Among the projects expected to be popular are landscaping, adding water features and if there isn't one already, adding a deck.  "Fortunately, those being built today are a lot more advanced than the decks a lot of people remember from their youth. They are easier to take care of, and made of superior materials that are designed to last a long time," says Dan Gauthier, director of consumer products for Universal Forest Products, one of the nation's fastest growing composite deck material producers.

One of the company's most popular lines is Latitudes Decking and Railing (www.latitudesdeck.com). It is a wood-thermoplastic composite material made from a mix of recycled wood fiber and post-industrial high-density polyethylene, and appears natural in both look and feel.  

Latitudes boards have a reversible brushed/woodgrain finish and come in a variety of lengths and colors. Color is added to the mixture during the Latitudes manufacturing process, bonding it to the boards so they won't fade, crack or peel.

Gauthier recommends Equator Hidden Fasteners (www.equatorfastener.com), which install quickly and easily from the top of the deck. Once in place, their innovative design allows for the expansion and contraction on the length and width that naturally occurs with composites. In addition, they automatically space the deck boards with the proper gap, eliminating guess-work. And, because there are no visible fasteners, the deck is blemish-free and barefoot friendly.

"When the deck is finished, our Latitudes ornamental railings and decorative post caps make great decorative finishes," says Gauthier, "and with so many options to choose from, it's easy to create a one-of-a-kind look." Latitudes offers a number of different railing systems, baluster and post cap options that match the composite boards they offer.

For more information about Latitudes Decking and Railing, log on to www.latitudesdeck.com . Information about Equator Hidden Fasteners can be found at www.equatorfastener.com . Both sites feature installation instructions and store locators.

Courtesy of ARAcontent