Product Characteristics

Q: What is Latitudes Composite Decking and Natural Railing made of?

A: It is made of wood and plastic that is extruded for strength. Latitudes Capricorn™ tropical decking is also made of wood and plastic, and is co-extruded with a durable polyethylene top layer for ultra low-maintenance performance. Capricorn tropical decking is fortified with the same proven Strandex® technology used in all Latitudes composite products. Find out why you should choose Latitudes for your next composite decking project.

Is there a compatible hidden fastener system?

A: Our Latitudes Slotted Decking features the Equator® hidden fastener which eliminates pre-drilling and automatically spaces the deck boards with the proper gap, making installation quick and easy. If solid decking is preferred, a biscuit joiner saw can be used to create the slots required for the Equator fastener to fit into. There are several other brands of hidden fastener systems available that work well with Latitudes. Check with the fastener manufacturer to ensure suitability for your application.

Q: What is the benefit of using Latitudes Slotted Decking over standard composite decking?

A: Latitudes Slotted Decking comes with a pre-machined groove along the sides of the board to accommodate the Equator hidden fastener. The Equator hidden fasteners are designed to properly space the boards at _”. The screws provided with the Equator hidden fastener have black painted heads to greatly reduce the potential glare caused by the sun, keeping the fasteners truly hidden.

Q: What colors and styles do Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing come in?

A: Latitudes Decking is available in gray, cedar, redwood and walnut. Latitudes Natural Railing is made of all high-strength composites and is available in gray, cedar, redwood and walnut. Choose from a 6-foot moulded rail boxed kit or a 6-foot 2x4 rail boxed kit.

Q: What colors and styles does Latitudes Slotted Decking come in?

A: Latitudes Slotted Decking is available in gray, cedar, redwood, walnut and two tropical colors in Adobe and Koa. The decking comes with the sides pre-slotted for use with our Equator hidden fastener.

Q: What sizes and lengths do Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing come in?

A: Latitudes Decking is available in 12', 16' and 20' lengths. Additional components include a 1/2" X 9 1/4 - 12' fascia board, 4”x4”-52” post sleeve, 6' top rail, 38” baluster, post cap and color-coordinating hardware kits with color-matched screws. Latitudes Marine Decking is thicker than typical composite deck boards and is engineered for use on wide joist spacing. Latitudes Marine decking dimensions are 1_” x 57/16” x 16'.

Q: Is Latitudes decking fire rated?

A: Yes, Latitudes decking carries a Class C fire rating, which is the same class as natural wood.

Q: Where can Latitudes Marine decking be used?

A: Latitudes Marine decking can be used in virtually any type of outdoor area near water, such as boardwalks and docks. Latitudes Marine decking cannot be used for any structural support members. Latitudes Marine deck boards should be installed on maximum joists spaced 24" on-center. Refer to the load and span chart for more information.

Q: Can Latitudes Marine decking be immersed in water?

A: No. Although Latitudes Marine decking can be frequently splashed, it cannot be constantly immersed in water.

Q: Can I get a sample of the Latitudes product?

A: Yes. Simply fill out the sample kit request form and we will mail one to the address provided. Please note that we do not ship to post office boxes or outside the US.

Q: What is included in the sample kit?

A: Our kit includes two sample pieces of Latitudes Composite Decking, color chips, literature and one Equator hidden fastener. Add the finishing touch and show off your Latitudes deck with pride. Request your free brass Latitudes emblem today!

Q: How long will the texture last?

A: Foot traffic, traffic patterns, objects like furniture dragged on the surface, weather exposure, cleaning products used, frequency of cleaning especially with commercial pressure washers (not recommended), will all affect the factory surface finish of Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing.

Q: Does Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing fade?

A: Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing will lighten over time to a beautiful, weathered tone within the same color family. This color-tone shift is dependent upon exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors. The weathering process begins upon installation and is generally complete within 60 to 90 days. Based on independent test research, it has been determined that Latitudes Capricorn tropical decking will experience virtually no fading as it is co-extruded with a durable outer shell.

Q: Why is my gray Latitudes deck turning tan?

