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Commission approves composite decking with border at 46 Everett Street, delays balustrade design
Summary
The HDC approved a composite decking material for 46 Everett Street with a required border detail and continued further review of a proposed flat-sawn balustrade so the applicant can provide drawings and samples.
The Newport Historic District Commission approved the proposed decking material for 46 Everett Street and required the applicant to add a framed border detail; the commission continued consideration of a proposed flat-sawn balustrade pending submission of drawings and material samples.
Applicant representative Raul Belanger (Salt and Stone) and other project team members presented photographs and a historic image showing a precedent for a flat-sawn balustrade at the property. The owner requested replacement of the balustrade with a period-appropriate flat-sawn system and replacement of decking with an alternate material (TimberTech-style composite was discussed). Commissioners noted the front entry porch had previously received a composite treatment, and the commission accepted material samples as exhibits for the side-deck decking proposal.
Commission discussion focused on two issues: (1) whether the composite decking material is appropriate for the side deck and, if used, how to detail the exposed edges and border to avoid an unfinished appearance; and (2) whether a solid flat-sawn balustrade that reaches to the deck surface would rot prematurely and how to proportion the balustrade so it reads as a historic element while meeting code and durability concerns. Commissioners suggested a pronounced base and framed assembly to reduce apparent height and to improve long-term durability; several commissioners also recommended using hardwood posts for structural integrity and picture-framing the deck with blocking to hide raw composite edges.
The commission split the application: it approved the decking material (with the requirement that the applicant incorporate a border detail and match color/tone to the previously approved front material) and continued the balustrade design to May 13, 2025 so the applicant could supply plans, elevations, and material samples in advance. Staff also accepted the decking material samples into the record as Exhibit B during the hearing.
The commission instructed the applicant to upload material samples and drawings before the next meeting and to consider structural blocking and framing details so the composite decking integrates with the proposed balustrade and post design.
