There is a special classic cottage feeling you get from the traditional designs of Muskoka docks, decks and boathouses. The natural look and feel of the materials used to build waterfront structures in the past are still sought after to this day.
But what people don’t want is the maintenance that went along with some of those classic materials. That’s where synthetic deck and dock boards come into play, says Jason Smith of Baycrest Distribution.
With a strength unmatched in the industry, WearDeck by Owens Corning can be used to craft traditional Muskoka dock and boathouse designs like no other. The 100 percent synthetic lumber is a top-of-the-line product designed and manufactured in North America.
WearDeck’s 2×8 and 2×10 boards can span up to 36 inches on centre, while the 1×6 and 1×8 boards can span up to 24 inches. The wider span rating of WearDeck boards offer more versatility than any other brand. The wider the space a board can span, the more weight load it can carry.
“There is nothing on the market as strong as these boards,” explains Jason. “They are specifically designed for waterfront use and have all the characteristics needed to last a lifetime.”
The solid boards also allow maximum design flexibility: the boards can be cut and fit any way the designer and carpenters wish, rather than having to adjust the design to suit the boards.
“With WearDeck, you can build to match the design you want,” says Jason. “There’s no need to hide board ends, for example. You can implement mitre joints, butt joints, shape the boards, or use hidden fasteners including plugs or colour-matched screws for a clean look. And the boards look natural, rather than manmade.”
Built well
Indeed, when looking at a dock with a boathouse and several deck levels done with matching natural tones, the WearDeck boards look perfectly at home at the lakefront nestled among the granite, trees, and water.
Part of the reason the colour is so strong and appears natural – even when the brighter or darker hues are used – is that the colours are in the board rather than a print or coating painted onto the surface.
When you cut a WearDeck board, it’s the same colour throughout. This is achieved with a proprietary mixture of additives that includes a 25-year UV protection package, pigments, and anti-oxidizing aids to ensure consistent colour and performance.
“The boards are manufactured with a heat-reducing element that makes them comfortable underfoot on even the hottest summer days,” says Jason. “With ten colours to choose from, a large selection in stock at our warehouse in Bala, and no upcharge on specific tones, we can often provide same-day delivery or pickup on the boards you want.”
The low-maintenance boards are static-free, don’t sliver, have no expansion or contraction issues, and are able to be fully and permanently installed underwater or underground without degradation or discolour affecting the boards’ structure or warranty.
Every year more cottagers, homeowners and contractors are choosing WearDeck due to all the amazing characteristics. Jason says it’s all part of investing in your property. Using the best possible products will increase your ROI and add curb appeal for years to come.
“After spending a million dollars or two on a boathouse project, it’s imperative to choose a product that will last a lifetime and require little effort to maintain, rather than one that will need constant maintenance and need to be changed in 10 years,” he says. “Why put a 10-year product on your multi million-dollar project?”
Visit the showroom
To ensure you’re making the right choices in your deck or dock board, or to check out other synthetic lumber products, visit the team at Baycrest Distribution’s Lifetime Lumber Products retail location in Bala.
They can show you the full line of WearDeck deck and dock boards, as well as more budget-friendly products from Clubhouse or True North, which offer excellent value at a lower price point.
They can also show off Trusscore’s line of high-performance wall and ceiling PVC panels. This ever-evolving product is perfect for the interiors of boathouses, garages, and sheds.
Jason notes that these strong, light, and easily installed panels are durable, waterproof, tough and pressure-washable, making them perfect for busy spaces.
“It’s important to find the right product for the right job,” advises Jason. “We have a lot to choose from and can provide all the information you need to make an educated decision on what’s best for you. Not all dock and deck boards are the same – come in and see the difference.”
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
