Deck Specialist - Spring 2018 by 526 Media Group

5 HOTTEST DECK TRENDS OF 2018 • MONEY-SAVING DECK PATTERNS • IBS RECAP

DECK

SPRING 2018

SPECIALIST Ideas & Strategies for Outdoor Living Professionals

Rethinking the Deck with HGTV’s Paul LaFrance

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Ideas & Strategies for Outdoor Living Professionals FEATURE STORY

Rethinking the Deck

HGTV’s Paul LaFrance looks at spaces in unconventional ways WHAT’S HOT

Steel the Base

The advent of steel deck framing

5 Hottest Deck Trends The most in-demand designs, products

30 34

Outdoor Living at IBS Decking finds a home at mega-show

Deck Fastening Contest Builders vie in CAMO competition

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Keep costs down by using shorts

Listen Up! Open your ears to close more sales

$-Saving Deck Patterns ON THE COVER

LED-lit waterfalls and fountains trickle soothingly into a moat surrounding a luxurious composite deck—one of master designer/ TV host Paul LaFrance’s unique creations.

ALSO INSIDE 10 Industry News 8 Editor’s Note 36 Tool Review with Marv Johnson 40 On the House with the Carey Bros. 42 The Bottom Line with David Elenbaum 44 The Rail Post with Matt Breyer 46 Stacking the Deck with Pat Noonan 48 Set the Standard with Brendan Casey 54 New Products 59 FeedBack 60 Ad Index 61 Date Planner 62 Idea Book Deck Specialist

Spring 2018

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Spring 2018

Deck Specialist

DECK SPECIALIST A publication of 526 Media Group, Inc.

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Vice President Shelly Smith Adams sadams@building-products.com Managing Editor David Koenig david@building-products.com Editor Stephanie Ornelas sornelas@building-products.com Columnists Matt Breyer, James & Morris Carey, Brendan Casey, David Elenbaum, Marv Johnson, Pat Noonan Guest Contributors Jase DeBoer, Dave Kahle, Mel Karlson, Paul LaFrance, Ben Roberts

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chiers@building-products.com (714) 486-2735 DECK SPECIALIST is published quarterly at 151 Kalmus Dr., Ste. D200, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, (714) 486-2735, Fax 714-486-2745, www.building-products.com, by 526 Media Group, Inc. (a California Corporation). It is an independently owned publication for U.S.-based builders and contrators that specialize in decking and other outdoor living projects. Copyright®2018 by 526 Media Group, Inc. Cover and entire contents are fully protected and must not be reproduced in any manner without written permission. All Rights Reserved. Deck Specialist reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter, and assumes no liability for materials furnished to it. Spring 2018 • Volume 2 • Number 1

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EDITOR’S NOTE

My green is greener Over the last decade-plus, whenever construction experts are asked to identify the industry’s hottest emerging trends, they’ll invariably place “Green Building” at or near the top of every list. I suspect that may be about to change. Environmentalists had gained increasing traction through the final years of the 20th century in alerting the world of the need to help save the planet. The public and industry finally came around. Some companies switched to greener practices to be good stewards. Others did so to comply with stricter governmental standards or to carve a niche in an increasingly conservation-conscious world. We’ve all benefited from cleaner, long lasting, more renewable products. But the problem is that now it seems like everything is green. Certainly many companies altered how they manufactured their products, to make them better for the environment. But others merely identified some innately green feature of theirs, and started promoting it, without changing a thing. No one wanted to be left behind in this forecasted Brave New Green World. But just how green is any one product, if every product claims to be the same color? There’s no clearer example of this phenomenon than in decking. Most every manufacturer, no matter what type of material they produce, now claims its product is green. Wood, plastic, composite, metal, bamboo—heck, they could make it out of popcorn and I bet they’d market PopDeck as green to the core.

And, the funny thing is, they’re all correct. Wood can claim to be green because it’s natural and infinitely renewable. Untreated species are chemical-free. Treated species will last a lot longer, so you may never have to replace them. Manmade materials can last even longer. When the PR spin becomes deceptive, it’s called “greenwashing.” The term isn’t a new one; it was coined over 30 years ago by environmentalist Jay Westervelt, who noticed hotels had begun placing placards in guest rooms asking their customers to reuse towels to help “save the environment.” In point of fact, Westervelt observed, the hotels weren’t really putting any real effort into reducing energy waste—they were merely cutting costs, without passing any of the savings to the customer. For the most part, there doesn’t appear to be deception at play in the decking industry. Most producers can legitimately claim that their decking or railing (or at least some aspect of it) is green. The problem is, when every product qualifies for one Green Label or another, the whole exercise seems useless. So, how can deck builders tell if one product is greener than another? I suppose they could select products based on the environmental characteristic (sustainability, recyclability, longevity, chemical content, etc.) most important to them. Yet I predict the fallout will be consumers who are so inundated with green, they become color blind. David Koenig is managing editor of Deck Specialist. Reach him at david@building-products.com

Deck Specialist

Spring 2018

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INDUSTRY NEWS AZEK Purchases UltraLox

AZEK Building Products, Skokie, IL., has acquired Wes LLC, Eagan, MN.-based parent company of UltraLox railing assembly machinery and Harmony Railing. “While UltraLox will continue to operate as a separate company with its existing management team, we are bringing additional resources to support the growth of the company through enhanced service levels to its customers and ongoing product and market development,” said AZEK CEO Jesse Singh. “In addition, we expect to leverage the expertise of the UltraLox team in aluminum railing design and engineering to further develop the AZEK and TimberTech railing products.” The partnership will provide a wider selection of railing products at various price points. “For our customers, we will be in an even stronger position to help support their growth and business. And, for our employees, this opens up a range of potential future career growth opportunities,” said Edward Peterson, senior VP of sales & marketing for UltraLox.

NADRA Appoints New Officers

Matt Breyer, Breyer Construction & Landscape, Reading, PA., has been installed for a two-year term as the new president of the North American Deck & Railing Association, succeeding Lonza’s Kirk Hammond. Heath Bowman, Southeastern Underdeck Systems, Buford, GA., is the new VP, and Bruce Verblaauw, C. Verblaauw & Sons, Mahwah, N.J., is treasurer. New to the board of directors are John Keller, Sequoia Supply Co., Hatfield, PA.; Gary Converse, Koppers Performance Chemicals, Griffin, GA.; and Vincent Carrubba, Admiral Composite Technologies, Baldwin, N.Y.

Deckorators Launches Pro App

Deckorators has introduced a Pro on the Go mobile application for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, making it easier for Certified Pro contractors to reap the benefits of the company’s certification program. Available for free from iTunes and Google Play, the app helps deck builders easily submit

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project invoices, manage rewards points, and receive alerts on new Deckorators products, events and promotions. Certified Pros can also quickly update their Pro profiles, access product information and contact Deckorators customer service through the app.

New Deckorators app

“We designed the Pro on the Go app with the needs of today’s deck builder in mind,” said Chris Camfferman, director of category marketing. “The app is the perfect way for Certified Pros who are busy and on the move to stay connected to our program—and get benefits that grow their business.”

Trex Debuts Commercial Division

SC Railing, the country’s leading manufacturer and supplier of custom architectural railings, has taken on a new name—Trex Commercial Products—following its acquisition by Trex Co. In addition to more closely aligning the subsidiary with its new corporate parent, the name change establishes Trex as a major brand name in the commercial building arena. For customers of SC Railing, the company name is the only thing that is changing. Trex Commercial Products will operate out of the existing SC Company facilities in Brooklyn Park, MN., and Fort Mill, S.C., and will continue to be managed by the same leadership team and sales network. Noted John Lewis, CEO of SC and now CEO and president of Trex Commercial Products, “If anything, these assets will become even stronger thanks to the tremendous resources now at our disposal as part of the Trex family.”

SplitStop_3.25x4.875_Wood.pdf

1/30/18

4:20 PM

CPG Rebrands as AZEK

CPG International LLC, Skokie, IL., has renamed itself The AZEK Co., reflecting the growth of its deck and railing division. The rebranding is part of its strategy to disrupt the nearly $2 billion wood deck and railing industry by concentrating on its leading, premium offerings and diversifying through strategic acquisitions in adjacent categories. According to CEO Jesse Singh, “We will continue to expand our pipeline this year and grow our market share by engineering more premium building products and acquiring new offerings that envelop the house.”

CMY

Feeney Supports Vet Retreat Center

Feeney, Inc., has provided The Travis Mills Foundation with CableRail products for the waterfront cottage at the foundation’s recently opened 11,000-sq. ft. retreat center in Maine. Nestled on 17 acres on a lake in Hallowell, the Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat offers an all-inclusive, all paid place of rest and relaxation for America’s military families, including access to water and land recreational activities along with onsite spa services. “The best part is that Feeney’s cable railing provides visibility for those veterans who are wheelchair bound to still enjoy scenic views of the lake, while also providing a durable product that we’ll be able to rely on for years to come,” noted U.S. Army SSG (Ret.) Travis Mills, president of the Foundation. Since opening its doors last June, the center has welcomed more than 54 military families and plans to host families for at least 40 weeks each year.

Travis Mills Foundation Veterans Retreat in Maine equipped its recently opened waterfront cottage with CableRail. Spring 2018

Deck Specialist

Rethinking the Deck By Paul LaFrance, Paul LaFrance Design and HGTV Canada Host

I love old western movies.

Particularly anything involving my man Clint Eastwood. But whether you are a fellow fan of that genre or not, most people can easily visualize the scene of a dusty gunslinger exiting a dilapidated saloon through a set of creaky swinging doors, with the camera panning down to his spurred boots, as he steps out onto the buildings wooden porch… right? But wait!! What’s that he’s standing on? By George, it’s a deck!!!

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(All Decked Out project photos courtesy Paul LaFrance Design. Photos of Paul on page 26 by Blue Rooster Studio and on page 31 by Michael Patrick, Fashion the Image)

ABOVE: Paul LaFrance was enlisted to redo a backyard with a nice viewâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and nothing else. He turned it into an epic outdoor space, complete with pergolas, stainless steel privacy screens, and dining and cooking areas that are connected by three bridges to an octagonal island lounging deck.

