Deck Specialist - Summer 2021

Digital Edition Sponsored DECK by SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS

• PREVIEW OF VIRTUAL DECK SYMPOSIUM

DECK

Summer 2021

SPECIALIST Ideas & Strategies for Outdoor Living Professionals

And the winners are...

Deck Specialists of the Year

GET YOUR FREE

DESIGN SOFTWARE TODAY!

imagine create build With Regal ideas NEW 3D Quote and Design Software

Scan/Click the code to get on our software pre-launch list

Easiest and most interactive design software, simply click, drag and draw

Compatible with:

Google

CLOUD BASED

REAL TIME REALISTIC 3D

FREE AND EASY TO USE

PERSONALIZED INTERFACE

QUICK PRODUCT CHANGES

ACCURATE MATERIAL LISTS

PROJECT LEADS

QUOTE MANAGEMENT

INTEGRITY LOYALTY TRUST Quality Service & Safety!

Everything a Top Builder embodies, we are at Regal ideas!

Trusted and installed by the Top Builders across the globe. urbanrail

®

®

FRAMELESS GLASS RAILING SYSTEM

® COMPLETE STAIR SYSTEM

DECK SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS • PREVIEW OF VIRTUAL DECK SYMPOSIUM

DECK

Summer 2021

SPECIALIST Ideas & Strategies for Outdoor Living Professionals

And the winners are...

Deck Specialists of the Year

CAMOFASTENERS.COM

BUILD YOUR DECK UP TO 5X FASTER Any deck board, substructure, design, or desired finish.

CAMO® helps you build better.

BEST OUTDOOR LIVING PRODUCT 2019

FASTENERS

LEVER®

DRIVE ™

UNIVERSAL CLIPS & SCREWS

BOARD BENDING & LOCKING TOOL

STAND-UP DECK FASTENING TOOL

Any fastening method for any board.

Lock any board on wood or metal joists.

Fasten Edge Screws, Clips, and Face Screws.

Innovative products that work together. That’s what you get with the CAMO System that helps you offset rising softwood prices by bringing speed, excellent performance, and time and cost-savings to every deck build. Pair our fasteners that are backed by a CAMO Warranty with the LEVER® tool that straightens boards and locks them in place so you can quickly fasten while standing up with the DRIVE™ tool. That’s not just a great system. That’s the better way to build a deck.

Longer spans.

Like, 25 years long.

4

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Decked out just took on a whole new meaning. PWT Treated™ is now on deck and shipping.

It’s longer lasting, with longer spans, and has a longer warranty.* Here’s to outdoor living that’s made to outlive!

Find out more at pacificwoodtech.com/treated

By

*Excludes industrial applications, such as scaffold plank and concrete forming.

DECK

SPECIALIST

Ideas & Strategies for Outdoor Living Professionals

FEATURE STORY

16

Outdoor Living Trends HGTV’s Alison Victoria takes a peek at what’s hot in decking.

20

Virtual Decking Show Free to attend, online event will bring together the nation’s top deck builders and suppliers for two half-days of education, insight and fun.

AWARD WINNERS

22

Specialists of the Year Leading manufacturers in outdoor living honor top builders.

68

National Deck Contest North American Deck & Railing Association crowns its champions during virtual event.

68

26 ON THE COVER: Pacific orthwest s ascade Fence & eck, led by Leif irtanen, ory anta a, and Louis L pka, was among the winners of the 1st annual Deck Specialist of the Year Awards. (Photo by Deckorators)

ALSO INSIDE 10 Editor’s Note 12 58 60 62 64 70 76 77 78

6

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Industry News Parks & Deck Creation with Bobby Parks On the House with the Carey Bros.

Set the Standard with Brendan Casey Product Review with Marv Johnson New Products Date Planner Ad Index

Idea Book

Your only challenge installing RailFX is handling all the referrals.

RailFX TM railing systems are what your customers want most. Upscale, sleek, modern, lasting.

Our systems come complete with rails, posts and infill according to your project. They’re a breeze to order and super simple to install. So, for your next project, give your customer RailFX. Then get ready for your next RailFX project and the next and the next and the next…

TM

Learn more about RailFX. Contact sales@railfx.net

www.railfx.net

DECK SPECIALIST

OUR MARKET MOVES QUICKLY—SO DON’T GET LEFT BEHIND!

SUBSCRIBE

TODAY!

A publication of 526 Media Group, Inc.

151 Kalmus Dr., Ste. E200, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Phone (714) 486-2735

President/Publisher Patrick Adams padams@526mediagroup.com Vice President Shelly Smith Adams sadams@526mediagroup.com Managing Editor Stephanie Ornelas sornelas@526mediagroup.com Editorial Director David Koenig dkoenig@526mediagroup.com Columnists James & Morris Carey, Brendan Casey, Marv Johnson, Bobby Parks Guest Contributors Alison Victoria, Troy Johnson

E SUBSCRIB E IV E C E TO R

l, print, digittaer eNewslet & more!

Advertising Sales

(714) 486-2735 Chuck Casey ccasey@526mediagroup.com Nick Kosan nkosan@526mediagroup.com

The new publication for qualified industry decision makers!

• Update your subscription • Sign up key colleagues • Enroll multiple locations

Daniel Davidson ddavidson@526mediagroup.com

Virtual Events Daniel Davidson ddavidson@526mediagroup.com

Circulation/Support Jody Bays jbays@526mediagroup.com DECK SPECIALIST is published quarterly at 151 Kalmus Dr., Ste. E200, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, (714) 486-2735, 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®2021 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.

Summer 2021 • Volume 5 • Number 2

8

|

Deck Specialist

|

is available on a qualified requester basis to senior management of U.S.-based builders and contractors specializing in decking and other outdoor living projects and to others at the rate of $22 per year. Subscribe now by emailing info@building-products.com or calling 714.486.2735.

SUBSCRIBE NOW info@Building-Products.com or 714.486.2735

Summer 2021

Sub2019_DS_4.5x10.indd 1

8/21/19 10:24 AM

Elevate your garden with pressure-treated wood

Wolmanized® pressure-treated wood is the ideal material for building raised garden beds because it’s natural, will last for years and looks great.

Find out more at WolmanizedWood.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE

The takeaway I just had a meeting with our team here at Deck Specialist, where we are putting together a game plan for our upcoming Deck Specialist Symposium. We’ve spent a lot of time talking about the future of inudstry events. It’s safe to say there are some aspects that just work better when it comes to in-person vs. all virtual events. But this past year has also caused us to examine what didn’t work. What can do differently once things are back to somewhat normal? I think that’s a question we should all ask ourselves, and the answer can look different for every organization.

But as I was talking to some of our readers and supporters, deck builders and outdoor living pros, one thing that came up was to be more intentional when attending shows. The last show I was at was IBS 2020 in Las Vegas, and that was just before the pandemic. Since then, it’s been a constant thought of, what will shows be like when things go back to normal?

And how can I return from this pandemic stronger and wiser than before? I want to learn from this and be better for it.

I can agree that being more strategic and intentional with my time at events will be top of mind, knowing that you just don’t know what tomorrow, next week or next month will look like. One week you could be putting in 10 miles a day at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the next you could be told not to leave your home for the foreseeable future. I will definitely be thinking about that as we begin to return to shows like DeckExpo 2021. There are a lot of things to take away from the pandemic and 2020. But one thing is for sure: digital components have and will continue to navigate us into this new reality—a reality where you don’t have to be in-person to be present and have a meaningful conversation.

With as many people we have attending live shows again, there will still be industry pros who are not able to attend, whatever the reason may be. Maybe now, they can be there, and will have an easy, affordable way to connect with their customers— though virtually, they’re still connecting, nonetheless. I like to think the pandemic has changed the way we all look at the digital world.

Our upcoming Symposium is a great example of that. We’re so excited to bring the industry together for this free action-packed virtual event. Come join us and so many familiar faces in the industry July 7-8. You can read all about it on page 20.

In the past, folks have argued that technology kills interpersonal communication, but if it weren’t for technology this past year, interpersonal communication would be dead.

Now that’s worth taking note of.

What will you take away?

Stephanie Ornelas is managing editor of Deck Specialist. Reach her at sornelas@526mediagroup.com

10

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

11

INDUSTRY NEWS Green Bay Rebrands as DuxxBak Composite Decking

Seeking to capitalize on the water-shedding namesake of its patented compound, Green Bay Decking, Green Bay, WI., has rebranded as DuxxBak Composite Decking. Several of its decking lines have also been rebranded in an effort to bring a more streamlined, qualitycentered theme.

The composite decking’s base compound, from which all its decking products are manufactured, consists of virgin high density polyethylene, rice hulls, and Biodac—a proprietary element that acts to scientifically strengthen the compound.

It comes in four distinct profiles: DuxxBak Dekk; Optima Dekk and Optima Dekk LT; I.Dekk and I.Dekk HD; and Commercial Dekk.

12

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Distributor Buying RailFX, Ultra-Tec

PrimeSource Building Products, Irving, TX., agreed to acquire NWI Enterprises, Santa Monica, CA., provider of branded railing systems and fence, gate and security hardware.

NWI divisions include RailFX, Tacoma, WA.; Nationwide Industries, Tampa, FL.; and UltraTec, Carson City, NV.

Digger Expanding Production

Westbury aluminum railing producer Digger Specialties, Bremen, IN., will break ground in August on a manufacturing facility in Brady, PA. Slated to begin production in early 2022, the plant will initially employ 150, with room to grow.

UFP Picks Up AlumiLAST

UFP Industries, Grand Rapids, MI., purchased the assets of Endurable Building Products, Brooklyn Center, MN., manufacturer of AlumiLAST aluminum deck and balcony systems.

The aluminum structural systems are used primarily for multifamily construction.

Composites Key In On Cladding

For years, home designers have been specifying the use of hardwood decking as exterior cladding.

Now composite decking manufacturers want a piece of the action, extending their warranties to cover cladding applications or introducing new products similar to their decking but configured with a rainscreen for moisture protection.

Deckorators recently had its MBC (mineral-based composite) decking—including its Voyage, Vault and Frontier decking and picture frame boards—approved for use as wall cladding in horizontal, vertical and angled applications.

“Our MBC decking has gained a loyal following in the deck contractor community, and we’re excited to announce the approval of a cladding application,” said Chris Camfferman. “Now builders can get the style, unmatched structural integrity and superior warranty of MBC decking for even the toughest exterior applications.”

Over the last year, other composite producers have introduced dedicated cladding and rainscreen products, including Fiberon’s Wildwood, Fortress Building Products’ Apex, Trex Cladding, and NewTechWood’s European Siding.

WFP Rolls Out New Product Brands

Western Forest Products, Vancouver, B.C., is launching a new strategy of marketing WFPbranded products, making it easier for end-users to specify and purchase the products through their distribution partners.

The rollout, covering all of WFP’s finished products, includes WFP TrueStyle decking, paneling, trim & fascia, soffits and siding; and WFP Coast Timbers.

“Branding our products will provide endusers and specifiers the confidence to purchase a lumber product they know and trust,” said Erik Ostensen, director of marketing. “Differentiating specialty lumber products through branding in a mostly unbranded sector will increase value for all our partners throughout the supply chain.”

PREMIUM AND SUSTAINABLE LUNAWOOD THERMOWOOD Lunawood premium thermo-treated wood is the answer for versatile exterior and interior applications in all climates.

We start with the very best certified Nordic pine and spruce, carefully selecting the live knotted material. It is then enhanced to produce more durable, beautiful and long-lasting Lunawood Thermowood.

The thermo treatment process respects the wood’s natural properties, using only heat and steam - no chemicals. Products include planed and surface structured profiles, as wee as sawn timbers.

LUNAWOOD.COM LUNAWOOD’S OFFICIAL PARTNERS IN THE USA:

WEST COAST DISTRIBUTOR

EAST COAST DISTRIBUTOR

Reclaimed Woods of the World · Thomas Flynn

Holbrook Lumber Co. · Guilderland Center, NY

Featuring Thermo-Modified Woods · Custom Finishes

www.holbrooklumber.com

(949) 515-9501 · tom@reclaimedwoods.org

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

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

13

INDUSTRY NEWS Walpole Outdoors Expands in Maine

Walpole Outdoors, a leading provider of wood and AZEK solid cellular PVC outdoor structures, has expanded its manufacturing facility in Pittsfield, ME. The additional 9,000-sq. ft. space will build upon its existing 90,000-sq. ft. manufacturing footprint in Maine, with the goal of increasing capacity, improving efficiency, and reducing costs. The new space includes manufacturing areas, as well as two additional loading docks, which will allow increased freight capacity.

Duradek Grows Dek-Vision Visualizer Tool Experience

Duradek has made the Dek-Vision experience even better. Dek-Vision by Duradek is the first online design tool for vinyl membranes to assist homeowners, builders, and remodelers in creating deck makeover plans.

The tool has been updated with Duradek’s newest color, Legacy Cedarwood, and is available on dek-vision.com.

The company has also added a video tutorial to demonstrate how to get the most from your design experience with Dek-Vision. This informative three-minute tutorial walks users through how to use the visualizer features, making getting started easier than ever.

The program is free to use and comes preloaded with eight deck image options that cover a variety of the most common deck types. It also

14

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

THE FREE program comes pre-loaded with eight deck image options that cover a variety of deck types.

allows users to experiment with the deck surface, the railing color, and even the siding to find the look that is just right for individual tastes.

Users can upload a photo of the deck on their home and try all the options of Duradek vinyl deck patterns and colors to discover which ones will best match their exterior design. With a graph tool and a paint tool, users can have their deck image uploaded and set up as a template in a matter of minutes.

DeckExpo Moseying to Dallas

DeckExpo is once again joining forces with the Pool|Spa|Patio Expo to host its 2021 show, this time in person on Nov. 13-18 at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, TX. This will be the first time the two shows have partnered on an in-person event after teaming up last year on a virtual edition.

MFM Readies for Big Growth

Marking its 60th anniversary, MFM Building Products has broken ground on a significant expansion project at its Coshocton, OH., headquarters and manufacturing complex.

The manufacturer of a full envelope of waterproofing and weather barrier products is adding nearly 50,000 sq. ft. to its production area and has purchased new production equipment to meet rising demand. MFM has been acquiring additional raw materials to ensure product availability for their customer base and the new facility will accommodate this additional inventory. The building is planned to be completed by the fall of 2021, and the new production equipment to be installed and operational by early 2022.

