Latest Developments InWood-Alternative Decking

Credit(s) earned on completion of this program will be reported to AIA/CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion are available to print upon completion of the program.

This program is registered with AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any materials of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

Questions related to the information within this program should be directed to Trex Company, Inc. upon completion of this program.

AIA Best Practices

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This presentation is protected by U.S. and International Copyright laws. Reproduction,

distribution, display and use of the presentation without written permission of

Trex Company, Inc. is prohibited.

© Trex Company, Inc., 2013

Course Description

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• This course provides information on the wood-alternative decking materials presently available including:

• An understanding of the evolution of decking materials;

• The differences among wood and various alternative decking materials;

• The enhanced capability for building design and aesthetics offered by wood-alternative decking.

Course Objectives

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• Review the evolution of decking materials

• Understand differences between wood and alternative decking materials

• Acquire basic knowledge of high-performance composite decking materials

Decking & Railing Market (North America):$3.6B

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• Primary driver: Residential remodeling activityo 3.1 million residential decks built in

2008o 91% are added to existing homes or

replacing older decks• Significant replacement potential in

installed base of 40 million wood decks• Low-cost method of optimizing existing

homeo Deck additions rank in the top five

remodeling projects for resale value• Favorable underlying trends

o Outdoor livingo Green buildingo Low maintenance

The Deck Category

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• In 1950s, the first residential “decks” begin to appear; materials almost exclusively wood planks.

• Homeowners want to improve use of costly home sites.

• Decks seen as excellent transition from interior to exterior.

• Trend toward “outdoor living” begins as extension of home’s living area and puts increased emphasis on aesthetics.

• Wood decks fade, warp, rot and splinter, requiring regular care and maintenance – creating an opportunity for alternatives.

Alternative Materials Emerge

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• By late 1980s, wood-alternative materials appear in commercial projects — boardwalks,

marinas, dune walkovers.

• By early 1990s, early adoption in the residential market as consumers seek low maintenance (composite decking does not rot, warp, or

splinter and doesn’t require staining/sealing).

• In late 1990s, alternative materials begin to

challenge wood’s dominance.

• Around 2003, PVC decking was introduced to the market. Benefit of scratch, stain, and fade

resistance.

• Around 2008, high-performance composite decking was introduced. This is the latest in decking technology and offers scratch, stain, fade, and mold resistance with a warranty to back it up. In addition, the product is

environmentally friendly.

Material Options for Decking

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• Traditional Wood Decking• Wood-Alternative Decking

o Traditional composite deckingo PVCo High-performance composite decking

Traditional Wood Decking Materials

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• Pressure-Treated Lumber (PTL)

• Cedar• Redwood• Douglas Fir• Exotic Hardwoods

(Ipe, Mahogany)

Arsenic-free PTLs

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• Arsenic-free PTLs do not require EPA warnings; considered safe to handle

• Industry concerns includecompatibility with conventional sealers, decreased longevity

Traditional Woods: Cedar

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• Cypress family• Resistant to rot, lasts nine

to 30 years if properly maintained

• Moderate impact resistance

• Relatively low strength, high initial beauty

• Old growth harvesting • Restricted• 2nd growth shows

reduced longevity, aesthetics

Traditional Woods: Redwood/Cedar/Douglas Fir

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• Availability issues• Warping, splintering,

cupping, etc• Challenge getting needed

size• High maintenance• Environmental concerns

Exotic Woods: Ipe, Mahogany, etc.

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• Many species, sub-species• Very durable, heavy, strong • Low maintenance; won’t shrink• Lasts up to 30 years; longer

if properly maintained• Dense, difficult to tool – labor

costs high• High initial cost• Harvested from Central,

South American rainforests• Can be sealed; difficult to paint

or varnish

Benefits of Wood Decks

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• Affordable• Widely available• Easy to cut and saw• Aesthetically pleasing• Weathers naturally

Drawbacks of Wood Decks

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• Require staining, painting, sanding or sealing

• Rot, split, swell, twist, fade• Nail pops and splinters• Contribute to

deforestation• Mold and mildew growth

Shift Toward Alternative Materials

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• Addressing the drawbacks of wood:o Maintenanceo Durabilityo Liability