Spring 2018

Deck Specialist

Take that structure and place it in somebody’s backyard, maybe turn the deck boards 90 degrees, and you have most people’s initial visual of what a deck would look like. A square wooden structure that allows you to step into the open air, without getting your boots dirty, spurs or no spurs. Throw in a BBQ and some plastic furniture and voila!! It’s no wonder I have heard these words spoken by countless homeowners over the years… “Paul, it’s just a deck.” So what is this mental block towards creative deck building that has been so prevalent in the minds of the general population for so long? I personally don’t think it is more complicated than the fact that boring wooden box decks are just what people are used to seeing! Think about it? If you are to drive by a new subdivision, you are often met with the sight of a sea of “builder decks” stretching out toward the horizon. They are called builder decks for a reason. If the builder is required to put a deck on his new home, he builds one as cheaply and quickly as possible. So the general population sees thousands of new houses, with thousands of cheap builder decks. It’s mind programming!

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ABOVE: Custom-designed water features encircles a composite “Moat Deck.”

Hence my determination over the last 20 years to redefine “the deck” to what it should be. So what should it be? The deck “should” be a true extension of the home that carries your living space from the indoors to the outdoors. Would you settle for a living room that is built as cheaply and quickly as possible with no aesthetically pleasing elements whatsoever? Of course not. We want our interior living spaces to make us feel good when we spend time in them. So why would we settle for anything less from an outdoor living space? What many overlook is the fact that an outdoor living space that is created with the same level of creativity we put into the inside of our homes offers something the inside of our homes do not...the benefits of being outdoors! There is something inherently peaceful about being out in nature, even if you live in an area where the only thing you can see from your backyard is the sky. We live in the fastest moving culture in the history of humanity.

LEFT: This deck’s main dining and lounge zones were connected with steel-accented aerial beams and a two-way outdoor fireplace. ABOVE: “Privacy Deck” uses arched polycarbonate coverings to provide shade and shelter. BELOW: Creative semi-circular design includes thick cedar beams and overhead awnings to enhance the deck’s oudoor amphitheater feel.

Spring 2018

Deck Specialist

There has never been a greater need to have a true place of rest, in a time when vacation travel can be a nightmare, and a secondary vacation home is an impracticality for most. Hence the reason why the backyard revolution has begun... and why I’m now designing for people even outside of North America. It would seem the need for a place of rest is a universal thing. One story further solidifies the sad existence of one of the most untapped areas of construction in the modern home. I visited a client years back in one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in Toronto. The house was breathtaking right from the moment you walked in the front entrance. It had mirrored curved staircases leading to a second floor mezzanine so grand that you half expected a world leader to approach the railing to address his people. The gorgeous wrought iron railing alone had a $50K price tag. The rest of the home was absolutely state of the art. A computer ran the house and would turn lights on and off as you ventured between rooms. I half expected the kitchen refrigerator to ask me about my inner feelings. Everything

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ABOVE: Composite decking showplace uses an open design, translucent roof covering, and glass panel railings to let the light shine in.

worked seamlessly, right up to the moment I looked into the backyard. “Ahhhhh… I see why I’m here,” I said to my client as I grimaced at the sight of the 20’x20’ pressure treated monstrosity with ugly 2x2 picket railing. “We definitely need to make your outdoor living space match the inside of your home” I continued. My client looked at me puzzled. “All I want you to do is replace the old boards,” he said. “IT’S JUST A DECK.” I knew I had my work cut out for me. After a few hours I showed him a concept for his backyard space that had him very excited. He admitted that he must have been “programmed” to view that space as simply utilitarian at best based on what he had seen in most backyards. I was happy to give him a much different perspective. The deck I built there was just a part of an overall transformation of the entire backyard space

ABOVE: Stone deck is warmed underneath an undulating wood cover. The project also features a massive hot tub, covered BBQ that’s connected to the house by a heated walkway, fire table, water feature, and backlit translucent stone privacy screens.

that included stonework and greenery that drew you out of the house into a wonderfully welcoming outdoor relaxation zone. The deck changed from an elevated platform surrounded by prison-type railings that actually made you feel separated from the yard, to a structure that seamlessly blended the interior elements of the home with the outdoor features. There was also now a flowing transition between the natural outdoor elements of the yard, through to the door of the house. The impact of the transformation on my client and his family was immediate. Some members of the family had only ventured into their backyard once or twice after years of living there. Now they were discussing why they would need to travel to a resort when their backyard was offering the same vacation appeal. The deck now had individual “rooms” that were just as inviting as any interior room

of their home, and it cascaded in tiers with gorgeous glass railings that opened up the view throughout. In short, they simply didn’t consider that what they now had in their yard was possible. All it took was the same level of creativity that went into the inside of their home. That’s all! What was even more puzzling to my client was the fact that the new deck was the exact same square footage as the old boring box they had originally! What can I say… I love my job. So, sorry, Clint. As cool as you are, every time I see you step out onto an old saloon porch, I’m glad some things are changing… even if you are timeless.

Paul LaFrance, celebrity TV host and professional builder, is CEO and founder of Paul LaFrance Design and the host of HGTV’s Decked Out, Disaster Decks, Deck Wars, and Custom Built, as well as a judge on Canada’s Handyman Challenge.

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Deck Specialist

Steel the Base How steel deck framing is changing the industry By Mel Karlson, Trex

The substructure of a deck is the heart of its durability and the foundation for its aesthetics. Until recently, wood has been the go-to material for builders, contractors and architects. However, as professionals are increasingly switching to steel for its superior structural integrity and design flexibility, steel deck framing is poised to be the next big thing. Exterior structures must withstand much harsher environments, which is why steel deck framing intended for the outdoors is triple-coatedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;first with a layer of hot-dipped galvanized coating, then with a layer of bakedon prime coat, and finished off with a layer of baked-on exterior high-performance polyester 18

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coating. It all adds up to an unparalleled level of protection surrounding a carbon steel core, ensuring each critical joist, beam and ledger connection holds up to the elements and to daily wear and tear for decades. Steve and Brucie Schneider, TrexPro deck builders in San Rafael, CA., are the most prolific users of Trex Elevations steel deck framing in the West. Since they began advising clients to choose steel deck framing as a replacement for pressure-treated wood two years ago, they have built dozens of decks using Elevations framing. The innovative and creative options steel offers makes the product their go-to choice.

OPPOSITE LEFT: Trex composite decking is applied over Elevations steel deck framing. ABOVE: Steel beams are lighter than wood and can span up to 15 ft., resulting in the need for fewer posts and greater flexibility in post placement. RIGHT: Steel deck frames are precision engineered to ensure a flat surface for the life of the deck.

Elevations “allows you to create designs that are time-consuming if you tried it with other materials,” says Steve Schneider. Chief among them, curves. “We do lots of low-level decks, close to the ground. We do long curves that meander with the landscape. Steel deck framing opens up the design possibilities.” Schneider also likes that he can easily use the steel material in ways that aren’t deckrelated, such as in the construction of low-level retaining walls, flower boxes and landscape walls. The steel framing system reduces excavation time and allows builders to create longer cantilevers—saving time, material and labor costs. Because of its lightweight nature, the material is less physically taxing on the carpenters and is especially beneficial when used for high-reaching structures.

Admittedly, the switch from wood to steel framing is an adjustment for contractors who have dealt solely with wood substructures for decades, but many contractors are surprised at just how easy it is to work with steel. “I like working with metal—it’s all straight and each piece is the same,” said Mike Schmidlin, a general contractor from Los Gatos, CA. “Every time I pick up a piece of wood I’ve got to look at it five different ways to see if I’m going to use it; how I’m going to use it; is it bent, bowed, cracked, curved, cupped, twisted; does it have a big knot in it—all that’s eliminated with steel deck framing because every piece is exactly the same.” For other contractors, the results alone are enough to convince them to scrap wood altogether. Spring 2018

Deck Specialist

LEFT: In addition to performance advantages, steel deck framing also offers sleek, modern aesthetics.

“I’ve been in the industry for 25-plus years and have used just about every new product that has come on the market to ensure my customers are getting the best products available,” said Robert King of NW Quality Remodeling & Decks of Snohomish, WA. “Steel deck framing has exceeded my expectations so much that I would like to switch over to it completely. Both the look it provides from below on second-story decks, as well as the stoutness it lends to overall projects, has been met with great praise from homeowners, which will only increase the demand for it in future builds.” With superior durability and aesthetics, steel also offers the following benefits: • Stability – Traditional framing can split, warp and shift over time, leading to an uneven surface in the deck boards above. Steel deck frames are precision engineered to ensure a refined, flat surface for the life of the deck. They also are significantly more resilient to weather, moisture, time and pest deterioration. • Design flexibility – Steel beams have the ability to be bent and shaped to allow for everything from curves and angled corners to extended cantilevers. Additionally, they are more lightweight than wood and can span up to 15 ft. (vs. 10 ft. for wood), resulting in the

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need for fewer posts and greater flexibility in post placement. This creates less obstructed views and more open space below the deck for storage or even additional outdoor living area. • Safety – A substructure is the platform that will support your deck—not to mention your friends, family and loved ones—for decades of outdoor living activities. Steel offers superior strength and longevity, is non-combustible, termite-proof, and free of pressure-treated chemicals. • Eco-friendly – Steel deck frames are made from recycled materials, and can be recycled themselves. With its ability to prolong the life of a deck and improve its overall appearance, steel deck framing delivers performance and design benefits that others simply can’t. It’s a smart investment for any homeowner looking to maximize the life of their deck and a great product for architects looking to deliver decks that will maintain their beauty and performance for years to come. Mel Karlson has been with Trex Co. for more than 14 years. He currently serves as senior marketing manager, overseeing the development of Elevations steel deck framing system.

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RIGHT: Deck weatherproofing solutions can help deck builders turn the large area under a secondstory deck into a “dry zone” for extra living space or storage. (All photos by Deckorators)

5 Hottest Deck Trends for 2018 By Jase DeBoer, Deckorators

Homeowner demand for

personalized outdoor living space continues to be strong. Now is the time for contractors to dial in their product portfolio for the 2018 deck-building season. Here are five industry trends and developments deck builders should consider as they plan to meet the needs of their customers this year:

1. Maxed-Out Outdoor Space

Today’s homeowners want to make the most of their space. They are looking for creative ways to use their square footage to the fullest—not just within the walls of their home, but between their property lines. One way contractors can capitalize on this interest is by offering deck weatherproofing solutions. These systems can help builders turn the large area under a second-story composite deck into a “dry zone.”

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With weatherproofing installed, under-deck space that might have been underutilized or wasted becomes extra living space or a dry storage area for lawn-care equipment, boats, firewood and more.

2. Labor-Saving Components

The deck-building industry continues to deal with a major labor shortage. With good labor often hard to find, contractors are seeking products that help them build faster, close jobs more quickly, and create capacity. Builders are making room in their portfolios for on-trend components that are easy to work with and save installation time. Examples include composite deck boards that are strong yet lightweight, pre-assembled railing systems, low-voltage lighting with simple wiring, and solutions that combine weatherproofing and fastening in one product.

