Deck Specialist May/June 2024

DECK SPECIALIST

Ideas & Strategies for Outdoor Living Professionals

Traveling Wood Bullies

Gordon and Samantha South of Wood Bully discuss their upcoming East Coast tour of Decks & Docks locations

The Latest Railing Trends

2024 will see builders using railings with black accents that don’t obstruct views

Alaskan Excellence

Alaska-based Highland Construction mix “Alaskana” design aesthetics with modern materials

The High-Tech Deck

Builders are adding all the high-tech bells and whistles to their projects

Relaxation &

Parks & Deck Creation with Bobby Parks Set the Standard with Brendan Casey

Tool Reviews with Andy Henley and Mike Mitchell

Market Yourself with April Edwards

ON THE COVER: Gordon and Samantha South of Wood Bully are in front of a recent Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada project, sitting on deck framing built with Owens Corning’s OC Lumber Structural Framing. Photo by Kevin Cekanor.

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Brendan Casey, April Edwards, Andy Henley, Mike Mitchell, Bobby Parks

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DECK SPECIALIST is published five times a year at 151 Kalmus Dr., Ste. J3, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, (714) 486-2735, www.deck-specialist.com , by 526 Media Group, Inc. (a California Corporation). It is an independently owned publication for U.S.-based builders and contractors that specialize in decking and other outdoor living projects. Copyright®2024 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. May/June 2024 • Volume 8 • Number 2

Rebranding Your Identity

SHORTLY AFTER this year’s IBS show, I revisited my roots.

Ready for a change, it dawned on me that a haircut wouldn’t give me enough of the change I was looking for. My usual blonde hair wasn’t working for me any longer.

“Let’s go red,” I said.

“Red? What kind of red?” the hairstylist said inquisitively.

I don’t know—red, I thought.

“Here!” she says, handing me three swatches of hair dyed in various tones of red.

“You won’t be able to stay blonde,” she explained. “If you add red to blonde, it turns green.” Red and yellow make...orange, right?

As I walked out of the shop two hours later, I felt like a new me. Others noticed.

That’s what happens when you brand yourself correctly. Everyone notices. It’s drastic changes like these that make people notice.

Drastic changes like the cover of this issue...did you notice anything special about how this issue’s cover opens? That’s new for Deck Specialist. We wanted you to notice...

...because visuals represent and speak for a brand.

“A strong brand identity and social media presence can give you the competitive edge you need to earn more business,” advises Michelle Hendricks, category marketing manager for Deckorators on page 36.

...because the builders I spoke with for this issue know what it takes to connect with their customers. In fact, a few of them have been actively stepping away of their usual way of doing business to rebrand themselves.

Dan Pettit of Northern Outdoor Living, for example, explains on page 34 how he learned from the experts at Millboard how to curve deck boards without a heat source, which ultimately led him to building Millboard’s booth at IBS. Now he has clients asking for curves in their projects.

...because a brand must reflect artistry and connect you with your customers, as April Edwards explains on page 56.

Rebranding yourself can be as simple as changing your hair color from blonde to red.

And Raymond Degidio (page 28) discovered that the addition of the new FastenMaster ICON ScrewJoist deck substructure system, what he dubs “The Game Changer,” has helped him improve his business in southern Rhode Island.

Gordon South of Wood Bully has been busy getting ready to jump on the road this summer for a few months. Starting in June, he and his wife, Samantha, will be documenting their 25-stop tour of the Eastern Seaboard to learn from other pro builders how those builders construct their decks and docks. See page 14 to learn more about the tour.

Change is good. Like going blonde to red, or learning a new way of building, or touring the East Coast, sometimes it takes a big, bold step to get you noticed again.

Sara Graves is the managing editor of Deck Specialist. Reach her at sgraves@526mediagroup.com

Dan Pettit of Northern Outdoor Living in front of the Millboard booth where he shows off his newly acquired skill of curving deck boards.

Welcome to the World of

Millboard Decking Achieves WUI Certification

Millboard’s Enhanced Grain and Weathered Oak decking products have achieved certification for use in Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas across the country.

Millboard’s composite decking materials have undergone rigorous testing to meet the stringent requirements for the certification. “Our team remains committed to delivering innovative products that exceed customer expectations,” said Martin Stevenson, marketing director at Millboard.

Millboard continues to contribute to the safety and resilience of communities facing the threat of wildfires. This WUI certification underscores the company’s dedication to providing innovative solutions that address the evolving challenges associated with urban-wildland interfaces.

Wolf Home Products To Distribute Keylink Railing in Midwest

Keylink, manufacturer of aluminum railing systems, has expanded into three Midwestern states with distributor Wolf Home Products. Wolf will distribute Keylink railing in Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin in addition to other states in the region.

“We are excited to expand the distribution of our aluminum railing systems to dealers and contractors in these states,” said Javan Lapp, Keylink CEO. “This is a continuation of our ongoing partnership with Wolf in a thriving market and we’re excited to see the growth that results for all of our partners.”

“We’re looking forward to furthering our partnership with Keylink to satisfy the demands of the midwestern market,” said Craig Danielson, president and CEO at Wolf Home Products.

“We have boots on the ground and an excellent distributor partner in Wolf,” added Jason Hesse, Keylink’s Midwest regional manager based in Wisconsin.

New Castle Steel Partners with K+R Building Materials

New Castle Steel, Inc. has collaborated with K+R Building Materials to provide builders and lumber dealers across the U.S. with highquality New Castle Steel framing products.

“New Castle Steel is a leading provider of steel framing solutions, and we’re rapidly expanding our manufacturing and service capabilities. By forming a relationship with K+R Building Materials, we’re not just bringing our product line to more builders across the U.S. but also our commitment to quality and innovation,” says Jason Alloway, founder and president of New Castle Steel, Inc.

Adding K+R extends New Castle Steel’s customer service and educational opportunities. Like New Castle Steel, K+R pledges to offer contractor training, takeoffs, and field support to get the job done.

Vista Railings Expands Distribution with Carolina Atlantic

Vista Railing Systems Inc. is expanding its distribution network with the addition of Carolina Atlantic in Greenville, S.C. This is the second market that Vista Railing Systems and Carolina Atlantic have teamed up in, previously in Calhoun, GA.

“We are very excited to expand our distribution network with Carolina Atlantic into their Greenville location. The addition of the Greenville location to the Calhoun location makes our products available in the South Carolina, Eastern Tennessee, Western Alabama, and Northern Georgia markets on a day-to-day basis,” said Kalvin Eden, national sales manager, Vista Railing Systems Inc.

The TravelingWOOD BULLIES WOOD BULLIES

For three years, Gordon and Samantha South of Wood Bully have envisioned a tour in which they could leave their Toronto, Canada, home to travel to various locations and meet with local builders. That vision will become a reality in June when they will travel along the Eastern Seaboard, stopping at 25 Decks & Docks locations to learn from and hang out with the local builders who work in those areas.

“This has been a dream of mine for years now,” Samantha says.

Gordon explains that when he and Samantha first mentioned the idea to Owens Corning Lumber, they ironically had a similar idea in mind. “It was a complete coincidence that during the meeting, they had asked us at the same time where we had it on (our) agenda to ask them, so it was sort of like the stars aligned and great minds think alike. Everyone thought of the idea.”

“I’m super excited to be able to meet all these people and to just get on the road. I just can’t believe that this is real!” Samantha adds.

“There’s a lot of characters out there...we wanted to make sure that we gave those characters a say,” says Casey Ingle, director of strategic marketing for Owens Corning Lumber. “You’re going to get a chance to see local market building practices that are unique to use...and you’re going to get to see a personality like what Wood Bully brings to life.”

Owens Corning’s largest decking customer, Decks & Docks, whose footprint spans from the Florida Keys to Long Island, N.Y., and who currently has 38 locations, will be hosting meet and greets at 25 of their locations from June through August as part of the tour (see the sidebar for a list of locations. Dates and times TBA).

ABOVE: Gordon South (shown hanging from the beam above) demonstrates the strength of OC Lumber, which he will be repping this summer with his wife, Samantha South, as they travel on tour along the Eastern Seaboard.

“We’re there for the guys that are out there building outdoor living structures on a daily basis. We need to be intimately familiar with their needs and what they do,” explains Decks & Docks president Tyler Wallace.

TOP RIGHT: The rest of the Wood Bully crew will continue building the company’s projects in Gordon and Samantha’s absence.

And because everyone involved in the tour shares a passion for educating builders about building better and safer structures with the best products, any deck builder featured in the tour and who isn’t already a North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) member, is eligible to sign up on site for a free, oneyear NADRA membership.

Ingle adds that the tour isn’t going to simply be a roadshow of watching different decks being built. Nor will it be 30 videos of coastal marine docks. “We are going to be actively looking for people who do unique and different things.”

“We’re going to have Wood Bully come. We want to put him on your labor team for a day. We think there will be plenty of interesting opportunities,” Ingle says.

Ingle hopes to see Gordon and Samantha having a

lot of fun. In Florida, for instance, he wants to watch Gordon learn how to water ski from one local dock builder who has a propensity for water skiing off his dock builds.

Gordon says he’s excited about discovering what East Coast builders do after hours. “I’d like to do some other things with them as well—whatever it is that people in that particular city do after work. I’d like to really get the life experience of what it’s like to live in these places.”

His first stop in the Florida Keys (Big Pine Key, FL.) has him particularly jazzed. “I’m a big Florida fan because I’m Canadian,” Gordon says. “I’ve never been that far south in Florida so it should be interesting to see what life is like on such a small island.”

Gordon admits that as a “city guy,” he doesn’t have

“THE EXCITING PART IS TO SEE HOW COASTAL BUILDING PRACTICES ARE IN DIFFERENT STATES, DIFFERENT CITIES, AND TO SEE HOW THEY VARY.”

Gordon and Samantha South of Wood Bully will be stopping at 25 Decks & Docks locations across the Eastern Seaboard to learn from and hang out with local builders who work in these areas. >>>

much experience building docks, boathouses or seawalls along a coast. The docks he’s built have been over a lake. “I’m pretty much just a city guy and I’ve been building in the city, so the exciting part is to see how coastal building practices are in different states, different cities, and to see how they vary.”

“Maybe you’ve got a problem that you’ve been thinking about... and you wish there was a solution for it,” Wallace explains. “We might have a solution shown in one of these videos.”

For those builders who cannot meet the Souths at any of the stops, Gordon will be posting all his adventures on his social media channels as they unfold. “If (builders) ever have been interested in what’s happening in different towns and how people build in different places, I will be their auxiliary person. I’ll be doing it first-hand.”

Gordon says although this tour is new to him and Samantha, he always been “a big fan of shaking things up” in his business. That’s how he says he first became acquainted with OC Lumber’s Structural Framing.

He explains that at the beginning of last year, after being introduced to the product at Deck Expo in 2022, he began testing it to see how it would fare in the Toronto weather (temperatures range from -10° to +30° Celsius, or 14° to 86° Fahrenheit). In using the product, he learned that it doesn’t shrink, swell, crack, warp, chip, or absorb water. “From the heart of winter to the heat of summer, we didn’t notice any movement at all.”

