Outdoor Living Products & Materials in Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky
Composite decking is a real investment, so it only makes sense to use the best product your budget will allow. At Schmidt Services, we've spent years evaluating deck materials and options, concrete coating products, and patio material selection to build a short list of what we actually stand behind. This page walks you through the outdoor living products materials we specify on our projects, why we choose them, and what sets each one apart.
Top Pick: Composite Decking
Deckorators Voyage Series: Our First Choice for Quality Outdoor Materials
Voyage decking is built on a patented mineral-based composite technology that delivers the best strength-to-weight ratio in the industry. Its fiber-like internal structure is nearly 35% lighter than traditional composites and comparable in weight to PVC, without sacrificing durability. Voyage also provides 34% or greater surface traction than other leading composite brands, making it a strong choice for pool decks and any surface where footing matters. From a technical standpoint, Voyage features virtually no thermal expansion or contraction and is warranted for installation directly in the ground or in water. It won't splinter, sag, chalk, or crack, and its stain- and fade-resistant cap stock keeps it looking sharp season after season. Voyage varied-plank decking is available in four different widths, so you can achieve that custom wood-floor look without the maintenance that comes with real timber. It is also approved for use as residential cladding. Available lengths include 12-foot in grooved-edge only, plus 16-foot and 20-foot in both solid- and grooved-edge. Fascia options and 11-and-a-quarter-inch step treads round out the system for a complete, finished build.
Runner Up: Value Composite Decking
Fiberon Good Life: Strong Deck Materials and Options at a Friendlier Price Point
When budget is a real factor in the conversation, Fiberon Good Life is the composite we recommend. You'll find fewer color options compared to Voyage, but the attention to detail in this product is hard to match at its price point. It's built for real life: neighborhood gatherings, summer dinners on the deck, and quiet evenings outside after a long week. Good Life uses a three-sided cap layer that resists staining and fading, and its composite construction prevents splintering, cracking, and decay. The Escapes Collection features multi-tonal colors that resemble exotic hardwoods, while the Weekender Collection offers solid colors for a more traditional stained-deck look. Authentic grain patterns give both lines a natural wood appearance without the upkeep. Low maintenance and easy to clean, Good Life is a practical, durable choice for homeowners who want quality outdoor materials without stretching the budget further than it needs to go.
Structural Framing Materials
ProWood KDAT Lumber: The Foundation Beneath Every Build
The decking boards you see are only part of the story. What sits underneath matters just as much for long-term performance. We frame our decks with ProWood KDAT lumber, which stands for Kiln Dried After Treatment. Standard pressure-treated lumber is often wet when it leaves the yard, which leads to shrinking, warping, and twisting as it dries on your structure. KDAT eliminates that problem by drying the lumber after the treatment process, resulting in greater dimensional stability from day one. KDAT is also compatible with aluminum and carbon steel fasteners, which matters because incompatible metals can accelerate corrosion at connection points. Because it's already dry, you can stain it immediately after installation without waiting for the wood to shed moisture. We use Number 1 Grade materials as our baseline for all structural components, because the quality of the frame determines the quality of everything built on top of it. For homeowners in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky dealing with the Ohio Valley's humidity and freeze-thaw cycles, starting with stable, properly dried lumber isn't optional. It's the right way to build.
Concrete & Coating Products
Patio Material Selection and Concrete Coating Products We Use on Every Project
Our concrete work draws from a curated set of materials chosen for both durability and visual compatibility with the Greater Cincinnati area's traditional brick architecture. For stamped concrete patios, we work with Ashlar Slate patterns, which mimic natural cut stone with geometric precision, and Wood Grain patterns in options like Hickory, Weathered Oak, and Cedar, which replicate the look of real timber planks without the decay risk. Color and release agent combinations, including Sedona Buff, Gray Granite, Charcoal Release, and Mocha Accents, are selected to harmonize with local masonry and give each project a finished, intentional look. For borders and transition zones, exposed aggregate blends including River Rock Mix, Sunset Pebbles, and Gray Granite Blend provide a textured surface that improves traction and frames the overall design. On interior and select exterior concrete surfaces, we apply a multi-layered metallic epoxy system with metallic additives for high-impact resistance and a distinctive finish. For existing slabs that don't need full replacement, our concrete overlay process applies decorative resurfacing to simulate stone or wood-grain finishes without demolition. Each product in our lineup is chosen with the Ohio Valley climate in mind, where freeze-thaw cycles put real stress on concrete surfaces year after year.