3. Bringing the Inside Out

Low-maintenance composite decking that resembles tropical hardwood remains popular, but more and more homeowners are pursuing

ABOVE: New contemporary railing optionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;such as ALX Contemporary in Brushed Titanium aluminum railingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;will give deck builders design flexibility to differentiate outdoor spaces.

the look of on-trend indoor flooring for their outdoor living space. In response, some decking manufacturers have introduced composite deck boards that mimic the rustic appearance and texture of distressed hardwood flooring. One major interior design trend in 2017 was balancing a blend of old and newâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for instance, distressed flooring with metallic hardware or granite countertops. As the distressed aesthetic flows outdoors, demand for complementary standout accessories will follow.

4. Riveting Railing Systems

Deck railings give contractors and their clients the design flexibility to personalize outdoor spaces. Available railing options are growing to include even more contemporary styles that can make a deck unique. As an example, Deckorators introduced Spring 2018

Deck Specialist

ABOVE: Contractors are looking for composite deck options that will give them more project versatility. The warranty for Deckorators Vault decking was recently expanded to include water and ground contact.

for 2018 ALX Contemporary in Brushed Titanium, a sleek and simple aluminum railing with an anodized finish that resists scratches and corrosion. Glass railing systems that offer clear, unobstructed views are also becoming more prevalent. These systems are perfect for decks overlooking water or mountains.

5. Deck Boards with Versatility

Contractors looking to set themselves apart from the competition want truly unique composite decking—boards with technology that give them more versatility and peace of mind. More lumberyards are considering carrying decking with manufacturer warranty coverage for water and ground contact. Such decking can enable contractors to take on a variety of projects, including: • Areas around pools and hot tubs

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• Docks • Floating platforms • Ground-level decks • Pathways When a manufacturer is willing to stand behind decking installations in, or in contact with, water or ground, contractors can be confident that the product will perform in various applications—and minimize callbacks that consume their already limited time. Homeowners desire decks that deliver aesthetics, performance and value. Consideration of these five industry trends and developments can help contractors meet evolving customer needs while saving on labor—leading to sales growth and competitive advantages. Jase DeBoer is category marketing manager for Deckorators (deckorators.com), a Universal Forest Products brand and leader in composite decking, railings, balusters, post caps, and other products.

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Six deck patterns that will save you money Using shorts is key to cost savings Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no doubt that a new tropical hardwood deck adds value and sophistication to any outdoor space, but how can you take that already beautiful ipe deck to the next level? Using a different deckboard pattern is one way to achieve that wow factor. A custom deck pattern sounds labor and cost intensive, which is why most homeowners and builders stick to the basic linear look. But, did you know some patterns can actually save you money without a lot of extra time? How can a deck pattern save me money? The short answer: shorts. Most hardwood decks are built with 16 and 20 ft. boards, but those popular lengths come at a premium price. Using shorter length hardwood boards (8-14 ft.) can save you 20-25% on surface materials, sometimes more if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re using a hardwood like ipe. That means 26

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By Ben Roberts, Marketing Director, TimberTown of Austin Diagrams courtesy of TimberTown of Austin

on an average sized deck (430 sq. ft.) you could save over $1,000 by using shorts! Whether you’re building a deck for yourself or a client, using short lengths will help you save money and/or increase sales. Here are six short-length deck patterns that are designed to make your project stand out.

1. Transition Board

Difficulty: Easy Span: 16” or 24” On Center

Take the transition board pattern to the next level by adding a picture frame around the edge of the deck. By adding a little extra framing you can create a high-end, custom look for your project while saving money in the process. Using a different species or stain color for the frame gives the deck an upgraded look as well. Pro Tip: Using two transition boards with two framing boards can bring uniformity to the deck and looks great! We recommend cutting the picture frame corners at a 45-degree angle, just don’t forget to add an extra brace under the joint.

3. Patchwork

Difficulty: Moderate Span: 24” On Center

Want to keep it simple? Here’s a subtle twist on the traditional linear deck. By using a transition board running perpendicular to the rest of the deck you can break up the monotony plus use shorter board lengths. This pattern is also perfect for creating separation between different areas of the deck. Looking for something a little more interesting? Try using a different species or stain color for the transition board. Pro Tip: When using a framing span of 16” on center, use two transition boards and you won’t have to change the span in the middle. Simply place bracing where the transition boards will go and they will cover the span while leaving a slight overhang for the perpendicular boards.

2. Picture Frame

Difficulty: Easy Span: 16” or 24” On Center

An expanded version of the once popular parquet flooring, the Patchwork deck pattern is perfect for using shorts on your project. With a little extra framing this pattern creates an incredible look, especially on decks with large surface areas. Using 4’x4’ squares for the pattern to make it easy to frame will also create a 12’x16’ deck with equal squares. And since you are only using 4’ boards, see if your local lumberyard has 4-ft. lengths available; they could be less expensive than other short lengths plus cut down on time. Pro Tip: Board widths vary between species (usually between 5-3/8” and 5-5/8”) so before you create your framing for the squares measure the widths of your boards. This way you can frame the squares to fit a set number of boards exactly. Framing Tip: Make sure you offset the horizontal joists so they support the proper boards.

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4. Herringbone

Pro Tip: Use a 16” on center span for the transition board framing when using two transition boards, and don’t forget to shorten the framing spans to 12” on center to account for the diagonal boards.

Difficulty: Moderate Span: 12” On Center

6. ATX Pattern

Difficulty: Advanced Span: 13” On Center (Estimate)

The Herringbone looks like a chevron pattern, but it requires fewer angled cuts. By taking short boards and placing them at a 45-degree angle, you can create a magnificent look that sets your project apart. Don’t forget that placing boards at an angle requires you to shorten your framing span. Pro Tip: Along with shortening your span to accommodate diagonal boards, you’ll need to double (or triple) up your joists at each joint to add stability to your deck. To ensure your pattern looks uniform, frame the deck first then measure and cut each deck board as you place them so they fit correctly each time. The best way to lay this pattern is one layer at a time across the width of the deck. This will make it easier to measure and cut each board.

5. Chevron with Picture Frame Difficulty: Moderate Span: 12” On Center

You may have seen a deck with a chevron or angled pattern before, but adding transition boards opens a world of possibilities. The transition boards make the pattern options endless while still allowing you to use shorts. Carry a chevron pattern across the whole deck, or use straight boards in some sections. You can also choose a different species for the transition boards for a truly custom project.

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Looking for more of a challenge? I sat down with our deck experts at TimberTown Austin and designed a one-of-a-kind pattern using only shorts: I call it the ATX Pattern. Drawing from the eclectic roots of Austin, TX., this pattern is sure to drop some jaws. Perfect for large commercial or residential projects, the ATX creates a seamless pattern so it can cover any size area beautifully. Use a different species or stain color for the center inserts and you’ve got an outdoor space like no other. Pro Tip: This deck pattern is not for the faint of heart. We recommend only experienced deck builders take on the ATX. For those brave enough, remember the framing is heavily dependent on the deck board width, so measure your decking before building the frame. Because the pattern is so large, I recommend using only on decks over 500 sq. ft. – Disclaimer: Prices/savings will vary depending on region and species. Deck patterns and framing systems are not to scale. Your project’s exact measurements will vary based on the dimensions and species you’re using. We’re not responsible for any issues associated with using these patterns or frames, so ensure your measurements are right before building your deck!

Ben Roberts is the marketing director of specialty lumberyard TimberTown, Austin, TX., and Overseas Hardwood Co. For a free downloadable ebook of all these patterns, visit www.timbertown.com/6-deck-patterns

Every deck is made for standing on. Only one has a reputation for standing out. When it comes to building your reputation, it helps to rely on materials you can trust. That’s why the world’s best builders choose the enduring beauty and durability of the world’s #1 decking brand. After all, only Trex® composite decking and railings are engineered to eliminate time-consuming maintenance while providing superior scratch, fade and stain resistance. Before your next project, visit trex.com and discover why nothing compares to Trex.

Show Floor Tour

Outdoor living

finds a home at IBS Showgoers at the recent 2018

International Builders’ Show in Orlando could scarcely walk down the exibit floor farther than the length of a typical deck without being reminded of outdoor living’s tremendous importance to today’s builders. Decking, railing and related accessories could be found within most aisles. And there was aisle after aisle at the cavernous Orange County Convention Center. Show sponsor National Association of Home Builders hosted one of the largest turnouts in recent years to the Jan. 9-11 event. Exhibit space for IBS also expanded from last year’s 569,000 sq. ft. to this year’s 583,000 sq. ft., where more than 1,500 exhibitors displayed the latest in building products and technology. Join us on a quick look at some of the show’s more eye-catching outdoor living displays.

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1] Digger Specialties’ space was framed by a sampling of the manufacturer’s aluminum and vinyl railings and centered around its aluminum DSI Columns.

2] TAMKO brought some tranquility to the bustling show floor by adding a soothing “rain wall” behind its expansive Envision composite deck.

3] RDI’s new paintable, extra-thick Decorative Screen Panels come in four different designs and six different colors, with color-matched hardware.

4] MoistureShield has increased deck safety with the option of miniLED lighting at the edge of composite deck stair treads.

5] Versatex is helping builders add contrast to their porch ceilings with its new Canvas Series of colorful cellular PVC trim.

6] AZEK introduced three new ontrend colors to its Vintage Collection of cellular PVC decking—Coastline, English Walnut, and Weathered Teak.

7] TimberTech showed off three new colors of its own Legacy Collection of composite decking—Sequoia, Espresso, and Whitewash Cedar.

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8] Fiberon replicated a Japanese garden using composite decking at its IBS exhibit space.

9] Feeney integrated concealed hardware into its latest DesignRail kit for an even cleaner look.

10] CAMO demonstrated the time-saving advantages of its unique edge-fastening systems.

11] MoistureShield’s booth featured heat tests of boards featuring its Cool Deck technology.

12] Atlantis Rail’s stainless steel cable railing systems offer the option of HandiSwage fittings that can be hidden inside the posts to minimize the hardware showing.

13] Trex’s new LatticeWorks PVC panels are offered in black or white in nine Trex-exclusive designs, ranging from romantic to deco.

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Spring 2018

Easy on the eyes. Easy to install.

