Revolutionary Natures Composites Sustainable Exterior Building Products Receive ICC-ES Verification

Natures Composites, a sustainable decking and fencing company that has revolutionized the industry by manufacturing decking and fencing products made from wheat straw and recycled plastics, announced it has received ICC-ES verification.

About ICC-ES ICC-ES is a subsidiary of the International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention that develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. Most U.S. cities, counties and states that adopt codes choose the International Codes developed by the International Code Council.Natures Composites is unique in the composites and lumber alternative market for using 94 percent rapidly renewable and reclaimed materials, including cellulose from wheat straw and recycled plastic. Benefits include stronger, longer-lasting, affordable, environmentally friendly fencing and decking material that resists moisture, insects and sunlight with minimal maintenance required.Natures Composites' innovative use of highly renewable, locally sourced materials offers exceptional environmental benefits. Wheat straw, a byproduct of the agriculture industry, is put to productive use instead of wasted. Rather than wood, wheat is rapidly renewable, grown and harvested annually, and readily available from regional farmers.Contact: Kim Boos Natures Composites phone: (307) 532-9942 email: kboos@naturescomposites.comImage Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1701732"The ICC-ESR 3176 approval validates our proprietary process using annually renewable wheat straw and recycled HDPE," said Kim Boos, national sales manager for Natures Composites. "By using our products, it's easy to reduce the carbon footprint, support local farmers and eliminate toxic chemicals and additives -- all while meeting building code requirements."Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to NewsvineNatures Composites sources its recycled plastic from nearby U.S. based recycling companies, providing a market for this growing supply stream. This combination of strong wheat fiber and recycled plastics ensures the product will not splinter or crack, and offers protection from elements including moisture, UV, insect and rot damage without having to use or apply harmful chemicals, paint, stain or sealant.Sold under the product names "TerraFence" and "TerraDeck," the certification is proof that the company's products meet code requirements. As a technical resource for building officials, architects, contractors, specifiers, designers and others, ICC-ES evaluation reports are used to ensure that products meet code requirements. As a leading independent nonprofit corporation, ICC-ES thoroughly examines product information, test reports, calculations, quality control methods and other factors to ensure products are code compliant.

Contact: Kim Boos Natures Composites phone: (307) 532-9942 email: kboos@naturescomposites.com

Morrison Bridge work in Portland stopped to prevent falling debris

Work on replacing the deck of the Morrison Bridge has been halted temporarily for more than a week due to a faulty containment system, said Multnomah County spokesman Mike Pullen.

Project team members will need to design a new containment system, which will have to be approved by the county. When that new system is installed, work will begin again, Pullen said.The containment system, which is used to prevent debris from falling in the river as crews perform work, was "not performing up to what we need," Pullen said. "We didn't want to have a risk of things falling in the river."

Because team members are on vacation this week, the county doesn't expect to have an update or a projected timeline for resuming the project until next week, Pullen said.

Ideas About The Code On Deck Railings

The code on deck railings in urban areas was designed to protect homeowners, home purchasers, and visitors to homes from harm. Some examples of general codes on deck railings are the distance from the ground dictating the presence of a railing, the distance between balusters, and the height of the railing.

Think about the first thing you notice when you see someone else skateboarding. You look at their deck don't you? You can tell a lot about a person by checking out their board. Are you going to really classify someone riding on a Bugs Bunny board as a truly credible rider? Probably not. But what if you see someone fly by and pull of a 360 heel flip of the railing at the local mall? Take a look at their skateboard and it surely will be a creative and unique skateboard design. Serious boarders have serious boards. The best of the best even have handmade, customized boards that represent more than their ability. Their skateboard designs represent their personality.After choosing the right planters, pots and containers from a wide range of materials, styles, colors and sizes, the time is right to think about what you are going to put in the planters and where to place them.Once you are pleased with the temporary arrangement, dig out holes with your trowel or your hands and set the plants in place. Gently firm the soil around each plant. Be sure to leave three inches from the top of the pot to allow for proper watering. When planting, a good tip is to make sure that the roots of the plants are very damp or wet before planting. Then water your container thoroughly when you have completed your arrangement.

