LAKE TAHOE and#8212; For the nearly 40 million Americans with decks, warm weather means enjoying dinner al fresco, hosting neighborhood get-togethers and relaxing outside under the sun or stars. Todayand#8217;s savvy homeowners are extending their living space outdoors with decks and backyards that reflect personal tastes and interests.
To make the most of your outdoor living space, consider the following tips from Trex.
MAKE MATERIALS MATTER
If you want to spend more time enjoying and#8212; rather than maintaining and#8212; your deck, choose materials that need only a simple soap and water cleaning to keep a and#8220;like newand#8221; appearance for decades. Wood-alternative decking like Trex
Transcend resists fading, staining, scratching and mold growth and#8212; even after years of heavy foot traffic and exposure to the elements.
and#8220;For long-lasting beauty, choose high-performance wood-alternative decking that offers the natural look of wood while requiring minimal maintenance and#8212; so you never need to worry about sanding, staining or painting,and#8221; says
Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing at Trex, the worldand#8217;s largest manufacturer of wood-alternative decking and railing products. and#8220;Also, look for a product with superior wear-resistance and a 25-year warranty, which guarantees enduring good looks.and#8221;
GO GREEN
Expand your eco-consciousness to the great outdoors by choosing wood alternative decking made from recycled materials. Trex decks contain household plastics like newspaper sleeves, sandwich bags and the wraps around paper towel rolls that otherwise might end up in landfills.
With growing consumer interest in environmentally-friendly products, a and#8220;greenand#8221; outdoor living space also can increase the resale value of a home.
DESIGN WITH DISTINCTION
Whether lake front retreat or mountain cabin, select a style and color scheme for your deck that best complements your homeand#8217;s exterior and reflects the natural environment.
For instance, Trex Transcend features seven rich saturated colors inspired by outdoor elements and#8212; such as deep-burnished bronze, earthy brown, pristine grey, and spicy red, as well as streaked boards that mimic the look of tropical hardwoods. In terms of shape, remember that decks no longer need to be simply square.
Think and#8216;outside the boxand#8217; and consider an outdoor living space that spans multiple levels or wraps around two or more sides of your home,and#8221; suggests Zambanini. and#8220;With nearly limitless design options, itand#8217;s important to take time to examine product samples and seek out online tools to experiment with different products, finishes and layouts.and#8221;
REMEMBER FINISHING TOUCHES
Todayand#8217;s outdoor living spaces may be outfitted with luxuries like stainless steel appliances, flat screen televisions and stone fire pits and#8212; or more simple touches like built-in flower boxes or benches. Create subtle warmth with energy-efficient LED dimmable Trex Deck Lighting, or create the best seat in the house with beautifully crafted Trex Outdoor Furniture.
From classic rocking chairs to porch swings and handsome side tables, each piece is comfortable, weather resistant and made from ninety percent recycled materials.
Deck out your summer with Trex products that combine style, durability and hassle-free good looks. For more ideas and tips, visit www.trex.com.