Hangers

Gable Plates

Ties

Fasteners

Post Bases

Angles

Straps

Introducing the complete line of Outdoor Accents decorative hardware. Easily add beauty and strength to your outdoor projects. The new Simpson Strong-Tie Outdoor Accents line of structural connectors features an innovative screw and washer that together combine the ease of installing a screw with the look of a bolt. And, with a black powder-coat finish, this hardware offers style that’s designed to last. ®

Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. OA18C

THE FINAL FOUR competes in the CAMO Screw Off! deck fastening competition at the NRLA LBM Expo in Providence, R.I.

Record finish in fastening contest Otis Nelson of Modern Roofing & Siding, Ashland, ME., was the Grand Prize winner at National Nail’s CAMO Screw Off! held Feb. 14 at the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association LBM Expo in Providence, R.I. Representing his dealer SW Collins in Presque Isle, ME., where he first qualified, Nelson beat out 28 other competitors in the action-packed deck fastening event to win a 2017 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. There were 42 contractors who qualified from local lumberyard events this past spring and summer. “The CAMO Screw Off! was an exciting event, starting at my lumber dealer SW Collins

all the way to finals here in Rhode Island,” said Nelson. “It was a great way to learn more about CAMO’s deck fastening products. I can’t wait to take a cruise on the new bike!” During the event, finalists faced off in a series of speed competitions with the winner moving on to the next round. The “Elite 8” then battled down to two finalists, with Nelson recording a winning time of 41.5 seconds. The other finalists were awarded cash prizes. David Orgain, Birdseye Building Co., Burlington, VT., won $1,500; Robert Smart, Building Smart Inc., Freeport, ME., $500; and Nathan Demers, Perkins Quality

GRAND PRIZE winner of a 2017 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, Otis Nelson, Modern Roofing & Siding, Ashland, ME.

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Construction, Middleboro, MA., $500. “We couldn’t have planned a more successful event,” said W. Scott Baker, CEO, National Nail. “The competition was intense—everyone came to win, with many of the contractors practicing for months.” Designed by National Nail to provide handson experience with its CAMO Deck Edge Fastening system, the CAMO Screw Off! was

hosted by CAMO stocking dealers this past summer and fall in a series of deck fastening speed contests. The system, comprised of propriety guides, drill bits, and fasteners, fastens boards on the edge, to give decks a more beautiful, barefoot-friendly, fastener-free surface. In the coming months, National Nail is expected to announce the details for the next round of CAMO Screw Off! events.

RUNNERS-UP (left to right) 2nd place finisher David Orgain, Birdseye Building Co., Burlington, VT.; 3rd Robert Smart, Building Smart, Freeport, ME.; 4th Nathan Demers, Perkins Quality Construction, Middleboro, MA.; and the lone female in the Elite 8, Vanessa Flynn, F&N Contractors, Brimfield, MA.

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Deck Specialist

TOOL REVIEWS

PLS 180 Green Tool www.plslaser.com Retail Price: $369.99

PLS 180 Red Tool www.plslaser.com Retail Price: $279.99

PLS Line Lasers Time really does fly by. How many times have we heard this... yet as is so often the case, the lesson is lost to the ignorance of youth. Recently I was reminded of these truths while reflecting on my initial introduction to the world of laser leveling tools. Initially, there was really only one. Simple by today’s standard, they were large, awkward and fragile devices that had to be adjusted mechanically. The rotating invisible laser beam worked solely in the horizontal plane and relied completely on a handheld detector to “see” the beam. It was prohibitively expensive and produced in California by a company called Spectra Physics. The tool’s expense and physical limitations made it only practical for use on large, flat commercial projects. Barely eight months into my apprenticeship, I was dispatched to a contractor building a 22,000-sq. ft. tilt-up structure. Large and flat describes the early stages of a tilt-up to a T. I still remember my first day on site, listening to the incessant 36

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noise these tools made, a constant stream of fast and slow “chirp, chirp, chirps” plus the occasional long “beeeep” as the detector zeroed in on the invisible beam. Now fast forward. They still make the same sounds, but that’s where the similarities end. Contrasting those with what is available today and the landscape is unrecognizable. Today there are primarily three types of laser tools: the rotary beam, the line laser, and the point laser. After owning multiple models of all three types, I have found the line laser to be the most versatile and useful in my deck business and my homebuilding business. I recently had the opportunity to evaluate a pair of newly updated, competitively priced, high quality laser tools produced by Pacific Laser Systems, based in Everett, WA. After several lengthy discussions of all things laser, with Lewis Nelson, product manager at PLS, I concluded that the PLS 180 R and the PLS 180G would fit my requirements nicely. Several days later, I arrived home to find a superbly packed parcel on my doorstep. The timing was perfect, as the following

Monday we were starting a challenging new project, one that would require a foundation layout comprised of multiple radius arcs, many at different elevations. As it turned out, both tools served to increase productivity, accuracy and efficiency, but each also showed particular strengths and weaknesses.

The PLS 180 Red The 180 R, as you might have guessed, is a line laser that produces a plumb and level reference line, approximately 180 degrees from its origin. The tool is self-leveling up to 6 degrees, produces a bright, crisp red laser line in both the “x” and “y” axis, and has an accuracy of 1/8” at 30’ and a useful range of 200’ when used with the PLS 60533 SLD Red Line Laser Detector. It comes packaged in a gray, molded, soft plastic case and includes a Cordura nylon carrying pouch, magnetic wall mount bracket, tripod extender, and three alkaline batteries. The operating time is rated at 35 hours continuous, which after using it seems accurate. After following the manufacturer’s procedure for verifying the correct function of the unit, we set it to “outdoor” or pulsed mode and used it to set multiple ledger elevations and maintain each plane during fastening. Next we used it to set the elevation of multiple pier footing forms so that the finished concrete columns that sit atop the footings

A pulse setting allows the line laser to be used outdoors over long distances and in bright conditions, when operated with a detector (sold separately). Spring 2017

Deck Specialist

would all finish at the same elevation. The benefit here is twofold; one, it makes framing more efficient by eliminating the need to measure each unique vertical member, relative to its starting elevation. It also makes the underfloor structure appear more uniform, intentional and professional, including the concrete piers. While even with the heavy overcast and dark skies that are part of everyday life as a builder in the Pacific Northwest, we still always required the detector otherwise the beam was just not visible. The only other issue we found was a sticker on the detector stating that the minimum distance it could be used at was 20 feet. This initially resulted in an unmeasurable band where the detector was of no use, and the beam was not visible. We came up with a workaround by setting up in such a way as to be more than the requisite 20 feet from any point of measure. A pain yes, but easily remedied. Finally, PLS, which is now part of the Fluke Corp., offers the best warranty of any manufacturer out there at three years, which is an important consideration for any tool that is of such a demanding and technical nature. After a quick search of the internet, they have an excellent reputation online for outstanding customer service.

The PLS 180 Green Our experience with the 180 G was very similar to what we experienced with its red brethren. The specifications for both units are virtually indistinguishable. Aside from the color of the beam produced there really were no significant differences, save one: operational time. Here they are vastly different. The 180 G has a stated operational time of six hours vs. the 180 R at 35 hours. That amounts to A LOT of extra batteries. Our experience in use with both (vertical and horizontal) laser beams on and functioning, the operational time was closer to five hours, using the alkaline batteries provided as part of the package. The trade-off for using all that electrical power, was that at up to about 60 feet, on a typically cloudy day, the green beam

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Both lasers produced clean, sharp, level lines. The main difference between the two models was a huge variance in operational time.

remained visible, avoiding the need for a detector. This was very fortunate because the 180 G, which also has the “outdoor” or pulsed mode, requires the SLD Green Laser Detector that is available separately or as part of the PLS 180 Green System. We did try the Red detector with the green laser and the results were sporadic and inaccurate, which was somewhat understandable and yet still discouraging at the same time. Nonetheless, the 180 G enjoys the same great three-year warranty and outstanding customer service as the 180 R. Just make sure you show up on site with a full sleeve of AA alkaline batteries. It might be worth it, though, because those green laser beams just look cool... I’m just sayin’. As a side note, I am very interested in learning about the tools that the readership has an interest in seeing evaluated. Please send any tool review requests, questions or comments to me at emjaybuilding@mac.com and let’s work together for everyone’s benefit.

Marv Johnson is the principal of Deck Envy LLC, Gig Harbor, WA. Send comments and suggestions for tool reviews to emjaybuilding@mac.com

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Deck Specialist

ON THE HOUSE

The value of being a “joiner” You’re up before dawn, off to the job, and may not return home until after dark. You grab a bite, shuffle through the mail, and wrap up a few loose ends before settling in for the evening. Sound familiar? Because you’re so stretched, you don’t take the necessary time to network with other professionals to stay up on trends, technology and education that can benefit you, your team, your business, and your clients. You may think you don’t have time to be a member of an industry trade association and that you simply aren’t a “joiner.” Trust me… I understand. Many years ago as young contractors and businessmen, my brother and I were approached by a membership representative of a national remodeling trade association. He wanted us to join and proceeded to lay out the benefits of membership, including networking, educational programs, certification, moneysaving group insurance programs, and legislative power in Washington, D.C., that could benefit the industry and our business. My brother thought it was a good idea, but I was resistant. My position was simple: “Why do we want to take time out of our already busy schedules to be around a bunch of our competitors?” The older (and wiser) brother offered his usual response to my pushback. “You’re being a small thinker,” he countered. As difficult as it is to admit, he was right. He went on to explain it was a good idea to network with other pros that do what we do. He reminded me they weren’t an obstacle to our success, that it was was the alleged “pro”— who was, by the way, anything but a pro—that was undercutting our bids and preventing us from getting our share of business. He went on to say that these “shade tree” 40

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contractors typically don’t have a license, worker’s compensation or general liability insurance, don’t pull permits, don’t pay fair wages or benefits, pay cash, don’t pay their taxes, and leave the consumer in a world of hurt if something goes wrong—and something always goes wrong with these crooks. Fast forward 35 years and hundreds of meetings, events and trade shows later and the older brother was—and still is—right. Don’t be a small thinker. Make time to network. You’ll find you have much in common with other local pros, that they can be an ally, not an enemy. Together you can work to eliminate the unscrupulous contractor and the underground economy and elevate the industry in your area, enjoy a more level playing field, and save consumers a lot of heartache. Education and certification are other terrific benefits. With advanced technology you don’t even need to leave your home or office thanks to the virtual classroom. However, you may find a trip to an annual trade show to be as invigorating as it is informative. It may give you, your team, and your business a shot in the arm you weren’t even aware you needed. Finally, it doesn’t hurt to have an advocate in your corner who can lobby on the state or federal level to ensure our industry stays strong and prosperous. There is strength in numbers. You don’t have to be a “joiner,” but you do need to join. The Carey Bros.—James and Morris—are nationally known home renovation experts and hosts of On the House weekly radio program and syndicated column (onthehouse.com).

