Deck Specialist - November/December 2023

Digital Edition Sponsored by

OUTDOOR SHOWERS • SELLING LIGHTING • CHOOSING DECKING

DECK November/December 2023

SPECIALIST Ideas & Strategies for Outdoor Living Professionals

Top Railing Trends November/December 2023

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OUTDOOR SHOWERS • SELLING LIGHTING • CHOOSING DECKING

DECK November/December 2023

SPECIALIST Ideas & Strategies for Outdoor Living Professionals

Top Railing Trends November/December 2023

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DECK

SPECIALIST

Ideas & Strategies for Outdoor Living Professionals WHAT’S HOT

12 Railing Trends

We surveyed thousands of builders to learn about their railing preferences

16 Outdoor Showers

Understanding the materials being used to construct outdoor showers

FEATURE STORIES

Outdoor Lighting 22 Selling How to apply the “3V Sales Framework”

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when selling lighting to your customers

Win Big 28 Builders Three pros share their contest-winning projects featured in the Building 101 group.

32 Choosing Perfect Decking Key factors to consider when choosing decking materials

22 ALSO INSIDE

12 ON THE COVER: This project by Simcoe Decks, Barrie,

Ontario, Canada, features lighted glass railing that wraps around a deck and an adjacent hot tub. (Credit: Jason Georgie)

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Editor’s Note Industry News Parks & Deck Creation with Bobby Parks Set the Standard with Brendan Casey Tool Reviews with Andy Henley & Mike Mitchell Market Yourself with April Edwards New Products Date Planner Ad Index

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SPECIALIST A publication of 526 Media Group, Inc.

151 Kalmus Dr., Ste. E200, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Phone (714) 486-2735

President/Publisher Patrick Adams padams@526mediagroup.com Vice President Shelly Smith Adams sadams@526mediagroup.com Managing Editor Sara Graves sgraves@526mediagroup.com Editorial Director David Koenig dkoenig@526mediagroup.com Columnists Brendan Casey, April Edwards, Andy Henley, Mike Mitchell, Bobby Parks

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November/December 2023

DECK SPECIALIST is published five times a year at 151 Kalmus Dr., Ste. E200, 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®2023 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.

Nov/Dec 2023 • Volume 7 • Number 5

EDITOR’S NOTE

Stay the Course

R

ecently I embarked on my first real vacation in years — a cruise to Alaska with my best friend.

Departing from sunny Seattle, the trip initially promised smooth sailing. That was until 12-ft. waves began to rhythmically rock the ship for the next 48 hours. Like drunken sailors, we stumbled from side to side down the ship’s narrow corridors, trying to earn our sea legs, while balancing our food trays in the dining areas.

Passengers were complaining loudly around me when the captain came on the intercom to say we would be missing our most popular port due to stormy winds.

It was then that I decided to make the most of this trip.

I wasn’t going to bemoan the change of plans.

In business, you’ve got to make a similar decision to resist falling into a negative mindset when skies turn grey.

You may have a windfall spring and summer where business just cruises along, then fall and winter hits, and customers hold off starting new projects until the weather warms up again. It may seem that the tide

won’t turn in time before you begin to take on water. It’s an easy time to become pessimistic.

That’s why Deck Specialist is so important. It’s here to remind you to invest into your business in every season, and to learn new ways to do your business even more successfully. With decades of combined experience, our builders/columnists regularly share their decking and marketing expertise both in the issues and at industry tradeshows, such as Deck Expo, because they know what it means to successfully weather a downturn.

The magazine serves as a beacon of hope that stormy seasons in business won’t last, and that there is a natural and seasonal ebb and flow to every business.

Yet, the efforts made year-round, especially in terms of marketing and generating referral business, will keep your business afloat.

And if you put in the work, committing yourself to investing in your business and building customer relationships, while keeping a positive mindset, you can trust that your ship will right itself and your company will stay on course in any season.

Happy sailing!