Residential Decking and Railing Market

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• Residential Decking & Railing sales $3.6B in 2012

• Composites have gained significant market share

• Composites offer better aesthetics, functionality and durability than wood

61%

5%

34%

Composite/ Cellular PVC/ Plastic

97%

3%

1999 2012Substantial

conversion

Metal

Lumber

Alternative Materials

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• Traditional Composites (uncapped)• PVC• High-Performance Composites (capped/shelled)

Traditional Composite Lumber: Characteristics

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• Stays pliable in low temperatures

• Decking planks require gapping

• Not currently suited for column, beam, joist, stringer, other primary load-bearing applications

• Range of colors are available (including dark colors)

Traditional Composite Lumber: Features

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• Long life-cycle in outdoor use

• High impact and abrasion resistant

• No toxic chemical content• ADA compliant• Won’t warp, check, crack or

splinter• Can be cut, milled, fastened,

painted like wood –moderate stiffness vs. traditional woods

Traditional Composite Lumber: Make-Up

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• Made from polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) and high-quality waste hardwood, softwoods

• Most manufacturers use significant amount virgin PE or PP; other manufacturers use significant amount of reclaimed/recycled PE

• Wood comes from manufacturers as excess scrap and is ground into wood flour

• Post-consumer, post industrial content from 40% to 95% depending upon manufacturer

• Additives are used for color and UV stabilization

Benefits of Traditional Composite Lumber

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• Will not rot, warp, or splinter• Environmentally friendly• Lower maintenance than wood• Less likely to crack or check• Easy to bend and curve patterns• Resists termites and decay• Easy to cut, screw, and saw• Can be built with traditional tools• Compatible with hidden fastening

systems• Resists chalking• Does not need sanding, painting,

or staining

Traditional Composite Lumber: Issues

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• Fade and stain• Requires periodic

cleaning with deck wash

• Susceptible to scratches

• Susceptible to mold and mildew

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) Lumber: Make up

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• Known as Polyvinyl Chloride• Made from plastic: Primarily virgin material• Contains no organic filler• Ethylene and chlorine are raw materials for PVC • Crude oil is the upstream raw material

PVC Lumber: Features

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• Rot-resistant, won’t split or delaminate

• Non-toxic and resists insect damage

• Low maintenance• Two major forms: mono-

and co-extruded• Typically add UV screens

to resist fading, breakdown, discoloration

PVC Lumber: Characteristics

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• Can be welded like vinyl; cut and fastened like wood

• Colors muted• Cellular PVC is brittle

below 40º F• Poor impact resistance

PVC Lumber Decking: Benefits

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• Stain, scratch, and mold resistant• Lightweight• Cleans with soap and water• Easy to bend and curve patterns• Resists termites and decay• Easy to cut, screw, and saw• Can be built with traditional tools• Does not need sanding, painting, or staining

PVC Lumber Decking: Issues

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• No fade and stain warranty• Susceptible to stains from

rubber mats and suntan lotion

• Chalking• Not environmentally friendly• Higher cost; driven by price

of oil • Looks like plastic

High-Performance Composites

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• Materials, manufacturing• Profiles, colors, textures• Special attributes

High-Performance Composites: Make Up

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• Made from polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) and high-quality waste hardwood, softwoods

• Wood comes from manufacturers excess scrap and ground into wood flour

• Product is wrapped with a cap or shell for protection from the elements.

• Additives are used for color and UV stabilization

• Cap/shell protective layer provides ability to provide greater scratch, stain, fade, and mold resistance with a 25-year warranty

High-Performance Composites: Benefits

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• Scratch, stain, fade, and mold resistant• Fade and stain warranties• Deep, rich colors• Cleaned with soap and water or

pressure washer• Natural wood-grain finishes• Environmentally friendly• Will not rot, warp, or splinter• Easy to bend and curve patterns• Resists termites and decay• Easy to cut, screw, and saw• Can be built with traditional tools• Compatible with hidden fastening

systems• Resists chalking• Does not need sanding, painting, or

staining

High-Performance Composites: Characteristics

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• Stays pliable in low temperatures

