Industry News

Deck Specialist Plans 1st Annual Virtual Symposium

Deck builders will gain knowledge to better their business, and can preview the latest products and trends, while networking with fellow industry professionals during Deck Specialist’s first annual Symposium, to be held virtually July 8-9.

The event, which will be free to attend for qualified deck industry professionals, will be held at staggered hours in the afternoon and evening to minimize the time busy construction professionals from coast to coast spend away from the jobsite.

In addition to product knowledge opportunities, workshops, networking sessions, and a virtual trade show, the nation’s top builders will be honored with the presentation of the first annual Deck Specialists of the Year Awards.

Registration will open and a full schedule of activities will be announced in the spring.

Watch the Deck Specialist eWeekly email newsletter to be among the first to register. (You can sign up for the free enewsletter by emailing JBays@526mediagroup.com.)

Vendors interesting in co-sponsoring the event should contact Patrick Adams at PAdams@526mediagroup.com or (714) 486-2735.

Trex Caps $200-Million Expansion

For more than 25 years, Trex Co. has focused on product innovation, operational excellence, and partnerships with outstanding distributors, dealers and contractors—always with an eye on “engineering what’s next in outdoor living.”

In keeping with this approach, Trex enters 2021 celebrating yet another historic milestone: the start-up of its new Virginia production facility that caps a $200-million expansion program.

“For every company there are moments that are history making, and this is definitely one of those for Trex,” said Bryan Fairbanks, president and CEO. “Thanks to the foresight and confidence of the Trex team and our board of directors to invest in this capacity expansion, we are embarking upon the next era of growth for our company.”

In June of 2019, Trex announced plans to invest $200 million in the infrastructure, people and processes to increase capacity in both of its manufacturing facilities.

At the center of the capital investment and

TREX enters 2021 with another milestone: the start-up of its new Virginia production facility.

long-term strategic growth plan is approximately 200,000 sq. ft. of newly constructed manufacturing and support facilities dedicated to producing Trex decking. The state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, adjacent to the company’s existing Winchester, VA., campus, features approximately 8,500 cubic yards of concrete in its foundation, 75,000 sq. ft. of exterior precast, 1,500 tons of structural steel, and 3 million linear ft. of wiring.

“This will be the most productive and efficient composite decking facility designed for maximum output,” emphasized Adam Zambanini, president of Trex Residential Products. “The building is equipped with state-of-the-art, proprietary extrusion technology that allows us to manufacture Trex decking using 95% recycled content, with an emphasis on quality and energy-efficient systems.”

In addition, Trex also improved production capabilities and capacity at its manufacturing site in Fernley, NV., where new lines were installed and made operational in June of 2020. Combined, the expansions will increase production capacity by approximately 70% while adding 350 new jobs. “Trex is in an unmatched position to lead the industry in production output and to meet the demands of our customers in the coming years,” noted Zambanini.

Envision Links Up with Fairway

Envision Building Products, Lamar, MO., has purchased Fairway Architectural Railing Solutions, seeing Fairway’s railing repertoire as a perfect complement to its composite decking.

“We believe this is the right partnership to meet the evolving needs of our customers while

furthering our ability to create best-in-class outdoor products and achieve our vision in becoming the undisputed market share leader of non-wood railing in the U.S. market. We are excited by Fairway’s opportunities under Envision’s ownership, and we look forward to this dynamic new chapter and the exponential new growth opportunities it brings,” said Fairway CEO Greg Burkholder.

Fairway’s existing management team will remain in place and its current product lines will continue to be offered under the Fairway brand, with Fairway also having the ability to provide its customers access to Envision composite decking. Envision will likewise be able to offer its customers access to the suite of Fairway railing products.

“This acquisition expands Envision’s footprint in the outdoor living category and will not only increase market reach but will also provide operational efficiencies,” said Shara Gamble, VP of Envision sales & marketing. “The individual strengths of each company are complementary and will have a positive impact on our combined service and product offerings.”

The expanded product offerings provided through the acquisition include comprehensive railing solutions in vinyl, aluminum, steel, composite, and cellular PVC.

Distribution Expands for Composite, Bamboo Decking Manufacturers

Decking manufacturers MOSO, Envision Building Products, and MoistureShield have added new distributors and dealers to make their products easier than ever for builders to purchase.

New stocking dealers of MOSO Bamboo products are Spahn & Rose Lumber, Dubuque, IA.; Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber, Waukee, IA.; Via Virdis Green Solutions, Woodstock, GA.; Fitch Lumber, Carrboro, N.C.; Tum-A-Lum Lumber, Hood River, OR.; and Lakeside Lumber, Tualatin, OR.

Wholesaler BlueLinx has expanded its distribution of MoistureShield composite decking to its branches in Erwin, TN., and Duluth, MN. BlueLinx now stocks MoistureShield products in a total of 31 stocking locations nationwide.

Wausau Supply, Limon, CO., is now distributing Envision composite decking in Colorado and northern New Mexico.

Duralife Doubling Decking Output

DuraLife by Barrette Outdoor Living recently announced a multi-million dollar investment in upgrades at its Biddeford, ME., facility to double composite decking production in 2021.

The significant investment in equipment and manpower will help ensure that all customer needs will be met within a two-week distribution lead-time. As part of these upgrades, new stateof-the-art automated equipment and multiple extrusion lines have been added in the plant to optimize efficiencies in the production process, allowing for faster production of deck boards. This new equipment will also offer operators the ability to more efficiently monitor and track line performance ensuring there is no compromise to quality.

DuraLife also added 65,000 sq. ft. to its supply yard to provide storage for the additional volume of decking being produced. Operations at the plant have also moved to 24/7—increasing shifts from two to three, seven days a week. This extra manpower has not only contributed to increased production, it has also created more than 30 new jobs in Biddeford and the surrounding area.

“The investment in our DuraLife facility is significant and enables us to achieve faster speed without compromising the quality of our decking products and the addition of manpower to our workforce is a win-win for our company and for the local community,” said Sylvain Bellemare, VP of Engineering & Process Improvement.

Fiberon Launches Virtual Experience

The Fiberon Virtual Experience will immerse users into a unique learning environment to introduce new products, highlight existing lines, share educational materials and videos, and equip dealers and contractors with selling tools.

Launched in February, the experience, will be set up like an outdoor living space, showcasing how different products can be used to create an at-home getaway, with modules on decking, railing, cladding, lighting and more.

