FASHION FORWARD
Today’s decks and railings are all about making a big, bold outdoor fashion statement
Written by Lisa Gordon
For discerning homeowners across Canada, the choice of composite decking and railings has become a backyard fashion statement.
“What will drive a consumer to a particular product is the colour, embossing and the esthetics of the product,” said Jeff Morrison, Vice President at Goodfellow, a 127-year-old Canadian building supply distributor headquartered in Montreal.
“The vast majority of reputable composite decking products are manufactured the same way, so I think it comes down to the consumer’s preference on esthetics. Then, of course, they are looking at how long the stain fade warranty is, and are there any installation differences, etc.”
Morrison said the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the perception of a deck as an extension of the home.
“Consumers are spending a lot more money in their backyards now. So, when you come out of the house into this beautiful space, that deck is part of the experience.”
Composite decking has grown in popularity since the early 2000s, thanks to its maintenance-free reputation. With time, technology has improved, and a wider range of colours and textures have hit the market.
Photo courtesy of Goodfellow
“Goodfellow distributes two lines of composite decking in Canada,” continued Morrison. “One is Fiberon, which has been available for decades. They have pioneered a lot of the technology we see in the market today.”
The benefit of the Fiberon line is that it has a lot of options for homeowners, ranging from an opening price point product to high-end and PVC decking, all with a comprehensive warranty.
The second line distributed by Goodfellow is EVA-LAST.
“EVA-LAST offers a unique product that augments what we offer in Fiberon; it is a bamboo composite wrapped PVC decking line, reinforced with fibreglass,” noted Morrison. “Some options have unique embossing and are very strong and colourful.”
He also pointed out that bamboo is popular with eco-conscious consumers because it is an inexhaustible source of fibre and regenerates quickly, with greater strength than standard wood fibre.
Morrison said more consumers are moving from pressure treated wood to opening price point composite boards. Growth is predicted in the sector, as new innovations such as different clip systems for faster installation, longer fade and stain warranties, and lifetime physical integrity lure homeowners to composite.
Photos courtesy of Goodfellow
Of course, once a deck is built, it’s time to top it off with a railing – and there are many options on the market today.
Goodfellow offers the Fortress powder-coated aluminum railing system.
“The number one benefit here is a very attractive aluminum railing system with easy installation,” said Morrison. “You put in posts and then panels. We offer traditional rail, glass rail, and cable rail, in vertical and horizontal. The posts have brackets on them and the pieces come in big sections. Contractors love installing Fortress railing because it’s so quick. There are no visible welds, and it comes in matte black or white.”
While traditional picket railing is still the most popular, there is significant demand for glass panels and rising interest in cable rail.
Morrison added that Fortress offers the ability to enhance the look of the railing with post cap lighting, as well as clips that transform an ordinary deck board into a ledge along the top of the railing.
“I also like that you can choose to have a proud post that pops up, or an even look along the whole line,” he noted, adding that contractors who are familiar with these options can offer more choice to their clients, helping them land jobs.
Photo courtesy of Goodfellow
DURABILITY AND STYLE
Taiga Building Products of Burnaby, B.C., is the national distributor of Trex® composite decking, a leader in the market for more than 30 years. The Trex family of products includes a portfolio of high-performance outdoor living products that are beautiful, durable, lowmaintenance and sustainable.
“Thanks to its proprietary shell, Trex decking never needs sanding, staining or painting,” wrote Trex in a document provided to Contractor Advantage. “Just an occasional soap-and-water cleaning is all that’s needed to retain a like-new appearance. Trex decking also won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter, and is engineered to resist fading, scratching and mold.”
Trex offers five tiers of composite decking, with something for every budget. Trex Signature® features the most authentic woodgrain look in two luxurious hues. Trex Transcend® Lineage™ offers elegant linear graining in seven on-trend colours, all with Trex’s SunComfortable™ heat-mitigating technology. Trex Transcend® decking is available in six multi-tonal colours with high-definition
graining. Trex Select® comes in five colours, including three new SunComfortable options. Trex Enhance® is offered in five multi-tonal Naturals and four monochromatic Basics, including several SunComfortable offerings. Warranties range from 25 to 50 years.
