This is the place to rant, rave, brag, belly-ache, crack a joke, procrastinate, and delve into the metaphysical aspects of the DIY mindset. We’re off the map, on a tangent, and frequently off topic. This is the stuff we don’t show on TV.
Composite decking is exterior deck board made from a combination of organic material and plastic. Developed in the early 1990s, composite decking has experienced significant growth in the building industry and is used on residential decks, waterfront docks, and commercial boardwalks. Many manufacturers produce composite decking products with several new products appearing each year, often with different material combinations.
Structural composites are engineered products made from plastic, wood, glass, or carbon fiber materials. The formed or extruded products have applications as outdoor deck floors, railings, fences, landscape timbers, cladding, siding, moulding, trim, and window or door frames. These low maintenance products are resistant to cracking and can be smooth or have a simulated wood grain. Available in a variety of colors and sizes, structural composites are shaped using typical woodworking tools.
Several types and formulations of plastic simulated wood trim are available for exterior and interior applications. Plastic decorative trim can be high-density formed to simulate hand-carved, layered, profiled and shaped boards or ornamental pieces. Plastic materials are durable, long lasting, low-maintenance products that are waterproof and resistant to the growth of mold or mildew.
Fabricated from virgin raw and recycled materials, plastic railings are commonly found in applications where wood railings would typically be installed. They are usually used in conjunction with a balustrade system that consists of a newel, balusters and railings. Plastic railings are extruded materials that are field assembled with metal inserts and offer a low-maintenance option that doesn't stain or allow for the growth of mold or mildew.
Plastic fabrications are non-structural finish materials used in a variety of interior and exterior applications. Simulated stone fabrications, cultured marble, solid surfacing and quartz surfacing can be used as surface finishes on the walls and ceilings of interior spaces, around tubs and showers, and inside elevators. Plastic paneling, another type of plastic fabrication, offers a wall surface material that can be formed to simulate tile, bead board or any other type of pattern. Plastic railings are commonly found where wood railings would typically be installed. Similarly, plastic simulated wood trim and custom ornamental simulated woodwork can be used in applications where wood trim would normally be used. Plastic fabrications can be manufactured with virgin raw or recycled materials and offer a maintenance conscious material choice.
Plastic decking or flooring is made from plastics such as High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Polystyrenne (PS) and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Used in place of traditional wood decking, plastic decking is installed over a treated lumber structure that is raised above grade, creating the floor surface of an outdoor living space. Typically adjoined to a structure, such as a home, decks with plastic decking can also be built as a boardwalk or atop of buildings as observation decks.
Structural plastics are a relatively new material, compared to the wood materials that have traditionally served a similar purpose. Plastic lumber, decking and assemblies are made from raw material or recycled plastic content. Types of plastics include High-density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polypropylene (PP), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polystyrene (PS) and Polylactic acid (PLA). Installed using conventional tools, structural plastics offer the advantage of not having to be painted, and they are also water proof and resistant to decay, mold and insects.
Wood screens are any type of assembly, primarily constructed of wood, that provides visual privacy. Exterior wood blinds and shutters are often decorative features found at exterior openings (windows and doors), but may also be utilized for sun control and privacy.
Wood frames are an assembly of structural members that are secured to a rough opening to accommodate doors and windows. Wood frames contain all of an opening's elements, including ornamental infill such as glazed sashes. For both interior and exterior doors, the frame is recessed to accept hinges and a strike plate, where fasteners or deadbolts extend into the frame for security. Wood material is not a good conductor of heat, a fact which allows for energy efficiency in exterior doors and windows. Structural members may include a head jamb, sill, mull and side jambs, depending on the type of opening. Factory-built frames are available with prefinished, unfinished, or primed surfaces; factory-built window frames may also integrate aluminum or vinyl cladding.
Wood trim is decorative, non-structural standing and running trim that can be solid, laminated or simulated wood. Commonly referred to as moulding or millwork, wood trim is used to protect corners, conceal gaps, or separate areas, and contributes to the decor or architectural style of a building.
Ornamental woodwork includes any type of custom woodwork that is shop fabricated for specific applications. Used on both the interior and exterior of many different types of structures, ornamental woodwork provides something unique that supports a rich appearance.
Staircases provide a path of travel between floors in all types of construction. Wood stairs include several components that create horizontal steps. Components include the tread, riser, nosing, and stringer. Straight stairs are the most common, although stairs can also be round, angled, or turn back. Railings are utilized along the path of travel to ensure an individuals safety. A balustrade is the system of railings, balusters and newels that anchor a handrail at both the top and bottom of a staircase. Wood stairs and railings are often stained, but can also be painted.