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BOTTOM LINE

The Process to Profit Part III:

Compartmentalizing labor Last issue, I discussed laying out your

quoting process so it’s easy to know what to charge for your decks and how to make it easier for you. Previously, we discussed your materials and their costs. The goal thus far has been to encourage you to build essentially the same project over and over in compartments. Square foot of this, linear foot of that, number of these, etc. So, even though each deck is a little different, the building units are the same. In your quoting and sales you are following the same methodology, so why not when you pay your labor? Square foot of this, linear foot of that, so on and so forth. But… Typical objection #1: “I like to have W2 employees who are on the clock. They don’t rush through stuff and I like having my own guys.” Okay, yeah… I see some value in that. Employees are more dedicated in a sense as they get to punch the clock and go to work, and, in the end, you pay them per hour, but how good is that? How much time are you paying for them to be on the phone, talking, sleeping in the truck, or flat out working? No matter how good your guys are, you will have no gauge to determine your profit per day, hour, etc. No way of knowing how much revenue that guy is producing, and what’s worse, what his true total potential is. Why? Because you are paying him in units that are

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not consistent with how you are billing or accepting income for your product. You charge “X” per square foot, but you pay “Y” per hour. Why not pay “X” per square foot? How can you pay a W2 guy by units you ask? Simple. Pay them by the same units you sell in. Typical objection #2: “I can’t pay 1099 subs to build decks if they don’t supply materials, so I have to pay W2.” Okay, if that is the law, then it’s the law. Make sure it’s actually the law where you are operating first. Then, look for a way around it. What about this: Give them a base salary that is equal to minimum wage as a draw against production. Then, pay piece work in the units I discussed. You can either supplement the base pay, or subtract the base from the production. Example: I’m paying you $7.25 per hour, but I’m giving you $1.50 PSF of deck framing, $1.50 PSF of deck flooring, $4.00 PLF of railing installed, and $10.00 per newel. Talk to your accountant about this plan before you do it to make sure it is okay for you to pay this way and that you aren’t breaking some payroll laws. I prefer to think of it like a server in a restaurant. The wage is the wage and the piece work is a tip. Legally, servers are supposed to report their tips, so you will want to enforce that, and the total taxes are applied to the base and tips. This method will encourage your

production team to crank out more volume, waste less time, and will help you manage costs better, as well as reduce the labor cost in down times. Typical objection #3: “1099 causes problems with insurance and I have to cover them.” 1099 is better for you than W2, period. Even if you are paying their insurance, which you should not be if they are a 1099 sub. In most states, any person can form a company, and acquire WC and GL insurance. In many, they can decide what level of coverage they want to carry on themselves. If you can, put the burden of insurance on your subs. This will save you a fortune! Now that you have that done, pay your sub PSF, PLF, Each, etc., fixed costs per unit sold. Typical objection #4: “My subs will work for others if I do things that way, and W2 prevents that.” No, it doesn’t. W2 creates a false sense of security. 1099 subs who pay their own insurance will work only for you if you do three things: keep them busy, pay them fast, and make them agree that if you do the

first two, they will only work for you. Finally, you also need to make them agree that your jobs are your jobs, and the neighbors that see them on your jobs are your prospects, and building decks for anyone else while they are your guys will make them not be your guys any longer. Typical objection #5: “I’m just training my competition if I don’t have employees.” Perhaps, but again, keep them busy, pay them fast, and have strong agreements. Of course there will be some slip, but it’s a lot easier to fire a sub than to fire a W2 employee. When it comes to ordering, quoting, selling, planning and installing decks, you must have a format that is consistent in units throughout the entire process. Anything else will just cost you money. David Elenbaum has been in the deck industry since 2000, serving in retail, distribution, manufacturing and, of course, contracting.

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Deck Specialist

THE RAIL POST

Looking for common ground This January I officially became the president of the North American Deck and Railing Association. That position—and all the responsibilities that come along with it—have forced me as a deck designer/builder to contemplate my business as well as my professional place in this industry, and I thought I’d share a few of those observations here, if I may. We are blessed, yes, blessed to work in such an incredible industry! I’ve been involved in residential remodeling for over 20 years, but the unique niche of the backyard and all that is encompassed in the “outdoor living” experience is a lot of fun. Every home needs the “boring” stuff of a kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms… but we don’t just build “needs,” we get to partner with our clients to take their fractured dreams and ideas and turn their “wants” into reality. And along the way we get to work with some innovative materials, experience Nature’s beauty, meet some incredible people, and create a masterpiece that will stand the test of time, and be a space our clients can enjoy for decades to come. That’s pretty cool! But we are still a surprisingly fractured group compared to other corners of the building and remodeling industry. Manufacturers often appear to be fighting other manufacturers instead of innovating; entire material categories target other materials for domination, and at the builder level it’s virtually “every man for himself,” often while also at war with the local building code officials! 44

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If we are, really, a great industry, then shouldn’t it more often look and feel as such? Shouldn’t we see manufacturers working together to raise industry standards and promote advanced training? Wouldn’t a healthy industry see lumberyards working with their distributors to ensure builders had access to the best materials delivered in a timely manner with the proper hardware, and with any warranty and installation support established up front? Shouldn’t builders be clearly credentialed and respected—and even recommended by the building code officials in their local municipalities? And while I’m sharing this mad vision, would we not also want to see consumers actually concerned about their 30+-year-old deck construction and then with

realistic expectations for their new deck’s performance?! So why do we see such division in our industry, and a hesitation for improved communication and support? Could there be some underlying issues our industry has not yet addressed that are hindering our capacity to begin taking advantage of the vast opportunities before us? Let me stick my neck a little further out here: I don’t think “composites” attacking “woods” is the best tack in this modern climate, as replacement decks sourced with composite/ alternative decking and railing members are often two to three times the size of the deck they replace, with many more integrated components, nicer upgrades, and a host of additional fasteners and hardware pieces. Data we’ve seen in our company suggest that a new deck replacement utilizing alternative decking and railing may include just as much wood as the “all wood” deck it replaced—but it’s now secured utilizing substantially safer hardware, with an improved design, and a longer potential lifespan. In this example there are no losers—everyone wins! The homeowner has a safe, long-term deck they can entertain on, the alternative decking and railing manufacturers have made a sale, perhaps some lighting and accessory manufacturers gained a new marketplace, and the wood treaters/mills/ harvesters also each clocked in a new sale, and reset the clock on the deck replacement, with potentially lower liability. I find it inconceivable that so many of our builders strike out on their own, without any formal education or support network in this industry—each slogging privately through the lessons of not only running their own business, but in how to install and manipulate the various new materials as they enter the marketplace, and how to recover when a material (new or old) does not perform up to the promised levels of expectation. No single builder will live forever. If, hypothetically, half (or more) of their viable career years are spent learning expensive lessons and “barely scraping by,” will that not hurt their mature competition as much as it harms themselves?

So what are the opportunities?, you might ask. We’ve got, potentially, one of the fastest growing economies any of us has ever witnessed just starting to take off. We have an administration (backed by strong citizen support) that is opposed to easy access to undocumented or illegal immigrant laborwho used to be our go-to pool for viable employees! This growth in prospective client income, paired with a reduction in available labor should drive up our labor’s value as the consumer marketplace continues to mature in their collective desire for a more modern and expanded outdoor entertaining experience. And none of this even takes into account the existing regulatory environment that is trending towards greater deck hardware requirements and increased deck safety inspections—and, oh yeah, the MILLIONS of decks currently built thhat are at/beyond their usable life expectancy! But we will miss these opportunities, and squander the windfalls if we do not make a determined effort NOW to “up our game” and get smart about how we approach this industry and where we can best work together to minimize waste and maximize profits— all while continuing to improve our client’s satisfaction by exceeding their expectations. I have some ideas on how we can find the “common ground” between builders, dealers, distributors and manufacturers to finally grow into serving our great industry, and how we can position ourselves to collectively grow at a record pace, all while successfully striving for our highest levels of excellence. I look forward to delving into those discussion in person, and in print as we move into this year. Matt Breyer is president of several companies, including a family-owned residential remodeling business that specializes in designing & building outdoor living spaces, and president of the North American Deck & Railing Association.

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STACKING THE DECK

Anyone but Chuck As the building market continues to escalate and there is a higher demand for contractors, Chuck should worry us all. You know him, right? “Chuck in the Truck,” “Dan with a Van,” the Craigslist contractors who have cost us all a job or two. Guys who can start next week and will save homeowners $5K if they pull the permit themselves. “Don’t worry, it’s only a deck…,” they will tell them. No, it is a vital structural element attached to your largest investment. The perfect storm has hit for Chuck. Rising prices for those of us that do it legally, rising costs of high quality components, and an unbalanced and scarce labor market make Chuck’s promises stronger every day. It used to be typical for Deck Specialists to bid projects one to two months out. Clients who

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really wanted you would wait. However, when homeowners hear, “maybe in the fall” or “we are already booking into next year,” it can influence decision-making for their project as well as their choice of contractor. Desperation and immediacy cloud their vison, ignoring the possible ramifications of hiring someone who is not qualified to alter their home. I’m convinced there’s an ad somewhere that lists me as the guy to call when homeowners get burned by an underqualified “contractor” and are faced with an unfinished or unsafe project. Or maybe it happens so often the rest of you get them too? It’s tough to tell these homeowners there’s nothing I can do but tear it down and do it right. The sub-par materials that have been lying in their yard for two months are now garbage, and I’m not going to put my name on

anything unless we build it. Usually what they “saved” the first time around just about covers what I charge to tear it down and haul it to the dump. The one common theme we hear with all of them? “I wish I had known….” Last season we decided to add a component to our sales pitch for the purpose of educating our clients of the possible pitfalls of hiring unlicensed contractors. We believe even if they don’t hire us, homeowners should be informed of the risks and liability they are incurring by becoming the contractor of their own project. With proper education and an understanding of what they are gambling, it might just make it a little tougher for Chuck. Our process starts with the permit, what we refer to as the legal document that states who is ultimately responsible for the project. If your contractor cannot even pull your permit, are they really a contractor? We all would hope that building officials will spot potential issues or questionable materials, but their primary focus is on code compliance, not quality or workmanship. It is ultimately the permit holder’s responsibility to ensure best construction practices are followed. Next, we focus on warranty and how who builds their deck can affect them down the road. While most reputable brands will offer material replacement in a warranty situation, they typically do not cover the true costs of labor and disposal. If the contractor is no longer in business or did not install the product to the letter of the instructions, they may get nothing but a pile of new material. We let them know what we would charge to remove all the railings, tear off, haul away, lay the new decking, and reinstall the rails. We show them how the potential outcome would cost them much more than what they are “saving.” Finally, we discuss liability and the potential costs if Chuck or his uninsured employee were to sustain an injury on their property. We inform them of how the insurance companies will jockey to avoid responsibility, and how the cost of a jobsite injury will ultimately fall on the homeowner’s liability insurance. Home liability policies are not meant to cover construction sites and usually have caps that a major jobsite injury would easily surpass. If there are permanent disability claims the

typical caps wouldn’t make a dent in the settlement. Once the lawyers get all they can from the homeowner’s insurance company and have squeezed any remaining blood from the turnip contractor, they are coming after the homeowner. Suddenly $5,000 and a couple of months wait doesn’t seem all that bad. If you consider yourself a Deck Specialist, please start informing your clients as you pitch. If we all work together to create the awareness of the roulette table our clients are betting on, maybe some will choose to place their bet with a licensed contractor that is qualified, reputable and operating legally. Whether it’s your client or mine is no longer the point, let’s all try to they do not become Chuck’s next client. Pat Noonan is the owner of Deck & Basement Co. and Pro Deck Supply, Minneapolis, MN. He is a proud NADRA member with over 25 years of residential construction experience.