Other aspects of the project include razing a building on the company property, constructing new offices in the main headquarters building, and adding a new, state-of-the-art research & development laboratory for increased quality control and new product development. An additional 20 full-time employees will be hired as part of the expansion.

Simcoe Decks Loads Up on CAMO

Michael Scott, owner of Simcoe Decks, Barrie, Ontario, has selected the CAMO Deck Fastening System to build decks for cottages in Ontario.

Simcoe had been using CAMO’s Marksman Pro and Edge screws with a hand drill for edge fastening into the sides of the deck boards and joists. Now, they are adding CAMO’s stand-up Drive tool, with three end attachments for edge, clip and face fastening.

Scott has been noticing that homeowners are becoming increasingly interested in lowmaintenance composite decking and hidden fasteners. After experimenting with different brands and systems, he discovered Deckorators’ grooved decking. To ensure the same level of consistent spacing as their edge-fastened decks, Scott began searching for a clip system that would create the same uniformity on every board.

“Nobody thought clips could get better until CAMO introduced the EdgeClip,” he said. “After CAMO previewed their clips at DeckExpo, the deck building community created a huge buzz.

Once we saw them on Instagram, we reached out to our supplier and never looked back.”

DEFINING A HIGHER STANDARD ™ OF SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT Western Forest Products provides architectural appearance solutions that make your clients projects beautiful. As of one North America’s largest suppliers of Western Red Cedar, we have improved our website to inspire, educate and make it easy to purchase some of the most sustainable building products on Earth.

Visit Our New Products Section westernforest.com/products

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

15

HGTV PERSONALITY Alison Victoria shared her thoughts on the results from Trex’s annual Outdoor Living Forecast.

16

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

HGTV CELEB Alison Victoria gave Trex a hand identifying four trends reshaping outdoor living.

NEW INNOVATIONS, such as Tre Rain scape So t Light, are designed to meet homeowners’ desire to do more on their decks. (All photos courtesy Trex)

What’s hot in outdoor living HGTV expert Alison Victoria lends her insight Now, more than ever, outdoor liv-

ing is in! While homeowners have increasingly invested time and money into their yards in recent years, 2020 saw interest in outdoor living spike to unprecedented levels as homeowners everywhere adjusted to a new normal by reimagining how to use and enjoy their exterior spaces.

As a result, the outdoor living design trends for 2021 have never been more inventive.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has prioritized how we view and use our homes,” said Leslie Adkins, vice president of marketing for Trex Co. “With people spending more time at home, outdoor space has never been more important. It’s where we start our days with a morning cup of coffee, where we enjoy some much-needed fresh air over an al fresco lunch break, where we relish a change of scenery after a day of screen fatigue, and where we can visit safely with friends and family.”

Each year, Trex captures input from consumers, contractors, retailers and industry insiders to compile its annual Outdoor Living Forecast. For 2021, the brand teamed with celebrity designer Alison Victoria, star of HGTV’s Windy City Rehab, Rock the Block, and Ty Breakers, to identify four trends expected to shape the outdoor living landscape in 2021.

1. Outdoor Offices

Among the top trends predicted for the coming year is the emergence of outdoor workspaces.

With working from home and remote learning expected to continue well into 2021, contractors report increased interest in outdoor spaces that can comfortably and functionally accommodate professionals and students. Requests for stylish sheds and backyard cottages are on the rise.

Pergolas, too, are in high demand. In fact, leading home design site Houzz is calling 2021 Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

17

WITH THE BOOM in outdoor structures, Houzz is calling 2021 “the Year of the Pergola.”

“the Year of the Pergola” due to their versatility and affordability. A relatively easy addition to any deck or yard, a pergola creates the look and feel of an outdoor room while adding a distinct architectural element. Of course, its main purpose is providing shade—essential for enhancing visibility of laptop screens and devices, as well as offering cool relief on hot days.

“When it comes to backyard design, pergolas remain on-trend due to their limitless design possibilities,” notes Victoria. “They are great for adding definition—and drama—to any deck.”

2. Expanded Elbow Room

During the past year, our homes have become offices, classrooms, fitness facilities, and rehearsal spaces. It’s no wonder many homeowners (and occupants) find themselves suffering from cabin fever and desperate for some extra elbow room.

One simple solution is to optimize the space beneath an elevated deck, an often overlooked area, by adding an under-deck drainage system. Designed to divert water away from the foundation, systems like Trex RainEscape protect a deck’s substructure from moisture and create dry space underneath the deck surface that can be used for any number of purposes—from storing seasonal items to serving as bonus living space outfitted with everything from furniture, accessories, lighting and entertainment components, to workout equipment, toys and games for at-home “recess,” or even a dance floor, mirror and ballet bar!

18

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

3. Take the Plunge

Another trend driven by the pandemic has been the dramatic increase in residential pools, spas and water features. Between travel restrictions and indefinite closings of community pool facilities, homeowners across the country are taking the plunge and installing swimming pools, hot tubs, and ponds in their backyards.

To give these additions a finished look, surround them with low-maintenance composite decking, which won’t rot, warp, stain or fade, and never needs sanding, staining or sealing.

4. Luxury Staycation

Fueled by the drastic decline in domestic and international travel over the past year, homeowner interest in replicating the sophisticated style and comforts of a luxury hotel or resort in their homes has continued to grow. From plush towels and perfectly plumped pillows to outdoor accents like composite cladding, fire tables, water features, and industrial railing, commercially inspired designs can give any home environment the essence of an extravagant staycation.

“Homeowners are finding inspiration in commercial settings like upscale hotels and restaurants,” Victoria comments. “Outdoors, this trend is seen in modern railing styles, such as Trex Signature Railing. The durable, low-maintenance aluminum railing collection delivers sleek sophistication in a range of designs, including horizontal rods, mesh panels, and glass inserts.”

FIRST TIME USER

PROGRAM

Receive a FREE Tiger Claw Installation Gun when you purchase two buckets of Tiger Claw TC-G Clips!

Universal Board Compatibility in a Single Simple Tool There's no need to compromise between strength, simplicity and speed. With the combination of the TC-G Hidden Clip for Grooved Decking and the Tiger Claw Installation Gun, it's the fastest way to attach hidden clips on all leading deck brands including Fiberon, Trex and more.

FastenMaster.com

800·518·3569

FastenMaster® and Tiger Claw® are trademarks of OMG Inc. Copyright © 2021 OMG, Inc. Patent pending. All rights reserved.

Don’t miss

The Deck Specialist Symposium The first annual Deck Specialist Symposium is bringing the decking industry together through a free all-virtual, two-day event.

With presentations from renowned builders and contractors like Bobby Parks, The Carey Brothers and Dr. Decks, and a digital tradeshow floor featuring the hottest products, attendees will receive the ultimate virtual experience.

The event will start in the late afternoon to minimize builders’ time away from the jobsites.

Day one, July 7, will run from 4 to 7 p.m. PST (7 to 10 p.m. EST), and day two from 2 to 5 p.m. PST (5 to 8 p.m. EST). The tradeshow floor will open two hours earlier. Educational sessions start with an opening keynote from Bobby Parks. Known by all as a legendary deck builder with a wealth of knowledge, Parks is looking to the future and will rev up the rest of the industry to do the same.

20

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Happening virtually July 7-8 Register for free at symposium.526event.com

Attendees will then be able to see the industry’s leading deck podcast go live, as they join hosts Shane and Wade for an exclusive livestream of The Ultimate Deck Show straight from their recording studio.

It’s evident that when it comes to tradeshows, nothing can replace in-person networking, but that was before anyone knew about The Decking Game Show! Attendees are invited at the end of the first day to grab a drink and join HGTV stars The BroLaws, competing against their industry colleagues. All registered attendees are invited to participate, vying to win fabulous prizes as they answer deck and outdoor living questions through a multiple choice-style program. Come show up your peers and prove yourself to be the ultimate champion.

Day two, July 8, will be packed with just as much energy as The Carey Brothers take center stage to talk about branding. The thirdgeneration contractors will use their wit and enthusiasm to deliver a lively presentation aimed to help you separate your business from the competition.

Next up will be a presentation builders truly won’t want to miss. Dr. Decks will sit down with Mark King, founder of Infinite Decks, as the two talk about how social media has impacted their brands and whether or not they feel it’s worth investing in.

The event will close with a look at the all-stars.

Join several winners of our first annual Deck Specialist of the Year Awards as they gather for a panel discussion on how they were able to take their work and their businesses to the next level by leveraging elite product brands.

The first-ever Deck Specialist Symposium is designed to take you on a virtual journey with the decking industry. This fast-pace insightful event will submerge you in all things decking with some of your favorite people. It’s an event you surely won’t want to miss.

Play The Decking Game Show! with hosts The BroLaws and find out who really “knows it all” in decking and outdoor living.

Symposium Speakers

Hear from nationally-known contractor Bobby Parks as he opens the event with a motivational keynote and looks to the future.

Popular radio hosts and expert remodelers The Carey Brothers will talk about building your brand in 2021 and how it can set you apart from the competition.

Hear a live taping of the industry’s leading podcast, The Ultimate Deck Show, hosted by Shane Chapman and Wade Laurent, founders of The Ultimate Deck Shop in Canada.

Get social with Mark King, founder of Infiinite Decks, (l) and Dr. Decks (r) as they participate in a discussion about social media and how it’s impacting their brands for the better.

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

21

Deck Specialist partnered with the leading manufacturers in outdoor living to honor top builders that specialized in their brands, based on sales growth or artistic excellence.

DJ Tavernier

ARMADILLO

Specialist of the Year River Valley Construction Group Q. How did you get your start in construction?

My uncle had a construction company, and I’ve always worked with him. He was the one who piqued my interest in the construction industry.

In 2017, after he retired, I wanted to start my own company, but also to get away from the family name, Tavernier Construction. I wanted something that didn’t tie my name to the company. My end

22

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Owner: DJ Tavernier Location: Mishawaka, IN. Year Founded: 2017 Website: rivervalleycg.com Instagram: @rivervalleyconstructiongroup Facebook: Facebook.com/rivervalleyconstructiongroup Specialty: Avon Plastics’ Armadillo Decking goal was to build a company that down the line I could retire and sell, which I couldn’t do if it was Tavernier Construction.

I was taking my daughter to school, River Valley Church, and as we pulled into the parking lot, she said, “Daddy, River Valley needs a new roof.” Immediately I thought, “River Valley Roofing & Exteriors. Sounds great. Rolls right off the tongue.” I’ve since changed the name to River

Valley Construction Group, because now I have four divisions: River Valley Construction, River Valley Properties, a cabinet company, and this year we started a concrete division.

Q. How did decking become a specialty?

I found that we didn’t have somebody around here whom you could trust to build a stable, sturdy deck.

Everybody had their own way of doing it; I had my way. There are certain things I do that others won’t.

I build all my decks at 12” on center. Over two-anda-half years, we went from building a couple of decks to last year where we built 80 decks. We’re easily the largest decking contractor in the area.

Q. We understand that starting this year all of your decks are built with composites.

Yes, and about 95% of it is Armadillo. I still have people who will only consider some other brand.

Someone at some time told them there is no better decking than this, and they get their heart set.

Q. How did you discover Armadillo?

Joel, who is an independent sales rep for Avon, called and said they had a new product they wanted me to look at it. We had been using a lot of different brands. I wasn’t sold on one company. Whatever the homeowner wanted, I’d get. Joel brought Armadillo to me. We sat down and had several conversations.

I’m a very hard guy to work with because I’m very blunt. I told him my concerns, such as my desire for more colors. And he was all about it: “I want to work with you because you’re giving me feedback that others aren’t. They won’t tell me because they don’t want to hurt my feelings. Clearly, you don’t care about that.” We have become great friends since.

They asked me to come up to tour the plant. We went over some great ideas. I like the brand. Mark, the owner of Avon Plastics, is a great guy, a family guy. I am a family guy, who believes in supporting the community. Avon Plastics has become an extension of me. I can sell that to the homeowner.

Q. You were selected for your huge growth in

composite decks. How did it happen?

We did a lot of work. When I fell into this niche, I strove to become the top decking contractor in our area. I focused all of my marketing on decking.

I would take one of my best decks, take multiple pictures of it in different ways, and use it in decking portfolios and different marketing sheets. I’d drop some off in people’s mailboxes. We have a local company called Michiana Saver, which has been absolutely great for my company. They mail out to 80,000 houses. Just getting out through them has been a drastic increase in our decking. We’ve got 65 decks on the books this year, not including the ones that we’ve already completed. And the marketing company I work with is brilliant.

The other key is I’m up front. If I want to do a job, I will. If I don’t, I won’t, and I’ll give you reasons why—that I don’t like the way it looks or it’s not something I’d want to put my name on.

And the last thing that really helps my business is I answer the phone.

Q. What’s next for River Valley?

I think we’re going to get back into the homebuilding game. I’ve got a few clients who’d like me to build homes for them. But I’ll tell you: I will never leave decking.

Q. Are there certain products, colors or styles

you keep going back to?

Armadillo’s Smoke and Campfire are my two biggest sellers. Foothills is starting to catch on. I don’t have an issue selling the decking as soon as the homeowner sees the colors. At that point, half of my job is already done.

Another thing that’s nice about Avon is you can stand in front of a customer and say, “I haven’t had any issues. Their warranty is killer. I’ve only had one warranty claim and they replaced the whole deck. I can call and get them on the phone right now.” When you can do that, it gives the homeowner the reassurance that they’re making the right choice in the decking and in the company itself.

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

23

Scott Kelly, with son Axton

CAMO

Specialist of the Year Precision Construction Q. How did you get into contracting,

particularly outdoor living projects?

I grew up building—Lego, Lincoln Logs, etc. In high school and college, I worked with several construction companies and a mason. After school, I worked in the hospitality industry and did handyman and renovation work on the side. Sixteen years ago, I started my own company—general remodel work and structural repairs.

In 2013, a previous kitchen remodel client asked me to do a deck. I had just started getting into social media; the pictures of that project and word of mouth led to more decks. In 2015, the primary focus of the company became decks. Then in 2016 I made the decision to commit to building steel-frame decks. Today, Precision is well known for its commitment to and specialization in steel-frame decks.