Gordon says since the lumber installs like wood, using the tools and fasteners of wood, there’s no special training needed to learn how to build with it. Plus, he adds, it comes with a 25year warranty, which is a big selling point for his customers.

Nevertheless, Gordon adds that this tour is not so he can sell or recommend OC Lumber to builders. Instead, it’s simply to show people that it exists. “If the people like it, those people will buy it,” he says.

Ultimately, for Ingle, Owens Corning is sponsoring Wood Bully on this tour because they care about a better way to build and about bringing new materials to life. “We want this to be a kind of a love letter to the industry.” DS

WOOD BULLY tour stops

• Big Pine Key, FL.

• Fort Lauderdale, FL.

• Cape Coral, FL.

• Sarasota, FL.

• Clearwater, FL.

• Winterhaven, FL.

• Hudson, FL.

• Orlando, FL.

• Merritt Island, FL.

• Jacksonville, FL.

• Savannah, GA.

• Charleston, S.C.

• Greenville, S.C.

• Birmingham, AL.

• Nashville, TN.

• Knoxville, TN.

• Charlotte, N.C.

• Wilmington, N.C.

• Newport News, VA.

• Baltimore, MD.

• Barnegat, N.J.

• Long Island, N.Y.

• Butler, N.J.

• Cleveland, OH.

• Toledo, OH.

The Industry Follows

THE LATEST RAILING TRENDS

BY SARA GRAVES

INNOVATION IN OUTDOOR RAILING is driven by the desire to provide lasting customer satisfaction as well as ease of installation. According to industry experts, here are the latest trends that address both.

What customers are looking for

A primary concern of homeowners is being able to customize their outdoor living space to allow for an unobstructed view, while not compromising on privacy or durability.

According to Robert Viviano at Invis-A-Rail, the hottest trend in railing is the more transparent-type systems. “The clunky, old, decorative railings of the past are fading away. Mid- to upper-grade decks lean toward the sleeker transparent rails whereas the basic entry level decks are not, due to price level. When families are outside on their deck, it is not to be caged in, but to experience the outdoors. You can only do that with a see-through type railing.”

Cable railing has provided the transparency that customers are looking for. According to Duradek, the contemporary and low-maintenance design of cable railing provides fantastic unobstructed views while ensuring the same safety advantages as other styles. “Mesh or perforated panels, at the opposite end of

the spectrum, offer easy maintenance and increased privacy, particularly suitable for multi-unit buildings,” says Stirling Noyes, marketing specialist.

Jim Zoellner, Zoellner Designs LLC, Avon, IN., a builder with 20 years’ experience as a design engineer, agrees, and adds that half of his decking jobs include cable railing. He takes his projects to the next level by fabricating his own railing posts to prevent them from bending when tension is added from the cable. “I’m a perfectionist. I really like robust decks and railing.”

“People renovating their outdoor living spaces are bringing a strong sense of personality and function into their design choices. We’re seeing more and more homeowners looking to create their own backyard oasis.

“— Helen Adappa, director of product management, PrimeSource Building Products

On the other hand, Mike Kunard, owner of IG Railing, points out that while cable railing and framed glass have traditionally been used to create the best views, frameless and post-less glass railing have been growing in popularity. New products, such as IG Railing’s frameless and post-less railing system, integrate low-voltage lighting.

“Glass has been the unspoken champion in providing the best view, but until recently (had) largely been left to custom glass shops with few manufacturers offering complete systems into their post and framed offerings,” Kunard says.

In addition, homeowners are gravitating more towards over-thepost options and systems that capture the horizontal infill aesthetic, adds the Keylink product team. Their research has identified an increased emphasis on both horizontal cable and horizontal aluminum baluster-based systems, such as Keylink’s rod railing.

The experts at Trex Co. are seeing an increased willingness of customers to move beyond wood or white vinyl railing to mixed materials and streamlined, modern looks with a particular emphasis on metal.

Follows

A primary concern of homeowners is constructing an outdoor living space that provides privacy yet doesn’t obstruct the view. Photos by Duradek and IG Railing.

The “mixed-medium approach” to customizing the outdoor space, such as larger, chunkier posts combined with modern style elements like slim line railing and horizontal baluster, or cable infills is a trend that Envision is eyeing. Chase Moritz, director of marketing, adds they have several new railing products in development that will help contractors and homeowners meet these new trends.

Leslie Adkins, group vice president of marketing and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) development for Trex, adds, “Whether metal balusters in wood or composite rails, or full aluminum panels and posts, this also plays into trends of mixed materials throughout an outdoor living space such as composite decking, metal railing and stone pavers.”

Homeowners are opting for a modern aesthetic twist, commonly accomplished by mixing materials such as cable infill with wood posts or pairing a drink rail to match their deck boards, confirms Helen Adappa, director of product management, PrimeSource Building Products, which owns RailFX and other premier brands.

“People renovating their outdoor living spaces are bringing a strong sense of personality and function into their design choices. We’re seeing more and more homeowners looking to create their own backyard oasis, choosing cable railing, to ensure they can fully enjoy the view,” she says.

Feeney president Katrina Ralston adds that blending the durability of aluminum with a palette of vibrant colors is turning decks and patios into personal statements of style. “It’s catching on because both builders and homeowners are looking for ways to make outdoor spaces truly their own—safe, functional, yet unmistakably stylish and customized— while making sure the spaces are durable and low-maintenance.”

And because exterior designs are trending more towards using black exterior accents in place of traditional white, Oldcastle APG, owner of the RDI Railings, Barrette Outdoor Living and MoistureShield brands, has expanded its MoistureShield Solid Core Navigator composite deck railing and RDI Transform railings to include black. “Black railings offer a nice contrast to just about any exterior and align with recent design trends in new home construction and remodeling, such as windows with black grilles and trim,” says Matthew Bruce, VP of sales, building products distribution, Oldcastle APG.

Other companies have responded to the demand for the modern, sophisticated look that customers are looking for. AGS Stainless Inc., for instance, launched it new stainless steel, dual-infill railing line Denali earlier this year. It is crafted from 316 marine-grade stainless steel, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.

For Andrew Pantelides, executive VP of Regal ideas Inc., the makers of CrystalRail and Regal Railing, adding lighting to the railing while keeping a non-restrictive

view is trending right now. He says homeowners are investing more into creating spaces of retreat and relaxation with ambient lighting. “Railing is not just black and white anymore. The retailers that will win are the ones that offer a collection of choices to homeowners.”

Horizontal railing, such as Fortress’ Fe26 Axis horizontal steel railing, will be on trend for the next several years, according to Fortress’ senior product manager Don Douglas, largely due to homeowners’ high-design preferences and growing interest in woodalternative materials. And even though initially there was some pushback in certain areas of the country with horizontal railing due to the perceived “ladder effect,” it has remained a growing segment of the market.

“Homeowners are asking their contractors for horizontal railing and as this trend continues to grow, we’re seeing more and more parts of the country adopt this trend and embrace it.”

Michelle Hendricks, Deckorators category marketing manager, has found that today’s homeowners are seeking flexible, functional designs for their decks,

Adding lighting to railing without restricting the view, and the use of black exterior accents are popular among homeowners. Photos by Regal ideas and Summers Exteriors.

such as using Deckorators composite decking to create a cocktail rail. “While full dining tables take up a lot of valuable space on the deck and tend to be used only a handful of times each season, cocktail railings offer an efficient way to open that space without eliminating seating.”

Smart home trends in connection with railing might influence railings design, suggests BuyRailings’ COO Steve Davies. The marketplace could see more integration of technologies such as LED lighting, motion and light sensors, or automation for security.

Ultimately, whichever railing is chosen, privacy remains a top concern of homeowners.

“As houses are built closer together in newer neighborhoods, privacy when outside enjoying your deck space becomes more and more important,” says Rob Mitchell, president and CEO, Vista Railing, which introduced a woodgrain aluminum privacy wall that has sections 6 ft. high by 6 ft. wide and has the structural integrity of a guardrail.

Similarly, Century Aluminum Railings is in the

process of launching a new privacy wall/fence and gate system, says Mick Harper, marketing & communications manager. “People want more privacy for their decks, patios, pool and hot tub areas and they want something that looks classy and evokes quality. Our new privacy wall/fence can use glass or aluminum, wood, or composite boards in different colors to fit any style or taste.”

“We’re confident that homeowners will continue to prioritize safety, durability, and versatility in the outdoor living space,” says Hendricks.

Speed of installation

“We’re see railing designs embracing even greater personalization and efficiency, especially when it comes to installation,” says Feeney’s Ralston. “It’s not just about creating beautiful outdoor spaces—it’s about bringing those visions to life with as much joy and as little hassle as possible.”

End users and customers are wanting products quickly, adds Lawrence Boyts, VP of sales and marketing, Digger Specialties Inc. Digger’s recently launched Westbury Pro Rewards program helps teach, train and certify installers, while offering additional money for their Certified Westbury Installers. He asserts there is “a need for distribution to have basic stock inventory of products to streamline the time process from start to finish.”

And to make railing simpler to quote, ship, order, and install, Kunard says IG Railing has developed a railing system with proprietary configuration tools that easily map out what size of its standard glass panels will fit the opening being built, and where to place them. “We are building out national distribution partners that are successful in supplying lumberyards decking and railing products.”

“I envision the future needs for railings to be ‘simplicity’ in terms of ordering and installation,” adds Invis-A-Rail’s Viviano. “If a system tends to require a long learning curve, or too many different parts to put together or possibly lose, (contractors) tend to get frustrated and move on to find another system.”

“In the building industry, you really do get what you pay for,” says Mitch Summers, Summers Exteriors, a builder who prefers to use Keylink railing for its quality and because it is made in his hometown of Lancaster, PA.

In the age of instant gratification, says RailFX’s Adappa, project timeline is becoming more of a driving factor. “Both contractors and homeowners don’t want to wait weeks to start projects or have them lingering waiting for parts to arrive.” DS

ALASKAN EXCELLENCE

KYLE DEWINTER AND HIS TEAM are Alaskans who love community and mix traditional “Alaskana” design aesthetics with modern materials.

How did you get started in the construction industry?

I had a somewhat unofficial start to my career in construction. At 14, a family friend, who owned a construction company, agreed to take me on as a laborer for the summer. Each morning, one of his carpenters would pick me up from my parents’ house and I would ride to the jobsite ready to soak up any and all trade knowledge that came my way. I spent most of my teen years and young adulthood working for several different contractors doing everything from residential repair to large-scale commercial construction. Ultimately, I fell in love with deck building and decided to launch our company in 2016.

HIGHLAND CONSTRUCTION

SERVICE AREA: Mat-Su Valley, Eagle River and Anchorage, AK.

