Lam decking gets a second look

into the adjacent piece. Solid sawn decking requires the use of 8" spikes driven horizontally into the connecting piece through pre-drilled holes. Many erectors charge higher rates to install solid sawn timber decks.

(c) Laminated decking combines a structural system and a finished interior surface in one application. The decking provides a special ambiance, while eliminating the need for further interior finishing of the roof system with the furring, sheathing and sheetrock often required with other materials. Some contractors get double dut in two-story applications, with the lam decking serving as both the floor of the upper level and the ceiling of the lower level.

Portland, Or.-based distributor Disdero Lumber Co. is largely responsible for continuing laminated deck demand. When Potlatch decided to close its decking plant in Lewiston, Id., Disdero partnered with Shelton Structures to acquire the equipment and restart production in Chehalis, Wa. Wood Lumber Co. acquired the Potlatch pant in Warren, Ar., and, with Disdero's marketing help resumed the southern pine Lock-Deck production line. Together. the three companies have formed an alliance to manufacture, promote and distribute laminated decking throughout the country.

Danny Wood, Wood Lumber, Warren, Ar., says the revival of the former Potlatch mill "has been very good news in this area. in contrast to the bad news we frequently hear about mill closures."

He says sales of laminated decking have increased steadily over the past two years. The most popular size decking produced at Wood Lumber is the 3"x6" variety, although they can manufacture the product in widths up to 8" and thicknesses up to 5". Prefinishing is also available.

Wood says that Lock-Deck from his mill is especially popular for churches. schools. libraries and upscale homes. One recent order was used for a prestigious boathouse at

Yale University.

Brooks Building Products, Raleigh, N.C., is a major distributor of lam decking. According to Mark Schwartz. "Lock-Deck is coming into its own because solid sawn decking is declining in quality and availability."

Brooks is actively promoting lam decking to architects and engineers. "Most architects who specify LockDeck for the first time come back and order it again, especially for high-end custom homes and commercial buildings," says Schwartz.

The distributor recently provided Lock-Deck for architect Ian Johnston's new house in Wilmington, N.C. Commenting on the exposed wood in his cathedral ceiling, Johnston said, "We were really pleased with the warm, dramatic effect of the glulam trusses and the laminated wood roof decking exposed on the interior, and also the consistency of the material. We only had two or three cull pieces out of 3,000 bd. ft. of decking."