Certifying your Deck Boards and Railings

Did you know NTA offers certification programs for deck boards and railings? The International Building Code references ASTM D7032 as the specification for establishing performance rating for deck boards and railing. The NTA Certification Program IM 008.1: Wood Plastic Composite Deck Board, Guardrail and Handrails fulfills all the requirements of ASTM D7032 and the International Residential Code.

Having deck boards and composite decking materials certified by a third-party is essential to consumer safety and satisfaction. Homeowners are concerned about the safety and durability of the materials they use to build outdoor decks and patios, and more than ever, look at certification marks as evidence of a quality product.

An NTA deck and railing program not only tests your product initially, but reviews your quality control program and documentation, performs regular, independent quality audits at your facility, as well as periodic sampling and testing of your product to help ensure continued quality. As an NTA certified product, your decking boards and railings will bear the NTA Certification Mark that supports your marketing claims and provides evidence of your conformance to code and dedication to quality and safety.

An NTA product certified under IM 008.1 may be tested according to many common test methods found in ASTM D7032, such as:

• D6109
• D6662
• D1413
• D3345
• D1761
• D1037
• D5764
• F1679

This makes NTA’s Certification Program IM 008.1: Wood Plastic Composite Deck Board, Guardrail and Handrails one of the most thorough in the industry.

If you are a deck board or railing manufacturer, give us a call at 574.773.7975 (or use our contact us webform) and ask to speak to a representative about an NTA Testing and Certification Program today.