SPECIALTY: Composite Decking & Custom Railings

OWNER: Kyle DeWinter

YEAR FOUNDED: 2015

WEBSITE: highlandconstructionalaska.com

INSTAGRAM: @highland.construction

FACEBOOK: @highlandllc

What are your individual strengths and weaknesses as a company?

Our greatest strength is our commitment to excellence. Our customer service, organization, communication and adherence to schedule are second to none. As a team, most of us are life-long Alaskans and have deep connections to our communities. This gives us extra incentive to bring our best to every project and ensure every client has a positive experience. Our greatest strength can also be our greatest weakness. Executing at a high level all year means we all end up needing a vacation! The satisfaction comes in knowing that we’ve earned it.

Tell me about what makes your decking/outdoor living projects unique.

With each outdoor living space we create, we seek to combine beauty, function and fine craftsmanship with longevity, durability and sound design for a subarctic climate. We have switched almost exclusively to using helical piers as the foundation for our outdoor structures. Precise installation and protection against “frost heave” (a hydraulic function of expanding, freezing earth against a buried footing) made this an

easy decision. Frost-resistant foundation systems and structurally reinforced timbers may be an eyesore for some, but we strive to integrate them into our project visuals with intentionality and focus. Additionally, we often find ourselves balancing a client-driven desire for modern and high-durability materials with a contrasting goal of traditional or “Alaskana” design aesthetics. These considerations reflect clearly in each of our builds and truly make our projects unique.

Are there any specific strategies that you apply to your business that have made it successful?

We pride ourselves on providing the best contractor experience possible to all of our clients. From the beginning, this has been our clear and conscious commitment. The feedback we have received over the years has reinforced this, and our strong network of client and contractor referrals is a testimony to this core value. We believe that in an industry dominated by fast project execution and driven by profits, bringing care and attention back to the client and their needs has given us the edge in our local market and continually reminds us why we have a passion for building.

What are some challenges your business faces and how do you overcome them?

FRANCHISE

Operating a construction company more than 2,000 miles away from the contiguous U.S. is a unique experience. Everything from sourcing out-of-state materials to placing deck footings in perma-frost (permanently frozen ground) are challenges we face on a daily basis. Unless locally stocked, something as simple as a composite railing package will need to be barged across the Northern Pacific Ocean before delivery to one of our job sites. We have developed strong relationships with our local lumber suppliers and have a detailed scheduling and procurement processes in place for all special order products and materials. We manage these associated lead times well, and ensure that our clients receive as seamless of a build experience as possible once they have secured a spot on our schedule.

Tell me about your team.

Highland Construction has always been an owner-led, team-driven company. Our typical work force ranges from between two to five employees with a quality collection of dedicated subcontractors. We handle all client meetings, design and general construction inhouse with our subcontractors providing their required specialties. We have had the privilege of employing top quality individuals and are always interested in partnering with and employing high-integrity personnel.

THE HIGH-TECH DECK THE HIGH-TECH DECK

WITH ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY, innovation and good ol’-fashioned creativity, some builders are taking their decks to the next level by adding all the bells and whistles—plus that little bit of something extra.

Visuals and Sound

When it comes to outdoor televisions, Clint Hendricks, Renovation Station LLC, Glenwood, IA., knows a thing or two about what it takes to elevate his projects to the next level. Watching one of his televisions disappear into his home’s underdeck with a flip of a switch is enough to catch anyone’s attention.

Hendricks, who previously created custom items for an automation shop in Omaha, NE., built his first flip-down television after he was inspired by a similar product. He improved the design so it didn’t show any part of the television when fully lifted, and so a normal television could be used, and still be protected from weather and theft.

He explains that to create the lift, he welded a steel frame with two ears that stick above the frame, which pivot off the housing where the television is housed. The actuators are located above the lift. “Anything that moves is outside of the box. You don’t see anything electronic.”

Relay circuits control the up and down motion of the lift. Once the button is pressed, the lift raises until it hits the limit switch. A cover plate comes

down to access the electronics of the TV.

Currently he is building a new kind of lift with an infrared control relay inside of it. It will be connected to a universal remote that will initiate a series of actions. “It sets up a process of commands off of one control button,” he adds.

Mitch Summers, a builder with Summers Exteriors in Lancaster, PA., also knows what it takes to elevate an outdoor living project. One client, in fact, hired him to set up a deck project so that a projector could be mounted on the house and project outward to the gable end of the roof. It was designed to be pulled down from the beam and could be hooked up to a Blu-ray player or streaming device.

To add that something extra to his projects, Summers makes sure the outdoor sound is at its highest quality. He prefers wired speakers to “be sure the sound quality and functionality is excellent without wireless issues/malfunctions.” He recently installed two Sonos speakers, which were “by far, the best quality we have encountered.”

Ted Holloway Tidmore, owner of Holloway Company, Inc. in northern Virginia, a TrexPro Platinum contractor, says he likes to seamlessly integrate his outdoor TVs, whether that is above a fireplace, nestled into a privacy wall, or integrated into the foundation of a house.

One project in particular, Tidmore explains,

involved the installation of a 16’-wide TV at the back of a pool. “This stunning integration of technology and design ensures that the beauty of the outdoor space is enhanced while providing an unparalleled form of entertainment.”

Jim Zoellner, Zoellner Designs LLC, Avon, IN., says he was inspired by Jason Russell of Dr. Decks, LLC to create his first enclosed TV.

For his deck-mounted TV boxes, he buys his TV lifts from Precision Automation out of Canada, then builds a box to surround the lift, often matching the materials already in the outdoor living space. Regular TVs are used inside the moisture-proof boxes.

If the automated lift stops working, it is designed so the homeowner can take the top off of the TV enclosure and get inside. It takes four fasteners to take the top off. Those fasteners require a special tool to remove them, which prevents theft.

“This stunning integration of technology and design ensures that the beauty of the outdoor space is enhanced while providing an unparalleled form of entertainment.”

“This stunning integration of technology and design ensures that the beauty of the outdoor space is enhanced while providing an unparalleled form of entertainment.”

Zoellner, who has 30 years of mechanical design engineer experience, elevates his projects to the next level by adding a ZVOX sound bar that rises up and down with the TV. He also adds cable railing and lighting.

In his mounted TV boxes, he creates a horizontal hinge between two doors, so the bottom door closes downward, and the upper door closes upward (think: automobile hood), he explains. When the doors are closed, magnets hold them closed. A lock is installed to keep the TV secure.

Deck builders are taking their projects to new heights, including deck-mounted televisions (above) that drop down with the flip of a switch, and outdoor televisions for those entertaining near the pool. Photos provided by Webb Decks, Renovation Station LLC and Holloway Co.

Lighting

When the TV or projector aren’t on, homeowners appreciate complementary lighting in the outdoor space, especially when they can customize it.

Lighting systems, such as DEKOR’s RGBW colorchanging lighting system provides a spectrum of colors for customers to choose from. The system’s tiny, waterproof dots install flush with the installation surface, and can be controlled with DEKOR’s WiFi controller, which also controls non-DEKOR lighting.

NeuTerra’s Aurora DIY Plug & Play Smart LED

Builders, including Jim Zoellner of Zoellner Designs LLC (who builds deck-mounted TV boxes, sometimes with the help of his daughter Jaime), and Mitch Summers of Summers Exteriors (who created the pull-down projector on the left) are bringing high-tech to their decks.

Kits make it easy for homeowners to select custom colors and create lightshows for everyday use or special occasions.

For his outdoor lighting needs, builder Clint Webb, Webb Decks, Godfrey, IL., prefers Tru-Scapes’ deck lighting system that includes everything from the transformer and wiring itself to a wide array of lighting options for all areas of the railing deck, stairs and landscape space. His favorite is the array of post cap lights that fit a wide variety of railing brands that he most commonly installs. DS

Easy to install. Built to last.

Strength and selection go together with Outdoor Accents ® decorative hardware from Simpson Strong-Tie. We’re always expanding our Mission Collection® and Avant Collection™ lines with new products and accessories, making it easy to enhance outdoor structures and living spaces. Both feature an innovative hex-head washer and fastener combo that looks like a bolted connection but installs as simply as a screw. It’s the only approved fastening solution for Outdoor Accents connectors. Plus, our code-listed connectors and fasteners are rigorously tested for performance. So whether you’re building a pergola or a pavilion, it will be strong, safe and beautiful for years to come.

To see our complete lines of Outdoor Accents decorative hardware and download free project plans, visit go.strongtie.com/outdooraccents or call (800) 999-5099.

Mission Avant

© 2024 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. M-C-OA23-C

THE GAME CHANGER

BY RAYMOND DEGIDIO

I ALWAYS LOOK FOR the next best thing in this industry. Sometimes it is tools, software, railings, etc., but you usually do not find it in the exterior deck framing area. There have been some steel framing systems introduced, but it requires a different learning curve. Earlier this year, I was introduced to FastenMaster’s ICON ScrewJoist system, I have dubbed it “The Game Changer.”

The deck substructure system that combines the strength of steel with the ease of wood installs faster and requires less of the hardware normally used. It also is installed using the same tools we always use. We build high-end decks in southern Rhode Island, and it always frustrated me that the foundation for our decking was never perfectly straight or flat. We are a TimberTech Platinum contractor and installing high-end PVC decking on standard framing never felt right. We would have to size our joists, rip or plane them, shim them on the beam, and take our time putting everything in place to ensure the framing is flat. Even after all that work, the framing will dry out, shrink and create waves in the decking.

The ICON ScrewJoist is an open web joist which uses a 2x4 KDAT pressure treated framing member on top and bottom, and structural screws on angles in the web area. When you pick up a 16’ 2x10 pressure treated board, chances are it’s twisted, has a big crown, or it is bowed. A 16’ ICON ScrewJoist is straight and flat.

The other huge advantage is the weight. It is possible to pick up a 16’ ScrewJoist in each hand and carry them around. Try that with traditional framing. For our first deck, we pushed the design envelope, and built a 50’-long deck, varying in depth from 12’ in one section, 16’ in another and then 21’ in a third area.

We started with a drawing, which we submitted to FastenMaster. My contact, Ernie Gasbarino, sent me back a preliminary drawing to bring on site and review. After a few revisions, we received a complete set of drawings for the project and a delivery date. We did all our sitework, installed our beams and set the ledger. The ledger is a pressure treated 2x8 stock that we rip to 7-3/8. When you set the ledger, you need to remember that the ICON ScrewJoist goes over and under the ledger by 1-½ ”. The total height is 10-½”. We set our ledger and secured it using FastenMaster LedgerLOKs. We then laid out the joists on our ledger based on spacing and numbers on our drawing.

The ICON ScrewJoist sat on top of our beams and over the ledger. We installed the first joist, screwed the top of the joist down with two 3” FastenMaster MVP screws has become our preferred screw with our framing, then two more screws from the bottom. So, you have four screws securing the joist top and bottom chord. This engineering allows us to not need a joist hanger. This is a big thing because it saves so much

LEFT: Raymond Degidio has discovered that the FastenMaster ICON ScrewJoist deck substructure system has been a game changer for his business.