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

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PWT Treated™ LVL saves you time and labor.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Simpson Strong-Tie Opens 3 New Western Hubs

Nationally Acclaimed Builder Bobby Parks Hired by IG Railing IG Railing, which specializes in illuminated glass railing, announced that Bobby Parks has joined IG Railing as business development specialist, effective November 1.

Bobby will focus on educating contractors and dealers about the benefits of frameless glass railing as direct employee for the company.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Bobby Parks join our team,” said Pat Noonan, owner at IG Railing Co. “His arrival signifies our commitment to accelerate the category shift to frameless glass and providing our customers with the best team in the industry.”

Bobby shared his excitement: “Joining IG Railing Co. is a great opportunity to be part of an organization that is truly pushing the envelope in the building material industry. I’m eager to contribute to the mission of evolving the railing industry to frameless glass.”

Engineered structural connector manufacturer Simpson Strong-Tie staged simultaneous ribboncutting ceremonies on Sept. 15 at three new warehouse, distribution and training centers in Denver, CO.; Salt Lake City, UT.; and Kent, WA. Part of a strategic investment to increase the Simpson Strong-Tie U.S. distribution footprint, the new facilities will significantly expand the range of products available for next-day delivery across the Northwest.

The new distribution hubs include warehousing facilities, office space, training centers, and newly designed, two-story demonstration rooms to host contractors and LBM suppliers for project and product training classes. The new facilities are expected to create 50-plus new jobs.

The simultaneous grand openings come on the heels of a groundbreaking in Columbus, OH., to build an expanded manufacturing and distribution center there. That project is expected to create an additional 120 jobs.

Trex Names New CFO and Senior VP

Pat Noonan, Bobby Parks, and Mike Kunard

Trex Company, Inc. announced that it has named Brenda Lovcik CFO and Senior VP effective October 23.

“Brenda has deep financial expertise gained at global manufacturing companies, a successful track record in business operations, and proven leadership skills,” said Bryan Fairbanks, president and CEO. “She brings a wealth of financial and business experience to Trex, where she will be a key member of our executive leadership team as we move forward with our long-term growth strategy.”

RDI Railing Teams with Coastal Forest Products in New England

Kebony Names New CEO

RDI Railing by Barrette Outdoor Living has entered into a distribution agreement with Coastal Forest Products, expanding access of the fencing and railing manufacturer’s products in the New England region, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and the Hudson Valley region of New York.

“Coastal Forest Products is a well-respected building products distributor and is known for its exceptional customer service, dealer sales support and full-service capabilities,” said Matthew Bruce, VP of Sales, Building Products Distribution, Barrette Outdoor Living.

Kebony, the leading global producer of dually modified wood, has announced the appointment of Tom Paemeleire as the company’s new CEO. Paemeleire takes on the position of Kebony Group CEO from JeanBaptiste Clavel following a period of interim leadership.

Tom Paemeleire joins Kebony with 20 years of international experience dedicated to business transformation.

Paemeleire said enthusiastically, “I am excited to join the Kebony team at a pivotal time for the global construction industry.”

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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. ®

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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.

Outdoor Living Solutions | Products, Software and Service for Smarter Building ©2023 Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. OA23-C

What Builders Think

ABOUT RAILINGS

IN AN ONLINE SURVEY

for Deck Specialist magazine, we reached out to thousands of builders on social media to survey them about what type of deck railing they prefer to use in their projects and what customers are asking for. Here is what we learned: Our first question posed to builders was what is the preferred material in their deck railing projects. All but three of our respondents indicated they prefer to use aluminum or steel for their deck railings.

Ben Schoonover, co-owner of Twin Brothers Construction, Inc., Farmington, MN., and the Twin Cities metro areas, said that aluminum or steel deck railings are very durable, customizable, strong, don’t rust, provide for fast installation in colder weather, and have a good price point.

Jake Bednarczyk, GM for Design-A-Deck Inc. in the Chicago, IL., area, explained that metal railings provide a sleek and modern finish, and his crews prefer them for installation, whether it’s full assembly or panels.

Daniel Jones at Harpeth Decks, Nashville, TN., agreed, saying that aluminum railing provides a clean look, is easy to install and lasts forever.