Q. How did you discover CAMO products?

A custom-homebuilder friend asked us to help him with a floating deck he needed done. He had purchased the material and asked us to install it.

He had purchased the CAMO Edge Clip. It was my first time seeing it. I loved how fast and easy it was and began telling anybody and everybody I could think of that the needed to make it in steel-friendly

24

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Owner: Scott Kelly Location: Golden, CO. Year Founded: 2005 Website: buildingyourspace.com Instagram: @pr3cisionconstruction Facebook: Facebook.com/precisionconstructionco Specialty: CAMO System version. Two years ago, at a local contractor show my Deckorators rep introduced me to Greg at CAMO, and he let us try and provide feedback on the EdgeX metal clip that was being developed. EdgeX is now standard on every job we do. The ease of install and not having to be on our knees for install are huge plusses for us. We also have a CAMO Lever tool and CAMO Drive tool for every guy on the team.

I have been incredibly fortunate to establish a relationship with Greg Groenhout at CAMO, as well as Katey Dommenick. They have been gracious enough to let us try out prototypes of the clips, Lever and Drive tools, and invite our feedback. With each version we see, the products keep getting better and better. It’s awesome to have such a great company listen to and act on your input.

Q. What’s next for Precision Construction?

As a company we will continue to push to build better and better projects. We want to become synonymous with steel-frame decks. We also want to continue and expand upon our relationships and affiliations with CAMO, NADRA, Deck Specialist, and others. On a more personal level, I am hoping that we can continue to coach and mentor others in steel and help them succeed with it.

STRUCTURAL

STAIN & FADE

REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT

STRUCTURAL

LIGHTWEIGHT

STRUCTURAL

STAIN & FADE

REMOVAL & REPLACEMENT LIGHTWEIGHT

LIGHTWEIGHT

UNMATCHED STABILITY From tight miters to intricate inlays—no other decking offers the thermal stability of Deckorators® Mineral-Based Composite (MBC) Decking.

IT’S NOT PVC. IT’S BETTER.

Learn more at

Deckorators.com/MBC

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

25

STAIN & FAD

Louis Lipka • Leif Wirtanen • Cory Wantaja

DECKORATORS Specialist of the Year

General Manager: Leif Wirtanen Location: Vancouver, WA. Year Founded: 1997 Website: cascadefenceanddeck.com Instagram: @cascadefenceanddeck

Cascade Fence & Deck Q. Take us to the beginnings of CFD.

Brian Kaski started the company in 1997. In the early stages, the company did fence and deck work for homeowners, new construction home builders, and worked on many commercial jobs. Around 2015, the company decided to change direction and we started to work for only residential homeowners. We have a lot more fun working with homeowners who want us to give them a customized experience and design. Our focus as a company is to provide the best contractor experience customers have ever had.

Q. Do you work directly with Deckorators?

We work directly with many people on the Deckorators team. Deckorators puts a lot of effort

26

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Facebook: Facebook.com/cascadefenceanddeck Specialty: Deckorators into making contractors’ lives easier and they provide a lot of support. Whether it be technical support, installation techniques, training, marketing, they have someone to help you and they always go above and beyond. We have been to the Pro Summit two years in a row, and the event is an amazing experience where Deckorators gets feedback from their top pros. What we have experienced is that not only do they receive feedback well, but they act on issues and ideas and do something.

Q. CFD was selected because of its culture of

hard work, steady growth, integrity and always having fun. How do these manifest themselves, especially the “having fun” part?

We strongly believe that if you take care of employees, they will take care of you. We set the bar high for the type of employees we will hire, and in turn it has created a team that can produce great results. When the results are there, we can treat employees extremely well. When we hire employees, we take our time and only hire those who are positive and upbeat individuals who are hungry to win as a team. There are lots of pranks pulled, and the competitiveness keeps the morale high.

Q. Tell us about the importance of your team

members?

Employees are our company’s greatest asset.

If you calculate out how much you invest in every employee, it will surpass your most expensive tools you buy. This is why we treat our employees so well, and make sure they are loving their job. We have quarterly one-on-one check-ins with all employees to make sure everyone is always having fun and make sure all concerns can be addressed if they have any.

We would rather pay great employees more, have better benefits, and treat them so well that they don’t have any reason to go elsewhere. This gets us better results and is cheaper than having lots of turnover.

Q. How important is employee training?

Training is a huge priority to our company. We have a training program for our sales and our install departments. Every week we have training on specific topics. We also built a manual on how to build a fence and deck the Cascade way. We then built a quiz, which follows the manual, that we can periodically have the installers take so we get an idea on where we should train. There is also how-to videos that follow every step in the manual so any of our installers can have access to the paper copy and the videos when they are out in the field installing. Our goal is to take a new hire and get them to the foreman level as fast as possible (even if they won’t be a foreman). What this does is it creates a crew of guys who are extremely knowledgeable and much more efficient. And if a foreman is taking some time off, any installer can step in and finish the job.

redeem. Many products have warranties, but they are very hard to work with to get things replaced.

We have had a few small issues with Deckorators and the claims were so easy to work through. As far as innovation goes, Deckorators is always striving to up their game. They hit it out of the park every year with new products and updates.

Q. Have you added other Deckorators

products to your regular offerings?

We started installing just their deckboards, but we now also offer the porch flooring, sleeper system, railing systems, and many of their other products.

Q. Where do you get your deck product ideas

and design inspriation?

We use Instagram and other social media platforms a lot for our inspiration. We soon hope to hire a full-time designer who can take our projects to the next level.

Q. What’s next for CFD?

Our goal is to open a second and third location somewhere else here in the Pacific Northwest. The last few years we have been fine-tuning our company’s processes so that we can more easily scale. We know that to keep all-star employees around we will have to continue to grow as they will always want to have that challenge and professional growth.

Q. How did you come to specialize in

Deckorators decking and why this brand?

We spend a lot of time and energy finding what we feel are the best products. A few things that we look for in products are: looks, warranty, innovation. Looks is important because we want products that our customers don’t just like, but LOVE! And Deckorators Voyage line is hard not to love. We have sold hundreds of decks with Deckorators and the customers love it. What’s also important is how easy the product’s warranty is for the customer to Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

27

DECKWISE

Specialist of the Year

Owner: Ross Capel-Davies Location: Sarasota, FL. Year Founded: 2012 Website: rossdaviesinc.com Instagram: @rosscapeldavies

Ross Davies, Inc. Q. How did you get your start in construction?

I am a subcontractor with over 10 years of experience using Brazilian exotic woods. It all started with the outdoor areas when I was contacted by Lucas Lagoons to do a small bridge for one of their large pool projects. That blossomed into incorporating walkways, decks and outdoor kitchens as clients wanted to greatly upgrade their outdoor spaces.

Q. How did you begin using DeckWise products?

I was introduced to DeckWise through Advantage Lumber, my wood supplier. It was suggested that I use the hidden deck fastening system on my ipé decks, and I have not looked back.

I am constantly using the hidden deck fasteners, rainscreen siding hidden fasteners, and the Ipé Oil and WiseCoat products.

Q. Anything new that’s proving especially popular with customers?

28

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Facebook: Facebook.com/rossdaviesinc Specialty: DeckWise Fasteners & Coatings As I am installing more and more ipé wood siding on home exteriors, I could not be happier with the rainscreen stainless hidden fasteners. These ingenious little clips create a completely fastener-free finish on the visible finish. I use them extensively in outdoor kitchens, too.

Q. How has your business changed amid the

pandemic?

If anything, Florida has gotten busier. With the drive of people working from home and the ability to do that anywhere, I am seeing a huge increase in demand. And with the desire to upgrade their outdoor spaces, DeckWise has helped me transform clients’ spaces.

Q. What’s next for Ross Davies Inc.?

I truly hope clients keep seeing the advantages of using great materials and, with that, I will keep using DeckWise products as I grow my business.

TOP-QUALITY. ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY.

BEAVER-PREFERRED. The most experienced builders instinctively know a five-star backyard made from YellaWood® brand pressure treated pine can turn the next project into more referrals. As the most recognized name in the business, homeowners seek out contractors who use the YellaWood® brand. It’s preferred by expert builders of all kinds. Especially those with leather tails, buck teeth and nature’s highest building standards.

Follow your natural inclinations and seek out the Yella Tag. Find a dealer at YellaWood.com.

IF IT DOESN’T HAVE THIS YELLA TAG, YOU DON’T WANT IT.

YellaWood® brand pressure treated products are treated with preservatives (the “Preservatives”) and preservative methods, and technologies of unrelated third parties. For details regarding the Preservatives, methods, and technologies used by Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated, see www.yellawood.com/preservative or write us at P.O. Box 610, Abbeville, AL 36310. Ask dealer for warranty details. For warranty or for important handling and other information concerning our products including the appropriate Safety Data Sheet (SDS), please visit us at www.yellawood.com/warranties or write us at P.O. Box 610, Abbeville, AL 36310. YellaWood® and the yellow tag are federally registered trademarks of Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated. All other marks are trademarks of their respective owners and are used with their permission.

Summer 2021 | Deck Specialist |

29

Team Tundraland

DUXXBAK Specialist of the Year Tundraland Home Improvements Q. How did you get started as a deck builder?

Tundraland Home Improvements was founded in 2009 by company president Brian Gottlieb with a $3,000 cash investment, on a plastic folding table in the back of a rented warehouse. We began in the bath remodeling sector and found quick success.

New ventures were to follow as we expanded our product offerings with its launch of a replacement window division and, most recently, a deck division.

Tundraland has grown to be one of the largest home remodeling companies in the nation and has over 500 employees serving all of Wisconsin. With a passion for craftsmanship and commitment to excellence, the company has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has received its Torch Award for Ethics. Tundraland boasts a culture based on its “We Are” mentality where teamwork and personal accountability are foremost. Team members are given the best training and tools to become truly limitless within Tundraland’s “sky is the limit” organization.

30

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Founder/President: Brian Gottlieb Location: Kaukauna, WI. Year Founded: 2009 Website: tundraland.com Instagram: @tundraland Facebook: /tundralandhomeimprovements Specialty: DuxxBak Composite Decking

Q. Why did DuxxBak products become a go-to

for your company?

At the core of Tundraland is the commitment to providing each customer with nothing less than a red-carpet experience. To fulfill this commitment, it is imperative we choose high quality products across each department. DuxxBak is unmatched in the outdoor decking sector. As a Wisconsin-based company, having a product that can withstand the coldest of winters and hottest of summers is a top priority.

Q. Which DuxxBak products are among your

regular offerings and why?

Tundraland uses Geo-friendly composite decking and the aluminum and Geo-friendly railing. Geofriendly decking contains no wood fillers.

Q. What’s next for Tundraland?

Tundraland deck installers are currently building out a new showroom in the Milwaukee/Waukesha area showcasing a large indoor deck, color and railing options, along with showers and baths.

Mission Collection®

Avant Collection™

An outdoor style for every customer

No matter what type of outdoor structure you’re building, Simpson Strong-Tie® Outdoor Accents decorative hardware provides both design elegance and structural strength. Our Mission and Avant collections offer a choice of styles, from ornate and traditional to clean and simple.

Both feature an innovative hex-head washer and fastener combo with the look of a bolted connection that installs as easily as driving a screw. And whichever collection you choose, all Outdoor Accents connectors and fasteners are rigorously tested for performance — so your structure will be strong, safe and beautiful.

To see all of our Outdoor Accents decorative hardware and choose the style that’s right for your client, visit go.strongtie.com/outdooraccents or call (800) 999-5099.

Summer 2021 | Deck Specialist | 31 © 2021 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. OAMISAV21-C

Ryan Riggs • Derek Parker • Sias Parsons • Bill Parsons • Nick Ledbetter

ENVISION

Specialist of the Year Big Yeti Builders Q. Briefly share Big Yeti’s history.

Sias and his father, Bill, have been working together with a focus on decks for over 20 years. Bill started his deck building career almost 40 years ago. When we set out to start Big Yeti in 2017, our intent was taking our existing product and customer service and focusing both on new branding and to prepare for Bill’s eventual semi-retirement, which will be taking place in October. Sias has been “boots on the ground,” building high quality decks for 22 years with more work produced in the niche of deck building than any other contractor in northern Utah. March through November we focus exclusively on outdoor living spaces; during the winter, we move inside, doing upper-end remodeling projects. But decks are what we love to do, so we sprinkle a few in during the winter months.

Q. Why have Envision products become a go-to for your company?

32

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Owner: Sias Parsons Location: Ogden, UT. Year Founded: 2017 Website: bigyeti.builders Instagram: @bigyetibuilders Facebook: Facebook.com/bigyetibuilders Specialty: Envision Composite Decking We’ve been building decks long enough to see the failings of other products. In the early 2000s we switched over to Evergrain (Envision) for that very reason. What we found is that in our extreme climate here in Utah, with temperatures below freezing in the winter and 110˚+ during the summer, as well as 50˚ temperature fluctuations in the same day, Envision decking is the most stable product in the market for a climate like ours.

It is our preferred and recommended decking product because we know from experience that it’s not going to fail on the homeowner over the years.

In 17 years we have never had to file a warranty claim on behalf of our customers due to product failure. Last year we installed almost 50,000 sq. ft. of Envision decking and between our personal warranty and Envisions excellent warranty program I have no doubts that in any issues were to ever arise, our customers won’t have to pay more for a product they already paid for.

Q. Which Envision products are among your

regular offerings?

We stock all of the colors in the Distinction and Inspiration lines. Our biggest sellers are Spiced Teak, Weathered Wicker, and Rustic Walnut.

Q. Do you ever work directly with Envision?

We work regularly with Chase Moritz and Charlie Haines. Our relationship with them has been phenomenal, which is just an added bonus to working with a product we love.

Q. Where do your “creative spins” come from?

We live by the idea that deck builders need a strong knowledge of structural framing and finish carpentry, while understanding how their local climate affects those two respective trades. That said, we spend a bit more time on the finish side than a lot of our competitors, always going the extra mile to provide the customer with something they can enjoy for years to come. We pay attention to current trends to incorporate a streamlined product. A fair number of builders out there shy away from the extra details to save time. We believe the details are what will drive our business, so we’re always happy to work with the client to give them what they dream of while balancing the limitations of what will last in our climate.