In addition to decking, Trex offers a full range of railing options, with styles for every project. Options include new steel, aluminum, wired and glass systems, along with composite styles that provide an alternative to vinyl and wood.
Composite systems include Trex Enhance® Composite Railing, Transcend® Composite Railing, Select® Classic Railing and Select® Composite T-Rail. Metal railing options include Enhance™ Steel Railing, Select™ Aluminum Railing, Select™ Mesh Railing, Signature® Aluminum Railing, Signature® Mesh Railing, Signature® Rod Railing, Signature® Glass Railing, Signature® X-Series™ Wired and Signature® X-Series™ Frameless Glass Railing. Warranties range from 15 to 50 years, with many options available in panelized kits for easy assembly. Trex also offers ADA-compliant handrails.
Photos courtesy of Taiga Building Products
Trex reports that homeowners are drawn to its products for several reasons, including premium aesthetics, superior durability, climate resistance, low maintenance, sustainability and strong warranties.
In terms of decking trends, Trex notes that homeowners are looking for products that withstand today’s extreme climate events. Lighter coloured decking continues to dominate, with customers drawn towards options displaying subtle streaking or detailed embossing or graining.
“A recent development in the decking realm is the integration of heat-mitigating features into boards to keep the deck surface cooler than standard composite boards of a similar colour,” wrote Trex. “Innovations such as Trex’s SunComfortable™ technology are leading the way. Available in the brand’s Transcend® Lineage®, Select and Enhance® decking lines,
these boards are designed to make lounging and entertaining more enjoyable.”
Railing trends are influenced by geographic location, individual design preferences, and budget. Trex reports a return to classic colours like white, black and brown, with minimalist black on black designs especially popular.
According to Trex: “One material that is gaining momentum is aluminum railing. Prized for its clean, contemporary look, low maintenance requirements and durability, aluminum provides strength and value while enhancing a wide range of outdoor settings. It performs especially well in coastal environments where resistance to corrosion is critical.”
To preserve scenic views, many homeowners are also increasingly drawn to cable and glass railing systems, which evoke the upscale feel of luxury resorts and modern open-air restaurants.
Finally, Trex reports that homeowners prioritize sustainability. All Trex decking products are made from up to 95 percent recycled materials, with composite railings made from 40 percent recycled products and aluminum railings containing a minimum of 40 percent recycled content.
Contractors appreciate that Trex is easy to install in an industry where time is money. Many railing options come in pre-assembled sections, reducing installation time and the hassle of aligning individual components. The company also offers all-in-one post kits for some product lines, complete with post sleeves, caps and skirts in one package. For cable and frameless glass railings, Trex offers the X-Series™ Post, a modular component that serves as an end, line or corner post.
Photos courtesy of Taiga Building Products
MOVING UP FROM LUMBER
Gillfor Distribution is a Canadian-ownedand-operated provider of lumber and building materials, with 12 branches from coast to coast. The company distributes the Azek Company offering of TimberTech Composite Decking and AZEK Advanced PVC Decking, as well as TimberTech railing, fasteners, trim and accessories.
“The biggest benefit of using composite decking is the low maintenance associated with a deck that will look and feel like new for years of
enjoyment,” said Mike Schneider, Vice President of Business Development at Gillfor.
“The portfolio of colours and finishes available in the TimberTech and Azek collections offer a diverse and distinct aesthetic that is backed by industry-leading warranties and is promoted by the best collection of independent dealers across Canada. A lower overall lifetime cost and an immediate upgrade to the backyard are the primary reasons consumers choose TimberTech and Azek decking.”
Photo courtesy of Gillfor Distribution
Schneider reported that lower price points in composite decking now allow customers to move up from pressure treated lumber for the first time. These same homeowners are also attracted to enhanced colour profiles and new fastening innovations that deliver fastenless-looking decks similar to higher end products.