• Decking planks require gapping

• Not currently suited for column, beam, joist, stringer, and other primary load-bearing applications

• Plethora of colors are available

High-Performance Composites: Construction

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• Typical formulation about half wood flour, half plastic

• Plastic is encapsulates wood particles to create a bond

• Cap/shell is co-extruded • Continuous extrusion

process

Consumer Preference

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0% 6% 11% 17% 22% 28%

Maintenance

Color Retention

Eco-friendliness

Staining

Price

Material

Aesthetics/Finish

Board Shape

Brand

% of total importance-a

a- based on spread of levels

Maintenance is the overall most important attribute; when coupled with color retention and staining, this attribute grouping accounts for 53 percent of the overall importanceEco-friendliness was the third-most important attributePrice is the fifth-most important attribute overall

Homeowners > Overall Attribute Importance

Waste Material Sources

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• Some manufacturers use: o Wood from furniture or hardwood flooring industries; used wood

pallets; similar sourceso Polyethylene from used grocery, garment bags; pallet wrap; other

sources• The leading WPC manufacturer keeps some 400,000 tons of

plastic and wood scrap out of landfills each year

High-Performance Composites: Installation

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• Tools and Handling

• Spans• Gapping• Care and Cleaning

Installation Tools

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• High-performance composites work as easily as wood with saws, routers, drills, other traditional tools

• Some hollow or ribbed profiles are not suited to ripping. Check with manufacturer for recommendations

Handling (weight)

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• High-performance composite lumber weight is comparable to hardwood

• Typical weight is around 2.5 lbs. / lineal ft.

Joist Spans

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• Residential and commercial application joist spacing generally 16” on center

• Some manufacturers offer decking products that are rated for a joist spacing of 24” on center

• Spans should be reduced when decking is placed at an angle to joist

• 100psf to 200psf uniform live loads are typical

• Check with manufacturer for load, deflection details of specific profiles

Gapping

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• Must gap end to end and side to side

• Typical width-to-width gap is ¼” in normal weather, 3/8” in cold weather

• Many manufacturers offer hidden fasteners that automatically gap deck boards width-to-width

Care and Cleaning

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Dirt and DebrisThe affected area should be sprayed off with a hose to remove surface debris. Use warm soapy water and a soft bristle brush to remove dirt and debris from the embossing pattern.Chalk LinesHigh performance chalk lines may discolor the surface. Use only Irwin Strait-Line®* Dust-Off Marking Chalk (purple), available at Irwin.comTannins Due to DebrisRemove all debris from the deck using a hose or broom. Once the deck surface is dry, apply a Deck Brightener** to the deck as directed by the manufacturer. Deck Brighteners contain oxalic acid, which will also remove tannins.Ice and SnowA plastic shovel may be used to remove snow from the deck. Use calcium chloride or rock salt to melt the snow and ice from the deck surface. Oil, Grease and FoodAll food spills should be removed as soon as possible. To remove, spray off with a hose and use warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush to remove spills from the embossing pattern.Mold and MildewIf debris such as pollen and dirt is allowed to remain on the deck surface, mold can feed on the biofilm. Using a hose and warm, soapy water with a soft bristle brush is recommended to remove the food source and mold.Using a Pressure Washer (Concrete, Stucco or Ground-in Construction Dirt)A pressure washer with no greater than 3100 psi***** that has a fan attachment/adjustment and soap dispenser may be used to remove dirt, concrete dust, or other types of construction dirt. Spray deck with soap, then follow with gently scrubbing each deck board with a soft bristle brush. Spray/rinse each individual deck board using a fan tip no closer than 8" from the decking surface. RINSE THOROUGHLY. If dirty water from cleaning is left to dry, this will cause a film to remain on the decking surface.

High-Performance Composites: Other Applications

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• Porches to Playgrounds

• Boardwalks to Benches

• And the list is growing . . .

Amusement Areas, Benches, Boardwalks

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Footbridges, Piers, Marinas

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Planter Boxes, Playgrounds, Signage

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Specifying High-Performance Composites

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Specifying wood-polymer material is straightforward. As with virtually any building product, the designer needs to check codes, availability and specifications.