The code on deck railing can be harmful at times. For example, some people don't like the railing on the deck too high because of the obscured view. In most areas, the railing cannot be folded down in any way. This leaves the homeowner with a real problem. The code is essentially the law. Going against the code is breaking the law. It means all sorts of consequences including things like court appearances and fines. However, if the homeowner still has a real problem with the code, they must find a way around it. One way around the issue with high deck railing is to go with a cable railing system. While you are still required to have a top rail with this system, the cables disappear from just a few feet away, so the view remains unobscured. The code on deck railing is essential for safety, but can sometimes be a problem for homeowners.

Author: Andrew Caxton

Skateboarding, a Lifestyle not just a Hobby

Skateboarding looks like a hard skill to master to many. But this is far from the truth. Skateboarding is more of a lifestyle than a hobby. If you know any skateboarder, you know the level of commitment required to acquire the skills. You can usually tell if someone is an avid boarder just by looking at the way the dress, walk and talk. There is a certain aura around people that skate that really doesn't exist in anyone else. With that being said, we all know just how important it is to set yourself apart from the pack. Every one that skates wants to show off their unique sense of style and flavour. So what is the perfect way to do this? By investing and riding on unique skateboard designs and decks.

Now is the time to move your garden planters and containers to create the overall look that you would like to achieve in the chosen space. It is always a good idea to keep the sun loving plants together and separate from the shading loving ones. Don�t make any combination too upright or too sprawly, have a good mix of both � one will enhance the look of the other.We know that we need to plant containers properly and of course to water when needed. Now to get started! Pick containers that will handle the size of the plants you are considering. You can contrast large and small containers together for a stunning effect. Annuals and bulbs are very popular choices for pots and planters.An example of a code on deck railing is Loudoun County, Virginia. Any structure built in the county must comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, which is accessible for free on the internet. In addition to offering deck regulations, this code spells out the rules for all aspects of building including structural requirements, mechanical issues, plumbing topics, and fire codes. This helps you obey the laws of Virginia. The Department of Building and Development reviews the plans and permits submitted to ensure they comply with the code.Invest in a creative design and you are sure to command respect from all the boarders at the local park. It doesn't matter if you are surrounded by pro boarders or kids that are just beginning, your board will get you noticed and ensure that you get noticed for all the right reasons. No one wants to be the guy riding down the street on the Mickey Mouse board they got for Christmas when they were twelve. Your skill and style has changed since then and you should make sure that your board reflects that.The internet is essentially the world's biggest skate shop. You can browse a number of stores, designs and compare prices all the while without the hassle of having to deal with an inexperienced pushy salesperson. And the best part is that you don't even have to leave your house. Take a quick twenty minute break from boarding, pick out a great skateboard deck and get right back out on the street. All you have to do is wait for your board to arrive at your house, unwrap it and then watch as people glare with envy at your all new deck.

So stop getting attention for all the wrong reasons at your local skate park and get your hands on some skateboard designs that represent who you really are. Unique skateboard designs are a must have for anyone that treats skateboarding as a lifestyle and not just a hobby. Beginners, novices and professionals alike all need to portray their personal sense of style and your skateboard is the perfect way to do it. So stop riding on that generic, plastic board and pick out a skateboard design that reflects skateboarding as a lifestyle and not just a passive hobby.

Author: Gen Wright

Create Stunning Container Garden Designs

You certainly have a feeling of great abundance with you see plant-packed containers on your deck, patio or in your garden. There is nothing like container gardens to link the indoors and outdoors between home and garden. Today, we all want to see out outdoor space turned into a wonderful new addition to our homes.