We’re always looking for new and better ways to do everything we do. About 95% of our projects are at a minimum layer on an angled pattern with larger projects having multiple patterns, which we do to eliminate joints between boards and to give a more uniform look.

Q. What’s next for Big Yeti?

We have a lot of irons in the fire and none we really want to let out of the bag at this time. We’re working on patents for solutions to current decking needs that aren’t on the market. We just doubled our warehouse and yard size to accommodate the growth we’ve experienced. We’ll be broadening the area we service this year as we have more employees ready to start managing their own projects.

We see ourselves as being a resource for other builders in the future due to our extensive experience and would like to grow our business in that direction as the years go on. We also are working to bring products into our state that currently aren’t available, both for sale to the public and to other contractors. We don’t believe that any one company can build every deck out there and jobs should be awarded to the contractor who best fits the client’s needs. With that in mind, we look forward to working with any decking contractors in our state to elevate our niche profession.

Deck Building Solutions • 866-767-1850 • www.suredrive.com • sales@suredrive.com Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

33

Mike Regan

FASTENMASTER Specialist of the Year Regan Total Construction Q. How did you get your start in construction?

My experience began in 2000 when a friend’s father offered me a job to work for him in the summer before I went back to school. I started stripping and drying in roofs, but when it rained they would put me with a carpenter either building a structure or working on an interior remodel. I asked a lot of questions. I was just very interested in why we made each step. Before I knew it, I began to develop some pretty decent carpentry skills.

When I started Regan Total Construction in 2008, I wanted to do any and everything to improve people’s homes—additions, kitchens, basements, bathrooms, custom built-ins, etc. After many years, I found I most enjoyed designing and building decks. This also allowed us to specialize and to continually work on providing our customers with “great service and quality craftsmanship.”

Q. How did you become interested in using

FastenMaster products?

I was using a lot of LedgerLoks on our decks, but it really changed when my Trex rep reached out to me when FastenMaster was developing fascia

34

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Owner: Mike Regan Location: Bloomfield, CT. Year Founded: 2008 Website: regantotalconstruction.com Instagram: @regantotalconstruction Facebook: Facebook.com/regantotalconstruction Specialty: FastenMaster Cortex hidden fasteners and put me in touch with Anthony Disanto. From there on I’ve had consistent communication with many FastenMaster employees with questions I have, advice I need, as well as working with them on developing their products— what works well, what could be improved, and any insight I might be able to share.

Q. Which products are among your regulars?

Basically the entire Lok line and all hidden fasteners. We use LedgerLoks, Flatloks, HeadLoks, TrussLoks, Cortex Screws/plugs and TC-G Clips and Scrails on all of our decks as well as the Pam Drive system for our pressure treated decks.

Q. Where do you get your deck and railing

ideas and design inspiration?

I follow a lot of great deck builders on Instagram and have created several relationships with great builders from my connections with FastenMaster and Trex. However, what I try to do is focus on the customer’s needs and planned use for their deck space and make suggestions about size/shape that will work best for their house/yard space and their budget.

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

35

EVOLUTION

Specialist of the Year

StoneCroft Construction Q. How did you get your start in construction?

I have always enjoyed building things. I grew up on a rural family farm in Kansas and I learned to weld things out of metal as a teen. From personal experience, we knew that if we built something on the farm out of wood, we would need to replace it.

However, if we built it out of metal, our grandchildren would be able to use it one day.

We moved out to Colorado Springs in 2012 because we had always wanted to live near the mountains. Two years later, StoneCroft Construction was born. From the very beginning, we’ve focused on building decks because these structures blend our love of construction and the outdoors.

Q. When did you first come to use steel decking framing and why Fortress Evolution?

36

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Owner: Philip Purdy Location: Colorado Springs, CO. Year Founded: 2014 Website: stonecroftconstruction.com Specialty: Fortress Building Products’ Evolution Steel Decking Framing

We assembled a beta deck with Evolution steel deck framing in 2018—it was hook, line and sinker. I knew it was a fit for us. Our company focuses on building decks that are as beautiful as they are strong, and as strong as they are beautiful. Steel framing allows us to carry out this vision. We made the complete shift to the Fortress framing system a year later and never looked back. In fact, we just completed our 58th steel deck framing project.

We believe in steel because here in the Southern Rockies, wood is exposed to dramatic fluxes in temperature and extreme weather conditions. The dry heat of summer, paired with the wet, cold of winter, can wreak havoc on wood frame decks. It’s not uncommon for typical builder grade decks around here to show signs of deterioration after exposure to moisture or begin warping with drastic changes in temperature. These issues can cause critical places

like stair stringers and support beams to fail. Framing with steel sidelines these problems.

Q. What percentage of jobs do

you use steel on?

We recommend—and use— Evolution steel deck framing on 100% of our deck builds. We are all steel all of the time.

We offer Fortress railing products almost exclusively. We also offer FortressAccents to equip our customers with a lighting component for their deck.

Q. What’s next for StoneCroft?

To offer customers the best possible deck system, we’d like to continually improve on how we frame with steel. Innovation is a big part of who we are—my team is very creative in coming up with solutions for quicker, stronger installs. Looking at the industry as a whole, the steel deck framing category is still in its infancy, and we are excited to see where Fortress takes it.

Q. Do you ever work directly

with Fortress?

Over the years, I have worked closely with many folks over at Fortress Building Products. In running my business, I work directly with reps from a variety of building product companies, and my local Fortress rep, Brent Gesnik, stands out. He is available, knowledgeable and has done an excellent job of supporting our small company through numerous growing pains. I have worked directly with the Fortress warranty team. Their ability to solve problems quickly and take care of my customers has built my trust in the company. I know they will always do the right thing. Also, Fortress hired an excellent PR firm that is very good at working with contractors.

Q. How did your business

change in the pandemic?

Over the last year, our business has exploded with requests for steel-framed decks. That being said, we have a slow and steady growth mindset in order to keep the quality of our deck builds in check with our high standards.

Because of these values, we have sought to streamline our building processes and improve how we build. The Evolution steel framing system supports this approach, as we can build faster and more efficiently than with wood.

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

37

Charlie Kawas

MATAVERDE Specialist of the Year CK Construction Q. How did CK Construction get its start?

I started as a carpenter in Queens, N.Y., framing from the foundation up to the roof and did that for years. When the winter months came, we would hang drywall, cabinets and tile bathrooms to keep busy. It got to the point where we were doing complete builds in-house with the crew and only subcontracting out plumbing, electric and HVAC. In 2013 as the company got larger, we started making videos of each project on our social media platform as a way of networking. We created a nice following on Instagram and sales doubled due to social media.

Q. CK is being honored for its stunning use

of Mataverde brand Garapa hardwood decking on a recent project. Tell us more.

The Tree Tops rooftop deck on Jupiter Island in Florida was a great project to be on. I personally

38

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Founder/President: Charlie Kawas Location: Jupiter, FL. Year Founded: 2001 Website: ckcuinc.com Instagram: @ck_construction Specialty: General Woodcraft, Inc.’s Mataverde Premium Decking love modern design and after meeting with Clint Larkan and Scott Hughes from Huum Architects, and seeing the details that went into this design, I knew this was going to be a unique one to build.

Amazing ocean views and working as high up as the palm trees made for a picture-perfect project.

This was our first time using Mataverde products, and I must say I would definitely use this system again. Great quality and engineered to perfection.

Ordering materials and dealing with General Woodcraft personnel was a pleasure. Certain details required additional design and bouncing ideas backand-forth over the phone with the staff made it a walk in the park.

Q. What’s next for CK Construction?

Now that this project is complete we have a few more in the works. Thankfully 2020 wasn’t too bad to us and 2021 has so much more coming.

What’s next in outdoor living? Probably more than you think.

A deck is so much more than a collection of boards. It’s the harmony of decking, railing, lighting and accessories that turns an outdoor living space into a thoughtfully designed extension of a home.

From furniture to pergolas and beyond, every Trex® piece combines elevated aesthetics with the highest level of performance. So whether your clients are starting from scratch or looking to add on to their current design, choose Trex and create an outdoor living space that was truly built for living.

See our full portfolio of products at Trex.com.

Scan to view our products.

© 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Trex® is a federally registered trademark of Trex Company, Inc., Winchester, Virginia

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

39

John Lea

MOISTURESHIELD Specialist of the Year

Owner: John Lea Location: Marietta, GA. Year Founded: 1998 Website: info.decksouth.com Instagram: @decksouth

Decksouth Q. Take us to the beginnings of Decksouth.

Decksouth has been designing and building new backyards in the metro Atlanta area since 1998. As a 25-time NADRA National Award Winner, we partner with our clients to create true outdoor living on their property. John Lea started the company and over the last 23 years has built a very talented team of professionals that are Decksouth.

Q. When did you discover MoistureShield?

We have been impressed with MoistureShield’s solid core difference since we were introduced to it in 2009. Over the last two years, with their advancements in color and textures, we have used a ton of it. As a licensed general contractor we hate callbacks. We have had zero field failures with MoistureShield.

We’ve had the opportunity to work the MoistureShield team on several occasions. We built the 10 outdoor decks at their corporate office in Atlanta, and have built several trade show booths for

40

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Facebook: Facebook.com/decksouth Specialty: MoistureShield Composite Decking them around the country. They are true professionals who run the company as a hungry startup. I’m not sure I have ever seen a company listen to their end-users and act upon the feedback as well as them.

Q. What are your go-to products and colors?

We are big fans of the Elevate, Vision and the brand new Meridian lines. In Elevate we like Riverbank and Alpine Gray. In the Vision line we like Cathedral Stone, Mochaccino, Spanish Leather, and Cold Brew. In Meridian, we like all three: Citadel, Shoreside and Mariner. Our hands-down favorite is Cold Brew, with Shoreside a close second.

Q. What’s next for Decksouth?

We continue to try to be the best version of ourselves every day. We will always push the envelope of what we think outdoor living can be. There will never be a great build without a great design first, and we love being able to design more and more projects around the U.S. Currently we are working on a $500k+ porch and deck project in San Antonio.

3040BK: The ULTIMATE in deck protection

Removability

Waterproof

Solvent Resistance

UV Resistance

3040BK Self-Adhering Flashing Tape 

gtape.com

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

41

Dave Fraser • Leo Vargas • Jesus Vargas

MOSO

Specialist of the Year Fraser Decks & Patio Covers Q. How did you get your start in construction?

After graduating from Pepperdine University in 2002 with a degree in business administration, I never saw myself going into construction. A childhood friend and I had plans for a tech startup in Malibu, CA. While we were working on our startup, my friend’s dad offered to let us work part time for his construction company in Orange County doing a lot of outdoor living projects… barbecues, patio covers, landscaping, etc. About five years later I moved to San Diego to start my own business with a buddy from college who also was in the industry.

We started doing custom home remodeling, but we timed the start of our business poorly. We literally opened right as the U.S. economy collapsed in 2008.

We spent the next year doing whatever we could to stay afloat—digging ditches, building fences, small remodels, and then we landed a large home remodel that really let us get settled. As part of a

42

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Owner: Dave Fraser Location: Escondido, CA. Year Founded: 2007 Website: fraserdecksandpatiocovers.com Instagram: @fraserdecksandpatiocovers Facebook: /fraserdecksandpatiocovers Specialty: MOSO Bamboo more than 5,000-sq. ft. home remodel we built a few decks… and it was fun. As the years went by, we did more and more decks and fewer and fewer remodels.

When my business partner got married and moved away, I talked to my crews and we all decided that we really liked building decks a lot more than doing the full remodels. So we dove in, went full time in deck building, and learned as much as possible about decks. It was the best decision we ever made.

Q. How did you first come to use MOSO

Bamboo products?

I had a cliffside project in Solana Beach that called for ipé that was going to be very close to and, in some places, touching the ground. No manufacturer of ipé would warranty a project like that, so I turned down the project. Then I did some research and found out about MOSO Bamboo. It was the only material that would work with that clearance, so I

presented it to the homeowners. They loved it since their interior floors were also bamboo. We ended up installing over 3,000 sq. ft. of MOSO decking and siding. The project was amazing. We loved the MOSO materials and have been using it ever since!

We mainly use the MOSO Bamboo X-Treme Decking. It comes in handy anytime a homeowner wants a hardwood, but needs it near the ground.

We’ve also used it on commercial projects because it is so durable and so strong.

Q. Do you ever work directly with MOSO?

I am in regular contact with the CEO of MOSO North America, Brett Kelly. He is always a good source any time we have questions. We deal with the MOSO social media team as we tag each other in posts about our projects. I also deal with Adam Kenney from Boise Cascade, our local distributor.

Q. How has your business changed amid the

pandemic?

Business has boomed in our industry. We are currently booked out about eight months—despite the massive material cost increases. Most of the credit for handling these crazy times has to go to my employees. They have done an amazing job doing great work despite everything going on around us. I

want to give a shoutout to two guys: Leo Vargas and Teo Vazquez. They show up with a great attitude, build at an elite level, and are great examples to the rest of our guys.

Q. What’s next for Fraser Decks?

We just had an amazing couple of months. We won three awards and 1st Place overall in the 2020 Trex Deck of the Year contest: 1st Place over 1,000 sq. ft. (an Island Mist deck), 2nd Place 500-1,000 sq. ft. (Island Mist), and 2nd Place under 500 sq. ft.

(Tiki Torch). And we just won three NADRA Deck Awards: 1st (TimberTech Pecan deck) and 2nd Place (Trex Island Mist) in Limitless Creations over $100K, and 3rd Place in the Commercial Project category (MOSO X-Treme). To top it off, we just filmed a national commercial for TimberTech on one of our decks (the 1st Place NADRA winner) that will be airing on TV all summer! That was so fun!

It has been a whirlwind, but we are excited about where things are headed. We will continue to strive to be the best deck builders we can be, and to run our business based on two company mottos: (1) We will only advise you to do something that we would do at our own home, and (2) we will build your project at the same high level we would do if the project was at our own home.

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

43

Duane Moss

RAILFX

Specialist of the Year

Owner: Duane Moss Location: Tacoma, WA. Year Founded: 2016 Website: soundrail.net Instagram: @sound.rail

Sound Rail Q. How did you get your start in construction?

I have been in the construction/building material industry for the majority of my career. I worked on the manufacturing side and, wanting to spend more time outside, transitioned to railing installation.