The deck substructure system that combines the strength of steel with the ease of wood installs faster and requires less of the hardware normally used.

time, eliminates additional hardware, and allows us to get to laying the decking faster. We then installed two more 3” MVP fasteners through the bottom chord into the beam. Due to the engineering, we no longer need tie down hardware from joist to beam. This, like the joist hangers, saves us time, hardware, and another step eliminated.

The area of the deck where we were over 16’ proved to be a simpler installation than we initially thought. There was an alcove set in, so we ran our ledger straight across, added an additional two pieces behind it and hung it off the other ledger. The joists then simply sat on the house ledger and the new inset beam. The joists don’t have to sit on a drop beam, you can build an inset beam and set them like you would on the ledger.

We recently had a project that called for a twoply drop beam, but we realized it would limit the headroom under the deck. In the field, we built a twoply beam and set it on posts at the same height as our ledger. We removed the front squash block on the ICON ScrewJoist and installed the joists on the beam the same way as the ledger. We then ripped a 2x12 down to 10-1/2” so it was the same overall height as the joist. We fastened this to the outside of the ends of the joists and our inset beam creating a three-ply beam. The ability to adapt in the field made this an easy change for us.

Putting up the frame is faster than the original framing style and eliminates going back for hardware installation. Our first deck was 50’ wide with double beams, an inset beam for one section, and was set in under two hours. There is no way we could do that with conventional pressure treated framing. We did a 20’-wide deck, 12’ deep, 8’ off the ground with an inset beam in 28 minutes. We did a 34’ deck, 12’ deep, 10’ off the ground on a drop beam in 38 minutes. It is amazing how quickly the system installs once you are comfortable with it.

CONTINUED >>>

Blocking on a regular deck requires cutting blocks, installing them in between joists, and then screwing each side of the block into the joists, from inside the joist bay, which is a tight fit. Using a 20’ deck as an example, we rip a 2x8 to 7-3/8”, then simply slide it through the web of the joists from the end. Once it is through all the joists, you install screws top and bottom, and blocking is done.

We also use blocking to help us with stair landings if they come off the side of the deck. We install blocking through the web of the joists in the first three or four bays, then slide our landing joists over the blocking. We use picture frames on our decks, which means installing the end joist, installing a joist 5-½” in from that joist, installing a 2x6 in between them at the top and screwing them off. With the ICON ScrewJoist system, we just install two joists next to each other, giving us 7” of framing to work with. We add blocking where we need it for secure mount posts or for top mount aluminum railing systems. These areas are highlighted and marked out on your plans along with any other blocking details.

Everyone builds decks differently, and this system may not be for everyone. We build 90% of our decks with TimberTech AZEK decking and railing systems. The

Raymond Degidio has found that putting up the frame with the ICON ScrewJoist system is faster than the original framing style and eliminates going back for hardware installation.

It is easy to install, has a complete set of drawings, is lightweight, prevents injury, and in the end is a cost-effective solution to better decking.

decking has a 50-year warranty, the railings have a 35-year warranty, and now our frame has a 25-year warranty. It is easy to install, has a complete set of drawings, is lightweight, prevents injury, and in the end is a cost-effective solution to better decking. For all these reasons and a few more, that’s why I call it ‘The Game Changer.’ DS

Raymond Degidio is the owner of Decks By Jalex LLC/ Jalex Builders LLC, a construction company located in southern R.I. After starting a building and remodeling company in 1989, he began building more complex decks. He formed his deck company after finishing in second place in a national competition in 2016.

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Full Circle

BUILDER DAN PETTIT, owner of Northern Outdoor Living, Hastings, MN., used to tell himself that he wasn’t interested in learning how to add curves to his decking projects—that was until he found a new way of doing it.

Initially, the only way to get curves that he knew of was by learning the science of bending boards through the heating process. “I thought that’s not something I wanted to learn at this point in my life,” he says. “I understood that bending boards demands a great deal of respect and knowledge of board composition (core and surface) and the respective sweet spots of temperatures in each to best control the manipulation. I was staying away from that since it isn’t my strong point. I focused on creating my own niche.”

He began to change his mind after he was introduced to Millboard’s “disappearing screw trick” at Deck Expo in 2022, and then saw their product at a local show in Minneapolis in 2023, where he was shown how getting a radius or any type of curvature in an outdoor living project could be achieved without a heat source.

“It was explained to me by one of the main product developers. That was kind of it,” he says. “This system took away the burden of time and knowledge that it takes to heat and bend boards the traditional way, the only way I’ve ever known.”

Fast forward to last November at Deck Expo 2023, Pettit was approached by Millboard to build the company’s booth for the International Builders’ Show (IBS) and be its ambassador.

“I got to get my hands on every product that they put out, including some that haven’t even made it to market yet. I went to work and got a little creative with those things,” says Pettit, who lives close to Millboard’s distribution unit outside of St. Paul, MN.

He used Millboard’s nosing as a flexible product to shape around the perimeter for the 12’ radius platform on their booth, then took a router and flush cut into the deck boards to follow the circle’s circumference.

“Their system is set up with two layers of flexible sub-fascia, called Plas-Pro, which is made from recycled plastic, coupled with the actual fascia,” Pettit says. “Altogether, this creates the perfect shelf surface for their flexible nosing that will flex to and around whatever curve has been framed and leave a ½” overhang.”

“The rubber cap of the deck boards is so grippable,” he says, noting that it’s perfect for water areas, such as saltwater/freshwater docks; boardwalks; the vintage look, or around pool decks and hot tubs. “That’s a huge thing to prevent it from being slippery.”

After taking the designs and adding a little signature lighting flare of his own, he constructed the booth at his Minnesota shop for nearly six weeks.

“I myself created curves for the first time on the stand during its build,” he adds.

He then shipped it on two semi-trucks in early February to IBS in Las Vegas, NV. Once it arrived, it took him and two crew members 3-1/2 days to construct the booth at the show.

“Full circle, no pun intended, here I was, putting a curve on a deck, and putting a nice tight curved inlay in it as well,” he says. “It was so easy and turned out super clean.”

IBS’ Products Delight Builders

More than 76,000 builders, remodelers and home building professionals poured into the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV., for three days to attend the 80th annual NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS). This was the biggest IBS in 15 years, with over 1,800 exhibitors, including 800 new companies, filling four halls and an outdoor pavilion for a total of more than 678,000 sq. ft., a nearly 12% increase in floor size over last year’s show.

But it wasn’t just the size of the show that impressed some builders, but instead, it was the products that were being shown.

“For me, seeing companies trying to be more innovating with their products was the biggest thing,” says Andy Henley of Ohio-based Hen-House Decks. “It seems like they are really starting to listen to the builders and how the builders are setting the trends on the market with our different styles.

For Henley, the glass deck floor from Glass Flooring Systems, Sparta, N.J., grabbed his attention. “This is a great example of a product that will take our industry to a different level of artistry,” he says.

He also was drawn to Millboard’s composite decking. “Millboard is a great product as well. You can bend their material without even heating it up. It looks like reclaimed wood.”

Gordon South, Wood Bully, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, agrees, adding that he feels the Millboard product will become a top deck board in North America within the next few years.”

South says the show was the busiest he’s seen it in years. He was really excited to see the new stuff from GRK and Paslode, adding that the Angle Pro “is going to be a game changer.”

Dan Pettit, who spent all his time at the Millboard booth, and who had previously been to a couple of Deck Expos, was surprised by the “buzz, amount of flow and interest that happened at the Millboard booth. “The stand was on fire until after 5 p.m. on the final day of the show.”

This year also marked the 11th anniversary of Design & Construction Week (DCW), the co-location of IBS and the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA’s) Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS). DCW drew over 117,000 attendees, and more than 2,400 exhibitors occupied over one million net square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibits. NAHB and NKBA announced an agreement to extend the co-location of IBS and KBIS for four years through 2030.

IBS 2025 will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV., on February 25-27, 2025. DS

USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO CONNECT WITH CLIENTELE BRANDING 101 For Contractors:

BY MICHELLE HENDRICKS

THE OUTDOOR LIVING INDUSTRY is full of talented, creative contractors. In such a saturated market, where you’re just as capable as the firm next door, a strong brand identity and social media presence can give you a competitive edge to earn more business.

You might be thinking, “But I’m not a marketer!” No problem—you don’t have to be. You just need to learn how to leverage the tools available to make your firm stand out. The following guide is designed to help you make that happen.

It’s all about visuals

Visuals are the foundation of your firm’s identity, from social media to a website to vehicle wraps. Ultimately, your visuals represent and speak for your brand—that’s why it’s crucial to have high-quality photography that shows off your work in the best way possible. Hiring a professional to capture your finished projects is a worthy investment, but you can take your own photos with the right equipment and considerations.

High-quality photography does your hard work justice. It elevates your portfolio and adds a professional

element to your online presence. You can also use the photos across your social media, website, and other marketing materials for years to come.

Leveraging social media

In today’s world, social media is often the bridge between firm and potential clients. Along with a website, it’s the hub where they’ll get their first impressions of you, discover your capabilities, and ultimately decide whether you might be a good fit for their project. That’s why it’s so important to maintain a strong, active presence online.

If you’re struggling to come up with post ideas or stuck in a cycle of repetition, try to think about new ways to reach your customers that go beyond selling a service or products. Here are some ideas to help you get started.

1. Share your knowledge. You’re an expert, after all— and whether you realize it or not, you have valuable insights that your audience will appreciate. Turn your expertise and experience into useful resources for your followers.

BELOW: A behind-the-scenes look at the progress of a multi-level deck by Colorado Custom Covers & Decks, built using Deckorators Voyage

This could look like:

• How-to guides for deck cleaning and maintenance

• A winterization checklist

• A short video discussing current trends or common myths

• An explanation of how your design process works

2. Use testimonials. There’s nothing more powerful than a firsthand recommendation. Collect reviews from satisfied clients and leverage them across your social media (with their permission).

This could look like:

• A simple text-only post featuring a client review in quotes

• Photos of a finished project alongside quotes from a satisfied customer

• A brief video review from a client explaining their experience with your firm

3. Show the progress. People love to see action shots. Make sure to take plenty of photos of projects as they progress as well as photos of your contractor team at work. This will offer your audience a glimpse behind the scenes and lend a sense of authenticity to your firm.

This could look like:

• Before and after photos

• A time-lapse video depicting a day on the job

• Posts highlighting members of your team

LEFT: Professional photography makes all the difference as shown in this project by Simcoe Decks of Ontario, Canada. Photo by Nat Photography.

Decking in Khaya. Photo by Timothy Gormley

BONUS: Make these posts and photos shareable. Your clients will most likely love to share their project progress with family and friends, and you’ll reach new audiences when they do so.

4. Maximize your partnerships. If you’re about to post photos that feature certain products or any outside firms that you may have partnered with on the job, make sure to tag them. This will allow you to reach their audiences and boost your brand awareness.