And at Promes Construction, West Yankton, S.D., they almost always use aluminum railing, in particular Westbury, but occasionally steel railing as well, such as Fortress.

Brendan Casey, Casey Fence & Deck, Frederick, MD., was the exception among our respondents, adding that 75% or more of his projects get a white vinyl 6x6 rail post sleeve, white vinyl rails with black round aluminum balusters, and steel surface mount posts.

We had a much more equal response to what type of infill builders prefer to use in their projects: cable, glass, mesh or other. Cable was the most popular, followed closely by mesh and glass.

Jones said that cable is his company’s favorite infill because

Deck Railing Material

“FROM ULTRAMODERN TO CLASSIC, (RAILING) CAN BRING THAT EXTRA AESTHETIC AND CHARACTER TO ANY DESIRED PROJECT.” — Jake Bednarczyk, GM for Design-A-Deck Inc.

it “looks great on a modern house or traditional depending on post and top rail design.”

Jessica Hagen, director of operations at Cincinnati, OH.-based All Decked Out, added they mostly use aluminum balusters with cable or glass in their projects.

According to Schoonover, cable looks amazing and is very strong. Aluminum is his customers’ most popular choice because it has a better price point than cable, and is stronger.

And when we asked the builders what types of rail lighting and mounting methods they prefer, we learned that post mount and post cap were the two most popular options used by our respondents. Other builders preferred a combination of solar, recessed, post cap, under railing on their builds for a complete look.

In addition, low-voltage, plug-n-play systems, such as Regal ideas’ Crystal Rail or Yardlite, are a favorite among builders because they can be mounted without splicing wires or hard wiring. They are designed to work on top of rails to light both picket and glass infill sections.

According to the builders, when customers are asked how important railing is for their outdoor project, we learned that it is often made a priority.

In fact, railing is “very important” to the customers of Extreme Backyard &

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Beyond, Mount Pleasant, TX., because their decks are usually on the water or in the mountains, and people do not want to block their view. According to owner Ashley Campbell, cable and glass are used on 90% of their jobs because they don’t block the view and they “take the project to a whole other level.”

The customers of Woodstock, GA.based Outback Deck, Inc., occasionally make railing a priority, often weighing other factors when making railing a priority. “The focus is on the deck boards with the options for the railing being a secondary consideration,” said marketing manager David Barnes. “Safety wise, it is a consideration often or always when a homeowner is purchasing a new deck.

From an aesthetic standpoint it is a less important consideration.”

For All Decked Out customers, however, railing isn’t a top priority except that it remains low maintenance.

However, if the homeowner has a view they don’t want to obstruct, railing becomes a higher priority to the customer. In such cases, Hagen says the customer “really looks for our guidance on what options would be good for their home,” even occasionally upgrading to cable or glass railing in the process.

Although the replies to our survey were varied, and occasionally surprising, we learned that railing and rail lighting remain top priorities for both builders and customers when designing any outdoor living project. As Bednarczyk said, “From ultra-modern to classic, (railing) can bring that extra aesthetic and character to any desired project.” DS

November/December 2023

Deck Railing Priority

Deck Railing Material:

What material do you prefer to use for your deck railing?

Deck Railing Priority:

How often is railing the primary consideration for your customers?

Metal (aluminum/steel)

Often (41%)

PVC

Occasion (27%)

Wood

Rarely (14%)

Composite

Always (18%)

OUT

THE For homeowners that live near water

or have an outdoor pool, outdoor showers are not only a luxury, but an essential line of defense in the fight to keep dirt, sand, and saltwater from coming into the home. Builders working with these homeowners have elevated the once modest outdoor shower into an integral part of the outdoor space. Here are the materials that work best for this application.

As an outdoor shower-owner, Janet Webb, president of Big Creek Lumber, Davenport, CA., says her redwood shower outside her California central coast home is frequently used more than her indoor shower. Built a few years ago using heartwood grade redwood, the shower and surround rest upon a cement slab, with a tankless, on-demand water heater nearby that allows her family to use their cedar hot tub all year around.