A: All wood composite decking materials fade when exposed to UV light from the sun. Latitudes can experience some color shifting as it goes through this mellowing process. Tan or greenish gray hues from the natural wood fiber contained in the product are often noticeable as this fading process progresses. Depending on the exposure conditions where a particular deck is built, this acclimation is usually complete within 60 - 90 days from when the Latitudes deck boards were installed. At the end of the fading process the deck appears gray and the tan and/or greenish gray hues are rarely noticeable.

Q: Should I purchase all of my decking material at one time?

A: Yes, purchasing all required decking material at one time is recommended as manufacturing runs can produce slightly different colors. Like most composites, individual Latitudes deck boards will have slight color variations from piece to piece. This is due to the natural variations in wood fibers and polymers. Color variation is not covered by warranty. We recommend purchasing extra material in case boards need to be repaired or replaced in the future.

Q: Will Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing rot, splinter or decay like wood?

A: No. Latitudes has been tested under accelerated weather conditions and is weather resistant. Latitudes employs Strandex technology, which provides superior protection against UV degradation and water absorption.

Q: Does Latitudes Decking provide good traction in wet or dry conditions?

A: Yes, Latitudes decking is slip resistant.

Q: How do the railing kits work?

A: Since we offer a wide selection of complementary railing products, we package the components separately so you can choose the combination that best suits your taste. All of the components are sold in kits containing the appropriate amount to construct a 6-foot on-center rail. The only exception is the glass baluster kit. Two glass baluster kits will be required per 6-foot on-center section.

Q: Will chlorine or other chemicals from a swimming pool damage Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing?

A: While no formal testing has been done, we have not seen or heard of any ill effects from standard pool chemicals.

Q: How do varying weather cycles affect Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing during installation?

A: Latitudes performs well in varying weather conditions. During installation, it will contract only slightly in cold weather. In hot weather it expands. We recommend that the material is on the job site 48 hours prior to installation to acclimate. Follow the installation instructions spacing guidelines to ensure proper room for expansion and contraction.

Q: How should Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing be stored and handled?

A: You can store it the same way you would store any wood product.

Q: What are the main differences between Latitudes Slotted Decking and other composite decking products?

A: Latitudes is a versatile composite decking and railing product line. Our Equator hidden fastener allows for the expansion and contraction of the length and width that naturally occurs on composites. Latitudes Slotted Decking is available in six deck colors (Cedar, Gray, Redwood, Walnut and tropical colors in Adobe and Koa), with a reversible finish. Latitudes Natural Railing is available in four classic colors (Cedar, Gray, Redwood, and Walnut) and several railing styles to suit virtually any decking project. Latitudes Slotted Decking and Natural Railing offer long-lasting beauty, low-maintenance and easy installation.

Q: What is the difference between Latitudes Slotted Composite Decking and wood?

A: Latitudes Slotted Decking combines the look of wood with the durability of plastic. Unlike wood decks, which require continuous maintenance, there is no need to apply weather protectants or water seal products to Latitudes Slotted Decking. Latitudes Slotted Decking will not splinter like wood and installs with our Equator hidden fastener to provide a barefoot-friendly surface.

Q: What is the difference between Latitudes Composite Decking and Natural Railing and wood?

A: Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing combine the look of wood with the durability of plastic. Unlike wood decks, which require continuous maintenance, there is no need to apply weather protectants or water seal products to Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing.

Q: Why is composite decking more expensive than treated wood?

A: Composite decking is more expensive to manufacture. However, over time, the maintenance, repair and or replacement costs associated with wood outweigh the initial investment in a Latitudes deck.

Q: What is the benefit of using solid composite decking over hollow composite decking?

A: It is easier to work with a solid product because it frames like wood and feels more substantial on the deck.

Q: Where can I buy Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing and how much do they cost?

A: The complete Latitudes line is available at retail lumberyards, home centers and through distributors nationwide. For more information, visit our How to Buy web site or call (877) 463-8379. It is competitively priced in comparison to premium grades of wood decking and less than other high-end composite decking materials.

Q: What is the difference between Latitudes moulded railing and 2x4 railing?

A: The moulded railing is a decorative railing and can be installed with natural composite balusters or ornamental round balusters. The 2x4 railing offers clean, straight lines and allows you to face mount ornamental arch, contour, rectangular and glass balusters. The natural composite balusters and ornamental round balusters can also be used with the 2x4 railing.