From past railing work, I started being asked to build decks and have come to really enjoy it.

Q. How were you introduced to RailFX?

RailFX started in my hometown. They can ship rail packs for my clients in the time it takes to get a drawing/quote back from other vendors.

Our market is primarily coastal and view preservation is a big deal. Because of this we install a lot of cable systems, with the TR 200/250 rail. So, usually we use cable with the occasional glass system if the client is trying to create wind protection.

I work with RailFX staff on a weekly basis. Some of these systems are pretty complicated, and it can be hard to find help at the retail level. RailFX’s team is really good at coming up with solutions remotely— something that is essential with lines like these.

44

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Facebook: Facebook.com/soundrail Specialty: RailFX Railings

Q. Any projects on which the use of RailFX

products has been extra beneficial?

A high percentage of our product is installed within 100 ft. of saltwater, an environment notoriously hard on finishes and metals. It’s been shocking that we haven’t had any RailFX product failures.

We have had zero callbacks in five years of using RailFX’s line. It feels good installing a product that will outlast its substrate.

Q. What’s next for Sound Rail?

Because of these new market circumstances we initially did not have a bright outlook. That said, we expanded our offerings to go after more business and to offer more comprehensive services. We started doing more interior work and stair systems. These jobs tend to be more complicated, but also more gratifying to complete. Many builders want a railing installer for all of their projects, not just their decks.

We recently purchased a CNC machine, so we can offer custom solutions that bridge gaps in existing product lines. I think it will be a game changer.

TO CRUSH THE CLOCK

LEAVE THE COMPETITION IN THE DUST

The speed to tackle more in a day – if you can keep up. For 30-minute posts and same-day slabs, choose Sakrete Fast Setting Concrete Mix. Faster set. Less prep. More jobs. Easy choice.

Get Fast Setting – and get on to what’s next.

Summer 2021

|

See the proof at SakreteFast.com Deck Specialist | 45

Jesse Fuqua • Mike Morrison

RDI

Specialist of the Year

General Manager: Jesse Fuquay Location: Colorado Springs, CO. Year Founded: 1999 Website: newcreationdecks.com Instagram: @new_creation_decks

New Creation Decks Q. Share the origin story of NCD.

NCD was started in 1999 by Ryan Whitten, a local Colorado native. In the early years of the business, Ryan managed, sold and built all of his projects. Since then, we have built over 600 projects including decks and shade structures here in the Pikes Peak Region (El Paso County). We currently employ six team members. We specialize in lightgauge steel-frame structures for all our deck projects. We began this transition eight years ago.

Q. How did you join forces with RDI railings?

Our local supplier, Timbers Diversified Products, told us about RDI Excalibur railing as soon as it came into our market. We were excited about this new product because of the pre-bracketed posts. We quickly transitioned from another popular brand to RDI. RDI Excalibur railing has become our #1 seller here in the Colorado Springs market. We work very closely with Doug, our local sales rep. He is always available to answer our questions and keep us up to date on new products.

46

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Facebook: Facebook.com/newcreationdecks Specialty: Barrette Outdoor Living’s RDI Railings

Q. What are some of your go-to products?

We love the look of the new Avalon cable railing system. We just completed a front deck for a client.

They love the great curb appeal their house now has.

Clients are also loving the look of the new Latitudes railing panels. I sense more clients are going to be choosing this rail panel option as it gains popularity.

Q. How has your business changed amid the

pandemic?

Business has soared. People were stuck at home and actually using their decks. Many realized their deck was falling apart and needed to be replaced.

With the increase in house values, many were making use of the equity in their property and reinvesting into home repairs and projects.

Q. What’s next for NCD?

We are always looking to stay on the cutting edge of new and innovative products that are low-maintenance, durable and look great. We can always count on RDI to offer those products.

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

47

REGAL IDEAS

Specialist of the Year Simcoe Decks Q. How did Simcoe Decks get its start?

We are located in Ontario, Canada, and focus on projects north of Toronto. Simcoe Decks started four years ago. I’ve been involved in carpentry all my life and always had the entrepreneurial spirit.

I’ve always been passionate about what I do, but it wasn’t until I started working on decks that it just really clicked for me. Getting to work outside year round was a huge bonus for me, even in our sometimes harsh winters. It wasn’t really until my second year that my work started to get the attention of many local homeowners because of my attention to detail, quality and most importantly service. I learned a lot of valuable lessons along the way—that this business is all about people and that you are not just building a structure, you are building a place that many memories will be made on. In our third year, what set us apart in our market were the partnerships we made with local

48

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Owner: Michael Scott

Michael Scott

Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Year Founded: 2017 Website: simcoedecks.ca Instagram: @simcoedecks Facebook: Facebook.com/simcoedecks Specialty: Regal ideas Railings building centers and manufacturers that believe in quality and lead with innovation.

Our focus is on providing the ultimate “maintenance-free” deck and outdoor living space. Focusing on this I was finally able to attract the right clients which led to some great projects, including a couple submissions for our first ever NADRA Deck Competition. Now heading into our fourth year, we have even more incredible projects ready to go.

In January we booked up our season with projects ranging from $25,000 into six figures.

Q. Do you work directly with Regal ideas?

Regal ideas has been great from the start. Their products are easy to install, always innovative, and result in zero issues. But what really makes them my go-to railing supplier is their people. They build a personal relationship with you and are about making you successful. They understand our business

and I can always reach out to them no matter the time of day. Regal ideas launched a great contractor program in our industry and one of the only ones based around railings called DeckStars. This not only gave me and my team the training we needed, but it grew my network and brand within the builder community. They bring industry professionals to train on their products and give you real-life advice on how to build your brand and market your business. The relationships we have built over the years have been priceless.

Regal ideas also educated me on the importance of being an advocate of the industry and on the many benefits of NADRA. Going into 2020 where almost every manufacturer was experiencing product delays, we never had an issue getting Regal ideas with our local supplier.

They never missed a beat.

Q. Simcoe was selected, in part, because of its

tremendous growth and strides within the industry. To what do you attribute this?

Finding our niche in the market and focusing on “building dreams.” Homeowners are making us a part of their homes, and we pride ourselves on delivering their vision. At the end of the day, putting together a quality, long-lasting project is what I take the most pride in. I am very deliberate in all decisions made within my company to reflect quality as well. When I buy workwear, I don’t go for the cheapest shirt and slap my name on it; I pick a quality product. When I have signs made up, I don’t get a metal-framed bag sign; I look for a solid, well-constructed frame with an aluminum insert. When we are looking for gifts for clients, I don’t get them a cheap coffee mug; I get them a Yeti. Quality is considered at every level.

Q. Tell us about the importance of your team.

My first year I worked solo, so I can attest to the importance of having a quality team working with you. I couldn’t complete the level of projects we do now without a great team behind me. We are not a volume builder. Our business is based on quality so having guys who take their work serious and are passionate about what they do goes a long way. I never want to get to a point where we are pumping out deck after deck and jeopardizing quality.

I want to build quality projects and create an exclusivity around my brand. We may only build 12 to 18 decks a year, so I want to make sure the projects we take on fit our brand. I think that has really set us apart in our area. If a customer is looking for an entry-level wood deck, they won’t come to me.

But when a client has a large investment to make in their backyard, they have a lot more confidence in our company seeing the quality of work we produce.

Q. How important is employee training?

Extremely important. Training and investing in team members is investing in your brand.

Employees who are engaged and are invested in can elevate your company and brand to higher levels.

DeckStars is a perfect example of how Regal ideas understands the contractor by having their sessions after hours at times that allow contractors to get trained without having to leave a day’s work.

I am also very big on team culture and creating a work environment that is enjoyable and rewarding.

I expect quality work, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a great time creating it. I want to create a work environment that I’d want to work in myself.

Q. How did you come to discover Regal ideas?

We really wanted an easy-to-install product that was maintenance free. It just so happened that our local building center stocked Regal ideas. We used them on a project and were blown away at how much easier and nicer it looked over wood railings at a great price point. After one job, I knew I couldn’t install a wood railing again. Going into our second year, we felt strongly about two things: one was using helical piles and the other was installing aluminum railing. I made the decision that all my decks going forward would include those items.

Over the years my relationships have grown with many members of their team. Most of the time I feel like I’m dealing with family and not a large organization. When I decided I was going to do my first trade show I had never even thought to ask suppliers about donating products, but in talking to their VP of marketing he offered up their product with no questions asked. They were happy to support me.

When I approached them about partnering with me to do giveaways to help support local businesses affected by the pandemic, they were on board.

Q. Which products are among your regulars?

We do quite a bit of aluminum picket and glass railings, but in 2020 we installed a few Crystal Rail projects. It offers quite the wow factor and can take an outdoor space to the next level. There’s something about having unobstructed views combined with the LED lights at night that leaves you in awe.

Q. What’s next for Simcoe Decks?

We have some great projects lined up and look forward to working with our trade partners to develop even better products that the whole industry can benefit from. Giving back is important. I never thought contractors would reach out to me for advice, but I love to help where I can. I take great pride in making this a better industry to be involved in for everyone. Who knows, but TV may be on the radar… stay tuned!

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

49

TIVADEK

Specialist of the Year Diversified Design & Structure Q. How did you get your start in construction?

My first experience with carpentry was helping my grandfather in Vermont. I had the pleasure of working weekends with my father and uncle doing roofing as a teenager. This was enough to intrigue me that I decided to go to trade school for carpentry. During high school, I qualified for a work study program and was fortunate enough to get hired at a local lumberyard called Oxford Hardware. It was a family-owned company, and the three uoka brothers taught me a lot. I was able to make a bunch of contacts with contractors and eventually went to work full time framing houses. After years of seeing shortcuts, unprofessional actions, and gaining an understanding of the stereotype of a contractor I had had enough. I started Diversified in 2003 on my own. We are local, super small, and work by referral only. It took years of hard work and long

50

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Owner: Chuck Kindle Location: Oxford, CT. Year Founded: 2003 Website: diversifiedct.com Instagram: @diversified2003 Specialty: TIVA Building Products’ TIVADEK

hours to get respect and recognition. Today we have grown to be known as the company you want to call for a deck. We are deck building specialists, not just someone who can build a deck.

Q. How did you first encounter TIVA?

I first learned about TIVA from a colleague named Tim McDermott who works for Sherwood Lumber. He had been my rep from a different decking company in the past. He called me one day and said, “Hey, I just learned about an awesome decking product and immediately thought of you!”

Q. Are there certain TIVA products or colors that you regularly use?

Our most desirable color is Charwood. We use it both interior and exterior. It is our favorite accent trim for wrapping beams, posts, and even using it

as soffit. As far as for decks, we use Elmwood with Ebony accents and borders, by far.

Q. Do you ever work directly with TIVA?

I speak directly with the TIVA crew on a regular basis. Whether it’s pitch an idea for a product, giving feedback on current products, or just casually.

Terry, Meg, Chuck and Andrea are the most professional and personal group I have ever dealt with. It is truly a pleasure to have got to know them and we are lucky they chose us to be a preferred installer.

Q. You were selected for your superior

craftsmanship and unique details you put into every project you install. Describe some of your more interesting installs.

My favorite install was a small balcony deck (see photos). It had Kingwood decking totally picture framed with an inlay. The rails were all black with black aluminum balusters.

We used a deck drainage system and on the under side we used 1x12 Charwood to cover the framing as finish with 2 LED recessed lights. The beam and support posts were wrapped in Charwood.

We even used some scraps to make decorative corners on the fascia to break up the Charwood and make it pop more.

Q. How has your business changed amid the

pandemic?

We have survived, and I would say it is based on our work ethic and quality of work.

Q. What’s next for Diversified?

To keep growing and expanding. We have an awesome network right now. Who knows what doors may open for us, but one main focus is to help TIVA keep growing and expanding. They truly have an awesome product and it’s awesome to be asked for our opinions and feedback from time to time.

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

51

WESTBURY

Specialist of the Year Dowty Construction Q. How did you get your start in construction?

Growing up, I learned the construction trade from my father; he pretty much taught me everything I know. One summer while in college, I helped a buddy build a large deck. When the job was over, I realized that I basically did everything myself and that maybe I could make some money building them for others. Shortly thereafter in 2004 I started Dowty Construction. We specialize in highend decks, docks and boathouses.

A couple of years later, I partnered with my two brothers because I needed the help. Chris does most of the bookkeeping and taxes now, and he is always fine-tuning our business plan. Mike is in the field.

Q. When did you first partner with Westbury?

We started using Westbury Railings when (basketball coach) Steve Alford called me about a deck he wanted at his newly purchased house on Lamb Lake. Steve’s house has one of the best views of the lake, and he wanted a handrail that wouldn’t take away from his beautiful view. That is when I recommended Westbury’s Verticable Railing. He saw the

52

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Owner: Pat Dowty Location: Franklin, IN. Year Founded: 2004 Website: dowtyconstruction.com Facebook: Facebook.com/dowtyconstruction Specialty: Diggers Specialties’ Westbury Railings sample and loved it. After doing his job we installed Westbury Verticable on about four other jobs that year. We are still using it like crazy today. It is definitely our favorite product from Westbury.

We work directly with (distributor) PalmerDonavin on most installs. They have even been out to figure material for us on some larger jobs.

Q. Where do your design ideas come from?

Most of our ideas and inspiration come from just giving customers what they want. No matter what they can dream up, Mike can make it happen. Mike is a master deck builder and is only getting better.

Q. Has business changed over the last year?

Business hasn’t slowed at all for us during the pandemic; however, our prices have increased quite a bit with the price of material going through the roof.

Q. What’s next for Dowty Construction?

We are just going to keep focusing on delivering the absolute best product to our customers and everything else will take care of itself!

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

53

WOLF

Specialist of the Year Deck Remodelers Q. Share the beginnings of Deck Remodelers.

We are a family-owned and operated company.

You can say building and design is in my DNA. As a third-generation carpenter, I grew up in my father’s woodworking shop, learning about designing and building.

I’ve been self-employed for 30 years and in 2008, I opened Deck Remodelers. At the inception of the company, I was doing production work, which led me to be more of a manager rather than a designer.

A year later, I had the opportunity to build for a client who wanted something exceptional. At the project’s completion, I knew I found my true calling and I was done with production work. This was when I realized I wanted to focus on design and high-end finishes.

