entertaining or for quiet family nights at home, decks are becom- ing an increasingly important “room”of the house. According to a recent survey by the American Institute of Architects, there’s heightened interest in outdoor living spaces, with design firms reporting that 64 percent of those surveyed expressed interest in a deck, compared to 47 percent the previous year. The survey also reported that a patio or deck is one of the top three features people look for in a new house, with porches also growing in popularity. Homeowners want upscale style and coordinated accessories for their outdoor spaces that increasingly mirror interior ones. Because of this, key trends have emerged: the creation of a personalized oasis through garden dcor; added heat with grills, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits; decorative outdoor lighting, ranging from solar to outdoor Increasingly, homeowners are using composite materials to build decks that offer good looks and convenience. candles; and low-maintenance virtually maintenance-free. In addition, composite deck materials provide superior durability, consistent quality and are expected to last longer than wood while still providing the aesthetic look of wood with an etched woodgrain surface. A new line of composite decking is described as featuring deeper, ciation of Home Builders, the demandfor deck-related features, such as outdoor audio and TV, out- wood texture. This line, called Boardwalk Signature HFS™ (Hidden Fastener System), is available from CertainTeed Corporation in a rich wood stain look that replicates the attractive appearance of materials that improve both the life of the deck and the quality of life for the deck owner. According to the National Asso- door lighting and outdoor fireplaces, is expected to increase significantly among owners of upscale homes. It is also expected to increase, though not as dramatically, among owners of average- size homes. And, a growing number of homeowners are turning to com- posite materials when building a deck. First introduced on the market several years ago, composite building materials are said to be richer colors and a new, natural Chestnut, Cedar and Redwood. And besides being stain, fade and scratch resistant it also features a patented EcoTech™ material that assures consistent color, texture and quality. So, whether you plan on building a deck, want to surround a hot tub or pool or are planning to enhance your porch or dock, composite decking could be the answer. To learn more, visit the Web site at www.certainteed.com.
