save time and keep your outdoor living area in prime condition. Here are some simple...

If there’s one thing that both decking contractors and homeowners share it’s their desire to get the project finished – fast!  For homeowners, the sooner that their new composite deck is installed, the sooner they’ll be able to get out and enjoy it. For deck builders, they understand that the sooner they finish one job, the...

Finding a qualified, reliable decking contractor can be a job in and of itself. Securing the time and talent of a skilled contractor can be frustrating for many homeowners. In many cases, it could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to locate, research, interview and book a reliable deck builder. In cold climates here in New England,...

So, your client wants to put a hot tub on the new composite deck that you are designing for them? Don’t panic! (Never panic.) Simply ask the homeowner to give you as many details as they can – as soon as they can. With basic information such as the planned size, shape and potential location(s) of the hot tub, the next step is to determine...