“Our new Fiberon Virtual Experience features different outdoor environments in which attendees can explore our product offering,” said Chris Hayn, VP of sales. “The virtual setting allows us

to safely interact with the media and our current and potential customers, and gives us an opportunity to share information about our brand through an immersive, self-guided experience.”

Archadeck Expands in Washington

Archadeck Outdoor has announced the opening of Archadeck of South Sound, WA., owned and operated by David Gielczyk.

The company will offer outdoor living space design and building services to Auburn, Black Diamond, Bonney Lake, Buckley, Federal Way, Kent, Milton, Olympia, Pacifi c, Puyallup, Renton, Seattle, South Prairie, Sumner, Tacoma and University Place.

Perma-Column Revamps Website

Perma-Column LLC has announced the launch of its brand-new website. The completely rebuilt site provides valuable insights about the groundbreaking Perma-Column story as the industry’s fi rst patented, ICC-ES-certifi ed permanent foundation solution.

“Our library of online resources now available supports deck builders and consumers alike,” said Mark Stover, president. “There are videos, downloads, brochures, photos, and informative material that more clearly communicate the longterm value of our permanent precast deck foundation systems, how quick and easy they are to install, and their enduring quality.”

With intuitive navigation and user-friendly design, the site is an indispensable tool for deck builders who work with Perma-Column deck posts. In addition, it provides in-depth information, resources, and design tools for the family of patented post-frame foundation solutions. Visit the new site at www.permacolumn.com.

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Woman Rescued after Deck Collapse

A woman in Denton, MD., was rescued after her deck collapsed on Jan. 9, leaving her trapped under rubble.

The woman was sent to the hospital after suffering minor injuries to her right leg. The community then came together to help her build a new deck that included wheelchair accessibility.

It was later determined that the deck was rotting from underneath and was overdue for a complete remodel.

EAST COAST DISTRIBUTOR Holbrook Lumber Co. · Guilderland Center, NY

www.holbrooklumber.com (800) 833-3383 · insidesales@holbrooklumber.com

Walking on Glass

Breaking through the Myths of Glass Decking

The idea of walking on glass can be thrilling. Yet questions come to mind: Is it safe? Is it easy to clean? Is it easy to install? Glass features can add sophistication, simplicity, and style to any build. But how exactly do glass floor elements play out in outdoor living?

“One common myth is that glass floors can only be used inside,” says Mike Foti, president of Innovate Building Solutions, Columbus, OH. “This is definitely not the case. One surprisingly popular use of glass flooring is as a decorative—and functional—decking material. Glass decks are used to move light from one floor level to another. With glass floor panels installed into the deck, light can still pass through to the basement.”

By Stephanie Ornelas

ABOVE: To avoid what Foti calls, “the skirt factor,” some homeowners opt for obscure glass designs that help secure more privacy.

OPPOSITE RIGHT: Most glass decks are made with either a sandblasted or patterned ceramic frit top surface for traction control when the glass is wet.

Foti went on to explain that glass flooring can also become an outdoor showcase feature by incorporating LED lighting around the floor at night.

Understandably, another myth about glass floors in decking is the idea that they are slippery and unsafe to walk on, especially when it rains or snows. According to Foti, in most cases, glass floors are made with either a sandblasted or patterned ceramic frit top surface, which provides traction control even when the glass is wet. “If a glass floor does not include a top surface treatment it most likely will be slippery to walk on when wet,” Foti said.

Companies like Jockimo Decorative Architectural Glass and Glass Flooring Systems create products designed to address such issues. Jockimo’s Crystal Clear GlassGrit anti-slip glass flooring panels were recently installed on a wooden deck in Los Angeles. The panels flooded the space below the deck with light, which was exactly what the homeowner was looking for.

Skyfloor’s Glass Deck System consists of a nonslip surface specially designed to meet or exceed the ASTM safety standards. The company offers 24 different tested anti-slip textures, including its proprietary Seeded Organic top layer, which is the only ultra-clear texture available that’s suitable and safe for wet exterior conditions.

Another possible customer concern is privacy, or what Foti calls “the skirt factor.” Says Foti, “if you’re worried about someone looking up through the lower level below and invading someone’s privacy, don’t fear. There are tons of glass options that come in obscure glass that help secure more privacy.”

One myth that can’t be debunked however is the fact that glass floors are harder to clean, mainly because it’s much more time-consuming. “You know what you’re getting yourself into when you opt for an all-glass floor,” said Ohio builder Frank Bates. Folks want that sophistication. They want that ‘wow’ factor in their homes. So, with that, comes more care and maintenance.

This is why many times you’ll see decks with only partial glass fl ooring, or maybe one section. They’ll spend more of their time on the wood or composite side of the deck, and maybe they reserve the glass area for more formal gatherings.”

Foti explained that it’s a growing trend to see only half of a deck or even a small portion with glass fl ooring.

And speaking of trends, he touched on a few growing fads when it comes to glass elements— features like glass stairs and incorporating such elements with fi re and water features.

When a client out of Columbus, OH., wanted to kick it up a notch, Foti explained how he took his rushing water and rock feature and added structural glass stair treads. “These treads not only allow you to look through the glass—but are safe to walk on because they have a ceramic glass frit top surface and sturdy side-supporting aluminum brackets,” Foti explained.

When it comes to installation, Los Angeles deck builder Craig Reed agreed that glass fl ooring is defi nitely a different type of breed, but not an out-of-reach design element. “Like any high-end deck, you need to partner with the right suppliers and manufacturers who stand behind their products and educate you about their offerings,” he said.

“I’ve always said that if you’re a deck builder, you’re already designed to think outside the box. So, extra elements like glass fl ooring should be a fun challenge for the hardiest and most creative of deck builders. It’s all about what you can do to set your projects apart from the rest.”

It’s not uncommon for builders to suggest framed or sectional glass decking to customers interested in exploring the design feature.

GLASS DECKS can take longer to clean, which is why some builders suggest partial glass fl ooring to add style.

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PRO Q&A

Innovation is the KEY to deck building

For Virginia builder Lance Sniatkowski, thereʼs more to the craft than simply building decks.

Deck Innovators

Service Area:

Midlothian, VA. - Metro Richmond area Specialty: Custom residential outdoor living spaces, home remodeling Founder/President: Lance Sniatkowski Year Founded: 2009 Website: deckinnovators.com Instagram: @deckinnovators_rva Facebook: Facebook.com/ deckinnovatorsrichmond

Lance Sniatkowski, owner of

Virginia-based deck building and remodeling company Deck Innovators, wants to make one thing clear—he is not just a deck builder. He’s a deck innovator.