While composite decking was once a luxury item, Schneider added that it has now matured into
a mainstream wood alternative for consumers at all price levels.
“The low maintenance and sustainability benefits are widely understood and desired,” he explained. “Consumers are moving away from ultra-low cost offshore options that are not engineered for the Canadian climate and do not provide the same warranty protection as trusted major North American brands.”
Photos courtesy of Gillfor Distribution
OVER-ENGINEERED FOR SAFETY
Century Aluminum Railings is a proud Canadian company based in Summerland, B.C. Distributed across Canada by Doman Building Materials, Century’s line of aluminum railing products are both contractor and DIY friendly.
“We offer a high quality powder coated aluminum rail,” said Norman Paul, Business Development at Century Aluminum Railings, emphasizing that at the end of the day, safety is the most important consideration when choosing a railing system.
“There are way too many people who are tied to the appearance, but at the end of the day, railing is a life saving mechanism. You want to make sure it will do its job. We over-engineer here at Century. We exceed every relevant building code requirement in Canada and the U.S.”
Century offers four core product lines: Picket Series railing, with traditional pickets between the
top and bottom rails; the Glass Series with top and bottom rails framing glass panels; the Scenic Glass Series, a frameless glass railing system; and Pipe Handrail, a heavy duty round pipe rail.
New to the Scenic line is a 24-inch Top Cap Scenic option, a low-profile powder coated aluminum top cap that offers top of glass protection and added fall protection. Also new this year is Century’s Adjustable Pipe Elbow, or APE. Compliant with all building codes, APE allows installers to easily navigate corners when installing pipe handrail.
“We have specifically engineered our products to be very user friendly and easy to install,” said Paul. “Contractors benefit because time is money and they can move to the next job. In fact, we’ve done time trials where we’ve purchased six different rail systems and hired an independent contractor to install them. Ours were the fastest to put together – up to 50 percent faster than our major competitors.”
Photos courtesy of Century Aluminum Railings
The benefits of Century’s aluminum railings include premium quality, with a five-year paint warranty on the powder coating and a 20-year structural warranty on the railing itself.
Paul noted that Century stands firmly behind its warranty, citing an example of a 14-year-old railing that was replaced for a homeowner in Atlantic Canada.
Aluminum doesn’t rot like wood or rust like steel, Paul pointed out. It also doesn’t have the structural and cost limitations of composite and plastic railings.
“Aluminum rail solves all of these issues. We’re not the only aluminum rail manufacturer, so why is ours better? We are a proudly Canadian manufacturer, with a product that is ultra low maintenance and up to 50 percent faster on the install, especially with pickets – 80 percent of our
install can be done from a standing position, and contractors appreciate this. We also pre-punch our bottom rail, whereas most competitors have an open channel at the bottom so you must put spacers along the bottom rail to space out the pickets. But ours are pre-punched, so you push the pickets down into the gasket and run it up into the top rail. It’s much faster and easier on the body.”
Paul also pointed out that it’s easy to transition from one Century railing system to another – so if three sides are picket and one side is glass, it’s a simple matter of using a transition bracket.
“It’s a very user friendly system; it allows you to do many different things,” he commented. “We pre-weld all the brackets on our posts on the inside – so visually, it looks great. Powder coat doesn’t stick as well to welds and cast aluminum, so our welds are hidden and there are no issues with paint.”
Century provides three core railing colours: textured matte black (the most popular), gloss white, and textured lakeside copper. The company also offers seven premium colours that must be ordered in advance, as well as custom colours.
“If people want to do fire engine red or canary yellow, we can make that happen,” he said. “We did a really nice red railing for a job in Ontario, in Muskoka.”
Of course, low maintenance is always an attractive feature.
“Homeowners want to install something and walk away from it and not worry about it. That is the benefit of powder coated aluminum versus other materials out there. When talking about composite decking and aluminum railing, you might have to wash it once a summer, but there’s no painting or re-staining.”