Tuscany

• Classic Design • Square and Round Baluster Options • Radius Sections Available

westburyrailing.com 800-446-7659 Spring 2018

Deck Specialist

SET THE STANDARD

Bright ideas in low voltage Setting the Standard in Excellence is not just a catch phrase—it’s a belief. It’s not meant to evoke a sense of competition, rather a philosophy on how we conduct ourselves on a daily basis. Every day we’re given opportunities to Set the Standard. Whether it’s with prospects, other businesses, while on the jobsite, or driving our company vehicles, we are leaving an impression. It also encompasses how we treat our team members and the trickle-down effect our attitude has on those around us. Professionalism, courtesy, respect, pride in craftsmanship, being responsive, standing behind our work, proudly displaying our membership with NADRA or your local building association are all statements about how we want to be perceived by our peers. Using better materials, taking a few extra steps to increase structural integrity, or keeping a tidy jobsite are examples of how we can be Setting the Standard. Ultimately, it’s about being better than we were yesterday and spreading that belief throughout our organizations. When we market our companies, we are seeking to set ourselves apart from a prospect’s other options. As we present our projects, we all have special key points we believe make us the “best” choice. We continuously seek out ways to stay ahead of the competition with design features, board patterns, inlays, transitions, picture frame borders, and lighting, to name just a few. As I sat fascinated by the award-winning decks from the NADRA deck contest that were on display in the last issue of Deck Specialist magazine, one feature consistently caught 48

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my eye. It was so recurring I actually started keeping track of it. LIGHTING. Yes, lighting. The majority of the winning decks showcased some sort of lighting. Whether it was underrail, post cap, post sleeve, stair riser, or landscape lighting, it made each one of those projects stand out. Lighting is a relatively inexpensive way to have your deck literally shine above the others in a neighborhood, making your projects a focal point for all to see. I’m a huge fan of deck lighting. In this day and age of plug-and-play wiring systems that take all of five minutes to figure out, it’s a no brainer. We all remember a time when deck lighting was nothing short of a migraine waiting to happen. Electricians were required to do the wiring. Fixtures cost a king’s ransom, and if you or one of your crew weren’t electrical savvy, the project’s completion could be held up waiting for other tradesman to perform that portion of the deck. Then we moved to the early days of low voltage, with transformers the size of a bread box. Bulky wires, massive fixtures, and a tremendous amount of cutting. What takes a couple hours now would require an entire day for completion. Times have changed. Today we have low-voltage LED fixtures, easy-connect wiring, and fixtures so easy to install that the project can be delegated to a laborer. Wires are thin and inconspicuous, connectors are basic and simple. There are a vast number of lighting systems available in today’s marketplace. Developing a relationship with one or two manufacturers can become an essential tool going forward. For example, last summer while in the mid-

dle of a project, we had a client that really wanted a different shade of bulb. I called the manufacturer; they custom-made the product we needed and got it to us on short notice. We didn’t lose a days work. Everyone liked it so much that it has become a standard item for the manufacturer, and our local supplier is now keeping it in stock. That was service you can’t get from just an anonymous voice on the phone. You are no longer stuck with that harsh white bulb that puts off an almost purplish blue hue at 6,000 Kelvin. The 3,000 Kelvin bulbs are a softer yellow, easier on the eyes. On another note, LEDs don’t emit heat and therefore don’t attract nearly as many bugs as an incandescent bulb—another great selling point. Our fixture options vary more than ever before. Today, white, tan and black post cap lights are just the tip of the iceberg. With codes requiring stairs to be illuminated, it’s a great opportunity to offer clients a plethora of colors, styles, sizes and shapes—starting with the new micro- and mini-fixture riser lights or the more standard riser lights or side lights with interchanging diffusers to recessed round lights. From there we can step up to all sorts of post sleeve lights, round, half round, dome, flat or square. We have several under-rail lighting choices. You can get under-rail lighting in strips that appear to have continuous or intermittent bulbs. They can be attached under either the top rail lighting up the railing system or under the bottom rail creating a beautiful glow along the decking surface. Another great, inexpensive lighting strategy is incorporating the round recess lights into the surface of the deck along the railing. You can set them between the posts, which is really nice when you have post cap or post sleeve lights. They take almost no time to install and with the super easy splitters wiring is a snap. Another unique feature is to install some lighting on the outside of the deck. When building a deck with a picture frame border the lights tuck nicely up under the overhanging board. It’s especially nice on low level decks. It allows the clients to highlight some landscaping features. They can also add a distinctive elegance to an upper level deck. It’s a subtle, low-cost way to really make your deck shine. Please note that there are many great brand

options on the market. It’s not my intention to push one over the other. My only advice is to start simple so you can get acclimated to installing lights on your projects and expand from there, dabbling in more complex projects. In my experience, the engineers, designers and field reps of many lighting manufacturers are more than willing to walk you through any issues that arise from an installation. We have even experienced examples of when they were willing to visit a site to ensure proper installation and operation or to help diagnose an issue. A lot of people hate installing post cap or post sleeve lights on a deck with basic white vinyl post sleeves because of the additional work involved (ripping a corner or dadoing a groove in the post and then fishing the wires through the groove and blocking). This can be time consuming and aggrivating. A great solution is to use steel surface-mount rail posts. Not only do they have on average three times the strength of a 4x4 wood post, they are hollow. Prior to bolting them down, just drill a 1-inch hole through the deck and the solid blocking below—now wiring is a snap. In 30 seconds, you’re finished and life is good. Every year the lighting industry evolves. This year transformers are making huge leaps into the tech world. We already have internal programmable timers, key fob-mounted dimmer switches, photo eyes that can be moved to different locations, and the ability to integrate different brands of LED lights into one system. Now manufacturers are coming out with transformers that will indicate if there’s a short somewhere in the system and at least one that is Bluetooth enabled, so you can sync it to your smartphone to program and control the lights. With a little imagination and willingness to step outside of our comfort zones, low-voltage LED lighting is an easy way to stand out above the rest and really make a bold statement about being a custom builder. With 35+ years experience in construction, Brendan Casey, with his wife Dianna, launched Casey Fence & Deck, Frederick, MD., fulfilling a growing need in the outdoor living market for an innovative and creative custom builder. Spring 2018

Deck Specialist

Just listen! Open your ears to close more sales By Dave Kahle

I recently came across research confirming what many of us in the profession of educating salespeople have known for years: that purchasers would be “much more likely” to buy from a salesperson if that salesperson would just “listen” to the customer. The survey found that some of the worst offenders were experienced salespeople. Listening is one of the four fundamental competencies of a professional salesperson, and yet the profession is, in general, so poor at it most customers remark on our inability to do it well. Wow! If there is anyone I wouldn’t want thinking I was a poor listener, my cus50

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Spring 2018

tomers would be towards the top of the list. Why is listening such a powerful sales competency? In my book Question Your Way to Sales Success, I describe a number of reasons. Here are a few. First, it is our primary way of digging beneath the surface of a customer’s needs and uncovering deeper and more powerful needs and motivations. That makes it a primary tool—of which the skillful use separates the master salespeople from the mediocre. For example, it doesn’t take any skill whatsoever to pick up an RFQ, a set of blueprints, or to write down a list of what the customer says he needs. You don’t have to be a master listener to do that. But to dig deeper and uncover deeper issues, that takes the ability to listen. Here’s an example. In a routine sales call with a regular customer, the customer says, “We’re thinking of going to X product. What’s your price?” Lots of salespeople would look up the price and provide it. There. Job done. The master would hear the words “Thinking of going…” and dig a little deeper. “What makes you interested in that?” he says. The customer replies: “Well, we’re looking for a solution for a problem with our widget production line, and one of the key operators mentioned it as a possibility.” “I see. What sort of problem are you having in that production line?”

“An abnormally high reject rate.” “I may have some other solutions. Can I talk to your production manager?” I don’t have to take this scenario much further to make the point. A visit with the production supervisor could very well result in a deeper understanding of the problem and the development of an alternative solution with a whole lot more gross margin to it. The master salesperson, exercising excellent listening skills, hears opportunities where many salespeople don’t. Listening is the primary tool for digging deeper and uncovering deeper and more significant issues in our customers. But that’s not all. When we listen, we send a powerful message that we care about the other person. Conversely, when we don’t listen, we send the message that our agenda is far more important than the customer’s trivial ideas and issues. That makes effective listening one of the all time great relationship-building devices. Listening requires us to take in information, ideas and opinions that are outside our comforts zones. It is, therefore, one of the primary tools we use to grow intellectually, to broaden our views, and ultimately, to become wiser and more knowledgeable. If we never listen to someone with a different perspective, we never consider the possibility that we might be wrong. From a salesperson’s perspective, the more we listen, the more different positions, motivations, opinions and nuances we are able to understand and accommodate. The wiser and more capable we become. Since we are able to understand an ever-growing panoply of positions and opinions, we are able to feel a rapport with more and more customers, and move closer to a consensus position with them. Listening positions us as a consultant— not a peddler—in the eyes of the customer. Ultimately, listening provides us our competitive edge. So, how do we do it better? Here are two specific techniques to help you improve your listening effectiveness.