Luckily, the industry was beginning to change, bringing higher performance and improved materi-

54

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Owner: Sean McAleer Location: Sparta, N.J. Year Founded: 2008 Website: deckremodelers.com Instagram: @deckremodelers Facebook: Facebook.com/deckremodelers Specialty: Wolf Home Products als to the market that met my expectations. Before this, building decks was like painting with two or three colors. Now there is a full palette of paint (materials) to work with. That was the inspiration I needed to follow my dream.

Q. How did Wolf Home Products become one of your primary vendors?

I was originally introduced to Wolf Home Products by Bob Lett, senior market development representative, when they first launched their PVC decking line. I beta-tested a lot of the product, even putting it on my own deck. Wolf Home Products introduced the first line of deck boards that I had ever seen with a 25-year stain and fade warranty, which provided exceptional value to my customers.

I was one of the first builders in the area offering Wolf Home Products, which separated Deck Remodelers from the rest.

Q. Which Wolf products are among your

regular offerings?

The Serenity Decking line, specifically the tropical hardwoods collection. It combines rich, variegated colors with natural woodgrain texture in nine color variations. This durable decking also features ColorWatch100, which helps block harmful UV rays to promote color retention.

Q. Do you ever work directly with Wolf?

Absolutely. We have worked directly with personnel in building, sales and marketing for years.

They are a great company that stands behind their products. Wolf Home Products did something unique in the industry at the time—they reached out to contractors to see what would sell, instead of asking the homeowners. This fostered a true partnership which is something you don’t see often in this industry.

Q. You were selected for, in your nearly 10

years as a Wolf PRO, consistently providing customized excellence and originality.

Where do your “creative spins” come from?

We tailor every design to the individual style of the homeowner. The goal is to build a space homeowners can enjoy and create memories, and all within their budget.

There are no limitations for us. The main consideration and inspiration comes from the architecture of the home and how the homeowner wants to live outdoors.

Q. How has your business changed over the

last year, amid the pandemic?

First and foremost, maintaining safety for personnel and clients is our top priority. We had a bit of a slowdown in production due to the safety precautions we put in place during COVID-19, but we are currently back on track.

As our reputation grows, we are getting more and more calls in our service area, resulting in a substantial increase in clients. We are balancing growing the business while maintaining the quality we are known for—we’d rather cut back on growth and maintain quality than to overextend and end up compromising quality.

Q. What’s next for Deck Remodelers?

We are always looking to create more design innovations to take our offerings to a new level.

Additionally, we are committed to maintaining a steady trajectory of growth and growing the team.

Geographically, we’ve expanded over the last decade, and expect that to continue.

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

55

YELLAWOOD

Specialist of the Year Longview Decks Q. Take us to the birth of Longview Decks.

I started Longview Decks on July 1, 2010, out of my garage and the bed of my truck. My primary background is in fast-food management, car sales and car sales management. And when I started to think about the idea of starting this business, I was in a different business category altogether. My dad asked me to help finish a small deck project he was working on for a customer with a new mobile home, so I worked with him for the weekend to get it wrapped up. While working I started wondering, “Can mobile home dealerships add decks into the purchase of a home the same way a car dealership can add leather to a car purchase?” So, the following Monday I drove around mobile home dealerships and began asking questions. I was able to learn more and what I heard encouraged me to make a life changing decision. By the end of the following Monday, I had a 4x4 deck built, mounted

56

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Owner: Adam Brown Location: White Oak, TX. Year Founded: 2010

Adam Brown

Website: longviewdecks.com Facebook: Facebook.com/woodnillc Specialty: Great Southern’s YellaWood

on a homemade trailer with a banner, name and telephone number and I drove it all over East Texas. I sold the hell out of it to anyone with a set of ears. I visited 20 different mobile/modular home dealerships within a week and the rest, as they say, is history.

Q. You are being honored in part for the

tremendous growth of your business. What have been the keys to your success?

The keys to success, for me, were simple: (a) “Stay honest and transparent at all times.”

There is nothing worse than a person who claims one thing and does another. If you don’t know how to do something or for some reason can’t do something, be honest with the customer about it.

More times than not they are understanding and appreciate the honesty. The best relationships start with honesty and every customer relationship we

have begun with honest conversations from the beginning. (b) “Do what you said you were going to do.” If you committed to arriving by Monday at 8:00 a.m. then you do everything in your power to be there Monday by 7:50 a.m. And if you can’t, then make a phone call and let the customer know. Be sure to have a solution before you make the call. Your reputation will take you a long way. I believe a lot of people forget how powerful reputation is to a growing business. Good or bad. (c) “Surround yourself with the right people.” You are only as successful as the people you surround yourself with. If you have certain codes and ethics, you follow personally and professionally, you need to have people around that keep those same philosophies. They may not have them coming in, but if they are coachable and can be formed, they are keepers! (d) “Do not get GREEDY.” From the beginning I have had the philosophy of “Make $100 on a million people, don’t make a $1 million on one.” I’ll take higher volume with smaller margins over lower volume with higher margins. That philosophy has helped me grow consistently for 11 years straight without a single year less than the previous. In my opinion, greed can ruin a lot of things and a small growing business is absolutely one of them. (e) “McCoy’s Building Supply.” Way back in the beginning, they were the ONLY lumberyard willing to take a chance and extend a line of credit to a new growing business. I have always been grateful for the risk they took on me and I have made sure to stay loyal to them for that very reason. (f) “Wholesale vs. Retail.” I started with a wholesale mentality, meaning I wanted to build relationships with dealerships before reaching out to the public for business. The thought was for every mobile/modular home salesperson I’m able to sell to, that was 50 potential customers for a year. So, if I sell to one then I’m selling to 50. In the beginning my dealership to cash customer ratio was 80/20.

Since then, we are more 50/50 due to our reputation and our ability to advance ourselves and our skill sets.

Q. Specifically, you were chosen for building

amazing decks featuring YellaWood pressure treated pine. Why YellaWood?

YellaWood has been my lumber of choice from the beginning. The two most important reasons being the product’s appearance and ability to receive a stain’s true color once dry. The preservative found in YellaWood brand pressure treated pine

is Micronized Copper Azole. It allows the wood to keep a lighter, more natural looking color that better reflects the pigment found in a stain. When staining lumber with a darker treatment, it is hard to gauge what the final color will look like. It helped, as well, that my main supplier, McCoy’s Building Supply, is a carrier of YellaWood. A great product being supplied by a great company… that’s what I’ve always called a “win-win.”

Q. Can you share about any individual

project in which YellaWood products played an especially important role?

The Pinkerton family out of Texas wanted a fully stained, wrap-around porch on their home.

Since YellaWood is treated in a way that gives it a lighter, more natural appearance, stain tends to look more like its intended color than if applied over lumber with a darker treatment. Truthfully, YellaWood as been my only option from the beginning. I have always and will always only use YellaWood for all of my treated projects.

Q. How has business been over the last year?

Business has been booming! We have had some challenges with supplies, so we had to convert to buying more in bulk to keep up with the business.

But other than that, we are rocking with no signs of slowing down. There has been a lot of conversation around composite decking over treated decking.

Mainly because treated lumber costs are the closest to composite costs as they have ever been.

Q. What’s next for Longview Decks?

The sky is the limit! We recently gained possession of a 30,000-sq. ft. warehouse and fouracre yard. We plan to begin building and selling decks and porches for rent to own. These will be made available to our customers as well as mobile/ modular home dealerships. We are also getting into the above ground pool installation business so we can grow into a whole new customer segment.

Every above ground pool needs a deck just like every mobile/modular home needs one, right?

Every year has been an up year for us going on 11 years straight. At the end of year one we did $35,000 in annual sales. But by the end of year 10 we did $2.5 million in annual sales. Our plan is to exceed $3 million in sales by year-end 2021 with our 2030 year-end goal to be a $10 million dollar plus company with multiple locations. The sky is the limit!

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

57

PARKS AND DECK CREATION BOBBY PARKS

What is your building philosophy?

“Building” and “philisophy” may

seem like subjects that are on opposite ends of the spectrum, but the latter should come into play for builders. Most successful contractors don’t just build stuff. They have a mindset that includes specific ideas of what they are about. They develop their own style, the customer experience they want to deliver, and the types of projects they want to build. They possess beliefs of what reflects well on them as a builder, and a proven approach to people.

They have set standards that they operate within and look at their business as a long-term undertaking. They understand that decisions made now affect them in the future. They build and maintain a reputation accordingly and know what they want to be known for. They don’t just take jobs. They match themselves up with projects and customers that fit. They don’t just ask customers what they want and give free estimates. They consult and help them understand their options and lead them through a process.

The best will not deviate from their standards even if a customer would spend money with them for something cheaper. They realize that sometimes something cheaper doesn’t reflect well on them in the long run, so the profit gained up front doesn’t outweigh the potential consequences of a less than stellar reputation down the road. Their philosophy is to operate in a way that includes most, if not all, of the above aspects and one that they can be proud of. It also provides the best chance of a positive long-term reputation, success as a business, and profitability.

58

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

So, what is your approach to building? Do you challenge yourself with the job types or do you offer options because they are easier to build? Do you deliver the kind of projects you want to provide, or do you believe the demographics of your market are limited and hold you back? Do you strive to build a business or just provide yourself a job? If a customer asks you what your company is about, how do you answer? What is your 30-second elevator speech? What is your building philosophy?

My building philosophy and elevator speech are simple: “We are looking for partners in a build, not just a customer. We only build the kind of projects we believe in and are not just looking to sell a job. Our approach is to build projects that look like true extensions of the home. We combine products that we believe perform for the long term, stand the test of time, and reflect well on us as a builder. We don’t offer lower-end wood decks and porches because we know they don’t reflect well on us over the long term.

“We would rather you wait until you’re willing to budget more towards the project investment.

But, if you just want a newer version of what you have, or a wood deck is really what you want, we will refer you to another contractor that does that kind of work. As much as we would like to work with you, we won’t just take your money to put a job on the board.”

Your approach to being in business doesn’t have to be complicated. Being organized as a business owner, being creative as a designer, and being open minded about products are a few of

the requirements. Being honest and sincere with customers and not being afraid to ask for the sale are necessary. Using simple logic, organizing your visions and style, promoting, and communicating what you do are keys. Creating simple messaging is part of the formula.

The old saying that hard work pays off is only partially true. It takes a lot more than that to get to where most motivated contractors want to be. But not everyone has the same goals. You can limit your hours, limit your efforts, keep it simple, and just make a living if you choose to do so. Because this particular motivation level is common and accounts for a lot of contractors, it makes it easier for those who want to put forth the extra effort to stand out in their markets.

Average is easy, and you can coast to maintain that level. Being one of the better operators takes more effort. The common characteristic of top builders is that they possess an inner drive, a clear mindset, a positive attitude, and a competitive nature. Combine this with skill, commitment, and people skills, and you realize the makings of a standout contractor and person. Being in the upper group in your market when it comes to reputation, recognizable branding, and offering

upper-end projects provides many benefits.

So can you really fit something like “philosophy” into building, remodeling, or deck building?

One definition of philosophy is: a set of ideals, standards, or beliefs used to describe behavior and thought. Another definition is: an underlying theory or set of ideas relating to a particular field of activity. Both definitions apply to what we do.

Successful contractors have more depth than just building stuff. They improve lifestyles and provide improved function and recreational options for their customers. They set standards for themselves, learn how to develop relationships with customers, and deliver projects to them in a way that they don’t require therapy afterwards. So, I ask again, what is your building philosophy?

Bobby Parks is a nationally known contractor who has delivered over $40 million of outdoor living pro ects. e is founder and former owner of Peachtree Decks & Porches LL and current president of P onsulting & esign LL .

Protection to Safeguard your Customer’s Wooden Deck Structure

INSTALLS ON LEDGER BOARDS • JOIST TOPS • JOIST ENDS • POSTS

Stocking DeckWrap PowerBond® gives you additional sales opportunities when selling decking materials. This self-adhering waterproofing membrane is suitable for use with treated, untreated and synthetic woods. Start realizing new sales today by calling 800-882-7663.

Summer 2021

|

mfmbp.com

Deck Specialist

|

59

ON THE HOUSE

Contingency With any luck, the global pandemic

will soon be in the rearview mirror. It has been devastating for countless families and small businesses that have suffered loss of life and livelihood. Ironically, for anyone who has anything to do with building, the pandemic has created unparalleled consumer demand for home-related products and services. That combined with historically low interest rates has caused a buying frenzy that’s resulted in labor and material shortages not experienced in recent times.

A shortage of skilled labor certainly is not breaking news. However, who would have dreamed that we would experience vinyl and potassium shortages and that lumber prices would go through the roof?

Making a decent profit can be a challenge under the best of circumstances, but it can be a real chore when labor and materials are in short supply and prices fluctuate at the blink of an eye.

That’s where contingency comes in. The Oxford Dictionary defines contingency as “a future event or circumstance which is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty.” That pretty much describes what’s going on in the construction world.

The idea of including a contingency in your cost estimates should not be a new phenomenon.

A contingency is a cost that should be included in every cost estimate even in the best of times when prices are stable, and labor is readily available.

You might say that you don’t need a separate line item for contingency because you mark up your labor and materials such that you can make a decent profit. That might work for some, but for many who offer material and finish allowances to

60

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

their clients, it can be problematic and confusing.

You will always need to mark up your product to make a profit. And you should also always include a contingency to demonstrate to your buyer that you didn’t just “fall off the turnip truck” and that you realize that the proverbial “hiccup” can occur during a project or that in this volatile market, prices can fluctuate dramatically, and you don’t want to go back to them with your hand out.

Most bank-financed jobs require the borrower to include a contingency as part of their loan— typically around 10%. They know better than anyone that not everything goes exactly as planned and unforeseen costs will arise as a matter of course. They don’t want their client to be caught short or for their collateral to be compromised.

How much contingency should you include with your projects? That can only be answered by job costing several completed projects to determine real costs. We have been using a 4% contingency for 40 years. It helps cover our butts, keeps us competitive, and we can walk away with the profit that we are entitled to in exchange for our hard work and risk.

There’s no time like the present—and this volatile economy—to protect yourself and your clients’ interest by making sure you have all bases covered.

The arey ros. ames and orris are nationally known experts on home renovation and hosts of a weekly radio program and syndicated newspaper column, both titled On the House (onthehouse.com).