In response to customer interest, Paul said Century is planning to release a line of cable railing this summer. “All the engineering has been done and it’s now available as a special order.”
In conclusion, he added that an aging population is another trend that has translated into increased pipe handrail sales.
“We sell it in kits and it’s very easy to install. Today, it’s all about aging in place. Grandma and Grandpa want to make their home safer.”
Photos courtesy of Century Aluminum Railings
JEWELRY FOR THE DECK
“Buy today, install today” – that’s the motto of Regal Ideas Inc., a Delta, B.C.-based manufacturer of aluminum railing systems.
Sold only through independent retailers, Regal Ideas railings are designed for both contractors and DIY homeowners.
“Anyone can create a professional rail system in little time,” said Andrew Pantelides, the company’s
Executive Vice President. “Our owner founded the company 40 years ago and invented a components-based aluminum railing system. Each component is six, eight, 10 or 12 feet. You don’t need anything special to install it.”
Regal Ideas uses only 100 percent raw aluminum, not recycled aluminum. Pantelides said this is because the company wants to avoid any impurities that could potentially impact the strength of the rails.
Photos courtesy of Regal Ideas Inc.
“We are a vertically integrated railing manufacturer in North America, which means we make our own products and start from 100% raw aluminum. We melt it, extrude it, powder coat it – it’s all done in house. Plus, we are the only ones that print our own biodegradable packaging for our product.”
Regal Ideas’ product line ranges from maintenance-free picket rails to glass systems to wood infill solutions for new and retrofit railing applications.
“We have the right product for every day. You can go from quick and easy to high end and easy,” continued Pantelides. “When you’re done your deck, you don’t want to spend hours with the railing. Ours installs in a quarter of the time versus other systems because it locks together with minimal fasteners. Contractors love it because it’s durable and strong, and there are no
call-backs or deficiencies. Our posts are powder coated all through the bottom, so there is no corrosion between pressure treated wood and the aluminum. Our system complements wood and composite decking very well.”
Another key advantage of Regal Ideas railing is that it grows along with a family. For example, a young family might install a basic picket rail system. Later, they might want to upgrade to glass – so they can keep the same frame but replace the pickets with LED-lit glass.
Pantelides said railings come in semi-gloss black, textured black, white, two-tone titanium slate, and yard bronze.
“Regal Ideas is the one-stop shop for everything rail,” he added. “It’s so easy to install. It exceeds building codes, has a locking picket system, welded brackets, and only four screws per section. We make and stock our own glass.”
When discussing the Regal Ideas product line, Pantelides said CrystalRail is the company’s premium claim to fame. Its 10mm tempered glass panels are 98 percent free of iron, which produces a crystal clear glass panel with stunning clarity. Pre-installed plug-and-play LED lighting, with remote control, illuminates the glass panels for an elegant nighttime look.
The company has also made its low voltage LED lighting system available for its picket and tempered glass rail systems, with three colour and brightness settings.
“It fits into our railing channel and it shines down onto the railing to create a perimeter glow. It creates such a nice ambience; it’s breathtaking,” said Pantelides. “We are selling way more high end systems with LED than in the past.
Homeowners want to show it off. CrystalRail is like jewelry for the deck.”
Today’s consumer tends to take a hybrid approach to shopping – researching online first before going into stores to touch and feel products. That’s why Pantelides believes the retailers who have samples on hand will be the ones who make the sale. Likewise, those who offer professional deck inspections are taking a big chunk of the market.
Another trend on his radar is deck resurfacing, where the structure is good but new board are applied on top – usually necessitating a new railing.
“People are going all out on their deck projects,” concluded Pantelides. “They are investing yearly in their backyards, so good contractors will have jobs year after year.”
Photos courtesy of Regal Ideas Inc.
