1. Building a Better Deck & Rail:
Using Trends, Installation, and Design Elements
AIA Continuing Education Program Provided By:

2. Overall Course Objectives
After this program, learners will be able to:
Select the right material for their needs by recognizing the different Decking and Railing Categories
Identify five characteristics to consider when selecting decking or railing materials within the different categories
Identify Market Trends of Decking and Railing
Market Size
Life Cycle Costs
Anticipated Growth
Identify Installation Trends of Decking and Railing
Identify the three most notable code listing agencies
related to decking and railing
Reports each listing agency provides
Benefits of Reports
How reports work on a Job Site
Identify support requirements as it relates to the Acceptance Criteria 174
List three installation criteria as it relates to composite decking and railing

3. Selecting the Right Material

4. Three Decking and Railing Categories
US decking and railing markets can be divided
into three broad material segments:
Traditional Wood
Pressure Treated Lumber
Cedar
Redwood
Exotic Hardwoods/IPE
Wood Plastic Composite/PVC
Other
Vinyl
Metal
Aluminum
Variety of other specialty materials
Redwood Deck
WPC Deck

5. Five Decking and Railing Considerations
In comparing the decking and railing categories and their specific functions, this presentation will cover five specific considerations that focus on the application of your project:
Safety
Maintenance
Color/Appearance
Longevity
Environmental Impact

6. Pressure Treated Lumber
Pressure-treated lumber (PTL) will continue to benefit from its low cost, wide availability, and familiarity to both consumers and contractors.
Safety
Slippery when wet
Will considerably check/split after 15 years of exposure
Potential health hazard when burned
Over time splinters may occur
Chemicals in pressure treated lumber may degrade the fastener and create screw shear
Maintenance
Requires annual cleaning and reapplications of staining and sealing
Possible screw corrosion
Colors
Stain to desired color
Purchase pre-stained

7. Pressure Treated Lumber
Pressure-treated decking and railing has lost market share to wood-plastic composites and other alternative materials, as these alternatives do not require the ongoing maintenance associated with pressure-treated decks and rails.
Longevity
Average Lifespan: years
Some pressure treated products have a warranty beyond this but will need significant maintenance to keep it safe and aesthetically pleasing
Environmental Impact
Supply & Demand Issues
Vast majority of PTL was treated with CCA – a chemical preservative and pesticide regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Now Prohibited
CCA has been replaced by other EPA approved preservatives

8. Redwood
Redwood decking and railing is available in over 30 grades determined by quality and appearance.
Safety
Class B Flame Rating
Maintenance
Wash at least once a year
Seal with a preservative sealer
Colors
Ranges from light red to dark reddish brown but weathers quickly to grey

9. Redwood
Redwood decking and railing is associated with a number of performance characteristics that make it well suited for many diverse applications.
Longevity
Average Lifespan:
20 plus years if maintained
Environmental Impact
Tightened harvesting restrictions
Tightening supply of high quality grades
Harder to obtain in the market

10. Cedar
Red cedar is available in a variety of different grades that vary significantly in price, appearance and performance characteristics, largely as a result of the amount of heartwood contained.
Safety
Natural resistance to decay and insects
Maintenance
Wash at least once a year
Seal with a preservative sealer
Colors
Ranges from light amber to a deep honey brown and will weather to a silvery gray or dark brown if left untreated

11. Cedar
Features of cedar decking and railing include it’s light weight and the ability to be easily worked.
Longevity
Average lifespan: 10 – 30 years
Due to less availability of heartwood lumber which shortens lifespan
Environmental Impact
Deforestation
Depleted supply of old growth

12. Exotic Hardwoods/IPE
Ipe is an extremely dense, tight-grained wood ranging in color from red-amber to dark brown and virtually clear from knots.
Safety
Natural resistance to insects and decay
Maintenance
May require staining & sealing
Can be treated with a UV-resistant coating to preserve the natural color
Installing has increased labor costs due to pre-drilling
Colors
Ranges from red-amber to dark brown

