A wood-plastic-composite deck railing with simple balusters, 2×4 rails, and square posts is the newest addition to the ChoiceDek Foundations product line.
The composite is made from 95 percent recycled material — 37% post-consumer waste and 58% pre-consumer — according to the company. Sources include polyethylene plastics from recycled food-packing films, grocery bags, and milk jugs.
Components are sold in kits, each of which includes three 6-foot rails, 14 balusters, two post sleeves, post caps, and post collars — enough for a 6-foot section of deck railing. Post sleeves are 48 inches long and balusters are 31 inches long.
To attach the rails, the installer screws a baluster to a post with trim-head screws, then screws the rails to the baluster. Railing connector brackets also can be used.
The company says its Foundation products can be installed in the ground — or even under water — without voiding the warranty.
All components are available in gray, brown, or redwood, with an embossed wood-grain texture that does not need painting or staining. The total cost for each 6-foot section of railing, sold only at Lowe’s stores, is about $115.
Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, 800/951-5117, choicedek.com.