“It’s very nice to stand out if you have a nice area and have a surround or don’t have any neighbors,” Webb adds.

Cedar

For Paul Mackie, cedar specialist, Western Red Cedar Lumber Association (WRCLA), having an outdoor shower made of cedar is a necessity at his Whidbey Island, WA., home.

“When the kids come up from the beach after going out with the kayak or the paddleboard, they’re walking on sand, and they’re covered with it, and

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they go to the outdoor shower and it’s right outside the back door and so they shower and towel off and come in the back door. It’s a nice upgrade and a very functional one too.”

As Mackie explains, customers who request cedar for their outdoor shower projects typically select it for its attractiveness, reputation as a proven performer in outdoor applications, comfortability when standing on it, and because the material is natural and sustainably managed in areas such as British Columbia’s Vancouver Island.

The outdoor showers that work well are those with smooth decking materials, such as 2x2 clear western red cedar, 2x4 clear, or 2x6 clear, he adds, with an elevated foot pad that is spaced so that water can adequately drain.

In terms of its durability, Mackie says, cedar is extremely stable, and doesn’t move like other wood species. However, when cedar is installed with the board’s tight edge to edge directly on the ground, it will shorten the 25-year service life versus if it’s on risers or spacers that keep it off the ground and properly spaced.

Hardwood

Hardwoods are another popular material preferred by customers because of its beauty and durability.

As Zach Rike, founder of Robi Decking, WinstonSalem, N.C., explains, Black Locust is a popular hardwood choice among his customers because it is

DOOR SHOWER MATERIALS all natural wood that is native to the U.S. and is not treated with any chemicals. The cell structure and hardness of the wood prevent moisture from getting into the wood.

Many of Robi’s customers prefer using the company’s 2x2 premade Black Locust hardwood deck tiles for the floor pad in the showers, in part because Black Locust can last up to 50 years in a shower application.

“The old-time farmers in the North Carolina mountains will tell you that a black locust fence post will last two years longer in the ground than a rock in its natural state.”

Bobby Sweeting, Sweeting Property Group, Sarasota, FL., who has worked with vinyl, composite, pine and hardwood on previous projects, is regularly hired to install cumaru outdoor showers.

He explains that it may not require a lot of material to build one, homeowners often want to match their outdoor shower with their decking. Cumaru is 30% more economical than ipé and can last up to 40 years.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

ABOVE RIGHT: From Western Red Cedar Lumber Association - WRCLA RIGHT: Shower built with oiled wood in Napa, CA., by Robi Decking.

He advises that if the hardwood is installed on ground, it is best to use 5-1/4”x4”. He frequently turns to Advantage Lumber’s hardwood deck tiles because they won’t cup in moisture-sensitive areas, and to tongue & groove for his shower walls.

Jen Dombkowski, marketing director at Infinity Drain, a company that works with contractors to install outdoor showers, agrees, adding that an outdoor shower should be built over a dry utility or living space below to keep it waterproof.

Redwood

For many homeowners, redwood is the best choice for an outdoor shower application because it’s a naturally durable material that is stable, easy to work with, and readily available in the Western states, says Charlie Jourdain, manager of business development, Mendocino Forest Products, Santa Rosa, CA. He explains that redwood is like cedar in that it won’t deteriorate over time, but it will undergo “color changes sometimes because of the tannins in the redwood that will migrate to the surface.”

When using redwood, he recommends using a heartwood grade.

Pressure Treated Wood

Jourdain adds that pressure treated lumber is a good material to use for the shower’s framing posts that are embedded in the ground, but not for the inside of the shower stall because an increasing number of homeowners prefer to only have contact with natural materials.

ABOVE LEFT: Sonoma Forge - WherEver Collection is widespread version of WaterBridge, which employs independent controls which can be installed “wherever” you desire. Paired with your choice of waterfall spout, gooseneck spout, elbow spout or cap spout, this collection offers ultimate flexibility LEFT: From Western Red Cedar Lumber Association WRCLA

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“Certainly, there’s nothing inherently dangerous about it, but it’s still this aspect of surrounding ourselves with the most natural materials possible versus any extraneous chemicals that would be in the pressure treated wood,” he says.

