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In the News
(ARA) - Before you know it, summer will be here and there’ll be no more excuses for avoiding those outdoor projects you’ve been meaning to complete. Time to put weather stripping on the windows, clean out the gutters, reseal the driveway and restain the deck. Because of all the prep work involved, and fine attention to detail, a lot of people are dreading the last two --- resealing the driveway and restaining the deck. Why not eliminate the more tedious of the tasks by taking a weekend to tear down your wooden deck and replacing it with one that will stand up to the elements better. "People have gotten so tired of the maintenance associated with wooden decks, they’re switching to composite materials in record numbers," says Mark Reum, CEO of Master Mark Plastics, the company that manufactures Rhino Deck brand composite decking. Among its many benefits, composite decking looks like wood but will never rot or splinter; it handles extreme temperatures better; is impervious to termites and never has to be painted or stained. It is also slip resistant, making it a great material for around a swimming pool; and since it’s made of recycled materials, it’s environmentally friendly. Rhino Deck’s boards, for example, contain 50 percent recycled wood which is recovered from cabinet making, and 50 percent recycled plastic (comprised of post consumer bottles) blended with colorant and UV stabilizers. Colors available include acorn brown, barnwood gray, cedar brown, and redwood. "From a short distance, you’d swear any one of them was stained wood," says Reum. Not only is the material popular among contractors working on home remodels, new home builders are choosing to put it in instead of wood because of its durability. Builders say the material is easier to install than wooden decking. Since the boards are sold in two-foot and four-foot increments, very little sawing is necessary, and they can be put together with standard wood working tools. The manufacturer of Rhino Deck also offers matching railings, trellis, and fencing for a complete outdoor look. Once installed, the only maintenance a composite deck will need is cleaning with a deck wash and hose two or three times a year to avoid natural build-up that could cause mold or mildew. Composite decking materials -- planks, railing systems, fascia, etc. -- cost 20 to 30 percent more than pre-treated pinewood, but Reum points out that in the long run, the investment pays off because you no longer have the cost of yearly staining or replacing rotting or splitting boards. You’re also likely to get most of the money back when you decide to sell your house. According to Remodeling Magazine, you can expect to recover 87 percent of your investment at the time of resale after adding a deck.
While his neighbors are working hard to maintain their houses, on weekends, Chuck Head of St. Cloud, Minn., plans to spend his time barbequing. "I used to be one of those poor souls who had to restain their deck every year until I replaced my wooden deck with one made of composite material," he says. Head didn’t know that was an option until last spring when he came across a display at his local home improvement store. "The thing that caught my eye was a ticket on the display that said the material was rot-resistant," says Head. "I have a garden behind the deck and water often. As a result my old deck was rotting away, so I decided to give this new material a try. Now a year later, the deck looks just as good as the day I had it installed." "Composite decking is a strong, durable alternative to wood that makes a lot of sense," says Mark Reum, CEO of Master Mark Plastics, the company that makes Rhino Deck, the material Head’s deck is made from. "It looks like wood but is impervious to termites, manages extreme temperatures better than wood, doesn’t splinter and never has to be painted or stained." It’s also a lot more environmentally friendly than all-wood products. Rhino Deck is made of 50 percent recycled wood (recovered from shipping palates and cabinet making) and 50 percent recycled plastic (comprised of post consumer bottles) blended with colorant and UV stabilizers. "The fact that it’s made of recycled material really sold me," says Head. "I’m in the printing business and know how many trees get cut down every year so we can make paper. This is a product that’s really environmentally friendly." Rhino Deck is available in several colors including acorn brown, redwood, cedar brown and barn wood gray. The boards are sold in two-foot and four-foot increments, and installed with standard wood working tools. Matching railings, trellis, and fencing are also available, plus a new white rail system constructed entirely of recycled plastic has just been introduced. These days, more and more people are seeking out low maintenance solutions so they can spend more time enjoying their homes and less time working on them. For more information about composite decking, visit www.rhinodeck.com. Courtesy of ARA Content
(ARA) – Many a homeowner has been inspired by the classic gardens and courtyards found at great estates and modern mansions. Stone pathways lead to expansive gardens, lounge chairs line elaborate decks overlooking the lawn and intricate landscape designs provide a lush backdrop. But the expense and maintenance of these traditional materials has sparked a new trend: Products that give the look and best features of the original material without the hassle. Traditional outdoor furnishings in wicker and rattan evoke memories of long summer days sitting on the porch and patio. But caring for that furniture can be a bother: Hard to clean, vulnerable to the elements and often expensive, homeowners often sacrifice the look they want for convenient, but unattractive plastic furniture. Thankfully, new products have come to the market that bring the best of both worlds: Easy-care vinyl with the woven look of wicker. Now dirt and grime can simply be hosed off and rain is no longer a concern. With all the priming, staining and painting, not to mention worrying about bugs, rot and wear, wood decks can be a chore. But homeowners have discovered a better way to have the enjoyment of a deck, minus the sealing, staining and painting. Composite decking, made from recycled wood and plastic is an eco-friendly option that is growing in popularity. "Rhino Deck offers homeowners the look and feel of wood without the worry," says Mark Reum, CEO of Master Mark Plastics, an industry leader that was the first to create composite decking with a wood grain finish. "Composite decking is a strong, durable alternative to wood. It looks like wood, but is impervious to termites, manages extreme temperatures better than wood and never needs to be painted or stained." Composite decks are a great choice for high-traffic areas because they are very easy to maintain. And their splinter-free material makes them especially appealing for barefoot spots like docks, pool areas and near children’s play equipment. Preserve privacy and define spaces with trellises and fencing without worrying about yearly painting or repairs. Master Mark offers a range of products made from the same composite materials as their decking for strong, long-lasting performance. Cobblestone pathways bring a romantic, stately feel, but are expensive and time consuming to install. Homeowners have flocked to concrete as an alternative that gives the same look at a fraction of the cost. Plastic molds create the appearance of individual stones without the mess of mortar or the need for expert installation. Simply pour quick-setting concrete into the mold, let it set according to the manufacturers instructions and move on to the next section. Plantings and landscapes look best when they incorporate a variety of materials and textures. Hardscaping elements, such as rocks and stone, are increasingly popular additions. But no one wants the back-breaking work of hauling and positioning heavy rocks to create a natural, organic look. In the past, faux stones have been flimsy plastic pieces that didn’t have the look or feel of the real thing. But today, many companies are creating "mock rocks" that would fool anyone – even up close. These fake boulders are molded from real rocks and covered with a dusting of crushed stone to give them the right texture. Look for sturdy fiberglass models with hollow middles that make them easy to move and configure. Courtesy of ARA Content |