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

61

SET THE STANDARD BRENDAN CASEY

Competition forges excellence When I first saw the gallery of photos

being presented for the 2020 NADRA National Awards banquet and ceremony that took place on April 22-23 at the Sheraton Sand Key in Clearwater Beach, FL., I thought to myself, “WOW, this is like being in the Louvre for deck builders.” In reality, most Deck Specialists are outdoor artisans, so that would make sense.

If you have had a chance to check it out, you will most assuredly agree that the bar just keeps getting raised to unbelievable new heights. It’s almost unfair to the rest of us. The moment we feel our companies have reached the top, builders like these come out with awe-inspiring projects.

The winners in the lighting category absolutely blew my mind with their colors and details. The illuminated glass panel rail systems and the layouts of deck and landscape lighting were things you just don’t see in every neighborhood. The curved stairways leading down from one beautiful circular level to another gorgeous outdoor living space leave you scratching your head in bewilderment.

The blending of shapes, colors, patterns, transitions, and board directions remind you of the craftsmanship, detail, and hours of pre-construction planning that takes place in order to pull off feats of almost magical proportions. Though there is still a marketplace for the old rectangle deck on the back of a house (the bread-and-butter work for

62

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

so many of us), the veil has been lifted on a whole new stratosphere of design ideas and styles.

If you have not had the opportunity to attend one of these amazing events, put it on your list.

The honest, free-flowing fellowship, comradery, and sharing of advice, techniques, creativity, and mentorship that takes place is unbelievable.

Meeting with top industry professionals and manufacturers from all over the globe in a casual setting is like no other. People aren’t necessarily viewed as competitors, but more as peers and equals.

It felt good to sit down and have dinner with multi-award winner John Lea and his team from Decksouth in Georgia, who didn’t hesitate for a second to freely discuss detailed information about his construction with guys like Andy Henley of Hen House Decks in Ohio, and award winner Mike Mitchell of Mitchell Construction in Chicago.

These companies have three completely different approaches that bring them all to the same finish line of being highly successful, award-winning professional deck specialists. I sat there pinching myself, rubbing elbows with these guys.

It was truly an honor to be at the same table.

Follow that up with a chat with NADRA president Heath Bowman and Ryan Lieuallen from Ridgeline Decks in Spokane, WA., discussing how West Coast framing lumber and construction

techniques/requirements are so much different than they are here in the mid-Atlantic area. And how out west they don’t use the same treated lumber, nor do they have “ground contact rated” treated framing.

I discussed with other guys how in the north they don’t have nearly the same issues with expansion and contraction like we do in the mid-Atlantic area, therefore they are able to successfully miter corners that would look hideous around here. It’s a bold reminder that a lot of our craft is regional and even though we can gather ideas, we must also temper them with caution along with some additional trial and error.

It was great having lunch with the worldfamous Jason Varney of the television show Docked Out, as he pontificated on the incredible journey from where he started, passing out flyers, hustling up work, to now becoming one of the most recognizable dock and deck builders in the world today. Thank you, Jason, for taking the time to share and mentor another generation of builders like myself. On that note, we all need to give a big shout out to Heather, Mike, Margie, Stephanie, and the rest of the incredible NADRA family for putting together such an awesome event and gathering of talent.

Competition forges excellence and greatness.

When you match yourself against a higher level of craftsman, the more elite you will become, regardless of winning awards. I don’t believe in building for awards or accolades (awards should come organically), it’s more of a mindset of being the absolute best you can be every day. By doing that, maybe, just maybe, you will create that masterpiece, the golden Wonka ticket unicorn of a project that becomes the awe-inspiring outdoor living space that makes you the “talk of the town.”

When you start delivering projects that put you in the top 1% of your market, get them on your web and social media, the clients will seek you out, instead of you having to search for them. You can believe that prospective clients are scouring all platforms in their quest for the top professionals in their areas to create their dream outdoor living space.

So, the question to you is, do you forge your skills and hone your edge against competition like “Bob in his Beater” who is racing others to the bottom? Or do you want to set your sights on competing with world class artisans that will inspire you to become a true Deck Specialist?

If you are no longer satisfied with that “competing with the herd” mentality, and want to raise your game to another level, learn from the gentry

The blending of shapes, patterns, and board directions reminds you of the craftsmanship and hours of planning from builders.

of our industry and follow the works of the elite, put events like this on your schedule. Education is never ending; try to learn something new about this industry every day. Pushing yourself to a level of competing with the best will make every one of your jobs that much nicer and inevitably more profitable.

We recently had a client that was rudderless in their design after meeting with others. I was looking forward to our scheduled appointment because I knew she wanted lots of lighting and a curve. We showed her the manufacturer’s catalog that happened to have one of our curved decks on the back. Her eyes lit up like the Fourth of July.

Then we pulled out a photo of a curved deck with lots of lights on a house with the almost identical footprint. She said, “That’s exactly what I want.

How much was that?” She agreed to the job right on the spot.

In short, you can continuously waste your time constantly bidding against the cheapest guys in town for low budget, minimal profit projects, or you can excel to be the very best in your area, have the higher profit and more rewarding projects. Go be great. Be a Deck Specialist.

With 35+ years experience in construction, rendan asey, with his wife Dianna, launched asey Fence & eck, Frederick, ., fulfilling a growing need in the outdoor living market for an innovative and creative custom builder.

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

63

PRODUCT REVIEWS MARV JOHNSON

Fluke 424D Laser Distance Meter www.fluke-direct.com Retail Price: $404.99

Fluke 424D Laser Distance Meter Since the beginning of time, mea-

surements have played a major role in history.

They provide a valuable frame of reference, enabling us to build, trade and create. The first measuring devices were derived around the standards of the human body. Not surprisingly, those same standards translated to the units of measure we use today.

For instance, the inch was considered the width of a man’s thumb, the foot was just that— the length of a man’s foot and finally, a yard was equivalent to the length of a man’s belt. Things were good, but the standards and therefore the measurements were neither accurate nor convenient.

So, we went to work inventing and improving.

First out of the gate was the hodometer (really, I am not making that up) or waywiser, although today they are referred to as the surveyor’s wheel or click wheel. Ideal for measuring long distances quickly, the surveyor’s wheel has been around since the 1600s. Although this valuable measuring device has evolved over time, it pretty much functions the same way it did hundreds of years ago. Today these wheels are used most often for road marking, paving, fencing and surveying.

Then came the rule. Once considered the Kings of Measurement, early examples date back as far as 2650 B.C. A staple in most workshops, it was used for measuring length, as a straight edge for marking and even as a cut guide. Throughout

64

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

time, these rulers have been created in many shapes and sizes, from a variety of materials including copper, ivory, aluminum, fibereglass and several species of wood and metal. This was the origin of the folding wood rule still in production and in use by carpenters to this very day. Invented in 1883 by Karl-Hilmer Johansson Kollen and his company Hultafors, the folding rule is comprised of several small rulers joined together by unique pivoting hinges, allowing it to extend to a length of over 6 feet.

The design provided tradesmen with the ability to draw straight lines without the use of a chalk line or mason’s string while also proving to be a compact and portable measuring device.

Today Hultafors manufactures several high-end specialty versions of the folding rule, still considered a prized and trusted tool among masons and old-school carpenters.

Unable to leave well enough alone, next came the steel measuring tape. Considered a real game changer for many industries, it offered a more flexible and compact tool that could measure great lengths. Alvin J. Fellows patented the first spring measuring tape in a circular case in the U.S., but he doesn’t get all the credit. He merely improved an existing design created in 1821 by Englishman James Chesterman. Originally, he marketed them to surveyors as his “Steel Band Measuring Chain.” Fellows then took Chesterman’s design and added a locking element. This allowed the

tape to lock when extended, thus creating the foundation for today’s modern retractable measuring tape.

After a significant period without much development, invention or refinement of measuring tools, along came the field of solid state electronics and its darling, the integrated circuit. These were to be the catalyst that led to the creation of an entirely novel means of measurement—with a focused beam of light energy—BAM! The laser distance measuring device (LDM). A quantum leap forward in both speed and accuracy, the tools we regularly use today would be mind-boggling and unfathomable to those craftsmen who created some of our earliest standards of measure. I recently put one of those devices to the test—the Fluke 424D LDM.

The Professional’s Choice

The first laser distance measuring devices to hit the market were less than practical for many of the jobs they were made for. This is often the case for technology-based tools, which leads to slow adoption rate by the market. Technology tools usually require a learning curve before the value offered by the advancement is realized.

FLUKE incorporates all the pro-grade features that you expect from a tool at the highest level.

Carpenters are a reluctant bunch when it comes to trying something different. So, the initial adopters saw a tool that was supposed to make the task faster, more accurate, and less work.

Sadly, without an investment in learning, what resulted was a task that was slower, cumbersome, and expensive. Not entirely the market’s fault, it did not help that early LDM’s were often poorly conceived with menus and buttons designed for

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

65

computer engineers and not field carpenters.

They also suffered from random accuracy and repeatability issues. What’s more is they still required two people to accurately measure with.

I remember several early models that were very cool but embarrassing to use from a practicality standpoint. They required much more work to achieve an often less accurate result than if I had simply used my 25-foot tape. No batteries required.

Fast forward 15+ years, the modern LDM has come of age and is giving the tape measure a run for its money. They are neck-and-neck and the LDM may be poised to take the lead. The Fluke 424D Laser Distance Meter is hitting its stride.

The Fluke 424D at a retail cost of $404.99, is their top-of-the-line, professional series model.

As such, it incorporates all the pro-grade features that you expect from a tool at this level. The Fluke is intuitive to use, and the feature sets are easy to access. The menu system makes the unit’s features accessible, straightforward and logical to use… a frustration-free experience.

Why Use a Laser Distance Meter?

A laser distance measuring device is far more efficient than any other means of measure. So, the first reason would have to be speed and efficiency.

Point, click and done. Fast. Next is range. The 424D provides for a working measurement range of 100 meters or 330 lineal feet. In context, that would be the equivalent of 13 Fat Max 25-foot tapes extended and placed end to end. Then look at the accuracy, lots of room for error with the tapes, while Fluke boasts a resolution of +/- 1mm (less than 1/32”) and the LDM is the clear winner.

Finally, taking-off all those awkward, difficult to measure lengths no longer requires two people.

Suddenly, instead of paying your help to stand and hold the dumb end of the tape, his time is much more productive when used on tasks that move us toward the completion of the job… this speeds up production and increases profits.

Another feature that stands out is the built in arithmetic and trigonometric functions. Making for a single device solution when measuring for an obscured dimension or for volume, area or slope.

With the meter doing the math, estimating errors are almost a thing of the past. Finally, my favorite feature is the combination of tripod mode and timer functions.

These working in tandem makes measuring at the outer limits of the device easy, accurate and repeatable. They work by holding the device steady after alignment and prevent it from moving while taking the measurement. Previously, oftentimes pushing the measurement button

66

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

THE DEVICE provides for a working measurement range of 100 meters or 330 lineal feet.

would alter the alignment and corrupt the resulting measurement. With the timer and tripod function, simply line it up, start the timer, press “measure” and seconds later the actual measurement takes place—aligned and steady—resulting in accurate, repeatable measurements.

I could really find very little to dislike about the Fluke. It performed flawlessly and the feature set and tool are robust and easy to work with. By all rights almost a perfect tool. The only improvement I can think of would be that the device could use a touchscreen and the ability to connect to the internet. There is no wifi or Bluetooth networking capability.

The addition of these two functions would take an excellent tool and make it as close to perfect as possible. Several competitors have these features on their devices but are lacking in the core measurement features of the device, so those features are overshadowed by the subpar performance of the tool itself. Fluke, on the other hand, has a fantastic core measurement function and the additional features would serve to only make it that much better.

The 424D is a superb, reliable, efficient, productivity-enhancing super-tool with an industry leading warranty of three years. It’s supported by an established technology company that has been making high quality, professional grade tools and instruments since its beginning. The 424D is just another shining example of the excellent products that are their hallmark. arv ohnson is the principal of eck nvy LL , Gig Harbor, WA. Send comments and suggestions for product reviews to em aybuilding mac.

TROPICAL HARDWOODS Silver Teak Installation by Dr. Decks

HIGH-DENSITY CELLULAR™ TECHNOLOGY

Potomac Grey

FIBER SEQUENCING™ TECHNOLOGY

DECKED OUT FOR SUMMER LIVING. Your outdoor space is an extension of your home. With decking from Wolf Home Products, you can bring the same beauty and style you enjoy inside to create a comfortable living space outdoors. Wolf offers many popular, natural-looking colors to match your style. Plus, Wolf Decking is built to resist the elements, so it’s easy to keep your deck looking like new, season after season. It’s your home. Enjoy it all — inside and out.

For more details about Wolf Serenity™ and Perspective™ Decking or any of our Outdoor Living products, visit wolfhomeproducts.com

KITCHEN & BATH | OUTDOOR LIVING | BUILDING PRODUCTS © 2021 Wolf Home Products. All Rights Reserved.

First place overall was awarded to Decksouth Inc., whose partners included Trex and Fortress Building Products.

NADRA crowns national deck winners The North American Deck and

Railing Association honored the 2020 award winners for its National+ Deck Competition at its annual meeting April 22. Builders were able to meet in person for the first time in nearly a year in Clearwater Beach, FL. Attendance was expected to be lower than normal due to the pandemic, so NADRA made the decision to live-stream the event. Over 100 members in attendance were thrilled to be together again. Several who were not in attendance sent in personalized video messages.

“What a great event! Year after year the level of creativity, vision, and craftsmanship continues to raise the bar,” said Michael Beaudry, NADRA’s executive VP. “Where will you take it next? That’s the joy we all receive from watching the awards night, whether in person or online.

It’s a night that we, as an industry and as an association, look forward to each year. This year there was something very special about it.”

The association honored builders in a large range of categories. First place overall went to Decksouth of Marietta, GA., which also took home top honors for Alternative Deck $50k-$100k and Alternative Deck Over $100k. But it was LS Underground in Longmont, CO., that spent the most time at center stage, winning five first place awards in Wood Deck $25k-$50k, Alternate

68

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Deck Under $25k, Refinished/Restored Deck, Illumination, and People’s Choice.

