The end of summer no longer means the end of deck-building season. Homeowners considering expanding their living space outdoors now have more choices than ever to build decks that look great and keep their families comfortable for longer periods of the year.

Building a long-lasting deck has never been easier. Decking material manufacturers have kept pace with modern materials and accessories that are not only easy to work with and durable, but that suit today's busy lifestyles and allow homeowners to build and use their decks well into the autumn months.

Engineered Materials

In a recent study by the National Association of Home Builders, low-maintenance exteriors ranked among the top three features that will be important in the average home in the next 10 years. Building material manufacturers have responded to this rising demand by creating more options for attractive low-maintenance exterior products, including engineered decking materials with high workability that resist harsh climates.

An increasingly popular engineered decking material is composite decking, such as Weyerhaeuser ChoiceDek decking, which consists of recovered wood fibers encapsulated in recycled polyethylene plastic. This combination of recycled materials creates a decking material that resists decay and splintering. Homeowners who build with composite decking enjoy an easy-to-maintain deck, as composites do not need staining or sealing, saving time and money on deck upkeep. What's more, composite decking withstands weather extremes and is slip-resistant, making it a smart choice for three- and four-season outdoor living.

Do-it-yourself Friendly

For homeowners building their own decks, materials that are easy to work with are an appealing option. Composite decking materials, while strong, are simple to install using standard hand and power tools. Installation of a composite deck can be done with common tools such as a hammer, circular saw, level, tape measure, rasp and chalk line. Carbide-tipped saw blades with fewer than 20 teeth are recommended for best results. When properly installed, homeowners can expect a sturdy composite deck for years to come.

More Options and Accessories

Now that homeowners are building and using decks beyond the summer months, they can also add decking accessories that help make decks more comfortable for longer periods of the year.

Composite decking product lines now include matching decorative railing options with convenient features. For example, the ChoiceDek product line includes posts, post caps, balusters, handrails and trim, giving homeowners more design flexibility. ChoiceDek posts are hollow to allow for installation of outdoor lights, making it easier to spend time outdoors on fall evenings, when shorter days call for extra lighting.

To learn more about the low maintenance of Weyerhaeuser ChoiceDek composite decking and railing products that combine modern durability with the classic appearance of wood, visit www.choicedek.com or your local Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse. In the United States, call (800) 951-5117 to speak with a Weyerhaeuser representative.