Q. How did you get started as a deck builder? A. I was always excited to be outside. Decks were the beginning of Spring and building them gave me that opportunity to be totally outside.

OWNER of Deck Innovators, Lance Sniatkowski with Cheryl Shrieve

My father was a high school woodshop teacher, so I was always around building, whether it was in school or at home. Interestingly, my shop teacher was, at a time, my father’s student teacher, so they assisted in my interest of building furniture and projects. Since my father had different vacation times than I did, I would go to his school to fi nish projects and make new friends. Building decks gives me the pleasure of creating an area where the whole family and their friends gather to create new memories.

Q. Can you tell us about the team at Deck

Innovators?

A. I think it’s so important to value the opinion of your team members. The team I have with me is very talented and they understand design. Their input is valued every step of the project.

Q. How did you choose the name Deck

Innovators for your company?

A. An innovator is someone who creates something new or improved out of an established area or item, and we wanted that to refl ect our brand. We created this with new products, and improved ideas and methods, so we can proudly say to our customers that we don’t just build decks, we innovate them.

Q. How would you describe your approach to serving customers?

A. We need to create trust, and that starts with listening to our customers needs and providing that knowledge they seek in an efficient manner. More importantly, it means being honest with them 100% of the time.

Q. What do you do to convince customers that it is best to go with a pro, rather than DIY?

A. There are many aspects of building a safe structure. There are codes that must be followed and specs on materials. The potential clientele that calls us is looking for a professional and I never have to convince them. We really do not want the DIY-type, but we will work with someone that wants to do some sweat equity and learn a few things from us.

Q. How does landscaping play into your designs?

A. The scope of the land is a big part with our designs. We want it to blend smooth with a landscape, i.e., plants, stairs leading down to the yard, an introduction to area of where family and friends meet. Even if there is not a yard but an area that is void, we can help create the reality to the client’s vision or dream. Hardscaping can be part of the process.

Q. What project are you most proud of?

A. The Cat Walk deck I finished in August. I took an ordinary, second-story deck with a long stairway, and created the vision of the customer. My designing was not just on paper. The stairs leading down to the hardscaping had to fall right to their edge. It was a challenge and a constant trial and error process. Creating the stair winders had to be precise. The client was so pleased, as it afforded them the ability to have family come over and to social distance.

The Catwalk Deck is an award-winning deck, one Sniatkowski was most fond of.

Q. What advice can you give to aspiring deck builders or builders just getting started? A. Education is never-ending in my eyes. I have colleagues in groups throughout the country who help with new ideas and solve problems using other’s experiences. I had a mentor who was a remodeler, but he was also an influence in my life experiences. I came across him from a professional magazine where I sent him an email which I never thought would be replied to. To my

THE DESIGN PROCESS

isn’t always on paper, says Sniatkowski, who works to give each project its own unique style.

pleasant surprise, Ned replied with a well-written email that struck me in a way that I knew he was a special person. By coincidence, I ended up moving within 30 minutes from him in California and we became great friends. Till this day, I seek his advice. As far as continued education, I belong to professional groups, one of them being NADRA. Social media is also very powerful in the groups I belong to, and helps when discussing daily events and solving complications. I don’t know how I did it without this type of networking, but it’s a great tool when used correctly.

Q. What do you look for in products and companies you partner with?

A. How your partners integrate with your company is very important. I have a close relationship with my reps. What’s most important is that they are backing their product.

Q. What marketing tools do you fi nd most successful?

A. We have tons of marketing swag like hats and pens that I hand out everywhere. Our trailer is a billboard, and we have job signs with a card slot for people to take one if they’d like. We do a good job with marketing. The word gets around. People should know our company name, but more important, people should know us as good people and not just deck builders. We want to be part of the conversation when it comes to building decks and remodeling.

THE REAL CHALLENGE is raising up new talent in the industry. Sniatkowski’s biggest piece of advice: educate yourself by learning from the pros. Pictured: Sniatkowski (right) and Derrike Shrieve.

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PURPLE? NO PROBLEM! Aluminum railing manufacturers can create near limitless custom colors using powder coatings. (Photo by Duradek)

Color me mine

Become a railing color expert

By David Koenig

The days of plain white vinyl railings on every deck have given way to a rainbow of railing colors, enabled by the latest manufacturing technologies and the expanding imaginations of designers. With now near-unlimited options, how can builders help guide customers to the best color choice for their deck railing project?

“Choosing the right railing defi nes your home, and selecting the right color is as important on the outside of the home as it is on the inside,” says Andrew Pantelides, VP of marketing and business development for Regal ideas. “When it comes to doors, trim, shutters and furniture, the color trends we are seeing are ones of eye-catching colors that defi ne personality and style. More and more homeowners are viewing their outdoor spaces as an extension of their indoors.”

Certainly, railing color choice is a critical decision in planning a project. When you walk out onto a deck, your eyes are usually going to see the railing fi rst.

According to Steven Phillips, product manager in charge of railing for Trex, “Our focus is on making sure consumers have safe but inspiring choices that complement any decking color. Earth tones like Vintage Lantern (a chocolate brown) compliment safer choices like Classic White and Charcoal Black. Softer tones like Rope Swing and Gravel Path give consumers more outside-thebox options that aren’t too polarizing. However, making sure the channel can support inventory requirements is always critical, so the color palette has to be selected carefully.”

Fairway’s aluminum systems come in three different colors, steel railings in two, and cellular PVC in white. “Those three railing technologies—aluminum, steel and cellular PVC—cover three color categories in black, bronze and white, which represent about 90% of market demand,” said Chase Moritz, marketing manager for parent Envision Decking. “Within those technologies, we offer varying fi nish options as well. Textured

ABOVE LEFT: Railing colors should accent both the house and the deck. ABOVE RIGHT:Railings should also support the view, such as by framing it. OPPOSITE RIGHT:All colors evoke emotion, even white. (Images by Regal ideas)

colors are some of our fastest growing products.”

SpecRail has been tweaking its color options based on customer feedback. Standard colors for its aluminum railings are black, white and bronze. The company used to offer green and sandstone as standard, but they were discontinued due to lack of demand. “Black is the prominent color for both our railing and fence products by far,” shared Joseph Moriarty, new business development manager. “Depending on certain regions of the country, white is preferable. Bronze is still popular and a viable preference for many projects.”