This could look like:

• Tagging the manufacturer of a product you used in a project photo

• Tagging electricians, pool builders, landscapers, or anyone else you may have worked with

• Taking a photo of your team using a brand’s product and sending it to the brand to let them know you’re a fan (they might repost it or tag you—it’s worth a try!

BONUS: If you’re a fan of a specific product and use it often, check with your manufacturer to see if they offer any membership programs that could benefit your business. For example, the Deckorators Certified Pro program offers product savings, training workshops, a contractor website, and more.

5. Find ways to be interactive and engaging. Chances are your followers are curious about your work. Offer them opportunities to send feedback and get their questions answered.

of deck design at

This could look like:

• Polls (e.g., “Which outdoor color palette do you prefer?”)

• Posting a “Question” sticker on your Instagram story and posting your answers

• Going “Live” to connect with your followers for a Q&A

6. Embrace evergreen content. The Highlights feature on Instagram is particularly useful for this. A few Highlights sections on your firm’s page offer more opportunities for clients to connect with you and explore what you have to offer. The best part is that you can recycle videos and stories here so they continue to add value to your page.

Example Highlights:

• A photo collection showing examples of small-footprint designs by your firm

• A collection of your time-lapse videos

• A collection from your Q & A

7. Tell your story. Don’t be afraid to share your company’s story with your followers. Are you a family-owned business? Do you specialize in certain terrains or project types? Let your prospective customers know—these details can help spark connections. Even just a simple post about how your business got started could make all the difference and add a welcome personal touch to your page.

Once you’ve got some new content going, it will be a process of trial and error to figure out what connects best with your audience. Don’t be afraid to keep testing ideas until you find the ones that stick. DS

Michelle Hendricks is the Category Marketing Manager for Deckorators, a leading brand of UFP Industries, Inc., and offers insights from the brand’s experience innovating new products in the composite decking, railing, and accessories market.

LEFT: A glimpse

work by Cascade Fence & Deck of Vancouver, WA. Photo by Cascade Fence & Deck

5of System Selling Benefits

Expert Insights from Top-Performing Deck Builders

YOU WOULDN’T BUY a Chevy truck and then put Ford bumpers on it, would you? The same philosophy applies to decking projects. Commonly referred to in the field as “system selling,” the concept of working with a single brand offers a number of benefits to both contractors and homeowners. Based on conversations with some Platinum-level TrexPro contractors, following are five reasons to embrace a monogamous relationship with your materials supplier.

1. Product Compatibility

Customers want their decks to look cohesive. They also don’t want to be overwhelmed with too many choices. Using products from multiple brands may lead to confusion and compatibility issues that can negatively impact efficiency, productivity and customer satisfaction.

Conversely, partnering with a single brand that offers a full range of complementary products reduces risk and worry. By working within a strategically engineered product ecosystem, contractors can alleviate concerns about component sizing and color matching and outfit entire outdoor spaces with components that are intentionally designed to be compatible.

“It’s natural to talk to customers about Trex railing and lighting when you’re already selling them Trex decking,” said Bruce Verblaauw, owner of NJ Decks and Railing in Mahwah, N.J. “Working with a brand that offers a comprehensive portfolio instills confidence with homeowners and our installers because they know the products will work well together.”

2. Time Savings

Efficiency is at the heart of any successful project. At the end of the day, time is money. Working with a mix of brands and suppliers means going through multiple distributors. It also means dealing with different warranties which can lead to major headaches. Having a single point of purchase allows less room for error. Products are easier to source and easier to replace if needed.

1 2 3

Working with a branded system also affords greater quality control for contractors and streamlines the installation process because components are purposefully designed to integrate. Case in point, the new Trex Hideaway Fastener Collection works seamlessly with Trex decking and railing to make the assembly process more efficient while delivering a clean, cohesive aesthetic. This gives channel partners a competitive advantage by allowing them

to deliver end-to-end solutions from one supplier for a smooth, worry-free deck-building experience from the joists up.

“Working with one brand simplifies the entire process,” noted Verblaauw. “You have one supplier, one distributor and one warranty provider. It just makes things easier.”

3. Warranty Coverage & Rewards

Speaking of warranties, this is an area where brand loyalty pays off – literally. Beyond backing their products, some brands also offer labor warranties that stand behind the installation and the installers. Trex offers a labor warranty on certain products that increases with a contractor’s status in the company’s TrexPro program as well as with the number of Trex projects and the number of Trex products used on each project. For instance, if a TrexPro contractor uses both qualifying Trex decking and Trex railing for a project, the labor warranty automatically doubles.

Another way suppliers reward contractor loyalty is with marketing support, be it co-op funds, point-of-sale displays, branded merchandise or access to customizable advertising and public relations materials.

“Trex has a pretty robust loyalty program,” said Tim Kidd, owner of Decks by DAK in Charlottesville, VA. “If you do a good job of registering your decks, it’s good for you and for your customers as well. We’ve earned enough reward points to outfit our entire crew in branded Trex gear. We also give branded gifts to all of our clients. If you play your cards right, you can cover your entire marketing

CONTINUED >>>

Trex Signature X-Series Cable Railing (shown left) and Trex Solar Post caps (right) are two of the many Trex products that builders are loyal to.

budget with warranty registration-based reward funds. This is added incentive for me to use as many Trex products as possible.”

4. Service & Support

Building a relationship with a supplier offers more than just convenience and financial rewards. It nurtures trust and leads to shared success. Brands and distributors are likely to take care of contractors with more skin in the game, make them a priority when issues arise and support their business objectives.

“I have a strong relationship with Trex and also a good relationship with our distributor (U.S. Lumber). I know all the players personally and they know me and my team,” explained Kidd, whose crews build more than 100 decks each year, mostly in the $20,000-$30,000 range. “By working with one supplier, we are able to leverage our position and volume to get distributors to stock the products we want. We also get a good percentage of our leads from Trex due to our status in the TrexPro program, which ranks us high in the dealer locator on the Trex website. It’s a true partnership where everyone has everyone’s back!”

5. Increased Profit Potential

A beautiful backyard consists of more than just a deck. In fact, it’s accessories like railing and lighting that truly bring a client’s vision to life. A comprehensive outdoor living brand allows contractors to optimize profit potential by providing a one-stop showroom

and shopping resource. Additionally, resources like the Trex AR Deck Visualizer, Color Selector, Deck & Railing Duos and Online Deck Designer allow builders and homeowners to experiment with different decking materials, profiles and configurations in an organic way that highlights extras without coming across like a hard sell.

“We know we are not just building a deck, we are building the deck for our customers,” said Kidd. “We bid the system based on their total vision. That means decking, railing, lighting, drainage, pergola, outdoor kitchens, fencing, you name it. It’s important to discuss the full scope of a project from the outset so expectations are aligned and there are no costly surprises along the way that might impact customer satisfaction.”

“If you’re not system selling with your customers, you’re missing out on a critical opportunity to maximize profit, grow your business and better serve your clients,” Verblaauw added. “With the tiered decking offerings and the robust line of complementary products and tools offered by Trex, it’s easy to upsell based on customer preferences and budgets and offer clients complete outdoor living solutions.”

As with any good relationship, commitment can be incredibly rewarding. Look for companies that share your values and truly care about your success. By partnering with a full-service supplier and mastering the art of selling the system, contractors can enhance efficiencies, leverage their loyalty and drive incremental business. DS

5Benefits

Customers are looking for a cohesive outdoor space. Products, such as this Trex Transcend Lineage decking in Rainier (above) provide that look.

Relaxation &

THE PROJECT ASSIGNMENT from the homeowner was clear: a comprehensive oasis that catered to both relaxation and recreation, with a special emphasis on providing ample opportunities for their children to be entertained and play.

With such clear parameters, Erdmann Outdoor Living, Arlington Heights, IL., got busy designing a family-friendly environment that incorporated all the components necessary to fulfill the homeowner’s vision.

“We understood the importance of ensuring that every element of the outdoor living space seamlessly integrated with one another to achieve a unified look and feel,” says Becca Erdmann, design manager for Erdmann Outdoor Living. “This involved careful consideration of materials, colors, and layout to harmonize the various components of the space.”

To meet the assignment, the Erdmann crew installed 1,600 sq. ft. of Wolf Serenity capped PVC Tropical Hardwoods Decking in the color

“We understood the importance of ensuring that every element of the outdoor living space seamlessly integrated with one another to achieve a unified look and feel.”

Amberwood, TimberTech Impressions Rail Express with a drink rail top, in-lite Evo Hyde 550C Dark Lights, a StruXure pergola, Dekton countertops, Infratech heaters, a Haiku fan, and an outdoor shower.

The addition of the outdoor shower was new for the Erdmann crew. “It was an exciting opportunity for us as it marked our first time incorporating this feature into an outdoor space,” Erdmann explains. “We believe it adds a unique and refreshing touch

Recreation

to the overall ambiance, providing both practicality and a touch of luxury to the outdoor living experience.”

She says their crew took great pride in their attention to detail, in particular the addition of an outdoor kitchen with Naturekast outdoor kitchen cabinets, and the carefully selected materials used throughout the project.

Erdmann points outs how the decking was installed around the pool. In particular, she explains that they added more framing to accommodate the swim-up bar situated at the end of the deck. “In terms of creating a cohesive design, our approach was intentional and meticulous,” she says.

The Arlington Heights project, finished in October 2023, took a four-man crew four months to complete. However, Erdmann says, it wasn’t without its challenges. One major hurdle the crew encountered during the project was integrating the existing gazebo and built-in fire pit into the new design.

“Our client was adamant about preserving these elements of their backyard, which required careful

planning and execution to seamlessly incorporate them into the new outdoor living space,” Erdmann explains. “This involved customizing the deck to accommodate the shape and size of the gazebo and carefully building the deck around the fire pit.”

But despite the changes in project specifications and occasional change orders to accommodate the client’s evolving preferences, the Erdmann crew kept within the homeowner’s budget.

“By seamlessly blending indoor comforts with outdoor functionality, we were able to create a cohesive and inviting space that extends the comforts of the home into the great outdoors,” Erdmann says. DS

Erdmann Outdoor Living took great pride in their attention to detail on the above Arlington Heights, IL., project. They harmonized the various components of the outdoor space to create a place where the homeowners could relax, entertain, and have fun with their children.

The Inner Drive Factor The True Separator

WE’VE ALL HEARD of famous Hollywood actors being described as having the “IT” factor. Even though their acting skill levels often seem comparable to others, there’s something different about them that provides them with consistent prime roles and longevity. This “IT” factor can be tricky to identify, but you know they have it because there’s something that separates them from other 2 million actors worldwide.

With acting, as with other industries, there’s a wide range of profiles. Some struggle, some make a good living, while a smaller percentage possess the “IT” factor allowing a trajectory beyond the norm.