Composite

Despite the trend toward more natural materials, there remains a large percentage of homeowners who opt for composite because it is affordable, sheds water easily and allows water to drain away easily.

As Mike Onderko, director of product marketing for Trex Company, explains, unlike wood, composite decking won’t rot, crack, or warp, retains its color, and never needs to be sanded, painted, or sealed.

Ultimately, it’s the homeowner’s choice on what material they prefer to shower in. Yet, for people like Webb and Mackie, owning an outdoor shower that is built with the highest quality materials has been worth the investment. DS

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THE

Ultimate ENTERTAINING SPACE

AN ELABORATE ENTERTAINING SPACE featuring a 650-sq. ft. deck with railings, skirting, lighting, a sunken fire area with built-in benches finished with decking, a large outdoor kitchen and bar island fully equipped with appliances, a Struxure aluminum pergola with fans, heaters, can lights, and TVs was recently completed by Erdmann Exteriors, Arlington Heights, IL. The project, which took approximately three months to complete and came within budget, was designed for a customer that was looking for the ultimate outdoor entertaining space that could accommodate large gatherings, said Becca Erdmann, design manager for Erdmann. “He was looking for the outdoor sports bar vibe, so I ran with that for inspiration.”

The TimberTech deck included a fully loaded kitchen built with Beuchel Stone and Dekton counters featuring all Hestan appliances. Across from the kitchen is a full bar, complete with a nugget ice maker, two fridges and bar seating for eight, with prime viewing of two SunBrite TVs. Extended usability is ensured by the Struxure louvered roof, complemented by three Bromic heaters and two ceiling fans for summertime

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use. The second level of the deck is the “chill zone,” featuring built-in bench seating with custom cushions using Restoration Hardware outdoor fabric, and a fire table. To finish the space off, inlite lighting is used throughout the space for nighttime ambiance.

One of their design challenges, Erdmann explained, was the size they could build the deck due to the existing pool/patio. “We were tight on impermeable surface space.”

Yet, what made this project stand out was the custom sunken fire area with built-in benches. “(It) was a unique feature that we feel really adds a cozy element to this outdoor space,” Erdmann said.

“The TV attached to the Struxure rotates to make lounging and viewing possible as well.”

They designed and built the outdoor bar large enough for eight people to sit while still having countertop prep space on the inside. The island is equipped with two Hestan refrigerators and a U-Line nugget ice machine. This was Erdmann’s favorite part of the build because “that’s where we would want to hang out!” She said “This outdoor sanctuary embodies our commitment to redefining outdoor living spaces.” DS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ERDMANN EXTERIORS

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3V

The Lighting Sales Strategy

BY TOM WATSON

Whether you are still trying to sell your first lighting project or are a seasoned vet, there are a few main stays in the sales process of including outdoor lighting onto a project with your clients. To help keep these in the forefront of your discussions with your clients, I have created what I call the “3V Sales Framework,” which can be applied to outdoor lighting or other products/services. Below I will focus on lighting.

Value First and foremost, you need to be able to explain the value that outdoor lighting will bring your clients to their amazing new outdoor oasis. A common misconception with landscape lighting is that it is an add on and not a necessity for outdoor spaces. Many times, it is not presented or even discussed at initial discovery meetings until later in the project timeline and often tried to use as an upsell opportunity. If you are in this boat, you are limiting the potential for more lighting sales of larger quantities on your projects.

By introducing lighting into your initial conversations with your clients you are setting the expectation that there will be lighting on this project, as there are on all your projects that they can see in your portfolio (but I’ll get to that later).

When entering these initial discussions, the most important thing to educate your customer on is the value that landscape lighting will bring to their project, and home as a whole. My favorite way to do this is by looking at the total investment they are making in their project and referencing this amount when you are proposing a lighting package for the project with the lighting package included. When isolated and solely talking about lighting on its own, quite commonly it is cut to leave room for other aspects of the project. However, a great way to overcome this is by explaining to your clients that they are going to be primarily using these spaces in the evenings, creating memories with friends and family after work and that by investing in outdoor lighting, they can have a greater return on investment of their outdoor space, regardless of the scale of the project.