SpecRail also offers custom colors, usually “one-offs” to meet the requirements of certain jobs. Recently, custom red has been popular. “Customers provide a (RAD) color code,” Moriarty said. “These situations require a specific supplier quote on coating material and our set-up/ process time based on project volume.”

Making the Choice

Before choosing a railing color, dealers should understand the customer’s style and home architecture including materials used like wood or composite, and how they use their outdoor area. RailFX’s Brenda Collons says, “This will likely drive a customers’ selection of railing style—do they want the railing to blend in, making a lake or mountain view the hero, or stand out as a design feature? And will the outdoor area be used for entertainment, family (including children, pets and older adults), games or pool use? Once the style has been chosen, colors can complement the decision. Colors evoke moods, which drives the preference of stock versus custom colors for the final design.”

Vista Railing Systems’ Erik Flick agrees: “Building color, geographic environment, and personal preference all go into the color selection process. As an example, Gloss White tends to be very popular in coastal areas as a general rule. More urban environments might tend to have color schemes where a Gloss Black is more of a fit. Textured finishes such as Textured Black are certainly rising in popularity as well based upon changing color schemes and the fact that they are easier to keep clean in some cases than the gloss colors.”

To simplify the railing selection process, Trex’s Phillips suggests using one of what Trex calls the “three Cs” to achieve a successful decking and railing pairing: • Coordinate. You can never go wrong by selecting railing in the same shade as your decking—i.e., dark brown railing for a dark brown deck, or light gray railing to complement light gray boards. This creates a cozy, well-coordinated look and is a great approach for risk-averse homeowners. • Contrast. If you have trouble finding a perfect match for the decking—or if your customer is open to trying something different—consider a contrasting railing color, such as black or white. Both are classic options that complement virtually any outdoor setting. Classic white looks crisp against deep brown deck boards and is ideal for highlighting a deck’s design and features. Alternately, if you’re working with lighter colored decking, a contrasted look can be achieved by

selecting darker railing.

Dark colors give a deck a modern look and feel. They also are a good choice for clients looking to showcase their home’s natural surroundings since dark railings tend to visually blend into the background. • Customize. For design-savvy homeowners looking for the distinctive, go for a completely customized look. Don’t be afraid to mix colors and materials, such as combining dark aluminum railing and balusters with white composite posts, to create a dramatic look that delivers a sophisticated mixture of texture and color. Other tips: • To optimize a great view, thin balusters finished in black are a good choice as they tend to optically blend into the environment, putting more visual emphasis on the natural surroundings. Save thicker, tightly spaced balusters for a not-so-appealing view or to deter nosy neighbors. • Rails should naturally blend with the environment. This brings the feeling of being closer to nature. So not only consider how the railings play off of the deck and home, but also how they look facing away, into nature. Railings should define a space naturally vs. becoming an obtrusive barrier. • Dark colors, like black and bronze, tend to blend in with a structure from afar, while white and lighter colors will stand out in contrast to the home. • Colors with more gloss retention typically have less UV breakdown (fading) than matte finish colors. • Gloss finishes reflect more sunlight, so in a very sunny area, a textured finish on aluminum is often a better choice • Check on the finish. How does it look and feel? Does it leave fingerprints, or stain? A textured finish affects both look and feel. According to Regal ideas’ Pantelides, “Our textured finish provides a depth of richness to the paint as the light shines on it.” • Rarely do you see high-end railing materials that are glossy and shiny. Trex’s aluminum and composite railings feature matte finishes that add a rich look to an overall project.

Pick a Color, Any Color

Atlantis Rail offers two cable railing systems with different color options—the NOVA II aluminum cable railing system in white, black and bronze, and the Spectrum System stainless steel cable railing system with stainless steel square posts powder-coated black, pure white, metallic silver, dark brown, light brown, or pebble gray.

In recent years, Atlantis Rail has started to offer color options due to customer demand. “For a long time we only offered a brushed or polished stainless steel finish,” said marketing manager Carey Hicks. “We are offering much lower maintenance options for adding color to railing systems versus painted wood. The color options that we offer are neutral and blend nicely with many different designs and environments.

“It is definitely a customer preference as to which color they choose, but we have noticed that with exterior color palettes expanding, including window trims, customers are looking to match their railing to their trim. Also, color selection

WITH 12 STANDARD

colors (left), Diggers Industries believes it has an option to coordinate its aluminum railings with any outdoor space. Note how railing colors can coordinate with the decking choice (top photo) or contrast (middle). (Images by DSI) depends on the style that the customer wants to showcase. If the railing is on the ocean, some customers opt for a white cable railing system to give a nautical feel. If the railing was going on a residence in the mountains or woods, the customer may opt for a black or dark brown railing system so as to blend with nature and not interfere with the environment.”

The proliferation of literally hundreds of different deck railing colors is primarily attributed to advances in powder-coating. Duradek’s aluminum railings come in 12 standard and over 180 custom colors. “The ability to provide custom colors in railing and fencing products is important to ensure a good match to a home’s window coverings or window sidings,” notes Blair Holiday, Durarail sales manager. “The most important thing is using a super durable powder for the fi nish.”

Digger Specialties, Inc. offers 12 standard AAMA 2604 colors for its Westbury aluminum railing, ADA Handrail, and B Series balusters in its PolyRail vinyl railing line, chosen specifi cally to play off homeowners’ decks, homes, gardens and yards.

“We believe your outdoor living space should match your style and color palette,” explains marketing manager Mary Gearhart. “Every year the decking industry adds colors to their decking options, paint companies add colors to their exterior home colors, and vinyl siding companies add new color options to their color offerings. We have a standard color that can accent the colors in your outdoor living space. But you don’t have to stop there—DSI offers a custom color program for all our aluminum products. You provide a color sample, we match it to an AAMA color.”

Ultimately, the most important factor is what looks good to the client. “It really is a matter of personal preference and aesthetics,” said Jeremiah Hershberger, product manager for Superior Plastics, which provides vinyl railing in three colors and aluminum in four. “We offer so many colors because people like to have options for a customized railing, but all of our aluminum and vinyl colors are powder-coated or manufactured to last, so it really doesn’t matter from a functional perspective.”

RECENTLY DISCONTINUED Elevations steel deck framing was well liked by builders who used the product—there just weren’t enough of them.

