Give Your Deck a 'Face Lift' This Summer

With the economy still in decline, a large percentage of the nearly 40 million Americans who own decks might choose a "stay-cation" over a vacation this summer - enjoying leisure time at home with family and friends. However, homeowners with older wood decks may notice that their decks are falling into disrepair and becoming more of an eyesore than a warm weather oasis.

"As wood decks age, they begin to rot, crack, and splinter - eventually causing a home's overall value to depreciate," said Adam Zambanini, senior product manager of decking for Trex, the largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking, railing and fencing. "With 85 percent of all decks in the country constructed 10 or more years ago, many homeowners are searching for an economical way to help their old decks look new again - and remain comfortable, splinter free and attractive for decades to come, without extensive maintenance."

Rather than tackling a complete rebuild, it's possible to retain the sub-structure of a current deck and simply replace the existing planks and railings at a fraction of the time and cost. This new concept of deck "re-facing" is rapidly catching on among homeowners as a budget-friendly, value-increasing home improvement project. The savings are considerable: having a contractor perform a deck makeover can cost up to 30 percent less than having a new deck installed; for a DIY deck makeover, the savings could be double.

A deck makeover can be done relatively quickly and easily - often without professional assistance - by adhering to the following three steps:

1. Inspect the deck and check its structure. The existing deck's framing system must be sound and meet local code standards.

2. Remove the old, deteriorating decking and railing. Be sure to leave the deck's framework intact. Check joist spacing and the Trex Installation Guide to determine whether additional joist and blocking is required. Make any necessary repairs or adjustments.

3. Install new decking and railing. Attach replacement deck boards to the existing framing system. Select complementary railing for a completely updated and customized appearance.

For a deck that continues to look "like new" for years, opt for wood-alternative replacement materials - like Trex®. Trex products won't rot, crack, splinter or weaken under harsh weather conditions or heavy foot traffic. Additionally, Trex requires only periodic cleaning to maintain, and never needs sanding, staining or power washing - saving homeowners considerable time and money over the years. Coupled with high-performance durability, Trex offers unsurpassed style and comfort, as well as a wide range of design options to create the perfect outdoor escape that complements any home - or homeowner's - style.

"No matter how well it's preserved, a wood deck just can't match the durability of Trex," said Zambanini. "Not only do Trex decks and railing need minimal upkeep to remain beautiful, they also offer design flexibility through a broad spectrum of colors, textures and styles."

At a time when big-ticket renovation projects just don't add up for most homeowners, a deck makeover with Trex materials is a smart investment that requires a minimal commitment of time and money - yet returns significant value to a home. A recent industry report found that homeowners can recoup 73 percent* of the cost invested in a Trex deck. For more information, visitwww.trex.com.