• Codes• Availability• Specifications

Discussion Time

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Any Questions?

Latest Developments in Wood-Alternative Decking

An AIA Continuing Education ProgramCredit for this course is 1 AIA/CES Learning Unit

This concludes the continuing education course.Thank you for your time!

Course Sponsor:

TREX Corporation

Course Number:

Course Title: Latest Developments in Wood-Alternative

Decking

160 Exeter Drive Winchester, VA 22603

Phone: 540-542-6300

Fax: 410-732-8625

E-mail:

Architect@trex.com

Web:

www.trex.com

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Why ?

• World’s leading brand of wood-alternative decking• Proven performance backed by a strong warranty• Network of company-employed sales reps throughout the country• Widely distributed and available (more than 6,000 retail locations)

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More Than Just Decking

Complete outdoor system: – Steel deck framing

– Decking

– Railing

– Porch

– Outdoor Lighting

– Trim

And even extras like:– Deck drainage systems

– Outdoor furniture

– Pergolas

– Saw Blades

– Spiral Stairs

Environmentally Friendly

Trex uses recycled plastic and reclaimed wood to create environmentally friendly products

• Keeping more than 400 million pounds of plastic and wood scrap out of landfills annually

• Trex recycles all forms of polyethylene - including packaging, shrink wrap, and shopping bags.

Not Just Green. Certifiably Green.

• Decking is certified to contain 95% recycled material from the ICC-ES SAVE Verification

• Trex products contribute to a project’s LEED points (per the US Green Building Council)

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Decking and Railing

Market Overview• Marketplace:

– Gap between wood and traditional composites is closing due to price on wood increasing– Composite decking expected to grow low- to mid-single digits in 2014– New construction is starting to rebound

• Marketplace Trends:– High-performance decking exceeded 50% share in 2013 – PVC has become a niche product line

• Market Outlook:– High-performance decking will have 90% share in 2015– Uncapped composites will be limited to opening price point

• Trex Outlook:– Commercialize current product portfolio for 2014 – Reposition product lineup

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What’s Impacting the Market?

• Better Aesthetics – More natural look and feel– Streaked finishes– Hidden fastener, seamless surface finish– Deck Lighting

• Better Performance– Stain, Fade, & Scratch resistant

• Green– More emphasis with product specifiers

• Design Flexibility– Less products, more options

• Improved Value Proposition– High-performance products are delivering on the low maintenance plus high-

aesthetic promise to capture a broader range of consumers.

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Decking

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Good, Better, Best Decking Lineup

PositioningBetter LooksNatural, Earth-Tone ColorsBetter PerformanceNo matching railingBig Box focused25 Year Fade & Stain

Warranty

PositioningBest LooksRich, Earth Tone ColorsBest PerformancePremium ProductClass B Fire Rating25 Year Fade & Stain

Warranty

PositioningGood LooksNatural Wood GrainGood PerformanceOpening Price PointRailing in white only25-Year Fade & Stain Warranty

BestGood Better

Unparalleled BeautyHigh-definition wood grain in

seven rich colors to mix, match and mingle

Hassle-Free Easy soap & water cleanup

Fade, Stain, Scratch & Mold ResistantMaintains beauty and color

through changing seasons, messy barbecues, and active lifestyles

Earth-FriendlyMade from 95% recycled

materials

25-year Limited Fade & Stain WarrantyA guarantee unheard of for any

other kind of decking

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Transcend Decking Colors

• Scratch, stain, fade and mold resistant

• 25-year fade and stain warranty

• ICC Save Listed – contains 95.4% recycled content

• Groove and square edge

• 3 colors available

• 5.5 inch standard width

• 3-sided shell protection

• 48 pc bundle unit

Compatible with Trex Universal Hidden

Fastener

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• Scratch, stain, fade and mold resistant

• ICC Save Listed – contains 95.4% recycled content

• Groove and square edge

• 5 colors available

• Trex Select railing in white only

• 3-sided shell protection

• 5.5 inch standard width

• 25-year fade and stain warranty

• 64 pc bundle unit

Pebble Grey

Like What You’re (Not) Seeing?

