Latitudes® Composite Decking and Composite Railing
Why Choose Latitudes?
Latitudes® composite decking and composite railing bring out the best of wood's exterior beauty without the annual maintenance typically needed on wood decks. Fortified with Strandex® technology, Latitudes is brilliantly engineered from the inside out. Because Latitudes employs Strandex technology, it’s uniquely different than virtually all other composite deck and railing brands.
Builders enjoy using Latitudes composite decking because our deck materials are easy to work with and simple to install—especially when used with the Equator® hidden fastener.
Building material dealers have confidence in supplying Latitudes because it’s the most reliable composite decking and railing lineup in the industry. Dealers also enjoy the convenience of Latitudes Xpress Ship program, which allows for direct shipment of railing kits and accessories to a customer's home, office or job site.
When choosing Latitudes, homeowners can be certain they’ve chosen the best composite decking or railing product for long-lasting beauty and low-maintenance upkeep. The array of decking and railing accessories gives homeowners added inspiration and a sense of pride for their one-of-a-kind deck and outdoor living area.
What is Composite Decking?
In general, composite decking is manufactured from wood fiber and plastic to form a plank that requires less maintenance and typically has a longer lifespan than natural wood decking.
Composite decking is made from one of several polymers—polyethylene (low-density or high-density), polyvinyl chloride and polypropylene—plus wood flour and additives that stabilize the plastic and protect it from damaging UV rays.
One major reason composite decking is low maintenance; It does not take in or give off moisture, so it does not shrink or swell like wood. As a result, composite decking does not crack, warp or separate due to varying weather cycles. Composite decking resists insects, does not need water repellant or stain and can hold up to extreme weather conditions for decades. In addition, builders like to use composite decking because it cuts and installs like real wood.
What makes Latitudes composite decking and railing special is the Strandex® technology it employs. Like individual strands of a rope make the rope stronger, Strandex technology makes Latitudes decking and railing stronger. Strandex technology offers superior protection against UV degradation and water absorption, because every “strand” of wood fiber is encased in high-density polyethylene. Latitudes uses Strandex inside, so you can be assured that you’re getting the highest quality and strongest composite product available.
Environmentally Friendly
Although wood is the greenest building product available, Latitudes® composite decking and railing also does its part to preserve the environment. Latitudes composite decking is made from approximately 20% recycled materials. Latitudes is formulated with a mixture of virgin and recycled high-density polyethylene, which promotes product longevity and environmental friendliness.
From new high-efficiency T8 fluorescent lighting fixtures to an evaporative water cooling system, the Latitudes factory in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, reduced its carbon output by nearly 450,000 pounds in 2009.
Universal is committed to sustainability and a healthy environment through practices as well as products. Our other green products range from solar post caps for deck and fence lighting to engineered wood products such as wall panels and trusses, including Open Joist™. |