1. Listen constructively. My wife is a crisis counselor. She talks about “listening empathetically.” That means she listens in order to understand what a person is feeling. That is very appropriate for that type Spring 2018

Deck Specialist

of work. However, we are salespeople. It is more important that we listen “constructively.” Think of constructively—construction—building. We need to listen for things upon which to build. Listen for opportunities, problems, opinions, etc., on which we can build our solutions. One way to do this is to plant a couple of questions into our mind before every sales call. These are questions for which we want to gain the answer. You could, for example, say to yourself before a sales call, “What is the one thing that is this customer’s most pressing challenge today?” And, you could ask yourself, “On what basis will this customer make the decision to buy or not?” By planting those questions into your mind, you sharpen your sensitivity to what the customer says, enabling you to listen more constructively to the customer’s conversation.

2. Discipline yourself to build the habit of responding to your customer’s comments. Here’s how we think the sales interview should go. a. We ask a question. b. The customer answers. c. We ask another question. When you exercise the habit of responding, you change the format. Now, it goes like this: a. We ask a question. b. The customer answers. c. We respond to the answer. d. We now ask another question. Notice that we have intervened in the process with something we call a “response.” A response is a verbal or non-verbal signal that we send to the customer that we are listening, and accepting what the customer says. It flatters the customer, makes him/her feel good about answering, and encourages him/her to answer in more depth and detail. Here are two powerful responses: A. Select one or two words out of the customer’s conversation, and repeat them back to the customer, nodding your head. Here’s an example. You ask the question, “Which of these challenges are most pressing for you?” The customer responds by talking for a few moments about his challenges. When he pauses, you say, “back orders” and nod your head. “Back orders” was one of the issues he talked 52

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about. You just repeated it, and nodded your head. That’s a powerful response because it shows the customer that you have listened to the point that you have captured and repeated one of his main thoughts. That feels good to the customer and conditions him to answer the next question with even more depth and detail. Just as importantly, since you were focused on finding a key word or two to repeat, you had to listen to the customer’s conversation! This technique forced you to listen more effectively, and made the customer feel good in the process.

B. Summarize and rephrase what the cus-

tomer has said, and repeat it back to him. This is similar to the one or two word techniques discussed earlier, only more intense. When the customer has finished answering your question, you say something like this: “Let me see if I understand you correctly. In other words, what you are saying is....” Paraphrase and give him back your understanding of what he just said. Like the prior technique, this is a powerful tool because it forces you to listen, engages the customer, and seeks agreement. Using this a couple of times in the sales interview will make the customer feel good about you, ensure that you understand him, and create an atmosphere of agreement. Ultimately, your ability to listen more effectively evolves out of your discipline to apply these techniques regularly and methodically. If you’re going to listen more effectively, you must first make the commitment to expend the effort. One of the world’s leading sales authorities, Dave Kahle has presented in 47 states and 11 countries, and has written 12 books including the new Good Book on Business. Reach him via davekahle.com.

COMING NEXT ISSUE in the Summer 2018 edition of Deck Specialist

Tools & Hardware Issue Nails & Fasteners Automation & Technology

NEW PRODUCTS

Deckorators has added a third color choice to its popular Heritage line of composite decking: Ciderhouse. With a light brown hue and the distressed embossing characteristic of the Heritage line, Ciderhouse has the rustic look and feel of distressed hardwood. The new hue joins Riverhouse (dark brown) and Smokehouse (gray) in the Heritage family, which delivers a natural appearance and texture with the ultra-low maintenance performance of wood-plastic composite. [www.deckorators.com]

Fairway Architectural Railing Solutions is adding steel railing to its railing material technologies, requiring less labor and installation. S100 steel railing is available in Level and Stair applications and is adjustable up to 42 degrees. Designed for quick and easy installation with full-assembled, welded channels, the product is said to have superior coating performance with a smaller, sleeker profile. [www.fairwayrailing.com]

Oldcastle Architectural designed Mirage Porcelain Veneers to be ideal for vertical applications such as outdoor walls and wall coverings. In a variety of natural colors, the new line coordinates with several items in the Belgard porcelain paver collection for mixing and matching. The veneers have the same benefits as regular porcelain, so they are frost-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. [www.echelonmasonry.com]

Deck Specialist

Spring 2018

Bufftech’s Brookline vinyl privacy fencing by Certainteed provides a striking, custom look to enhance any outdoor living space. Offering homeowners a durable, contemporary privacy fence featuring steel reinforcement for added support, the fencing is in two textures: Smooth, for a clean, modern appearance or CertaGrain, which delivers the tried and true beauty of wood without the burden of frequent or expensive maintenance.

Milwaukee Tool’s new Demo Driver is built to withstand aggressive applications on the jobsite and features multiple strike surfaces to give users more force when prying and chiseling. An all-metal core defends against bending or breaking of the shank and ensures the strike cap doesn’t pop off. For the toughest of jobs, a duct-piercing tip is designed with an offset blade so users can pierce through sheet metal without damaging the tip of the tool.

[www.certainteed.com]

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Spring 2018

20-2-2018 15:52:51

Deck Specialist

ACCESSORIES & TOOLS Seljax

seljax.com 3D Deck Software ___________________________

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Simpson Strong Tie MoistureShield’s DeckLife CAD Software

p ___

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ional

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Nova Development

Perfect for those long afternoradevelopment.com noons outside, Porter Cables HGTV Ultimate Home Design with has introduced the 20V MAX Landscaping & Decks Charging Storage Bag and 20V ___________________________ MAX Charging Storage Radio. The MAX system consists of Punch! Software affordably priced punchsoftware.com cordless tools for pros working in &residential Punch! Landscape, Deck Patio Software construction. Both products have Punch! Home & Landscape Design Premium a charging capability so users ___________________________can charge their 20V MAX batteries. [www.portercable.com]

strongtie.com DeckTools – decks sales & design software ___________________________

SmartDraw Software, LLC

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Trex

trex.com Trex Deck Designer – desktop or mobile app ___________________________

TurboCAD

turbocad.com Turbo FloorPlan 3D Home & Landscape Deluxe Software ___________________________

Trex is making the outdoors brighter with its new Outdoor Lighting collection, a system of energy-efficient components designed to complement its high-performance decking products. The four landscape lighting styles include Well Lights, which provide ambient illumination for bushes, foliage and small structures; Path Lights, made to brighten walkways with a warm, focused light; Multifunction Lights, which cast a wide glow for highlighting buildings, trees and pathways; and Spotlights, which use the latest LED technology to shine a bright light through a modest head. [www.trex.com]

Versadeck

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Pau Lope™ is back “Nothing Measures Up” Pau Lope® Brand Decking is considered the World’s Finest Hardwood Decking for its beauty, durability, highest grade, absence of defects, low KD moisture content, and fine packaging. Trademarked in 1984 and under new ownership since 2013, Pau Lope® Decking has returned better and stronger than ever. The Pau Lope Company LLC has aligned with core sawmills to refresh and manufacture the grade and quality to the high standards of the brand’s heritage. Now as the Pau Lope® Collection, Cumaru and Massaranduba join IPÉ for a wider selection of Pau Lope® Deck choices.

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www.paulope.com

Deck Specialist

Spring 2018

Spring 2017 | Deck Specialist |

ExoShield wood finish from Nova USA Wood is designed with a blend of pure tung oil, transoxide pigments, and fungicide to provide a vast amount of protection and coverage to any deck. Available in five colors with more on the way, the finish features a penetrating natural oil with UV color stability—appropriate for hardwoods such as ipe, cumaru, batu and mahogany, as well as other exterior wood projects. [www.novausawood.com]

Duradek has added Cedarwood vinyl decking as the fourth addition to its Legacy line of vinyl decking in naturally inspired colors and textures. Its grayish hue provides a light, neutral color option for exterior designs that are trending to lighter tones. It emulates the appearance of natural wood, but with the low maintenance waterproofing advantages of durable vinyl. [duradek.com]

Pros can now get the durability of patented Eovations technology for the front of the home. Deckorators has introduced porch flooring in three colors that offer the traditional look of painted wood: Chicory (brown, variegated), Kettle (gray), and Macadamia (beige, non-variegated). It comes in two profiles—T&G, 3-1/8”x7/8” in 10’, 12’ and 16’ lengths, and solid 3-1/8”x7/8” in 12’ lengths. Because the technology allows virtually no water absorption, it’s backed by a 25-year structural, stain-and-fade, and removal-and-replacement limited warranty covering water and ground contact. [deckorators.com]

Spring 2018

Deck Specialist

The new Step-Clip hidden fastening system works with all DuraLife grooved decking products to reduce deck installation time up to 50%. Step-Clip is a patent pending, proprietary, easyto-install system that features 1-5/8”-wide, 23”-long interlocking polypropylene strips that hold four deck boards each. To install, align the tabs on the strips to the joist and then secure them with a roofing nail gun or hammer. With the strips in place, add the boards by inserting one side into the clip and then stepping on the other edge to lock it securely into place. The system spaces the boards appropriately and covers the width of the joist to shield it from water damage, rot and decay.

Minimalist, sturdy and thoroughly modern, new Trex Signature Rod Rail brings sleek commercial design to the backyard. It offers long lengths and the view-optimizing aspects of cable railing, but with the strength of aluminum for a chic look to rival any urban rooftop. Rod Rail can be installed with a continuously graspable rail option for added safety, comfort and functionality, for a clean, sleek aesthetic. It comes in three color combinations: Black/Platinum, Bronze/Platinum, and Black/Black, can be customized with cocktail top rail options. It is available in complete kits, in 36” and 42” heights, and 6’ and 8’ lengths. Trex Signature railing is backed by a 25-year Limited Warranty.