INNOVATIVE RAILING & FRAMING SYSTEMS
Since 1974, Vista Railing Systems Inc. has specialized in designing, engineering, testing and manufacturing premium quality railings in aluminum, glass, cable and mixed materials. Its styles include aluminum picket, framed glass, frameless glass with posts, frameless glass with spigots and LED lights, and cable railing systems.
In written material supplied to Contractor Advantage, the company said all products are available in a variety of colours and come with accessories designed to enhance functionality.
“They are engineered for easy installation and long-lasting performance,” wrote Vista.
Benefits of the company’s railing systems include low maintenance and minimal upkeep; exceptional durability in Canadian climates; easy modular installation; and safety, with all systems meeting or exceeding building code requirements.
“Homeowners today are prioritizing modern aesthetics, sustainability and low maintenance. A beautiful outdoor space is no longer enough – they want a solution that is easy to care for, hassle-free to install, and backed by responsive customer support. Durability and safety are top of mind, with consumers seeking spaces that are not only visually appealing but also built to last for years.”
Photos courtesy of Vista Railing Systems Inc.
Photo courtesy of Vista Railing Systems Inc.
Vista also recognizes a growing demand for rooftop and multi-surface decks, built to withstand the harsh Canadian climate. As the exclusive Canadian distributor of Outdure, a leader in next generation decking systems, Vista can provide key products and initiatives such as Outdure’s QwickBuild™ Modular Aluminum Framing System and the DeckPlanner™ Platform, a digital tool that enables contractors and homeowners to plan, visualize, and price complete decking solutions with precision.
“Homeowners and contractors are becoming more aware of the long-term consequences of using decking systems that lack the strength, structural integrity, and adaptability required to withstand Canadian weather. This is fueling interest in innovative framing solutions like QwickBuild™, which offers versatility, stability and faster installation across various surfaces.”
Vista noted that Outdure’s systems and decking surfaces will begin arriving in Canada this summer.
“We take pride in being more than just a product supplier,” concluded the company. “At Vista, we foster a culture of innovation and partnership— collaborating closely with contractors, designers and dealers to ensure they feel supported every step of the way. From product development to national training programs, our team is dedicated to providing smart systems, hands-on support and solutions that last.”
CONCLUSION
As extensions of the home, decks are the destination for relaxing and entertaining times with family and friends. The range of today’s composite decking and railing options is vast, offering every consumer the chance to customize their outdoor space. —
Photos courtesy of Vista Railing Systems Inc.
2025 / 2026
TRADE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
CASTLE WANTS TO HELP THE BUILD THEIR CAREER, AND THE FUTURE.
Canada needs skilled trade workers more than ever! We are offering the opportunity to earn a $2,500 Trade Scholarship to any student enrolled full-time in an eligible skilled trade program at a recognized Canadian Trade College.
Complete details, eligibility requirements and to download the Castle Trade Scholarship Program Application, please visit castle.ca/tradescholarship
Application Submission
August 15th, 2025
Written by Kate Zabriskie
You know that friend who’s always there when you are in need? The one who shows up on time, follows through on promises, and genuinely cares about what’s going on in your life? That’s exactly what your business needs to be for your customers.
Sure, those splashy marketing campaigns and point-collecting apps might turn some heads. But keeping customers? That’s more like maintaining a good friendship – it’s about consistency, trust, and showing up when it matters.
Think about it: When was the last time you stuck with a business just because they sent you a birthday coupon? Probably never. But I bet you’ve stayed loyal to places that treat you right, make your life easier, and actually seem to care whether you’re satisfied or not.
Here’s what makes no sense: businesses throwing money at attracting new customers while practically ignoring their loyal ones. It’s like constantly hunting for new friends while ghosting the ones you already have. Your repeat customers are pure gold – they spend more, they tell their friends about you, and they stick with you even when times get tough.
So let’s get real about what actually works. No gimmicks, no fancy strategies – just solid, reliable business practices that build trust and keep people coming back. Consider this your straightforward guide to keeping customers happy (and your business growing) for the long haul.
