Low-maintenance decks - Home Guide

Composite decking has been gaining in popularity because it significantly reduces the maintenance that a deck needs from year to year. The most common type is made of wood fibers mixed with plastic, which is then formed into planks up to 20 feet long. Solid planking is available in 2-by-4 and 5/4-by-4 sizes.

Composite lumber is generally not as strong as wood, which is why it is not used for structural framing. (Use arsenic-free, pressure-treated lumber for deck framing.) Decking made with recycled polyethylene (PE) may require shorter spans of decking between joists than products made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

RESOURCES: www.carefree-products.com; www.certainteed.com; www.choicedek.com; www.ezdeck.com; www.fibercomposites.com; www.nexwood.com; www.timbertech.com; www.trex.com; www.weatherbest.lpcorp.com

Working with it

You do not need new tools or skills to work with composites, since they can be cut and shaped just like solid wood. Unlike wood, composite decking does not have to be coated with a protective finish. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for design and installation.

For more information

Sunset Publishing's new Complete Deck Book includes 256 pages of photographs, drawings, design ideas, and construction tips for building your own deck. $20. www.sunset.com or (800) 526-5111.

A fresh way to clean

These aromatherapy-oriented products may make wiping down the counter less of a chore. Developed as alternatives to harsh, medicinal-smelling household cleaners, they incorporate plant-derived, biodegradable cleansing ingredients and essential oils--from lavender to green-tea patchouli--that produce pleasing natural scents.

Look for them in the cleaning-product aisle of your supermarket or hardware store, or visit www.caldrea.com, www.methodhome.com, or www.mrsmeyers.com--Jil Peters

Rolling farm table

"I wanted a visitor-friendly kitchen where guests could linger and chat, so devised a contemporary version of the farmhouse kitchen table," says interior designer Katherine Murray. Her stainless steel table--mounted on castors to make it counter height--is high enough tar guests to lean on and large enough for six people to dine at casually, and can be easily moved if more space is needed for larger buffet entertaining.--Ann Bertelsen

DESIGN: Katherine Murray (650/577-0703)