It’s similar for outdoor living builders in our industry, which has over 750,000 builders/contractors and 7.6 million workers in the U.S. alone. Like Hollywood, there’s a wide range of profiles with lots of talented individuals capable of delivering good work. Some struggle, some make a good living, and some appear to have the “IT” factor and separate themselves from others.

But in our industry, the “IT” factor is more easily identified. It’s actually more of an “Inner Drive Factor” (ID Factor) that separates some from other comparably talented builders. It’s a separate category of characteristics that goes beyond traditional building and business skills.

Skills can be taught. The ID Factor cannot. Most either have it or they don’t, and just how much of it they have, varies.

What defines a builder with the ID Factor?

Those with the ID Factor have an internal make-up and energy core that involves the individual’s way of thinking and operating that goes beyond teachable skills, processes, and systems. It’s an inner-push mechanism that’s anchored by strong personal traits and is fueled by ambition, motivation, and inspiration. Some self induced and some external. Sometimes challenging situations trigger the motivation needed to dig deep

within yourself to find it. It’s a momentum thruster that propels you beyond what average efforts can provide.

The ID Factor begins with the right attitude and a sound building philosophy. It continues with a healthy dose of determination and commitment. There’s a built-in understanding of the need for communication, leadership, organization, and level of professionalism.

They who possess it create and protect credibility, reputation, and culture. Most are self inspired along with a mix of external motivation and inspiration from others. This group takes pride in themselves, their people, and their companies. Most are good leaders and forward thinkers with good instincts. They observe what’s happening around them, but are also thinking ahead in terms of ideas, trends, and styles.

They’re not complacent and are always searching for ways to be different, more creative, and better. They are competitive with visions and goals. They realize there are two kinds of competition: one with others and another within themselves. Both drive them as they strive to be one of the best in their category or niche of building.

As business owners, they accept “risk” as part of their daily lives without the safety net of someone else’s time clock. All are tough and have taken beatings and paid a price for mistakes along the way, but picked themselves up and kept moving forward. Persistence and relentlessness are words they know. They may not have started out with a plan, but they have one now.

Note that you can’t actually see the ID Factor, but when you meet those who possess it, you’ll sense something else is there that goes beyond Business 101. It’s the invisible means of separation from average operators or efforts.

Just look at the builders with longevity that have risen to the top or those that you acknowledge as the stronger competition in your local market. These individuals graduated past the basics and are well beyond the teachable skill elements.

They’ve added or combined an inner makeup of characteristic traits that raise their inner bar. They checked off all the core boxes that minimize entry into the business and are beyond the foundation phase of category one resulting in a push to the top.

If they scale their business upwards, they know how to choose the right people and how to lead, delegate, motivate, and inspire them. They have within themselves or through a combination of team members all the qualities required. The ID Factor is even sometimes mentally projected to others through self confidence and optimism providing a sense of trust to potential customers.

If I compare those that have impressed me the most, there’s a common denominator that includes much of what’s been mentioned. There’s been a consistency of creativity, longevity as a business, and a healthy balance of life and business. They’re not just a flash in the pan or overnight sensation. They all possess and have harnessed the “ID Factor.”

Don’t get me wrong. You can certainly separate yourself and be successful from your competitors by being creative and delivering top quality work and just being good at the basics. There are plenty that do. You can make a living or even have a solid business with the basics of business balance.

More than anything, this column is an unsolicited reminder that drive is the spark plug within us that

powers the engine to race at winning speeds. It’s a reminder that building skills are not a business and there’s more involved than skill levels in a particular area. And that it’s as much mental and self-energy as anything else. It doesn’t have to be a large company or high-end, highly designed business model. Just a very driven one.

If you’re wondering where the “IT” aka “ID Factor” comes from, I’ve just given my opinion of its source. DS

Bobby Parks is a wellknown contractor who has delivered more than $40 million in outdoor living projects. He is the former owner of Peachtree Decks & Porches.

Composite Fencing

One-Man Gangs

WHETHER IT’S PRIDE, confidence, ego, or arrogance, this industry is comprised of thousands of one-man gangs—builders who choose for one reason or another to work alone. Good, bad, or indifferent, by choice or default, this makes up a large segment of the deck building industry.

I am truly amazed by this and dug deeper into the mindset that drives individuals in this direction. Admittedly, my queries took me down different paths than I had originally anticipated, which is why my poll in Facebook’s Deck Construction Tips and Tricks group garnered over 2,500 responses.

In an industry full of alpha males, a lot of builders really just want to be their own boss, set their own schedules, and have as few people as possible impact their ability to make a decent living. These men (and women) fully understand that if they don’t go to work today, their families will do without tomorrow. Their income sits 100% squarely on their shoulders—there is no extra help to complete the project. These are the rugged individuals who tend to bull their way through a runny nose, broken fingers, sprains, back aches, etc. They don’t call in sick!

There is a tremendous amount of pride and confidence that goes into working alone, but there is also a fine line between egos and insecurities. That ego and pride can either be a bridge or a roadblock to future success. Is the one-man gang working to grow their business into one, two, or more crews, or are they content with just owning their own job?

Most one-man gangs fully believe they are the “Best in the Business” when it comes to their local markets. Maybe yes, maybe no, but that pride and a touch of arrogance will allow them to believe this to be true.

Or is it possible that deep-down a lot of one-man gangs have insecurities that make them say, “I don’t work well with others,” or they are afraid to train a helper in fear they may become competition, perhaps even a better builder?

Or do we seek out helpers that can be molded and groomed into filling our shoes so we can move up the ladder? For those that beat the drum saying they can’t find qualified help, I believe a little soul searching into

their leadership styles may be needed. Are you a leader or a boss? Do you teach with guidance and patience, or make demands with an iron fist? Bosses have a far more difficult time finding help than leaders.

Not everyone is a born leader; we may find ourselves compensating for our lack of leadership skills by claiming others are not good enough. Others lack the knowledge it takes for the business side of the business. That’s nothing to be ashamed of, it’s a major downfall of many small businesses. The trick is finding the person(s) who can help. Don’t leave yourself out on an island.

I believe the majority of one-man gangs are people who absolutely love creating and building magnificent outdoor living spaces. Unfortunately, many have also become disillusioned by the companies where they previously worked. Those are also the negative role models they encountered on the journey to becoming an army of one. Due to the negative leadership, most guys tended to make a longer list of what not to do than what to do when they branched out on their own.

There is a tremendous amount of pride and confidence that goes into working alone, but there is also a fine line between egos and insecurities.

Regardless of any negativity, there is one prevailing sentiment shared by most of these alpha males: the freedom of their own accountability. Confidence, cockiness, arrogance, or mostly pride, there is a remarkable sensation that comes from taking the blank canvas of a backyard and turning it into our own amazing outdoor living creation. Few other lines of work are as enriching.

As I mentioned, in doing research for this article, I had over 2,500 different people throw in their perspective on why they may have evolved into or out of being a oneman gang. Here are some of the responses:

• “Can’t find quality help, from lacking claimed skill level to never showing up.” — A lot of contractors had this as their #1 reason for working by themselves. Helpers calling in sick, having family issues, or can’t make it to the job site, costs not only themselves, but the company a day’s work.

• “Fear of the unknown.” — Builders are in their comfort zones with their status quo and don’t want to shake things up.

• “Don’t work well with others or don’t like working with others.”

• “Not a team player.” — The honesty in this category was surprising. A great deal of builders have a selfproclaimed “lone wolf” mentality.

• “Don’t want the responsibility of providing jobs for others.” — Providing a job for themselves is more than enough extra-curricular work. They also don’t want to be dependent on others for their paychecks.

• “The baggage and drama that comes with having a helper that isn’t squared away.” — How many of us have had to rearrange our schedules because the helper’s girlfriend, wife, mother, or whoever had something else they wanted them to do? Guys who work alone have a “deaf ear” and an extremely short fuse when it comes to this stuff.

• “Survival mode / I don’t have a choice / Necessity, not because I want to.” — Too many of us have found ourselves in this whirlpool of business despair, robbing Peter to pay Paul—and found ourselves unable to get our heads back above water.

• “Lack of work ethic in guys coming up.” — Unfortunately, this has been a generational argument for hundreds of years. It’s our responsibility to train the next generation with the proper work ethic.

• “Workers comp / Insurance” — This, along with giving up their money, was the largest response. It scares me to learn how many businesses are operating without insurance or workers comp.

Not everyone has a negative outlook on being a oneman gang. A predominant number have very positive reasons for going this route:

• “The gratification of knowing you did EVERYTHING from start to finish is just about all you need.”

• “Family Affair” — I love how many guys work with their wives, girlfriends, or another generational family member. I started out this way. Di and I really enjoyed working out there together back in the early days.

• “Working by yourself gets you more money.” — I respect this opinion though I really believe it’s more of a perception than a reality.

• “Get more accomplished working solo. By the time a person gets trained, they want to strike out on their own and become competition.” — This really is true a lot of the time and was a comment I frequently heard when I was coming up. However, I believe this can be remedied with the correct environment, atmosphere, and compensation plan in place.

• “Downsizing from multiple crews to working alone created a lot more freedom.” — Others moved up from solo to multiple crews and it allowed them to realize greater income levels.

• “My projects turn out better by myself, but I make more money with help.” — I saved this one for last because I personally believe this is the internal battle most one-

man gangs struggle with. We are all perfectionists and find it extremely difficult to allow someone else to represent our names and reputations.

I personally fought this battle for a couple years as we changed our philosophy and brought on crews. In the end, I believe we are better for it since we now have had four different crews win a NADRA National+ Deck Award. A way to get employees/crews to buy into your team philosophy is to give them ownership of their projects. Enter their work in local and national contests—winning breeds excellence and a winning attitude.

So, if you call a one-man gang an alpha, a little arrogant, maybe a little cocky or confident, they are okay with that. They wear it like a badge of honor. There is zero shame in this mindset—it’s actually the backbone of our industry. I do, however, implore my brothers to continue their industry education along with seeking out the person who will eventually fill their shoes. After all, one day their back, knees, shoulders, elbows, etc., are going to leave them without an income. You deserve better for yourself and your family after all the years and the pain you have invested. DS

Brendan Casey with Casey Fence and Deck is a 16-time national award-winning Deck Specialist with over 40 years of professional experience. He and his wife, Dianna, started their business 25 years ago and immediately gained a reputation for high quality and a unique approach when it comes to delivering exception al value for your outdoor living investment.

ANDY HENLEY & MIKE MITCHELL

BUILDING A DECK is tough, especially when it comes to digging footings. In the Midwest, where the frost line demands footings to plunge about 42” below grade, it’s even more challenging. We’ve found an affordable solution to make this task a bit easier.

As we wandered through the Hardscape North America show in Louisville, KY., we were drawn to an intriguing sight—a seemingly simplistic auger with wheels. Its appearance belied its potential, prompting our curiosity to investigate further. Indeed, it was exactly as it appeared—a straightforward auger with a bar affixed with wheels at its end. Despite its apparent simplicity, the logic behind its design was impeccable.

