Archive for the ‘Advice for Homeowners’ Category

Fiberon On Board: One-Year Ago

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

This past year has been a busy and exciting one for Fiberon composite decking. We celebrated our second annual National Enjoy Your Deck Day, helped Danny Lipford overhaul the backyard at the Kuppersmith Project, and showed you the future of composite decking.

Today we take a look back at some of our highest read posts here on the On Board blog and revisit how to care for and maintain your deck or hire the best professional deck builder or crew for the job.

Considering starting your own deck building project this summer, or still trying to get your deck ready to enjoy the outdoor get-together season? Read below for insights from our FiberPROs:

Top 10 Composite Decking Care and Maintenance Tips

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Deck Builder

Pro-to-Pro: How to Hire the Best Crew

After reading these articles again, we want to know: What can you add to these articles? What experiences in outdoor living or building have you gone through in the past 365 days? How can our blog continue to give you valuable information?

Don’t forget to bookmark this post either! It might come in handy when you have a question about one these topics.

In Deck Design, Form Equals Function

Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

FiberPRO Bayn Wood of Michigan’s Autumnwood Construction joins us again to discuss deck design and provide tips for homeowners beginning to plan their own outdoor living space.  Read below to learn how to design a deck that is truly your own with tips from our pro.

Usually form follows function for deck design.  When beginning to design your own deck, start with how you plan on using this space. Most decks have three primary uses – entertaining, grilling, and egress into the backyard – so think of each of these for your own deck.  Typically, the challenge rests in fitting each of these uses into the designated space and budget you have. Most importantly though, you should add personal qualities to your deck by adding your own touch of flair or style into the design.

When we first visit homeowners to estimate on designing and building a deck, I listen closely to the customer to learn how they plan to use the space and what expectations that have for their dream deck. In planning your own deck, here are a few areas to take into consideration:

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The Future of Composite Decking

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

This week, Fiberon Deck Specialist Otto Kinzel shares his insight on where the composite decking industry has been heading recently. When you’re done reading, we encourage you to share your own feedback on the future of composite decking.

Composite decking has changed dramatically over the last few years. The first generation composite board that was once a staple of the synthetic decking industry is losing prominence as a “must have” product for retailers. Homeowners expect high value from their investment in a composite deck and the industry has responded by introducing a new generation. This new generation of composite decking includes all of the benefits of the first generation (no sanding, checking, rotting or refinishing) with the added benefit of increased aesthetics and stain and fade resistance.

Recognizing this trend, retail lumberyards nationwide are stocking the new generation of decking. These new products with improved benefits offer retailers and contractors alike better products, fewer call backs and happier homeowners.

Both of Fiberon’s Horizon Decking and Outdoor Flooring products come with a 20 Year Stain & Fade Warranty. As a homeowner you can have the peace of mind to know your deck is protected against fading and staining. The cost is a bit more than that of first generation composite boards, but with the significantly improved long-term performance it’s an easy decision to make.

Cost Comparison: Composite vs. Wood Decking

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010

Product Specialist Otto Kinzel returns to compare costs – both short-term and long-term – between composite and traditional wood decking.

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Deck Collapse Demo from DeckExpo 2010

Thursday, September 16th, 2010

Right across from our showfloor (#5812) at DeckExpo 2010 was a great demo showing the dangers of improper deck building. The use of proper tools, fasteners and building techniques, as well as maintenance, are necessary in creating a safe and stable outdoor space.

How do you ensure that your projects or building structures are safe and secure? Join the conversation below.