Outside living is here to stay. According to a current survey, Americans spend more than $18.7 billion every year on outdoor house improvement tasks. With more than 30 million backyard decks already built in the U.S., a great portion is invested in decks and railing. If you're among the millions of homeowners who will be changing or constructing a new deck, deck or patio area this year, it's time to do some research on the lots of new products and design options now available.

Don't pick wood even if you're familiar with it. New composite and vinyl materials are available that will both look good and keep their initial quality for years to come. They never ever need painting, staining or sanding. Gray is no longer the only option in composite or vinyl decking. Advancements in color science have expanded the color alternatives for decks. Boardwalk Composite Decking, for example, has a new natural brown choice that mixes beautifully with outside surroundings.

Look beyond basic balusters. While colonial-style balusters have a classic appeal, other alternatives are also offered. New on the railing market are glass balusters. Glass balusters provide a clearer view, so to speak, of the environments beyond the deck, porch or patio. The glass baluster choice for the EverNew Oxford style vinyl railing system is among the most popular, as it deals with any vinyl, composite or wood decking surface in both stair reflective film and flat applications. When choosing a railing system, make certain it complies with International Code Council requirements also.

Ask an expert. Your regional lumberyard, merchant and specialist ought to each recognize with the wide variety of brand-new deck and railing products. Seek their opinions on what products and designs would work best for your outdoor haven.