ACTION ONE: DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU’LL DO Trust starts with reliability. When you promise to deliver something by a certain time, follow through. If you say you’ll return a call within an hour, make it happen. Customers remember when commitments are met—and when they aren’t.
When was the last time I missed a commitment to a customer, and how can I improve my process to prevent that?
ACTION TWO: KEEP IT REAL (EVEN WHEN IT HURTS)
Customers appreciate honesty, even when the news isn’t good. If something goes wrong, don’t hide it. Be upfront, explain the issue, and share how you’re fixing it. Transparency builds trust, especially in tough moments.
Do I proactively communicate challenges to customers, or do I avoid difficult conversations?
ACTION THREE: SPEED IS YOUR FRIEND
In today’s world of instant everything, slow responses are frustrating. You don’t need to be available 24/7, but responding promptly shows you value your customers’ time. Even a quick acknowledgment like, “I’ve received your message and will get back to you shortly,” can make a difference.
How quickly do I respond to customer inquiries, and do I have systems in place to improve response times?
ACTION FOUR: FOLLOW THROUGH LIKE A PRO Great service doesn’t end with the sale. Checking in after a project, purchase, or service demonstrates care and helps uncover potential issues before they become problems.
Do I follow up with customers regularly to ensure they’re satisfied?
ACTION FIVE: LISTEN LIKE YOU MEAN IT
Before jumping in with a solution, take time to fully understand your customer’s concerns. Active listening builds trust and often reveals insights that lead to better outcomes.
Do I make customers feel heard, or do I focus more on solving the issue quickly?
ACTION SIX: MAKE YOURSELF AVAILABLE (BUT SET BOUNDARIES)
Clear and accessible contact options make it easy for customers to reach you when needed. At the same time, setting boundaries ensures you can deliver on those expectations without burnout.
Are my contact methods clear and responsive enough for customers to feel supported?
ACTION SEVEN: BE PREDICTABLY EXCELLENT Consistency beats occasional brilliance. Customers want to know what to expect every
time they interact with you. Being reliably good builds confidence and loyalty.
Is my level of service consistent across all interactions, or do I have room to improve reliability?
ACTION EIGHT: KEEP THEM IN THE LOOP
Regular updates—even when there’s no change— reassure customers that you’re paying attention. Whether it’s about an order, a service, or an issue being resolved, communication matters.
Do I keep customers informed, or do they have to follow up with me to find out what’s happening?
ACTION NINE: OWN YOUR MISTAKES
Mistakes happen. How you handle them can make or break customer loyalty. Acknowledge the error, apologize sincerely, and explain what steps you’re taking to fix it.
When was the last time I owned a mistake with a customer, and how did they respond?
ACTIONS TEN: STAY CONNECTED (WITHOUT BEING CLINGY)
Regular communication keeps your business top of mind, but it’s important to strike the right balance. Nobody wants to feel spammed. Share meaningful updates and value-added content.
Am I staying connected with customers in a way that feels helpful, not overwhelming?
ACTION ELEVEN: PLAY THE LONG GAME
Prioritize long-term relationships over short-term revenue. Customers value businesses that put their needs ahead of squeezing every penny from a single transaction.
Do my decisions prioritize long-term loyalty, or am I focused on short-term gains?
ACTION TWELVE: SHOW SOME LOVE
A small gesture can make a big impact. Whether it’s a thank-you note, a thoughtful gesture, or remembering a customer’s preferences, showing appreciation makes people feel valued.
When was the last time I went out of my way to thank or recognize a customer?
ACTION THIRTEEN: RETHINK INTRODUCTORY DEALS
Be careful with promotions that reward new customers more than loyal ones. Offering steep discounts to new customers while existing ones pay full price can breed resentment. Instead, consider ways to reward loyalty, such as exclusive perks or discounts for long-term customers.
Are my promotions encouraging loyalty, or are they making existing customers feel overlooked?
WHAT’S NEXT?
Ready to take the first step? Focus on one area where you know you can improve. When you consistently deliver the basics, customer loyalty follows naturally. —