Over the years, we’ve encountered various augers, each with its own set of shortcomings. Some lacked the necessary power to efficiently dig holes, while others proved too cumbersome, leaving users battered and fatigued. Many were burdened with bulky machinery or motors, complicating the task at hand. However, this particular auger addressed all these concerns with remarkable simplicity. Compact and lightweight, it boasts an outrigger that alleviates user strain, offering a seamless digging experience. Intrigued by its promises, we couldn’t resist putting it to the test.

Andy: Upon receiving this product, we could tell right away the company cares about the whole experience from start to finish. The packaging came professionally packaged. The time and care that was taken to make

DUALLY TORQUE REDUCTION SYSTEM

MSRP: $549.98

Available at: getearthquake.com

sure the product arrived in perfect condition was noticed and most appreciated. The assembly of the tool was fast and efficient. All the components were together and you could really feel the quality of the materials used. It felt like it was ready to tackle heavy duty projects.

Mike: It has a two-stroke motor and takes premixed fuel. I grew up riding two-stroke dirt bikes, so I had to use the VP fuel and reminisce through the smell, of course. The fuel I used was ethanol free. I think it’s important to use ethanol-free fuel in two strokes and especially any smaller motors. The jets in the carburetors can get clogged easy with any build up. It started right up and ran like a champ. Despite the really compact size, it was more powerful than it looked. I feel like it had plenty of power for an 8” hole.

Andy: The auger bits and extensions are sold separately. We tested it with two different size earthquake auger bits— 8” bit (Mike) and a 10” bit (Andy). The bits drill down about 36” so we also had some bit extensions. The bits themselves are really nice. They cored through the soil pretty easy and displaced the dirt without getting packed on the bit. The bits also have a spring coil on them that helped further to reduce impact on the handle.

Mike: One thing that stood out was how close you can get to obstacles with it while drilling. We had an inset

set of stairs and were able to get right up next to the deck to drill the stair holes. Having the spring coil bit and the outrigger attached, we didn’t have to worry too much about the bit catching and smashing into the side of the deck. It also worked well where the ground was uneven. We were easily able to keep the hole plumb while working on a slope.

Andy: Although we mostly do decks, occasionally we will do fencing. Luckily, after receiving this auger, we landed a small fence project. I will say this tool is perfect for fencing. With the ease of the added stabilizer bar and wheel, it made a what would have been a two-person job (or a tougher one-person job) much easier for one guy to punch holes. I definitely recommend the smaller bit for the fence holes.

Mike: I feel like it needs something to keep it folded up when transporting. We used a bungee to hold them together, but it would be nice if there was something designed to attach the bit to the outrigger in that folded position.

Andy: Overall, this auger’s added features, quality materials and ease of impact really caught me off guard. These little augers have been around for a long time, so I wasn’t expecting anything different from what we have used in the past. I will say this product is not a go-to tool for your main digging for the deck support post. I normally dig around 16”-20” holes and this motor I feel was maxed out a the 10” auger. But I too found this to be a great tool to use when setting my stair post and thru-post.

Although we don’t think this auger is intended to replace heavy-duty diggers for main footers, it serves as a valuable companion for tasks in tight spaces, or any areas requiring smaller holes, such as steps, thru-posts, and fencing. By efficiently tackling these smaller excavation jobs, it minimizes the need to bring out larger machinery, saving time and effort while still ensuring

Contractor’s Corner

WHEN I FIRST STARTED building decks on my own, I wanted to stand out from all the other builders in the area. I saw a few deck builders on social media curving and bending deck boards. I instantly knew what I wanted to do. After watching several videos while researching tools, I ultimately went with the Heatcon heat blanket system. It was affordable and the most portable system on the market.

Generally, we make a jig and bend the decking in the garage or in a temperature-controlled environment, but there are often times where we bend on site, which made this kit ideal. The lightweight and compact size made purchasing the Heatcon kit a no-brainer. The capabilities of bending and curving decking allow me to design not only inlays, but the shape of the decks as well. The days of the square deck are over.

For me, the Heatcon system was a complete game changer. It allowed me to be as creative as I wanted and push the limits on getting the tightest bends possible.

Lou Lattanzio

The Deck Nerds Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.

@The Deck Nerds

precision and effectiveness in construction projects.

In conclusion, we think the system emerges as a game changer in the realm of augers, providing a solution that transcends mere functionality to deliver an unparalleled user experience. Its innovative design, featuring a powerful 52cc Powerhead with Splined Output Shaft and an accompanying Outrigger, not only streamlines the digging process, but also prioritizes operator comfort and safety. The reduction in operator impact by up to 75% is a testament to its thoughtful engineering, ensuring that tackling daunting tasks like digging footings becomes a manageable endeavor.

While minor improvements could be considered, the overall consensus remains overwhelmingly positive. The Dually Torque Reduction System stands as a testament to innovation and quality craftsmanship, offering a reliable companion for both professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike. Whether it’s decking, fencing, or other construction endeavors, this auger proves to be a valuable asset, simplifying tasks and elevating the user experience. DS

Pros:

Lightweight, streamlined engineering, cost efficient

Cons:

No folding position lock, max bit size limitation (10”)

Overall TNT Review: 9.3/10

Andy Henley is the owner of Hen-House Decks, Uniontown, OH. Mike Mitchell is the owner of Mitchell Construction in the Chicagoland market. Andy and Mike can be reached in the DeckingTNT Facebook group.

Marketing Support for Your Deck Building Business

IN THE CRAFT of deck building, where your unique design vision sets you apart, navigating the world of marketing might seem like navigating uncharted waters. Yet, understanding how to effectively market your business is crucial, not just for attracting new clients but for showcasing your unique projects and craftsmanship. The question isn’t just about whether to market, but how best to approach it to complement your work and connect with your audience. Let’s delve into three distinct marketing strategies: diving into the task yourself; teaming up with friends, family, or freelancers, or collaborating with a professional marketing agency.

DIVING INTO DIY MARKETING

Understanding the DIY Approach

• Learning Curve: Embarking on DIY marketing means you’re at the helm, steering all aspects of your campaign. It involves understanding digital platforms, crafting your brand’s message, and engaging with your audience. It’s a journey of continuous learning, where each insight about your audience adds a layer to your marketing strategy.

• Creativity Unleashed: Your decks are a testament to your creativity, and DIY marketing allows you to infuse your brand’s messaging with the same inventiveness. It’s your vision, your voice, and your unique angle in showcasing your work.

• Time and Resources: Consider the time investment required. Will dedicating hours to marketing detract from the time spent on your craft? It’s essential to balance your commitment to ensure one doesn’t overshadow the other and the areas of your business that need you or your team the most.

LEVERAGING YOUR PERSONAL NETWORK

Enlisting Help Close to

Home

• Mixing Skills: Drawing on the talents of friends, family, or freelancers introduces a range of skills to your marketing

efforts. Whether it’s a cousin who’s a whiz on social media or a freelancer with a knack for stunning visuals, each contributes a piece to the puzzle.

• The Coordination Dance: Managing contributions from various individuals requires coordination. It’s about harmonizing different beats to create a cohesive marketing melody. Keep in mind, the variability in commitment and quality could affect the consistency of your message. Consider yourself a marketing project manager.

• Budget-Friendly Solutions: This path often offers a cost-effective approach to marketing. However, it’s crucial to ensure the value of these contributions doesn’t compromise the professionalism and polish of your brand.

COLLABORATING WITH A MARKETING AGENCY

Partnering for Professional Expertise

• Comprehensive Strategy: Agencies bring a wealth of knowledge, offering a bird’s eye view of your marketing needs. They craft strategies that not only present your work in the best light, but also ensure it reaches the right audience.

• Consistency and Quality: With an agency, you’re assured of a consistent, professional approach. Their expertise in the digital landscape means your brand is always presented at its best, from your website to social media and beyond.

• Investment Considerations: While this option requires a more significant financial commitment upfront, it’s an investment in your brand’s growth and visibility. The professional execution of your marketing strategy can free you up to focus on what you do best—creating stunning decks. And, it can propel your business forward much quicker with a better ROI in the long run.

MAKING YOUR CHOICE

Deciding on the right marketing path is a personal journey that weighs your time, expertise, and resources against your business goals. It’s not just about finding clients, but about building a brand that truly reflects your artistry and connects with your audience on a meaningful level.

• Time and Expertise: Assess your willingness to dive into marketing versus focusing on deck building. Is learning and implementing marketing strategies

Whatever that goal is, it needs to be clear, actionable, and something that gets you fired up every morning.

something you’re keen on, or would you prefer to dedicate that time to honing your craft, team & clients?

• Financial Resources: Consider your budget for marketing efforts. While DIY and leveraging your network can be more cost-effective, the comprehensive strategy and professional execution offered by an agency could provide a better return on investment in the long run.

• Brand Consistency: Evaluate which approach will best maintain the consistency and quality of your brand’s presentation. Your marketing efforts should mirror the excellence and attention to detail that you put into every deck project.

In conclusion, marketing your deck building business is about more than just reaching new clients; it’s about telling your story and showcasing your unique vision. Whether you choose to navigate the marketing waters yourself, enlist the help of your network, or partner with a professional agency, the key is to ensure your marketing strategy resonates with the craftsmanship and creativity at the heart of your work. By carefully considering your approach, you can build a marketing plan that not only reflects your brand’s values but also enhances your connection with your audience, setting the stage for lasting growth and success.

As always… just keep moving forward! DS

April Edwards is a digital marketing strategist and founder of Deck Builder Marketers, Oceanside, CA. You can message her on Instagram @deckbuildermarketers or learn more by visiting deckbuildermarketers.com.

Glass Flooring Systems, Inc. has released the SkyFloor Modular Glass Deck System, which feature glass panels engineered to allow light to shine through the deck, illuminating the space below with natural light.

This system is not only easy to order online, but also easy to install. Everything needed for installation is provided at purchase: structural glass panel(s), frame, setting gasket, silicone, fasteners, easy-to-follow instructions and product drawings.

[glassflooringsystems.com]

DeckWrap PowerBond® is the quick and easy way to extend the life of deck support systems and posts. Our patented PowerBond® adhesive aggressively adheres to all wood types, even in temperatures as low as 25°F. Self-adhering and self-sealing for protection you can trust, roll after roll.

Rainshed Decking is a unique, solid, single-component composite deck board made with mineral-filled HDPE. It provides protection for wooden frames, as well as creates a dry area below the deck. It also ensures your treated pine frame lasts for the life of your composite deck boards.

[topdeck1.com]

MOSO Bamboo N-durance is a solid, outdoor-density board, made from compressed bamboo strips. Bamboo N-durance has a warm, amber color, resulting from a steam-pressure treatment of the bamboo material. The performance and weathering properties of MOSO Bamboo N-durance are also very similar to outdoor-rated exotic hardwoods. N-durance Rainshed decking will provide a warm and attractive natural decking surface which is incredibly durable and sustainable.