Other first place winners included Casey Fence & Deck, Frederick, MD., for Wood Deck Under $25k; DBC Construction, Wood Deck $50k-$100k, Open Porch, and Railing; Infinite Decks, Alternative Deck $25k-$50k; Holloway Company, Closed Porch and Dock; Premier Outdoor Living, Unique Features; Fraser Decks & Patio Covers, Limitless Creation Over $100k; Ferris Home Improvements, Limitless Creation Under $25k; Deck and Basement Co., Commercial Project; and Wolf Home Products, Manufacturer Project.

To see all the winners, visit NADRA.org or follow @NADRARocks on Instagram.

Ferris Home Improvements, Newark, DE., celebrates its victory.

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

69

NEW NEW PRODUCTS PRODUCTS

eck- -Seal s new e ible, forming utility board gives pool contractors the freedom to work in tighter spaces because it bends easily to form a smaller radius of 6 ft., ideal for circular installations like hot tubs.

WF XBoard can work as a tile ledger in swimming spools and spas as small as 6 ft. in diameter. ade from compressed wood fibers, it is V -compliant and non-bituminous, and is available 10 ft. long, 1/2” deep, and either 4” or 6” wide. [deckoseal.com]

Envision Building Products now o ers Starborn s Pro Plug Hidden Fastening System for all full-profile deck boards and colors, allowing installers to face-fasten deck boards while eliminating visible screw heads and holes.

The system consists of epoxy-coated carbon or stainless steel screws, a PV composite tool that attaches to a standard drill/driver to drive screws to the correct depth without overdriving or stripping the screw, and plugs made with Envision’s decking material to match boards. [envisiondecking.com]

The new Deckorators ALX ontemporary aluminum deck gate for adds an attractive, safe and convenient entrance and exit point that coordinates with L ontemporary railing. Available in Textured Black and Textured White, the gate is ideal for keeping children and pets safe and contained.

A preassembled 48” wide gate is available for a 36” railing height. gate amb kit is available for and 42” rail heights, allowing for customized gate sizes. [deckorators.com]

70

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

71

Spyder Products has expanded its line of Stinger wood-boring bits to include brand-new brad point bits, as well as additional sizes and single packs of its power, auger and spade bits.

Designed for wood, laminate and composites, Brad Point Bits feature a patented tip geometry that drills faster, virtually eliminating chip burn and producing clean entry and exit holes.

The dual- uted design accurately guides the drill though deep holes, greatly reducing cutting friction and heat build-up.

They come in a six-piece kit. [spyderproducts.com]

ToughBuilt GelFit Stabilizer Knee Pads redefine how professionals use their knee pads.

The patented, rock-steady knee pad system allows the Stabilizer SnapShell to be removed entirely or interchanged with other SnapShells to create the exact knee pad you want for the ob. ts uni ue construction creates a wide footprint to the front, sides and rear to eliminate tipping-over, create a stable, comfortable feel, and decrease pressure on the ankles.

The ergonomic gel and foam design incorporates the natural shape of the knee and upper shin, maximizing pressure distribution and providing comfort throughout the day. The EVA elastic leg straps can comfortably maintain its position without cutting o the circulation or being tied behind the knee. [toughbuilt.com/knee-pads]

The new DeWalt FlexVolt 20V/60V MAX 15.0 Ah Battery is the highest capacity lithium ion battery o ered as part of the e alt cordless system. Delivering a new threshold of performance in the FlexVolt Battery lineup, the battery is designed to provide maximum runtime in heavy-duty commercial applications including concrete and masonry, building, and remodeling.

Utilizing patented technology to automatically switch voltage in accordance with the tool it is paired with, this battery is part of the 200+ products in the DeWalt 20V MAX* system and is compatible with all 20V MAX* chargers. [dewalt.com]

72

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Tre ommercial Products has e panded its Trex Signature aluminum railing line with two new infill options. n addition to traditional picket-style railing, architects and specifiers may now choose mesh or glass panel inserts to create truly distinctive exterior and interior spaces.

Suitable for both interior and exterior applications, Trex Signature commercial railing combines sophisticated design with the unparalleled strength of premium-grade aluminum.

Milwaukee Tool is adding to their Packout Modular Storage System with two new Packout First Aid Kits a -piece lass Type it and a -piece lass Type it. oth kits are packed with first aid essentials tailored to the most common in uries users encounter on the obsite. The kits are included in the most versatile and durable modular storage system.

[trexcommercial.com]

[milwaukeetool.com]

CoolDeck Technology

Reduces Heat by up to

35

%

*

Enjoy more of your summer outdoors.

MoistureShield with CoolDeck is the only composite decking designed to beat the heat.

* Compared to conventional capped composites.

Tested against a standard cap (MoistureShield Refine) in a similar color.

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

73

Makita U.S.A.’s new 40V max and 80V Max XGT lines feature a new standalone cordless system for various Makita tools, including hammer drills, impact drivers and table saws. The XGT delivers over 50 higher-powered cordless product solutions to applications

ENGINEERED COMPOSITE FOOTINGS

dominated by cords, gas, and air.

The system delivers exceptional water repellency and protection against UV, moisture, blackening, discoloration and wood rot. [makitatools.com]

BY

Save Time, Labor, and Hassle FootingPad® structural post foundations are engineered to meet or exceed the load capacity of concrete, while being lightweight and easy to handle.

Proven performance: over 400,000 in use No concrete required and easy to handle ICC Building Code Compliant ESR-2147

Learn more or request a sample at Footingpad.com or call 989-224-7095

Careybrospros.com Podcast

A podcast for pros with advice from professionals on marketing, business and products to improve the bottom line. Spotlighting interesting guests that will help you bring it all together.

74

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

Simpson Strong-Tie has added a new decorative post base wrap to its Outdoor Accents line of code-listed wood connectors and fasteners. The new post wrap fits around most nominal 4x4 and 6x6 post bases.

Made of black composite, they feature the arched profile of the Outdoor Accents Mission ollection. The four-piece cover easily screws together outside the post base, with no need for drilling. [strongtie.com]

abana by Stru ure is an outdoor cabana system that can be personalized to all backyard needs. The system features motorized ad ustable louvers, controlled LED lights, and an app feature.

With only a few clicks, the cabana will be shipped and installed.

Available in two colors, louvers, posts and beams can be monochrome or mixed. [cabanax.com]

- JULY 7-8, 2021 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE TO EQUIP AND INSPIRE THE NATION’S DECK BUILDERS.

FAST PACED. The conference will be held over two days for three fast-paced hours each day in the late afternoon/early evening, making sure you miss no time from the jobsite.

NETWORK with fellow deck builders and brand-name suppliers.

DISCOVER new products and sources.

LEARN from informative presentations

by Decking Industry celebrities and Deck Specialist columnists.

BOBBY PARKS

THE CAREY BROTHERS

THE ULTIMATE DECK PODCAST

MEET the winners of the Deck Specialist of the Year Awards FREE TO ATTEND. There is no cost to attending deck builders. Early registration will be announced early this spring to readers of our Deck Specialist eWeekly.

To make sure you are receiving the Deck Specialist eWeekly, email JBays@526mediagroup.com. For sponsorship opportunities, contact CCasey@526mediagroup.com

DR. DECKS

MARK KING

REGISTER NOW SYMPOSIUM.526EVENT.COM Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

75

DATE PLANNER The Deck Specialist Symposium When: uly What: The first annual eck Specialist Symposium will bring the decking industry together through a free all-virtual, two-day event. With presentations from renowned builders and contractors like obby Parks, The arey rothers, and r. ecks, and a digital tradeshow oor featuring the hottest products, attendees will receive the ultimate virtual experience.

More info: symposium.526.event

Home Improvement & Outdoor Living Show When: Sept. 17-19 Where: yrtle each onvention enter, yrtle each, S. .

What: Workshops, demos and exhibits for builders, remodelers and ers.

More info: fallshow.myrtlebeachhomebuilders.org

Portland House & Outdoor Living Show When: Sept. 17-19 Where: regon onvention enter, Portland, R. What: Expansive home show unites homeowners with the area’s top remodeling and building experts.

More info: homeshowcenter.com

eck

po - nternational Pool & Spa

po

When: Nov. 13-18 Where: ay ailey utchison onvention enter, Dallas, TX. What: DeckExpo is again partnering with the Pool | Spa | Patio Expo to present the premier event for outdoor living pros.

More info: poolpatiospa.com

Welcome Aboard!

Deck Specialist is delighted to introduce five first-time advertisers! We are very grateful for their support.

• Iron Woods hardwood decking and siding from Coastal Forest Products • MoistureShield composite decking featuring CoolDeck technology • Permapost, provider of Klear Gard 25 preservativetreated lumber • Tek-Rail vinyl and aluminum railing systems • Wolf Home Products High Density Cellular PVC decking and composite decking with Fiber Sequencing

Consider them when you’re in need of such products!

76

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

AD INDEX Page 61

Absolute Distribution Inc. www.absolutedist.com

41

Nichigo G-Tape www.gtape.com

55

Atlantis Rail Systems www.atlantisrail.com

74

On the House Media www.onthehousemedia.com

35

Avon Plastics www.armadillodeck.com

4-5

Pacific Woodtech Corp. www.pacificwoodtech.com

76

Big Foot Systems www.bigfootsystems.com

72

Perma-Column www.permacolumn.com

Deckorators www.deckorators.com

71

Permapost www.klear-gard25.com

7

RailFX www.railfx.net

25

76

DESIGNED FOR BEAUTY, MADE FOR LIFE.

Deck2Wall www.deck2wallspacer.com ARMADILLODECK.COM

61

DeckPro www.dekpromfg.com

13

Reclaimed Woods of the World www.lunawood.com

65

DeckWise www.deckwise.com

69

Regal ideas www.regalideas.com

23

Digger Specialties www.diggerspecialties.com

45

Sakrete www.sakrete.com

19

FastenMaster www.fastenmaster.com

31

Simpson Strong Tie www.strongtie.com

74

FootingPad www.footingpad.com

12

SpecRail www.specrail.com

29

Great Southern Wood www.yellawood.com

33

Sure Drive USA www.suredrive.com

11

Humboldt Sawmill www.mendoco.com

79

Tek-Rail www.tek-rail.com

14

Invis-A-Rail www.invisarail.com

37

Titan Metal Werks www.splitstop.com

53

Iron Woods www.ironwoods.com

43

TIVA Building Products www.tivabp.com

9

Lonza Wood Protection www.wolmanizedwood.com

39

Trex www.trex.com

59

MFM Building Products Corp. www.mfmbp.com

47

U2 Fasteners www.u2fasteners.com

73

MoistureShield www.moistureshield.com

15

Western Forest Products www.westernfp.com

51

MOSO North America www.moso-bamboo.com

Cover IV

Wild Hog Railing www.wildhograiling.com

Cover II-3

National Nail www.camofasteners.com

67

Wolf Home Products www.wolfhomeproducts.com

Deck Building Solutions • 866-767-1850 • www.suredrive.com • sales@suredrive.com

Summer 2021

|

Deck Specialist

|

77

IDEA BOOK

ountry views estled in the high country of onifer, ., sits a property with breathtaking views and multiple decks totaling up to 1,200 s . ft. of deck space. The pro ect, which is ad acent to a local park and overlooks San sabel ational Forest, features a main deck that consists of a dining area with two walkways coming from opposite sides and a step-down octagonal seating area with a 360° panoramic view. Another deck is a private balcony o the master bedroom that overlooks the park. A third deck is waterproof and built over the garage.

But despite the phenomenal views, the pro ect was a challenge and the builder, onathan oeller of olorado ustom overs & ecks, had to ree amine things like weather and product choice. “The build took place at the end of winter,” said Moeller. “We had to battle a couple of big snowstorms, but the wind really was the toughest. We were lucky Budget Home Supply in Longmont made the trip up the narrow, windy roads.” Still, Moeller and his crew were able to utilize the existing deck posts and caissons and did not have to dig into frozen ground.

Another challenge came when the homeowner wanted to keep the existing framing. “That always concerns me because often there is lack of understanding about what issues the existing framing might pose,” he said. “As often happens, once we started to tear o the old redwood decking, it was clear that the framing had to be replaced.”

Moeller chose Deckorators Voyage mineral-based composite decking in Mesa and installed with dge lips.

Deckorators rooftop sleeper system was used for the third deck over the garage.

“When you have a million-dollar view, you want to make sure the materials are the same caliber,” said Moeller.

The homeowners also had a di cult time deciding on the rail. Originally, they wanted to go with a wrought iron, but cable

78

|

Deck Specialist

|

Summer 2021

UPPER: hanging from the bulky rail with pickets to cable rail completely transformed the view.

LOWER: The octagonal seating area leads to a 360° panoramic view.

(Photos courtesy Deckorators)

railing was recommended for unobstructed views while matching the decking theme.

According to Moeller, changing from the bulky 2x6 rail with 2x2 pickets to cable rail completely transformed their view.

“The cable allows the viewer to have no obstructions and is a more a ordable choice compared to a glass rail,” Moeller explained.

The result left the homeowners incredibly happy with their deck, as they can now en oy the views without having to worry about the issues their previous redwood deck was giving them.

Submit photos of your latest and greatest pro ect to sornelas 526mediagroup.com

-nically Superior Vinyl & Aluminum Railing Systems

We Provide the “Guards” in Guard Rail We Have Been Providing -nically Superior Guards with Our Superior Railing Systems Since 1992.

-nically

REQUEST A FREE DECK & RAILING INSPECTION TODAY! Tek-Rail Inc.: Newnan, GA • Phone: (678) 854-0510 • info@tek-rail.com • www.tek-rail.com

DECK

SPEC IAL IS T 151 Kalmus Dr. Ste. E200 osta esa, -

WI

316

G

KS

G OE H

stainless steel

®

®

WI

H

O

®

HOG

HO ®

U.S.S.

LD

G

POWDER COATED BLACK

316 STAINLESS STEEL

HO

E S T. 20 20

H LD

OG

MOUN

TA

Endless Possib ilities

Y

IN TA

®

SIMPLIFIED PERGOL A SYSTEM

SMOK

hange Service Re uested

T RA

E n d l e s s Po s s i b i l i t i e s

E S T. 2 0 2 0

C

CHOOSE GREATNESS w i l d h o g p r o d u c t s . c o m

marine grade