13. Exotic Hardwoods/IPE
Exotic hardwoods are primarily used in non-building applications such as boardwalks and marinas, in which the favorable performance qualities of the decks outweigh their higher initial costs.
Longevity
Average Lifespan: 25 year plus if maintained
Environmental Impact
Deforestation issues
Some woods are rare in the environment
Harvested in countries with fewer environmental restrictions

14. Wood Plastic Composite
Composite decking and railing markets benefit from the widespread trend of growing consumer interest in materials with reduced maintenance requirements, as well as desire for materials that look like wood but have a higher durability.
Safety
Skid Resistant
Splinter Free
No harmful staining or sealing solvents
No rot or decay
Maintenance
Low-Maintenance
No Annual Staining or Sealing Required
Needs Periodic Cleaning

15. Wood Plastic Composite
In addition to wood and plastic raw materials, composite decking contains various additives used to improve performance and processing.
Colors
Wide Variety
Color fading depends on the environment and the manufacture's materials
Some manufacturer’s use reflective, inorganic pigments to develop colors that reduce heat buildup
Longevity
Average Lifespan: 25 plus years
Environmental Impact
Recycled materials are often used
Installed once versus multiple re-planking

16. Plastic Other alternative materials used in
the US decking and railing industry include; vinyl, polyethylene, plastic, aluminum, and a variety of other specialty materials.
Safety
Potential health hazard when burned
Maintenance
Easily Maintainable
No annual staining and sealing required
Needs periodic cleaning with water
Colors
Wide Variety available
Stable & Consistent

17. Plastic
Plastics and other materials will benefit from increasing penetration in the key residential market as a result of product developments aimed at improving aesthetics and feel.
Longevity
Average Lifespan: 25 plus years
Environmental Impact
Not Biodegradable

18. Other Considerations
With the growing awareness of environmental impacts, many building product companies are changing practices to become more sustainable and offer safer products for the environment.
Sustainability
Some alternative deck manufacturers incorporate recycled materials into their products
Many manufacturing processes eliminate waste and reuse as many resources as possible
Fire Resistance
Fire regulations and codes continue to become more important in the building industry.

19. Decking and Railing Market Trends

20. Decking and Railing Market
Market Size
Estimated $3.0 billion in 2009
Total Decking and Railing Market
Includes
PT Lumber, Softwoods, Hardwoods, WPC, Plastic Lumber, Rigid Vinyl, Metal
Yearly increases in demand for WPC for both decking and railing.

21. Decking and Railing Market
Market Breakdown
(2009 Estimated Manufacturing Sales by Dollar Volume Percentage)
Decking Market 5%
38%
Decking: $1,647.8
Wood – 57%*
WPC/Plastic – 38%*
Other – 5%*
($Million)
Railing: $1,272.5
Wood – 64%*
WPC/Plastic – 12%*
Other – 24%*
57%
Railing Market
24%
Wood-PT Lumber, Softwoods, Hardwoods
12%
64%
WPC/Plastic
Other-Rigid Vinyl, Metal, etc.

22. Decking and Railing Market
2009 Decking & Railing Market: Est. $2,920 ($Million)
2000
2010
PLASTIC 9%
PLASTIC 5%
WPC 8%
WPC 36%
WOOD 87%
WOOD 56%
WPC was 8%* of total D&R market in $ volume ($286* million)
Approx. 25% APR growth
WPC is projected to be 36%* of total ($3.0 billion)
Approx. 18% APR growth

