Adds Cable Connections’ Nourse, “We don’t sell posts—there are so many excellent options available. Nor do we want to compete with post and rail manufacturers. We prefer to partner with all of them to provide cable infill where requested.”
Choices often are regional, notes Digger’s Boyts. “Each region has different traditions, which influence their ideas about style,” he says. “Our image of what’s popular is driven by the Northeast, due to its population size, income levels, tradition and weather variety. But that style isn’t common throughout the country. As we move forward, the Northeast style will focus on more maintenance-free products.”
The range of colors is growing, too, says Feeney’s Penny. “Homeowners are bringing colors that are used for interior designs out onto the deck. It’s an extension of their living space. They’re using colors from inside, such as reds, lime greens and bright colors that go beyond the typical earthtones and greens and blues often used on decks.”
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Dark colors are gaining popularity. “Black sand is growing,” says Fortress’ Jordan. “It’s a fine, textured finish, more of a traditional wrought-iron coloring. Architectural finishes overall are becoming more popular.”
Lighting Options Expand
As railings grow, so too do lighting units that accent the railings and allow decks to serve as entertainment areas long into the night. Deck-board manufacturers are expanding into this market, too. “Homeowners are using their decks at night more often, so they’re installing more lighting to extend its use,” says Brent Gwatney, senior vice president of sales and marketing at MoistureShield. “We introduced a lighting line last year to ensure we were covering all of our bases, and we’re looking to see if we’re missing any other opportunities.”
Adds Feeney’s Penny, “Customers are looking to create a mood. More deck and railing manufacturers are adding to their lines. They not only have lighting for the deck but also to accent it. They’re putting lighting under the top rail or on a post shining down as an accent. There also is more use on stair risers, not just for safety but also to extend throughout the railing as a decorative touch.”
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Fairway is one that has added in-rail systems. “It’s an accent that helps dress up the deck or balcony and looks great when combined with lighted post caps and post sconces,” says Hickey.