Wild Dunes Resort Tennis Center Upgrade

MoistureShield^® Vantage^™ Decking Provides a Beautiful, Low-Maintenance Wood Alternative for South Carolina’s Wild Dunes Island Resort

Located off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina lies the Isle of Palms—the home of the Wild Dunes Resort, a Hyatt gated community with beautiful beaches, world-class golfing and award-winning Wild Dunes Tennis Center. The property’s amenities are connected by boardwalk paths that wind through much of the retreat’s oceanfront sites and attractions.

Recently, Wild Dunes management reached out to Joel Krueger, owner of Krueger Construction in Summerville, SC, to assess the structural integrity of the resort’s boardwalk system as well as the bleachers next to the Tennis Center’s main court. Given the heavily traveled grounds, it was time to evaluate options from traditional pressure-treated wood decking and seating. Krueger was supplied by his local Lowes store in Summerville, which had everything he and his crew needed to complete the job.

“The pressure-treated wood used to build the boardwalk and bleachers was decades old and in constant need of repair,” Krueger explained. “So the facility management agreed it was best to replace the existing structures with a composite material that would last for years with minimal maintenance.”

While considering several deck products at the Lowes store, Krueger discovered MoistureShield^® Vantage^™ decking, an uncapped wood composite board with a matte finish that evokes the look of real hardwood and has similar workability. Krueger became a fan of Vantage decking when he learned of its proven ability to stand up to the elements for more than 30 years with no structural field failures.

“The blazing sun, changes in temperatures and saltwater can really take a toll on exterior wood products,” Krueger noted. “So, we were instantly impressed with Vantage’s ability to withstand a seacoast climate like ours. We certainly didn’t want to install anything we had to stain, paint or repair on a regular basis. Affordable, clean and lower maintenance were all the key selling points that made this an easy decision for our Wild Dunes clients.”

Roger Martin, Facility Manager at Wild Dunes, explained the significance of selecting a superior decking material for the resort’s boardwalk and tennis center.

“The boardwalk and tennis bleachers are essential to our fabulous getaway experience,” Martin commented. “Tens of thousands of visitors travel back and forth on the boardwalk pathways, while spectators regularly use our tennis center to watch matches, enjoy refreshments and have a good time. Both are integral to the outstanding services and comforts that our visitors and residents have come to expect, so we wanted a top-quality material. We were immediately impressed by the durability and aesthetic of the MoistureShield Vantage decking.”

The year-long project began with the complete renovation of the tennis center, ranked a U.S. top-10 resort by Tennis Magazine for the past decade. Featuring 12 clay courts, the main court is used for celebrity and professional matches throughout the year.

The renovation included a new underlying structure with MoistureShield Vantage decking, face-fastened with color-matching screws and four levels of Vantage bleacher seats. Totaling approximately 9,000 square feet, the job was completed in about three months by a five-man crew from Krueger Construction.

“It turned out great,” Krueger recalled. “Everyone loved the look, feel and comfort of the new bleachers as well as the deck, which was designed with bench seating, tables and chairs so parties could be held during the various events. In fact, the Wild Dunes clients loved the Vantage composite decking and Cape Cod Gray color so much that they decided to use the same decking to upgrade the resort’s luxury boardwalk.”

For nearly 40 years, the boardwalk’s winding pathway have interconnected the resort’s AAA Four Diamond Boardwalk Inn Hotel to the oceanfront beach, Grand Pavilion, townhomes, two large oceanfront pools and popular Beachside Burgers & Bar.

Starting in January 2021, the boardwalk’s entire reconstruction took almost five months to complete as all pressure-treated lumber was replaced with MoistureShield’s Vantage grooved decking, which allowed hidden fasteners throughout the 24,000-foot walkway system, including six sets of stairs and one ADA-certified handicap ramp allowing access to the beach.

Martin commented, “The MoistureShield Vantage decking provided superior weather resistance for our saltwater environment, and we love the gray color that extends throughout the entire board. As for cost, the Vantage decking was comparable to pressure-treated wood and will require only a fraction of the maintenance.”

Like all MoistureShield products, Vantage features solid core, which runs through the entire board to ensure protection without a cap. It creates an impermeable barrier that fights damage from moisture, rot, insects and other harmful elements. As a result, there’s no need for painting, staining and continuous upkeep.

The Wild Dunes boardwalk upgrade was completed just in time for the resort’s busy summer tourist season.

“Fine dining, exquisite amenities, and panoramic ocean views are the standards here,” Krueger reflected. “To everyone‘s delight, MoistureShield fit right into this grand motif. The Vantage composite decking certainly delivered on every front and looks beautiful in a landscape dedicated to scenic pleasures and outstanding hospitality.”

MoistureShield Vantage is available in 1X6, 2X4, 2X6 and 2X8 marine-grade boards in 12′, 16′ and 20′ lengths. Offered in solid edge and grooved profiles, Vantage features a 50-year transferable structural warranty.