Products FAQ
Common Questions About Our Outdoor Living Products and Materials
What is the difference between Deckorators Voyage and Fiberon Good Life composite decking?
Voyage is our top pick and uses a patented mineral-based composite technology that makes it nearly 35% lighter than traditional composites while delivering superior strength. It also provides 34% or greater surface traction than competing brands and is warranted for installation in the ground or water, making it ideal for pool-adjacent decks. Fiberon Good Life is our runner-up recommendation for clients working with a tighter budget. It features a three-sided cap layer that resists staining and fading, composite construction that prevents splintering and decay, and two collections, Escapes and Weekender, offering different color aesthetics. Both are quality outdoor materials; the right choice depends on your project scope and budget.Why does KDAT lumber perform better than standard pressure-treated wood for deck framing?
Standard pressure-treated lumber is often still wet when it arrives on a job site. As it dries on your structure, it can shrink, warp, and twist, which puts stress on fasteners and the overall frame. ProWood KDAT lumber is kiln dried after the treatment process, which removes that moisture before installation and results in much greater dimensional stability. It is also compatible with aluminum and carbon steel fasteners, which reduces the risk of corrosion at connection points. Because it is already dry, it can be stained immediately after installation. In the Ohio Valley's humid climate, starting with stable framing lumber makes a meaningful difference in the long-term performance of the structure.What concrete stamping patterns are available for patios in the Cincinnati area?
We work with Ashlar Slate, which mimics natural cut stone with geometric precision and is one of the most requested patterns among Cincinnati homeowners. We also use Wood Grain patterns in options like Hickory, Weathered Oak, and Cedar, which replicate the look of timber planks without the maintenance associated with real wood. For color, we use release agent combinations including Sedona Buff, Gray Granite, Charcoal Release, and Mocha Accents, chosen to complement the traditional red brick architecture common throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Exposed aggregate borders in blends like River Rock Mix and Sunset Pebbles are also available for added texture and traction.What is a concrete overlay and when is it a better option than replacing a slab?
A concrete overlay is a decorative resurfacing process applied directly over an existing concrete slab. Instead of tearing out and replacing the concrete, an overlay bonds to the existing surface and can be finished to simulate stone, wood grain, or other modern finishes. It is a practical option when the underlying slab is structurally sound but worn, stained, or outdated in appearance. For homeowners in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky who want a refreshed look without the disruption of full demolition, overlays offer a cost-effective path to a high-end result.Where is metallic epoxy coating typically used, and how does it differ from standard concrete coating products?
Metallic epoxy is most commonly applied to basement floors and select interior or exterior concrete surfaces. It uses a multi-layered application process with metallic additives that create a high-impact resistant finish with a distinctive, high-gloss appearance. Unlike standard gray concrete or basic sealers, metallic epoxy adds both durability and visual character to a surface. It is particularly well suited for basements where homeowners want a finished look that can handle heavy use. The layered system also provides better resistance to wear than single-coat alternatives.Do the composite decking products used by Schmidt Services require much maintenance over time?
Both Deckorators Voyage and Fiberon Good Life are designed to be low-maintenance compared to traditional wood decking. Neither product will splinter, crack, or decay, and both feature cap layers that resist staining and fading. You won't need to sand or restain them annually the way you would with a natural wood deck. Routine cleaning with soap and water is generally sufficient to keep the surface looking good. This low-maintenance characteristic is one of the primary reasons we recommend composite decking to homeowners who want a durable outdoor surface without the ongoing seasonal labor that wood requires.What does it mean that Deckorators Voyage is warranted for installation in the ground or water?
Most composite decking products are not designed to be in direct contact with soil or standing water over time, as moisture exposure can degrade the material or the connection points. Deckorators Voyage carries a warranty that specifically covers installation in those conditions, meaning it can be used in ground-level applications, around water features, or in environments where the boards may regularly contact moisture. This makes it a strong choice for pool decks, low-to-grade builds, and any project where standard composite materials would face a higher risk of moisture-related issues. It is one of the features that sets Voyage apart as a premium product.What is the starting price range for projects that use these materials?
Projects at Schmidt Services typically start at $4,000 and scale upward depending on the scope, materials selected, and site conditions. The choice between product tiers, such as Deckorators Voyage versus Fiberon Good Life, will affect the overall material cost of a deck build. During the design consultation process, Justin Schmidt works through the right materials for each homeowner's budget and intended use, so the product selection is matched to the project rather than defaulting to the most or least expensive option available.