When you are ready to plant, fill the containers to within about three inches from the top and gently firm down the soil. Set the plants you have chosen and place on top of the soil and then step back and visualize how they will look when they fill out and create an overall view. Containers that will sit next to a wall or fence position the tallest plants at the back of the planter and surround with other plants. When you have large containers or when they will be seen from all sides, set the tallest plants in the middle and surround with the other plants.There are many different ideas about the code on railing in various parts of the countrySo now you are thinking, "How can I go about finding a unique skateboard deck?" Well the internet is a great place to start as you can be positive that you will find a plethora of options when it comes to your style and tastes. Whether you are looking for a simple and bold design or a totally off the wall colourful board, you are sure to find what you are looking for. And the best part of it all is that you can be sure no one else you ride with will have the same board. This is the perfect way to represent your unique personality through your board.Mix large containers with the small ones, arrange in groupings. Place one or two on plant stands to create a focal point in your arrangement. You may wish to cruise around your neighborhood, go to garden centers or even view the latest magazines to do some creative stealing for more design ideas.The code on deck railing can be harmful at times. For example, some people don't like the railing on the deck too high because of the obscured view. In most areas, the railing cannot be folded down in any way. This leaves the homeowner with a real problem. The code is essentially the law. Going against the code is breaking the law. It means all sorts of consequences including things like court appearances and fines. However, if the homeowner still has a real problem with the code, they must find a way around it. One way around the issue with high deck railing is to go with a cable railing system. While you are still required to have a top rail with this system, the cables disappear from just a few feet away, so the view remains unobscured. The code on deck railing is essential for safety, but can sometimes be a problem for homeowners.Sure you can pick up a deck at the local shop, but do you really want to be seen riding the same board as all the kids on your block? If you want to be taken seriously you need to get a skateboard deck that sets you apart from everyone else and portrays your individuality. Generic boards do not garner the respect that you are after on the streets, it is as simple as that. The internet is a great place to start searching for some skateboard designs that represent everything that you stand for. On top of this you can be sure you will be the only one on the block riding it.

Mix large containers with the small ones, arrange in groupings. Place one or two on plant stands to create a focal point in your arrangement. You may wish to cruise around your neighborhood, go to garden centers or even view the latest magazines to do some creative stealing for more design ideas.

Author: Marion Stewart

Ornaments To Decorate PVC And Wood Deck Railings

There are many ornamental touches to add to your deck railing including box deck flower railing. The railing system on your deck provides that finished look. Because a deck is typically an oasis from your everyday life, it is important to add little touches that make you happy with the space. Creating planters on your deck can create a private garden that you can enjoy as you take in the view from your beautiful deck.

Select Modern Railings To Suit Modern Lifestyle2. The porch and the entrance area of your house has been decorated carefully and tastefully. You are not going to spoil the area by cheap looking PVC railings. The PVC railings also look beautiful when they are made properly. UV rays can mar the look for PVC railings over a period. Use a CPVC material for porch railing if you wish to have PVC railings at all.

Whether you live in a large home overlooking a huge estate or a small two story apartment building, a box deck flower railing can be an excellent choice for adding that touch of beauty to your deck.

Author: Adam Peters

Select Your Style Of Modern Railing Designs

When you have made your house, you had long discussions with your family members, consultants, architects, and the builder. The discussions continued over breakfasts, lunches and dinners, during the weekends, on your shopping trips and holidays too. You are not going to spoil the result of this by having a bad job of deck railing. Therefore select your railing systems as you would have selected everything in your house, with care and love.

Whether you live in a large home overlooking a huge estate or a small two story apartment building, a box deck flower railing can be an excellent choice for adding that touch of beauty to your deck.A box deck flower railing can be constructed out of many different materials. One type of material that can be used in this construction is PVC. PVC or vinyl constructions are an excellent choice for a number of reasons. There are no sharp points when the box deck flower railing is fastened appropriately because the material doesn't splinter. That means as you're gardening, there are few ways to cut yourself on the flower box. Moreover, PVC is an enduring material, and it doesn't heat up like other materials, so if you touch it on a hot day, as you probably will with gardening devices, you are unlikely to burn your hand. Also, the material is ultraviolet light resistant, so it won't fade as time goes by. It is waterproof and essentially maintenance free. PVC is an excellent choice for a box deck flower railing.Although Ipe ages beautifully, applying an oil, as mentioned earlier, will maintain the wood�s original appearance. Many people choose Ipe for its natural beauty. Applying a clear or semi-transparent finish protects the original look, though some people prefer the classic silver gray of well-aged Ipe.Using Ipe can also lessen a home�s environmental footprint, or total impact on the environment. That�s especially true when it�s compared with synthetic or mineral building products like metal, cement or stucco that must be extracted from the ground and are not renewable.The above are just examples. They indicate the thinking that should go when you decide the railing systems.Layout & Design

The above are just examples. They indicate the thinking that should go when you decide the railing systems.

Author: Adam Peters