Aluminum Decking Materials

Aluminum Decking Characteristics

• According to Aluminum-Deck.net, the advantages of do-it-yourself residential or commercial aluminum decking materials include ease of installation, resistance to slipping and insects, coolness to the touch and low maintenance. Homeowners and builders select from finishes including the look of natural wood grain and a range of colors and designs. By way of special features, the Last-Deck system, for example, offers a “marriage strip,” an optional seam that enables design flexibility. Do-it-yourself installation requires no special tools. Aluminum decking needs no maintenance beyond periodic cleaning with a water hose and has a limited lifetime guarantee not to warp, split, crack or twist.

Waterproof Decks and Property Enhancement

• Waterproof second- and third-level decks display the advantages of aluminum materials. Besides producing functional decks, aluminum further enhances the property value by transforming the space beneath the decks into dry and usable outdoor patios, carports or storage areas. With a continuous locking seal, this seamless flooring has 6-inch-wide by 1-inch-thick interlocking blocks of powder-coated aluminum. The decking retains its condition and appearance without the need for annual staining. It comes in a choice of standard colors with matching railings and is hardy in all weather.

Aluminum Simulating Wrought Iron

• Aluminum materials take on the grand appearance of wrought iron for purposes of constructing fences, among other projects. Aluminum materials that look like wrought iron are suitable for use in the construction of decks and deck fences as well as for porches, patio doors, balconies and French windows. Some retailers offer black powder-coated aluminum products with a 20-year warranty on the finish.

Dock Construction Considerations

• For the boating industry, easy installation and low maintenance are key features of docks available from leading retailers. Aluminum frame docks have 1/8-inch plate aluminum with center supports and crossbars. Add-on sections and accessories are available to assist the installation process and to maintain the quality of the dock. QT powder-coated all-aluminum decking includes sound-deadening material and a nonskid surface with a baked-on white or beige finish. Corrosion resistance is a major benefit. Interlocking aluminum decking is available for custom-made docks, dock additions, platforms and ramps. The interlocking design prevents water flow. High strength, lightweight extruded aluminum sections have a skid-resistant finish. Cut to length, these sections include aluminum channel capping. The decking system comprises starter and end sections with mounting flanges plus tip-in center sections. They come in white or beige.