End of the road for Elevations steel framing

By David Koenig

Not 18 months ago, residential steel

deck framing was being heralded as a serious threat to treated wood for deck framing. Backed by two giant composite deck manufacturers, the systems claimed to have myriad advantages over wood, including improved aesthetics and straighter, uniform pieces with no crowning, warping or twisting.

Yet at the end of last year, market leader Trex abruptly discontinued its Elevations steel deck framing, leaving Fortress Building Products’ Evolution as the last system standing. Trex explained to dealers that the move was part of its normal annual culling of less profitable colors, sizes and products to make room for new products and colors and sizes.

Yet the end of Elevations is a great deal more than the loss of a fifth shade of brown; it’s the elimination of an entire product category, one with great promise, a number of satisfied users, and a much larger number who never gave the pricier product a chance.

“I’ve never thought of using it,” said Jason Matousek, M3 Carpentry & Remodeling, Black Creek, WI. “I’m just used to using lumber.”

Danny Shushan, DannyDeck Construction, Encino, CA., said, “I never used the Trex steel frame before because of the high price and complications of ordering/providing plans and installation.”

In fact, of 12 builders contacted, only two had tried steel framing. “We’ve used Trex’s steel framing several times,” said Matt Breyer, Breyer Construction & Landscape, Reading, PA. “It was a nice product, but it felt incomplete—there were limitations to hardware and material sizes that created unnecessary limitations to projects… and it was expensive! We actually have a Fortress project coming up in the next few months; we’re

FORTRESS Building Products’ Evolution line now has the steel framing market to itself.

looking forward to using what promises to be a more refined, better-engineered system, and having the experience under our belt to make a decision moving forward if we want to continue using branded steel framing, or branch out to using generic metal framing.”

Similarly, said Andrew York, ProDeck Construction, San Marcos, CA., “We used Trex Elevations steel framing for many projects over the years. It really opened up options for spans and cantilevers and definitely made a strong, flat deck. The biggest downside was the cost. It was also fairly difficult to get permits approved, as most of our local municipalities are used to conventional wood framing. It required a few extra tools, and cutting was terribly loud. I’d also add there was a danger factor: sharp edges, screws sticking through hardware brackets, and wobbly joists (until they were tied in to rims and blocking) led to more cuts and scratches than a typical wood-framed deck. Trex made a really good effort to shift the way we build decks but in the end, I think for the reasons above, most builders were resistant to change.”

UPPER-FLOOR decks—where the deck framing is visible—are especially good applications for steel. (Photo courtesy Fortress Evolution)

Trex expanded into steel deck framing in 2011 with its acquisition of tiny niche player Iron Deck Corp., Denver. The product was terrifi c; it seemingly just needed the vast distribution network and promotional might of a national powerhouse like Trex. Yet not only did builders need to be persuaded to use it, just as importantly dealers and even Trex’s own sales force needed to sell it.

“They hated it,” noted one dealer. “Sales would not learn about the product, and it was hard to get support for it. Decking, decking, decking— that’s all they’re interested in selling.”

PMC Building Materials, Lawrenceville, GA., not only sold the system—it kept it in stock, and had multiple large deck builders that regularly used it for high-end installs. “I have two customers in particular who are really behind it. They think it’s outstanding. It took our staff educating ourselves about the product and working to sell it.”

Other dealers say they tried—unsuccessfully. “I sold one job on Elevations,” said Doug Crowther, Hess Lumber, Malad City, ID. “It was the fl attest, prettiest job you’ll ever see. I think people were too cheap to buy it.”

“I have sold three or four jobs over the years,” said Will Crockett, Orofi no Builders Supply, Orofi no, ID. “My locations are in heavy timber areas in North Central Idaho. We have experienced several large forest fi res over the last decade or so. Steel deck framing is very effective against fi re, so it has been asked for. Generally the cost changes customers’ minds.”

Now more than ever, it’s all about time. According to Pat Noonan, Pro Deck Supply, Minneapolis, MN., “Ultimately cost was probably the biggest factor, both in material price and the added labor associated. I think the overall demand that is on our industry right now contributed. Taking twice as long on a job now just means one less job for the year. Anyone good enough to be selling and installing this product has a backlog of work and probably understands the revenue loss that will be associated with it. Trying to get a share of a commodity market with a specialty product at three times the cost is a tough road to go.”

“People forget sometimes in this Instagram age that 90% of the decks built are just simple square boxes, and the majority are still wood,” Nooonan continued. “People are having sticker shock with proposals done in wood framing; my average deck prices have doubled in the last decade. Trying to get them to see the value-add of steel is an uphill battle, especially when most are fi ne or don’t even notice the cons associated with wood. Treated prices would need to double and steel install would need to be easier before it will be viable for anything other than the top 10% of projects.

Since most dealers didn’t hold an inventory, their customers were often subjected to lengthy waits to receive orders. “I am guessing Trex got frustrated with the lead times,” Crockett said. “Given the slow turns, in relation to their commodity decking products, I am sure it hit the chopping block... no different than the colors that fall out of consumer preference every year.”

Elevations is going away, but steel framing is not. According to Fortress’ Jesiolowski, “We were already beefi ng up production of Evolution steel deck framing before Trex’s decision to exit the category. We see new opportunities daily and believe the market is just beginning to become aware of all the advantages steel deck framing offers. We see exponential growth for many years to come!”

Its challenges remain. With so many builders satisfi ed with treated wood, steel framing may be a solution to a problem not enough people are asking. As Hess Lumber’s Crowther noted, “My take on steel framing was why do you want to spend all that money for a frame that will last forever and put on it a deck that will only last 20 years?”

Lessons Learned for Deck Builders

How pros have done business better during COVID

We’re a full year into the pandemic and while the last 12 months have been quite unpredictable, deck builders across the country are taking note of some of the biggest lessons they’ve learned and logging them away for the future.

Planning is Vital

Mark King, founder of Minnesota-based Infinite Decks, stressed the importance of preparation, especially when it comes to partnerships. “Preparation and planning is key!” King said. “Working with a quality lumberyard that allows me to pre order materials for upcoming projects so the material is ready when we are has been a saving grace!”

