New options continue to come to market, shifting from uncapped composites and expanding color and material options.
As the market rebounds and homeowners look to improve their living space, they often look outside to deck projects. These structures are becoming more elaborate and accessorized as they expand their capabilities. Manufacturers are aiding expansion by enhancing their product lines and encouraging more creativity.
“We expect deck projects to grow based on conversations with our customers,” says Jonathan Wierengo, vice president of marketing at The Tapco Group, maker of Kleer deck products. “As the economy has continued to improve and new builds increase, people have money to spend on deck projects and upgrades to their homes. We are hearing from our customers that the demand for decking and home-building materials in 2015 is increasing with needs for long-lasting, durable products.”
 Paramount cellular decking from Fiberon, shown in Brownstone, has a durable co-extruded surface that’s bonded to the core so it creates a hard-wearing yet lightweight board that’s easy to handle. The boards have no organic content to promote mold growth, and they offer resistance to moisture, dents and flame (with a Class B fire rating).The surface features a slip-resistant texture. |
A major reason for that growth, besides the rising tide of a growing market, is the potential homeowners see in expanding their outdoor-living space. “Each year, people surprise us with how much they want to integrate their deck into the look of their home,” says Brent Gwatney, senior vice president of sales and marketing for MoistureShield. Doug Morse, president and COO of NyloBoard, agrees. “The original pressure-treated decks were an extension of the man-cave. Now, composite decks are an extension of a home’s interior and an overall entertainment area. There’s a decorator sense that flows from the home into the outdoors.”
Adds Carey Walley, vice president of marketing for CPG Building Products, maker of TimberTech and AZEK decking, “The biggest trend we see in outdoor-living spaces is the homeowner’s personalization, which often results in a more elaborate deck or outdoor space. Adding a deck is an economical way to add living area, and homeowners love to bring the comforts of the indoors to their outdoor retreat.”
Homeowners also are becoming aware of the multitude of options available. “People buying decks today do a tremendous amount of research,” says Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing at Trex. “It can take nine to 18 months to complete a project from beginning research to completion. It’s also a bigger investment today. It’s not about building a rectangle any more.”