23. Life Cycle Cost Comparisons By Decking Material (12 X 18 foot deck)
Costs
WPC
PTL
Plastic
Redwood/Cedar
Hardwood
Total Deck
Cost($)
$3,900
$2,540
$4,400
$3,250
$4,165
Annual
Maintenance ($)
$75
$375
Five Year
Ownership Cost($)
$4,275
$4,325
$4,775
$5,125
$6,040
*Deck boards & Standard Railing Only, does not include cost for substructure, footings, or fasteners
** This model accounts for materials costs only, NOT installed costs and labor
Maintenance costs include the cost of cleaner, preservative, stain and pressure treated washer rental

24. The Advantages of Alternative Decking and Railing
Demand for wood-plastic composites and other alternative materials will continue to benefit from growing consumer awareness and product availability in lumberyards.
Several Performance Advantages
Durability – longer life expectancy
Lower Maintenance Requirements
Color Retention
Mold and Mildew Inhibitors
Appearance
Multiple profiles, colors & finishes to choose from
Consumers desire non traditional materials to look like natural products
Some manufacturers have created products that represent the hardwood look

25. Increases Home Value AFTER BEFORE
Remodeling Magazine’s 2006 Cost vs. Value Report estimates a national average of a 76.8% return on investment for deck additions
AFTER
BEFORE

26. Design & Installation Trends

27. Design Trends
Design elements provide value to the deck and improve the aesthetic appeal.
Inlays
Planter Boxes/Benches
Multiple Deck Levels
Accessories
Lighting
Railing
Hidden Fastener Systems
Deck Drainage System

28. Design Trends Inlays Inlays allow for design versatility
Can be created with most Wood Plastic Composite Materials
Contrasting Colors are often used
Framing and blocking dependent upon design

29. Design Trends
Inlay Photo Gallery

30. Design Trends Planter Boxes/Benches
Planter boxes and benches add value and functionality
The sizes are similar to dimensional lumber
Multiple designs are possible

31. Design Trends Multiple Deck Levels
Multiple deck levels allow the opportunity to segment the outdoor living space.
Allows for outdoor kitchen space

32. Design Trends Lighting
Lighting is often used as a safety mechanism and adds ambiance.
Many local codes require lighting
Increases the Usability
Low voltage and solar type lighting available
Products are made from vinyl or aluminum and come in different styles and colors
Easy to install and very little maintenance required
Products often include post top module lights and accent lighting for the front and sides of the posts
Accent Light

33. Design Trends Railing Adds Unique Design & Style
Decorative Centerpieces,
Post Caps, & Pipe Railing
Variety of Materials Available:
Vinyl
Metal
Wood
Wood Plastic Composite
Cable
Glass
PVC Wood Railing
Many WPC and alternative deck manufacturers have matching rail systems

34. Design Trends Railing Photo Gallery Cable Railing Wood Railing
Glass Railing

35. Design Trends Railing Photo Gallery WPC Railing PVC Wood Railing
Metal Balusters

36. Installation Trends Hidden Fastener Systems
Hidden Fastener Systems provide a seamless, nail and screw free surface that preserve the beauty of the deck board and highlight the investment in premium composite materials.
30% increase in demand for hidden fasteners
Generally installed between planks
Allows the plank to be the focus, not the fasteners
Controls uniform gapping
Some fasteners can be installed using a pneumatic gun

37. Installation Trends 1 3 2 4 Hidden Fastener Systems Additional Planks
1st Plank 2 4
Hidden Fastener
Relax

38. Installation Trends Tongue & Groove
Tongue & Groove is a product advancement that allows for ease of installation and maximum span ability.
Easy installation with no visible screws
Some product profiles span 24" on-center for reduced structural needs

39. Installation Trends Deck Drainage System
Deck Drainage Systems provide leisure and storage space for second story deck applications.
Some products secures to the joists of any new or existing deck with 12" and 16" on-center joist spacing

40. Challenge Your Creativity

41. Technical Guidelines

42. Code Listing Agencies
In the past, wood plastic composite and plastic composites have not been addressed directly in the building code. However, as of 2009 the IRC has added these materials to the code. A significant amount of work is still underway to complete this process, but definitely a step forward. Currently there are several listing agencies that conduct code compliance evaluations.
The most notable are:
ICC-ES
Architectural Testing, Inc.
Underwriters Laboratory