Don’t Assume

When it comes to knowing the market, never assume you know it all, says Christopher French, founder of French’s Custom Outdoor Concepts in San Antonio. “I learned not to assume I know the market. When this all hit, I was just starting a project that was bank funded,” French explained. “The lockdowns went into place over the weekend and the customers had to cancel the loan. Thankfully that project went off without a hitch and then the rest of the year showed extreme growth. We went from a one-man show to now three separate crews still working on jobs sold in mid-2020.”

BE FLEXIBLE. Builders have not let the pandemic keep them from staying connected with customers. Pictured: A masked Bobby Parks (right) with colleagues at the Versatex Road Show.

Communication is Essential

Brendan Casey of Casey Fence & Deck found that most of the lessons he’s learned relate directly to communication in addition to shifting market focus. “As builders, we have learned several important things: communication is KEY. Order materials as early as possible and stay in close contact with your suppliers to know what they have in stock. Lastly, this has forced us to streamline and focus on what generates the highest profi tability while maintaining our reputation as a company that will stand behind our contracts and projects regardless of the situation,” said Casey.

A Higher Interest in Home Improvement

Like most in the industry, Thien Nguyen, founder of N.C.-based Dirty Durham Decks, noted the obvious uptick in home improvement upgrades since the pandemic hit.

“I’ve learned that there is a higher interest in home improvement services during quarantine. People are spending most of their time at home now and are looking for ways to renew and improve the space they live in. This could mean building a new deck as well as buying new living commodities like furniture and appliances for the house. I project a higher demand in home improvement services and products for the years to come,” said Nguyen.

Make Lemons out of Lemonade

“We have not only learned to make the best of a bad situation, we have found ways to work smart, improve effi ciency and trim costs,” said James Carey from On The House. “In the early stages of the pandemic we weren’t clear what the future would hold. We needed to immediately fi nd ways to interface with our business prospects without the ability to enjoy our traditional in-home visit.

“Like the rest of the world, we discovered the power of videoconferencing. We immediately began promoting virtual design consultations. It has been one of the best things that has happened to our business in ages. We have discovered that necessity is the mother of invention.”

JUST KEEP BUILDING:

French’s Custom Outdoor Concepts learned to never assume you know everything. Just continue to do what you do best.

A Year Later: Lessons for Suppliers

They say that in order to defi ne the future, you must fi rst study the past, and that’s what suppliers of outdoor living products have been doing for the last 12 months as the country works toward recovery. Deck Specialist reached out to industry-leading vendors to see what lessons they’ve learned this year.

Tando learned there needed to be a way to get the job done while adhering to social distance policies. Their one-person installation process was a game-changer. “The process enabled contractors to adhere to social distancing on the jobsite. Many of our products are lightweight and easy to install by one person so smaller crews are no problem,” said Ralph Bruno, CEO for parent Derby Building Products.

In times when the pandemic has impacted in-person contact, building supply dealers and their customers have relied more than ever on virtual design tools. Last spring, when Tando rolled out My Tando Home Creator, a free online tool that provides accurate visualization of home exteriors, Nick Redden, manager of Castle Masstown Hardware in Nova Scotia, said he “wished it could be their best kept secret.”

CAMO also adjusted its product line as crews got smaller and availability shifted. “In April we launched the CAMO LeverR, a tool that allows one-person board bending, locking, and alignment for faster building,” said chief marketing offi cer Dani Zizak. “As the pandemic caused a scarcity of softwood lumber and price increases, metal framing became an option for deck builders, and CAMO responded in with Edgex MetalT Clips in August. It’s a one-pass fastener in which the clip’s wings fi t into the groove of the board and the 304 Stainless Steel gusset holds the boards down.”

MoistureShield’s Molly Werner emphasized the importance of prioritization. “We were able to meet customer demand and even continue to expand our supply network once the essential vs. non-essential issues early on were overcome and the decking industry boomed,” said Werner. “We’ve adapted quickly to shifts in the supply chain caused by COVID disruptions to labor and raw material streams, and have continued building fl exibility within our processes and suppliers so we can proactively anticipate and address supply chain stress throughout recovery.”

There’s an obvious surge in homeowner interest when it comes to deck building due to the pandemic, but there’s also been a demand shortage in pressure treated lumber this past year, according to Simpson Strong-Tie’s training specialist and outreach coordinator Jim Mailey. He noted, “Many homeowners were limited to smaller additions or had to postpone construction all together, creating sustained demand that we expect to continue through this year.”

“With pauses in the business last year related to both the pandemic and raw material shortage, it has created the opportunity for contractors to add people to their businesses. As an industry, we’ll need to continue to focus on education to make sure new, entry level laborers and contractors enter the deck building business with a fi rm grasp of basic construction skills,” he said.

According to Mailey, one surprising outcome of the pandemic is the success of virtual programs. “The deck evaluation class I’m presenting with NADRA is averaging over 40 attendees a month with deck builders, engineers and manufacturers all signing up for the live, virtual seminars,” he marveled. “Overall, we think the industry outlook is good for the foreseeable future.”

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Pandemic transforms deck builders’ priorities

The old adage “Availability is the best ability” has never been more true for deck builders searching for supply amid a pandemic, as they navigate recent material shortages.

Over the last year, having what they want in stock—or being able to quickly get it—has become deck builders’ most important criteria in selecting a supplier, according to a recent Instagram poll by Deck Specialist.

Availability was deemed most important by 26.5% of respondents, besting Service (20.5%), Selection (13%), Price (11.5%), and Product Knowledge (20.5%). Other factors, including Location, Credit Terms, and Loyalty Program, totaled 20.5%.

“During COVID, availability is now #1 and all else is secondary as we just can’t get product,” said Pete Ciraldi, Professional Building Services, Salem, N.H. “We spend four times the administrative time trying to acquire stock, usually have to get from multiple suppliers, and they are short on stock, as well.”

The change is a recent one, according to Ciraldi. “Pre-COVID, we never had availability issues we weren’t able to work around, so we would always look for multiple factors. Never just one. Price and service were equal in our book—it didn’t matter how cheap the products were if they came in damaged, wrong, short count, etc. If I had to send a truck and an hourly employee, the lost additional productivity of pulling someone off the crew would be a chaser. Because of the volume we would do during our busy season, we’d use multiple suppliers that carried a wide selection instead of just one with a larger footprint. Most of the larger companies do not stock all product lines and would have to bring things in anyway.”