MOSO Bamboo N-durance

Rain-Shed Decking

Eva-Last’s revolutionary new composite decking, Pioneer, boasts a glass-fiber reinforced (GFR) core and superior strength and span capabilities. Highresolution digital print technology replicates the unrepeated woodgrains of rare timber species. A protective clear wear layer covers the textured print surface to prevent stains, scratches, fading and discoloration. The GFR core provides structural stability and tensile strength. The glass-fiber sheets act as a stabilizer within the core to drastically reduce normal PVC expansion and contraction, ensuring less movement of the deck while also requiring fewer supportive joists, struts and breaker boards.

[eva-last.com]

Hardware and Glass has released its PRO FIT Spigots with optional MOOD LED Lighting kits. Unlike conventional LED systems that require low-iron glass, the more powerful Mood LED will allow the use of clear tempered glass. This helps create a more attainable price point for contractors and homeowners.

H&G Systems are designed with simplicity and speed of installation in mind. All H&G products are constructed from solid 2205 Duplex stainless steel. Featuring modular, friction fitting, and adjustable technology, the systems are designed by installers, for installers. [hardwareandglass.com]

Accoya Color is the next generation of high-performance wood with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Declare labeled, and Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold certifications. The wood is transformed into a uniquely durable, nontoxic exterior solution for decking and siding profiles, playgrounds, and landscaping designs through a modification process called acetylation. Accoya Color offers building and design professionals a uniquely beautiful, durable, and stable natural wood product. [accoya.com]

Millboard has a new line of products that can be used to create custom privacy walls with luxury metallic accents. Available in a variety of colors, Millboard is made from recycled stone that is poured into molds of real boards to capture the unique grain and texture of barnwood or sleek modern planks. The new Millboard Décor collection features metal trim pieces that slide into the channel between each board. Available in carbon, gold, and bronze in a smooth or grooved finish, the Décor collection adds an extra layer of attention-grabbing elegance or contrast to any backyard wall installation.

[millboard.com]

Ocean Decks released its patented decking constructed of industrial-grade PVC that is laminated with a teak-like surface. The boards allow for a 24” or greater joist span and require no spacing between boards due to its interlocking design.

[oceandecks.com]

WiseSeal Paintable & Stainable End Grain Seal is designed to protect decking, railings, steps, siding, cladding, log ends, turning blanks and other exposed end grain.

With a durable, eco-friendly, waterbased formula, it forms a flexible, breathable barrier by coating the wood fibers at the cellular level, providing exceptional protection. The product is paintable and stainable after 24 hours.

WiseSeal increases the structural integrity of hardwoods, thermally modified wood, softwoods, pressure treated wood, and composite materials.

[deckwise.com]

FrogTape Double-Sided Poly-Hanging Containment Tape provides two tapes in one to create a cost-effective and efficient solution for hanging poly-sheeting and creating high-performance containment systems. With a premium grade painter’s tape adhesive on one side and an aggressive adhesive on the other, this one-step, high-performance containment tape securely holds poly-sheeting and ensures protection of surfaces, helping to tackle jobs with speed and ease.

Because it offers two tapes in one, it is 50% faster compared to standard poly-hanging methods and removes quickly and easily, with 21-day clean removal. The tape is ideal for a variety of surfaces, including painted walls, woodwork, glass, metal and vinyl.

[shurtapetech.com]

Rubio Monocoat has developed a sustainable, wood-fiber-fortified, and water-soluble oil that colors and protects all exterior wood in one layer. DuroGrit is a penetrating and breathable monocoat system that is ecological and has 0% VOC.

DuroGrit is offered in 14 colors in shades from blacks to light pastel options. The product is available in 30 ml, 1 liter, and 2-1/2-liter sizes.

[rubiomonocoatusa.com]

The Deckorators Deck Board Mounting Bracket is an effortless solution for securing deck boards to a railing top.

Elevate your outdoor space by seamlessly attaching a single deck board to your rail, offering a stylish and practical surface perfect for showcasing decor or placing a drink. This feature is commonly known as a “cocktail rail.”

• Works with the 3-1/2”- and 5-1/2”-wide deck boards

• A single length of decking can be mounted atop a rail using the bracket, which provides an attractive, convenient surface stable enough to display decor or rest a drink

• Updated design for use with 1-piece and 2-piece brackets

• Comes in packs of 6

• Railing brackets are compatible with Deckorators aluminum railing systems

[deckorators.com]

FootingPad® footings are engineered using a fiber-reinforced composite that is exceptionally strong, lightweight, and superior to concrete.

• Complete jobs faster, more easily, and generate more profit.

• Five sizes are available for use with most post types in below-grade applications.

ICON ScrewJoists are significantly lighter for safer, easier handling and quicker installation without the need for metal hangers or connectors. Straighter and more dimensionally stable, they provide a consistently level surface without crowns or low spots. Their open web design allows contractors to slide 2x8 lumber blocking into place without having to cut and install multiple blocks.

Joists are 1-1/2” tall, 3-1/2” wide, custom manufactured and shipped to the jobsite with a detailed engineering layout showing the placement of each joist, ledger board, and carrying beam, plus all crucial connections and other necessary structural details.

Initially, they will only be available in the Northeast.

[fastenmaster.com]

Feeney’s DesignRail Modern is a sleek, modular aluminum railing system designed with the modern homeowner in mind. Engineered for simplicity, its components easily snap and screw together, making installation a breeze. One of the standout features is its hidden fasteners, which are tucked under a flat handrail for a sleek, clean aesthetic. Additionally, the minimalist look is further enhanced by eliminating the bottom rail and offering long spans of up to 8 ft., significantly reducing the need for additional posts–ultimately allowing for uninterrupted views and a more open, expansive feel in any outdoor living space.

An optional DrinkRail—a top rail that’s wide enough to hold a drink–and LED lighting-ready mounts, designed to accommodate ambient lighting installations under the top rail, complete the system.

The system’s backbone, its 6000 series aluminum posts, and rails come pre-drilled and are complemented by the 6200 series 1/8” CableRail kits, offering both strength and elegance. With a focus on durability, the AAMA2604 powder-coated finish ensures each railing withstands the elements and maintains its beauty for years to come. Available in Black and Textured Black, and with options for both 36” and 42” high railings, DesignRail Modern allows for customization to fit any outdoor space.

[feeneyinc.com]

Barrette Outdoor Living’s latest offering of fencing includes a Molded Premium Fencing made of a proprietary blend of polyethylene plastic and reinforced with galvanized steel, and Wood Grain Premium Fencing, which is made using proprietary PVC formulations.

Molded Premium Fencing is available in five authentic stone colors and four textured wood colors. Styles within the Wood Grain Premium Fencing line include traditional solid privacy and semi-privacy to more modern options that feature decorative accents and horizontal infill boards.

[barretteoutdoorliving.com]

Frame it All’s Riviera Privacy Fence provides homeowners seeking full privacy with a touch of elegance.

It features tongue-and-groove boards with no gaps in between, ensuring complete privacy. The versatile composite boards can be installed either vertically or horizontally, offering flexibility in design.

Crafted to mirror the natural beauty of wood, the boards feature multi-chromatic colors and a woodgrain texture. The 360-cap coating on each board provides superior protection against rot, termites, mold and fading. The durable composite material, made from recycled plastic and sustainably sourced hardwood fibers, never requires painting or staining, and comes in five stylish colors.

[frameitall.com/fencing]

Jacksonville Home & Garden Show

When: May 24-27

Where: Jacksonville Fairgrounds Expo Center, Jacksonville, FL.

What: An event where homeowners meet with outdoor builders and remodelers regarding their potential projects.

More info: homeshowcenter.com

PCBC Summer Showcase

When: June 19-20

Where: Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA.

What: In addition to nearly 200 booths, the event includes a Leader to Leader forum, a CHF Hall of Fame Awards Dinner that pays tribute to men and women for their accomplishments in the California homebuilding industry, and the Gold Nugget Awards that recognize those who improve their communities.

More info: pcbc.com

Northern Colorado Home Show

When: June 21-23

Where: The Ranch Events Complex, Loveland, CO.

What: The Home Show is in association with The People’s Tiny House Festival and offers more than 240 acres to explore the latest in outdoor living, home improvement, and more.

More info: northcoloradohomeshow.com

Houston Build Expo

When: June 26-27

Where: NRG Park Center, Houston, TX.

What: A meeting place for outdoor living contractors, designers, commercial builders and remodelers.

More info: buildexpousa.com

Northeast Georgia Home and Garden Show – Young Harris, GA.

When: July 20-21

Where: Tows County Recreation & Conference Center, Hiawassee, GA.

What: Dock to deck, home improvement, landscaping, pool

products and services will be on display.

More info: expomanagementinc.com

Oklahoma City Renovation & Landscaping Show

When: Aug. 2-4

Where: OKC Fairgrounds, Oklahoma City, OK.

What: This show brings together experienced remodeling, building, and landscaping experts to share their knowledge with homeowners.

More info: homeshowcenter.com

Greater Cincinnati House & Outdoor Living Show

When: Aug. 23-25

Where: Sharonville Convention Center, Sharonville, OH.

What: Knowledgeable remodelers and builders gather during this threeday expo to showcase the latest in exterior products, remodeling, outdoor living and much more.

More info: homeshowcenter.com

Change in Plans

BUILDING A DECK around a large tree that is intertwined with a large boulder is difficult enough, but add to it a deck leading down a steep decline to a dock over a lake, that requires careful planning.

In looking at the topography of the land, and despite the tree and boulder, Sam Dickens and his customer agreed the Waccabuc, N.Y., job site would be the perfect place to build.

“I had built a dock with stairs fashioned around tree roots in the past and liked the idea of working with the rock and tree,” says Dickens, who owns Sam Dickens Carpentry in South Salem, N.Y.

Yet, Dickens realized that the job site was on a steep hillside with no flat area for staging. To adjust for the topography, he constructed the deck frame to allow for a flat area, then built the dock and ramp frames.

Another issue with the job site was its location from the street. “We had about 1/4 mile from curb to project where all materials were carried to the site,” he explains.

Once the deck frame was built with pressure treated wood, Dickens built the deck of ipé with a hidden fastener system. The finished deck was approximately 16 x12 at its widest points, and rests on 10” piers dug to 40” deep minimum

The deck railings were also constructed with ipé hardwood. The railing posts were mortised to receive 1”x2” rails. No nails were used in the post-to-rail connection. “They were just let in deep enough, allowing for shrinkage without any seam opening,” Dickens explains. The rail cap was 5/4x6.

Deck and dock were connected with a ramp that was installed with large, galvanized, piano hinges on both ends to facilitate water level changes. The ramp to the floating dock was 10’ wide by 5’ long, while the floating dock was 10’ wide by 16’ long. The dock floats on 12” billets. The connecting stairs were 32” wide.

The project, which was completed in August of 2023, took approximately 12 weeks to build. “It was a pleasure working with the client,” Dickens says. “Both size and configuration were adjusted as the project progressed allowing it to fit the existing topography.” DS

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