43. Code Listing Agencies
If a product complies with code requirements, the listing agency publishes a report to that effect
Each listing agency issues different types of reports.
ICC-ES issues: Evaluation Service Report (ESR)
Architectural Testing, Inc. issues: Code Compliance Research Report (CCRR)
Underwriters Laboratory issues: UL Listing
The report is then available to the public and local building officials
The local building officials use the reports to evaluate the given products suitability to the given application

44. Technical Evaluations
Each code listing provides technical evaluations of decking and railing products based upon Acceptance Criteria 174 (AC 174)
Under this criteria, materials are evaluated for:
Stiffness & Strength
Ability to withstand environmental factors
Evaluated for
Termite Damage
Decay
Fire Performance

45. Support Requirements
Decking materials are evaluated to a minimum span/load combination of 16” at 100 pounds per square foot
Railings for residential use are evaluated to a design load of 200 pounds
For other than 1 & 2 family dwellings under the IRC:
In addition to the 200lb design load, the railings are also subjected to a minimum of 50lbs per linear foot in a uniform load test.

46. Support Requirements
The deck spans and rail test loads are subject to safety factors of two and a half and any environmental adjustment factors based upon test results
For railings:
This is a minimum of 500 pounds in residential applications and 125 pounds per foot for non residential application
That is 1000 pounds on an eight foot section of rail!

47. Benefits of Certification
Product Liability Issues
The certification ensures that the product has been produced and tested accordingly
Traceability
The certification has a paper trail that enables it to be traced from the job site to the raw materials
Safety
The certification process requires the product to be tested as a system (railing)
Provides a higher degree of confidence in reliability

48. How Listings Work on the Job Site
Labeling & Packaging
Allows the field inspector to verify that the materials have met the appropriate requirements
Installation
Products are to be installed per the manufactures instructions

49. Installing Wood Plastic Composite
Wood Plastic Composites are as easy to
install as wood using:
Tools
Saw Blades (should be new, sharp and clean); PVC specific saw blades
Drills
Difference:
Typically have higher thermal expansion coefficients and need to be spaced at both the ends and edges of the boards to allow for expansion and contraction

50. Gapping
Allow 1/8” minimum gap between the end joints of planks and 1/4” minimum gap where the planking meets an adjoining structure
Refer to the manufacturers installation & maintenance guide for detailed instructions
Many of the hidden fasteners on the market today provide the needed gap spacing for the manufacturer specific product.

51. Joist Span
Generally the joist spacing on residential and commercial applications is 16” on center
Some Wood Plastic Composite manufacturers can span up to 24” on center
Check with the manufacturer on specific details for their profiles

52. Railing—Planning and Installation
Make railing part of the design element, not an afterthought. Pay attention to stair locations and proper spacing of each railing section.
Plumb 4x4’s or support posts are critical in achieving a dimensionally and physically sound railing system.
Double check both manufacturer installations and code listing specifications to ensure compliance.
Consult your local building official regarding any specific regulations for the designated area of construction.
Measure Twice, Cut Once!

53. Care & Handling Storage
Store WPC products under cover to maintain a clean surface
Stacking
To decrease damage of the product, stack the units with banding and bottom supports aligned
Handling
Carry planks on edge for better support
Never dump materials when unloading

54. Care & Cleaning Requires periodic cleaning
Does not require painting, staining, or sealing
Scratches, nicks, cuts & grooves
Varies by product
To Combat Mildew
Maintain a clean, dry deck surface

55. WPC Warranties On average: 10 – 25 years; some are pro-rated.
Generally includes splinter, cracking, rotting & warping
Check with the manufacturer on specific warranty information

56. THANK YOU
Thank you for taking the time to familiarize yourself with composite decking and railing!
Questions?