Joe Hagen, All Decked Out, Cincinnati, proposed that the top two criteria are related. “The main reason we use our supplier is customer service and product availability,” Hagen said. “Not having products on the ground results in special order items that can result in major job delays. We also get free deliveries and pick-ups due to our large volume we do with them. Suppliers that offer perks like that for their loyal customer base will always be successful in my opinion. Even though they are a bit more expensive, I would rather use them than shop around. With a busy schedule, we don’t have time to clip coupons for materials, so using a company that values us like

a partner is very important.”

As an added benefit, Hagen said, “we also have our clients use their showroom when selecting materials and have an outside sales rep that deals directly with our clients. This helps in the event the guys at the counter that work there make commission and we could lose a job if a client went in there and then they recommend another builder that buys directly from them.”

A good supplier is understanding when things don’t go according to plan. Hagen explained, “There have been many times that we were short on materials due to errors in estimating on my end or even from our sales rep accidentally keying in the list incorrectly but they always step up and make it a priority to get us what we need right away to keep the projects moving forward. We also like the fact that they stock the full line of our favorite decking brand, Deckorators Voyage, and they have a large selection of other quality products, as well.”

Looking for a Partner

Tom Jacques, Hickory Dickory Decks, Dundas, Ontario, has also found that nothing is more valuable than nurturing a partnership between supplier and customer. “Most important is having a good relationship with the supplier,” Jacques said. “We realize they have to make money, too, so they have skin in the game. When issues arose this summer, we were the ones that still got product. We look long-term, rather than squeezing them for a penny or two.”

His company, the largest deck building franchise in Canada, rarely changes suppliers because they work so hard to provide everything he needs from them. “We have a fairly complicated formula for whom we choose as suppliers,” Jacques said. “Of course, price is important, and service. They must offer a good warranty, and a manufacturer’s labor warranty. There must be a good color selection; the product easy to work with, but not easy to scratch. So it’s a combination of factors, some weighing more than others.”

Favorite suppliers can be relied upon not only to have product, but to have answers. “What I value the most—and it seems like a dying art—is the supplier’s knowledge of what they’re selling,” shared Lance Sniatkowski, Deck Innovators, Midlothian, VA. “I have found that in my market people just don’t know the product, which leads to mis-ordering and timely mistakes that have been a problem lately.”

Deck builders are construction professionals and they expect their suppliers to be experts in what they do. “In my line of business time is money,” said Tim Quigley, Quigley Decks, Madison, WI. “When I have a question on a particular product and when I call the lumberyard, the salesperson has the answer. When we need materials delivered on short notice, in most cases the lumberyard can get it out to us. The lumberyards have an ongoing relationship with manufacturers reps, where the rep calls on the lumberyards on a regular basis and keeps the lumberyard personnel up to date on new or upcoming products. It’s a whole relationship thing where it’s equally as

SPECIAL SERVICES, particularly delivery, are nice, but now more than ever deck builders just need suppliers to have quick access to materials. (Photo by the Deck Superstore)

Deck Builders’ #1 Reason for Choosing a Supplier

Product Knowledge Service Price

Selection Other

Availability

important to the local supplier that my business survives and remains profi table, as it is to their business surviving and remaining profi table.”

A Two-Way Street

Builders are willing to go the extra mile if they feel their lumberyard will do the same. “We try to keep it a one-stop shop as much as we can,” said Michael Scott, Simcoe Decks, Barrie, Ontario. “We work with a lumberyard that is roughly one hour away, because we receive the best service from them. Our contractor manager goes above and beyond to keep everything organized. Not everything is perfect, but if something isn’t right, it’s dealt with quickly. We price-check a couple times a year just to make sure we are paying comparable prices. Most of the time pricing is on point, but the odd time we will have to adjust things.”

What Niagara Falls deck-building franchisee Peter Secord most appreciates about buying through Hickory Dickory Decks’ lumberyard is “they do an excellent job of keeping us informed on pricing and supply issues prior to changes and shortages.”

Keith Fry, Amazing Decks, Ambler, PA., echoed a familiar refrain: “One-hundred-percent

PRESSURE TREATED

southern pine has consistently been among the construction market’s most in-demand products. (Photo by Putnam Lumber & Export)

service is fi rst. They must be able to handle a few fi re drills throughout the year. Product availability is second—they need to be able to supply material with a day or two notice.”

Builders say the key to getting their business is clear: lumberyards that can check all the boxes will have customers for life.

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DECK CREATION BOBBY PARKS

Should You Still Be Working as Part of the Crew?

If you listen to the stories of successful contractors who have been around a while, you’d likely hear a history of progression as they improved and evolved from their original position to their current status. These improvements occurred as they gained operational experience, improved their business efficiencies, and their vision and goals as their company changed. For many, the growth and stability occurred when they removed themselves from the production side of their business.

Most contractors with a long history started as hands-on in the field—the spark plug that set the pace and led day-to-day production as part of the crew. But over time they partially or completely removed themselves from that role. If you’re a full-time part of the production force and you count on this personal production revenue aspect, you’re just one injury or illness from seeing an interruption in income. If you’re injured or sick, work slows down or stops as does cash flow.

In some cases, not only does the owner miss work, but so do the crew members because they are without a leader. Or if they do work, it’s more of a case of them getting in their hours than being productive. In a worse case, they mess up things because you’re not there and you have to fix it when you get back. Any of these scenarios can be the beginning of the end. Working all day with your crew and running sales calls or doing estimates at night will eventually cause burnout. And at some point, age will catch up with you.

In the beginning of a business, it often does take our personal, hands-on efforts to establish a reputation of quality and create standards. A foundation has to be established before any progression can occur. So, it’s common for contractors to begin this way, with the result being that you work as a crew member full-time and on the business parttime. The challenge is you’re chasing the build and quote aspects, allowing less time to review, monitor, and plan the real business elements.

Contractors operate with different levels of ambition, motivation, and long-term goals. These three elements are major influences on where you’ll take your business. Many enter the deck building or remodeling business because they have the skill to build. They’re confident they can deliver projects and often focus more on the build side than the business side. They believe that as long as they do quality work, the jobs will come and the business aspects will work out.

Some start without a plan, and learn and adjust as they go. They assume if they’re staying busy, they must be successful. Some also believe that the only way to deliver their visions and maintain quality is if their hands are directly on the delivered work. They go through the grind of being carpenters by day, and estimators, designers, and salespeople on nights and weekends.