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Fascia

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First to market white-capped WPC fascia

• Universal White capped composite fascia board

• Complements any Trex® decking product

• More durable than cellular PVC

– Much more impact resistant

• 25-year fade and stain warranty

• Trex Fascia options (every decking color):

– Good – TrexTrim™

– Better – Trex Universal Fascia (White Only)

– Best – Trex Transcend® Fascia

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Railing

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Positioning

Vinyl Rail Replacement Good LooksGood PerformanceLowest Price Point

PositioningSuperior LooksSuperior High-performanceNew Beveled Rail Design Multiple Rail Configurations

Positioning

Excellent for Commercial & Multi-story Applications

Matte, Powder-coated FinishEnhanced PerformanceGreat for Hardscape Applications

Good, Better, Best Railing Platform

Good BestBetter

6969

Trex Composite Advantage

Trex Composite Technology

• Superior strength and workability

• Twice the stiffness of vinyl

• Reduced thermal expansion versus vinyl

• High moisture resistance vs. wood

• High heat resistance – resists distortion in sun

• Renewable, reclaimable & responsible

• Made From 43% Reclaimed Wood Fibers

7070

Trex Composite Advantage

Trex Railing Resists Twice As Much Force As Vinyl Without Deflection or Deformation

7171

Trex Composite Advantage

Trex Railing has less than 50% of the Thermal Expansion Qualities Compared To PVC Resulting In a Longer Product

Life With No Rattling

7272

Trex Composite Advantage

Trex Railing Offers The Strength Of Wood Without The Risk Of Moisture Damage

7373

Trex Composite Advantage

Trex Railing Will Remain Rigid & Stable In The Most Demanding High Heat Environments

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Colors

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Design Options

Square AL Tubular Colonial Glass Panel

Baluster Options

Color OptionsKit Options

-6ft & 8ft

- Stair and Horizontal

Railing

Options

Beveled

Top/Bottom Rail Universal

Top/Bottom Rail

Crown Top Rail

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Key Features and Benefits

• Superior strength-to-weight versus alternatives

• “Minimalistic” geometry allows for designs with improved visibility

• Easy installation

• Green: 50% Recycle Content

• Made in USA

• Industry-leading warranty

• Unmatched aesthetics

• 25-year Residential & Commercial Warranty (including Coast)

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Scale: 6’ & 8’ 36” & 42” Height

Orientation: Horizontal & Stair

Configuration: Post to Post & Crossover

Balusters: ¾” Round & ¾” Square

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Design Considerations

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Critical Design Considerations

• Ease of assembly

• No exposed (all hidden) fasteners

• Code compliance to 8’ x 42”

• Option to eliminate need for secondary (ADA) handrail

• Type 1 graspable

• Continuous “cross over” configuration

• AMMA- 2604 “Certified” Powder Coating

• Adaptable to aluminum posts or composite 4x4 post sleeve

• “Complete” kit format

• Ease of purchase

• Minimal SKUs

• Retail-friendly packaging

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Railing

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Penetrate PVC “Hollow Vinyl” railing market with a capped ALL composite offering

• Residential PVC “Hollow Vinyl” rail market is $189MM, incremental to composites.• Re-positioning Trex railing line up to capture distinct user segments in an ALL COMPOSITE system • Designed for the DIY homeowner and production builder

Key Features and Benefits• Unique external bracket system • 6’ & 8’ level and stair• Pre-routed rail profiles

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• Durable low-voltage, LED lighting

• Operates up to 40,000 hours

• Uses 75% less energy than incandescent

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Post Cap Light

Deck Rail LightRiser Light

Recessed Deck Light

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• Stronger– Fewer posts/more flexible designs

• Straighter– Consistent dimensions– Dimensionally Stable– Flat, finished surface

• Safer– Non-combustible– Class 1A Fire Rating– Termite Resistant

• Smarter– Long-lasting– 25-year warranty– Lighter than wood/less physically

taxing

• Uses a system of beams, joists and tracks to build easily and evenly

• Outstanding performance

• Beauty from every angle

Code Acceptance

Commercial Acceptance

Elevations Project – Single Family

Latest Developments in Wood-Alternative Decking

Western Building Center

westernbuildingcenter.com

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Thank you!