[duralifedecking.com]

[trex.com]

Deck Specialist

Spring 2018

FEED BACK After reading your article (“In Search of the Perfect Deck Builder,” Fall 2017, p. 8), I think I’m about as close as it comes to a perfect deck builder. Nobody’s perfect, but the more I learn, the closer I can get, so I try to learn something new every day. I hope you can pass along even just one thing about your experience during the process that you think could help me or any contractor. When I started my business, I committed to standing out as one of the few contractors who truly cares about customer satisfaction over revenue. I take pride in my work and love what I do. I spend at least an hour with my clients during my initial visit, asking questions and letting them take ownership in designing their deck the way they want to it look and function, not the way I want it, and leave them with a written estimate. I have learned most contractors don’t do this and only spend around 15 minutes making a few measurements and send an email with the details and an estimate of a deck they would build without knowing if the client has the same vision. Before I hire a new employee, I make it clear I want quality over quantity. I tell them I pay them by the hour, so please take your time and try to build the deck we’re working on better than the last one. They all say they will, but I’m still “in search of the perfect foreman,” let alone a perfect laborer. Everyone wants to get the job done faster than the last—employees and employers. I just don’t get it; as an employee, they should be happy I’m not pushing them like almost all business owners do. I won’t have multiple crews because I will lose quality control. I am on-site building every deck with my crew to be absolutely sure every deck I put my name on

is built to the best of my ability. It never fails that someone tries to cut a corner or makes a comment that starts with “why don’t you just do…” As soon as I hear the words, I stop them before they finish their idea and say, “You know, I always do what’s right.” They always respond that they know that, and rarely finish telling me their idea. They don’t realize it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. I am very picky about the quality of the finished project. I had a tough time finding a supplier to meet my standards, especially with pressure treated decking. Finally last year, after changing suppliers, I gave my contact a heads up that I was looking for a new supplier because of the quality of their material, which I complained about before. A couple days later, the owner showed up on my job with a section of railing they needed to swap out because they sent the wrong one. I asked him if Scott had talked to him. He said, “Yeah, he said something about you’re not happy with the quality of the decking.” I aired it out and told him the only way I would be able to continue working with him is if he let me over-order my material and he picked up the returns at no charge the day after completion of every deck. I figured there was no way he’d do that, but after we talked for a while and I showed him things I had concerns with and he saw how I built my decks, he agreed to let me over-order. If you could let me know what stood out to you as things every contractor should or shouldn’t do, I will be sure to take it to heart. Rob Karo, Absolute Enterprise Custom Built Decks, Birdsboro, PA.

Our patented DeckLok® System provides Code Compliant bolted connections at all critical structural locations of your deck. Available in post-manufactured, hot-dip galvanized and 316 stainless steel, DeckLok helps you exceed IRC and IBC 2006, 2009 and 2012 code requirements.

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Ledger Connections: Anchors against deck pullout and collapse, 4,000 lbs. per set.

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Rail Post Connections: Increases connections over 500%.

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Stair Stringer Connections: Provides bolted connection for Stair Stringer to deck substructure.

Spring 2018

Deck Specialist

Deal Joins Wood Fencing Manufacturer with Distribution Giant

ITOCHU Group has struck a deal to purchase fencing producer Alta Forest Products LLC, Chehalis, Wa., from E.R. Probyn Ltd., New Westminster, B.C., and Welco Lumber Co., Shelton, Wa. Alta is reportedly the largest wood fence board manufacturer in North America, producing 360 million bd. ft. annually at its four manufacturing plants in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. ITOCHU is a leader in the North American fence distribution industry through its ownership of Master-Halco, Dallas, Tx., which operates five chainlink fence manufacturing plants and 53 distribution centers in North America. Through the acquisition, ITOCHU aims to strengthen its fencing business in North America further, capitalizing on the expected synergies between Alta’s leading wood fencing supply position and Master-Halco’s sales and distribution network.

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Deck Specialist

novausawood.com

Spring 2018

ADVERTISERS INDEX Atlantis Rail Systems [www.altlantisrail.com]

AZEK [www.azek.com]

CAMO Fastening System [www.camofasteners.com]

Deck2Wall, Inc. [www.deck2wallspacer.com]

Deckorators [www.deckorators.com]

DeckWise [www.deckwise.com]

Digger Specialties [www.diggerspecialties.com]

Feeney [www.feeneyinc.com]

Great Southern Wood Preserving [www.yellawood.com]

Koppers Performance Chemicals [kopperspc.com]

Cover III

Lonza [www.lonza.com]

Lumberock Premium Decking [www.lumberock.com]

MoistureShield [www.moistureshield.com]

Cover II

MOSO [www.moso-bamboo.com]

Nova USA Wood Products [www.novausawood.com]

OZCO Building Products [www.ozcobp.com]

Pau Lope Co. [www.paulope.com]

Prowood [www.prowoodlumber.com]

Screw Products [www.screw-products.com]

Simpson Strong-Tie [www.strongtie.com]

SplitStop [www.splitstop.com]

Superior Plastic Products [superiorplasticproducts.com]

Sure Drive [www.panamericanscrew.com]

Taiga Building Products [www.taigabuilding.com]

Titan Metal Werks [www.splitstop.com]

Trex [www.trex.com]

Universal Forest Products [www.prowoodlumber.com]

Viance [www.treatedwood.com]

Cover IV

Wild Hog Railing [www.wildhograiling.com]

Woodway Products [www.woodwayproducts.com]

Stains & Finishes

DATE

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cutekextreme.com ___________________________ Pressure Treated Stain – 6 colors (844) 442-8835 Semi-Transparent Stain – 64 colors The OKC Home & Outdoor Living Show National Hardware Show Cutek Extreme – 10 colors Exotic Hardwood Stain – natural, cherry, walnut When: MarchStain 23-25 When: May 8-10 Flood Company Cutek ProClean Remover flood.com Semi-Transparent Waterborne Stain – 100 Where: Oklahoma State Fair Park, Oklahoma City, OK. ___________________________ Where: Lascolors Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV. (800) 321-3444 Waterborne Stain – 7 colorsWhat: As many as 30,000 What: Everything for home and yard improvement. industry professionals from Clear Wood honey gold, DeckMAX Deck & Dock Elastomeric Coating – 55 colors More info: homeshowokc.com around the world,CWF-UV including over Finish 2,600– cedar, exhibitors, natural, redwood deckmax.com Solid Color Stain – 80 colors will view new products, network with exhibitors and Pro much Series CWF-UV5 DeckMAX E2House PVC Deck Revitilizer Duckback Composite Cleaner other retailers, and Portland & Outdoor Living Show more. – 7 colors CWF Oil Pentrating Oil Wood Finish – cedar, DeckMAXApril Professional Duckback P-3 Peeling PaintMore Primerinfo: nationalhardwareshow.com When: 6-8 Grade PVC Cleaner natural Concentrate ___________________________ Where: Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR. Pro Series CWF Multi-Surface Waterproofing Composite & Wood Deck Cleaner East Coast Builders Conference What: See the latest innovations and design trends. Dumond Chemicals Clear Sealant DeckMAX PVC Revitalizing Wipes When: June 14-15 More info: homecentershow.com dumondchemicals.com Where: Music City Center, ___________________________ Pro Series Nashville, CWF Hardwoods TN.– 8 colors (800) 245-1191 Pro Series Spa-N-Deck – 6 What: Designed specifically to addresscolors the needs of Atlantic Builders Convention DeckWise Peel Away Deck Cleaner Pro Series Semi-Transparent Alkyd/Oil Stain the residential building industry in the eastern U.S.– When: April 11-12 deckwise.com Peel Away Deck Restorer More info: ecbcshow.com 40 colors Where: Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, (866) 427-2547 Peel Away Deck Brightener Pro Series Semi-Transparent Acrylic/Oil Stain – IpeN.J. Oil Hardwood Finish Peel Away Deck Remover 40 colors PCBC What: with 6,500+ building industry profesIpe Seal Connect End Grain Sealer ___________________________ Pro Series Solid Color Stain – tintable to over When: June 27-28 sionals and attend educational, accredited courses. Cleaner & Brightener 120 colors Where: Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA. More info: abconvention.com EaCo Chem Deck Restoration Kit Pro Series Resurfacer Acrylic Stain – tintable What: Dedicated to advancing the art, science and to ___________________________ eacochem.com over 120 colorsis the largest homebusiness of housing, PCBC Mid-Atlantic Home & Outdoor Living (724) Show 656-0753 All-Purpose Wash over building show forPro theSeries West Coast,Deck attracting When: April 14-15 Duckback Products LCS Water-Based Stripper Pro Series Wood Cleaner 10,000 industry professionals for industry-leading Where: Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia superdeck.com ___________________________ Pro Series Stripper education, products and Wood networking. Beach, VA. (800) 825-5382 Spa-N-Deck Finish Coat More info: pcbc.com What: ForExterior 33 years show has pavedEco the way in Superdeck Wood the Cleaner Chemical ___________________________ Superdeck Exterior Wood Brightener ecochemical.com

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Spring 2018 | 2017 Deck Specialist Spring | Deck Specialist | |

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IDEA BOOK

roll top In redeveloping the Recreational Pier of Washington, D.C.’s southwest waterfront, dubbed “The Wharf,” designers were looking for a material that was natural, durable and conducive to unconventional carpentry. Their idea was to form a connection that would bring visitors from the adjacent 7th Street Park to the water’s edge. They created a curving, elliptical outline of the pier in the park as a poured-in-place concrete wall, which transitioned to thermally modified wood decking that pushed out onto the pier. They chose Kebony Clear wood for the pier’s decking, verticals, benches and cladding due to its hard-wearing properties and ability to hold intense foot traffic. In total, over 100,000 sq. ft. of the wood was used, making it the largest installation of Kebony in North America to date. The elliptical form was combined with a rolling, wave-like decking surface that descends to the midpoint (the “Saddle”) before ramping back up the pier terminus (the “Belvedere”). The overall effect of curvature and rolling slope creates a sense of movement and flow reminiscent of water waves. The transition decking between the upper and lower levels was bent and twisted to follow the curvature and incline of the pier—possibly the first time Kebony was bent for a project. These boards were full depth 2x4. To create the fascia, the “nose” of the pier was wrapped with bent 1x4 boards, which were also kerfed on the backside to achieve the radii. Although the carpenters were highly experienced, said project manager Robin Lollar, “The bending was a particularly interesting process. They literally used brute force to achieve one of the greater successes of this project. Without bending the wood, it would have been very difficult to get the adjacent decking to lay out correctly.”

Deck Specialist

Spring 2018

ABOVE UPPER: The Recreation Pier extends over 400 ft. into the Washington Channel, consisting of both a primary, 21,000-sq. ft. fixed deck and a lower, 2,500-sq. ft. floating dock. ABOVE LOWER: Patented Kebony technology modifies sustainably sourced softwoods by heating the wood with a bio-based liquid, in essence giving it the attributes of a tropical hardwood, including high durability, hardness and dimensional stability. (Photos by Kebony)

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A GREAT DECK STARTS FROM THE GROUND UP.

MicroPro and NatureWood pressure treated wood products are produced by independently owned and operated wood treating facilities. MicroPro pressure treated wood products are treated with Micronized Copper Azole. NatureWood pressure treated wood products are treated with Alkaline Copper Quaternary Compounds or Copper Azole. MicroPro® and NatureWood® are registered trademarks of Koppers Performance Chemicals Inc. ©3/2018

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