The process of removing yourself from the production side requires creating a template and plan of developing the confidence of your people in themselves and you in them. It requires grooming a lead carpenter to take over the role that you once filled. It takes inspiring and motivating every

member to grow in their roles. It takes varying amounts of time depending on your hires, but your first step and biggest challenge is finding the person or persons to begin to groom. With the right candidate this can be done in 12 months or less.

The mission is to remove yourself from the crew in incremental phases each month and by the end of the calendar template period, you are only stopping by for job visits. Your role becomes more of job monitoring. Now you’re focused on other aspects that you’ve neglected or gave minimal attention to. Your finances are no longer affected to the same extent if you’re sick or injured. You’re working on your company image, being more efficient at estimates and sales, and there’s an opportunity to grow and increase profits. You also improve the quality of family life and prolong your contracting years.

You’ll learn that your hands don’t need to be directly on the projects and that it’s not an issue with the customer. Your visions can be delivered with a good team that you manage and supervise. Motivating and inspiring your people requires forethought and vision and a balance of pushing and praise. Some contractors believe it’s a problem with a customer if you’re not on the job doing things yourself everyday. It’s not. I learned a long time ago that what was important to a customer was that they had confidence in me and the company reputation, and trusted me to make sure the jobs were delivered properly.

The key was creating comfort levels and confidence with them knowing that I had established teams and that every job had to have my stamp of approval. They saw photos of what we did and reviews from other customers that showed a proven team delivery history. As long as I was coming by jobs periodically and communicating regularly with the customer that was enough.

My approach was one of having solid teams in the field with good crew leaders that understood what was expected. I made job visits every morning and then went about my business day. There was regular communication with me and the crew with photos of a certain obstacle or situation shared when needed. They knew what was expected which included proper communication with the customer as ambassadors of the company and where the limitations of conversations could go. I visited the site when jobs were getting to certain points that major decisions had to be made so I could guide and be sure things went in the direction I wanted.

My crew leaders called in for inspections, coordinated and communicated with other subs required for the job, and generally took the “lead carpenter” approach. And each crew had a co-captain who, if the lead was out, they could carry on and get through the day. This freed me up to stay focused on the business of running leads, designing projects, and selling jobs.

The example of a monthly template on the next page is flexible and can be adjusted as needed, but some version of it can be adopted. For example, you may need to be on the job the first day of footings or framing to get everything laid out and started to a point your crew leader can take over. Maybe you’re there when the stairs and landings are started.

There are all kinds of ways the example can be tweaked but the mission is to get your crew leader to develop confidence so he or she can think ahead, keep the crew productive, and learn to answer questions for themselves that they use to ask you. And they still have the option to call and ask or send pictures of a specific aspect that they’re struggling with. Make sure they know that things like “clean up” at the end of the day or other aspects that can cause issues are handled. Make sure they know what or what not to say, what they can respond to, and when they need to have the customer call you.

Stress that they are an ambassador of your company and their interactions directly

OWNER John Lea (far right) of Deck South, Atlanta, GA., learned that instilling confidence in his team makes all the difference.

Month 1:

Set yourself up to not be physically working on Wednesday morning and not arrive on the job until noon. Lay out the work on Tuesday afternoon so you know the wheels won’t come off before you arrive at lunch time the next day. This creates confi dence for your crew to realize they can think their way through parts of the job and can call you if there’s an issue. This gives you time to work on your business.

Month 2:

Change the schedule so that you will not be on site until noon on Tuesday and Thursday, and lay out the work on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Or, fl ip it to where you’ll leave the site at noon on these days if you can’t schedule morning sales calls and free yourself up for afternoon and evening appointments.

Month 3:

Stay off the jobs until noon on Tuesday and stop by Thursday morning to help kick off the job, but leave the site for the rest of day.

Month 4:

Repeat Month 3 (hire an additional skilled crew member during this month).

Month 5:

Stop by early morning but otherwise stay off jobs Tuesday and Thursday. Check in by phone on both days.

Month 6:

Stay off site Tuesday and Thursday and visit site Wednesday morning to kick off work. Check in by phone at noon if you feel the need.

Month 7:

Repeat Month 6.

Month 8:

Leave site at noon on Monday and visit site Tuesday, Wednesday, on site all day Thursday and Friday morning to kick off job and deliver payroll.

Month 9:

Repeat Month 8.

Month 10-12:

Begin only stopping by site each morning and making sure the job is kicked off properly. Plan to also stop by anytime a job is reaching a point where decisions need to be made that requires your input. If possible, hire another skilled crew member during Month 10.

Once you reach this milestone you can now continue to operate this way. The crew knows they’ll see you and can lean on you when needed. But they’ll also learn they can make decisions, be productive, and be confi dent that they can deliver jobs without you holding their hand. affect the company-customer relationship. Put in place motivating and inspiring programs that they benefi t from as this transition progresses. Keep in mind that you can always rejoin the crew anytime you want, and on occasion, when you do join in under your job leader’s command and be one of the guys instead of the boss, they’ll appreciate the gesture.

Again, this schedule can be adjusted depending on what’s happening in the fi eld from a complexity standpoint. If you have time once you’re on top of business aspects you can insert yourself into the crew when desired. At least once a month take your people to lunch. Stay connected and stay informed with what’s going on with your people. Make sure you’ve got the right leader on the job who’s on your side. It may take you longer than 12 months, but it will never happen if you don’t plan for it.

This plan requires adding a headcount, two of which were included as “hires” in the monthly template. You’ll need a work force of four to six people, a fi ne tuning of your construction management skills, and an increase in sales and production numbers necessary to stay profi table. With four production members you will still need to work part time in production but with six you can assume a full-time role managing your business (assuming you’re selling at appropriate margins).

You’ll continue to work on your image and brand in your market and maximize your sales price and margin. You’ll fi nd sales are easier when you’re not tired from working in the fi eld all day, and that you can sell jobs for more than you do now. As I said earlier, we enter with different levels of ambition, motivation, and long-term goals. Not everyone wants to take on what they consider to be more work or effort. In the early years, it is enjoyable to be in the fi eld, but that enjoyment may fade for many over time as the body wears out.

Having the option to pick up tools when you want to is better than doing it every day because you have to. That said, you may be satisfi ed working as you do now, and you may not want to take on any changes. At the end of the day, what matters is that you’re satisfi ed with what you do.

Bobby Parks is a nationally known contractor who has delivered over $40 million of outdoor living projects. He is founder and former owner of Peachtree Decks & Porches LLC and current president of BP Consulting & Design LLC.