Visualize There are many ways to help your customers visualize what lighting will look like on their projects, which ultimately helps to illustrate the value outdoor lighting brings. The easiest and most common way to do this is by sharing pictures with them so they can see what different lighting effects can be achieved in spaces like theirs. However, the most powerful way to do this is to do a nighttime demo in their space so they can create an emotional attachment to the lighting in their space while also being able to witness the magic that outdoor lighting adds to it.

Many manufacturers have sales tools like display cases with sample products, or demo kits available for

you to increase the close rates of lighting packages which at the end of the day, adds significantly higher profit to your projects. By incorporating these tools in your sales process and conversations with your clients, you will increase your close rates and revenue!

Another extremely powerful way to help your clients visualize what lighting will look like in their space is providing a lighting plan. There are many different levels of detail you can use: a quick sketch on a piece of paper, 2D designs, or a full 3D rendering showing the exact light fixtures and photometrics where you can see the exact lighting effects that will be created.

Whichever sales tools (or combination of them) you use, the most important thing to remember is that you want to create an emotional connection for your clients and their space because as humans, we buy emotionally and justify logically.

Variety Every outdoor space is unique with its own elements that give it character, making it “home” for your clients and your outdoor lighting in these spaces should be no different. By using a variety of different fixture types, finishes, and installation methods, you will make each project its own and keep your designs fresh.

Also, your clients don’t know what they don’t know.

If they are looking for stair lighting, educate them on the different options available like putting recessed lights in the risers, in the treads, or downlighting the riser with an under-cap style light if building bullnose steps. This goes hand in hand with the visualization of the space and letting them actually see what these different options can look like.

Your client is going to have different wants and needs and if the lighting in your project portfolio is diverse, our clients can see what the different varieties of lighting can bring to their space. So, don’t be afraid to mix things up and keep it interesting! Just be cognizant that you are not overwhelming your client with options. Keeping in mind that you are the professional and they are coming to you to build them a masterpiece, give them your professional opinion.

The next time you are discussing lighting packages with your clients, try using the 3V Sales Framework and let me know how it works! DS Tom Watson has been an account manager at in-lite outdoor lighting for three years (www.in-lite.com).

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Lofty Chicago Rooftop Deck Delivers

BY JEFF SCHULZ

CHICAGO RESIDENT MARIE DELGAVIO owns an industrial-style loft in the heart of the city’s West Loop neighborhood. What sets her residence apart from others on the block is its private rooftop deck, which is a “highly soughtafter home amenity for city dwellers like me,” Delgavio said.

While incredible even in its bare form, Delgavio saw her rooftop deck as an opportunity to design a functional and inviting outdoor living space where she could relax, entertain, cook and tend to her potted flower containers. “Living space is limited in residential buildings and houses in the city, so it’s important to take advantage of any usable outdoor space,” she added.

To provide a foundation for her ultimate outdoor destination, Delgavio commissioned a new 1,000 sq. ft. rooftop deck. From the get-go, she knew that Chicago’s Building Code Modernization Ordinance, which the city passed in 2019, would dictate the deck design and construction process.

The first comprehensive change to the city’s building code in 70 years, the landmark ordinance marked the adoption of the 2018 IBC and IEBC. The updates to Chicago’s construction codes focused on several key areas, including the prioritization of fire and life safety, the adoption of sustainable building materials and the rehabilitation of existing buildings. Most pertinent to Delgavio’s rooftop deck renovation were the code revisions requiring noncombustible building materials and methods being used on all structures installed on the roof of any building exceeding 55 feet in height (Chapter 15-8, Section 510 of Chicago Building Code).

Needing a code-compliant alternative to lumber, Delgavio turned to Evolution steel deck framing from Fortress Building Products. A noncombustible option that meets 15-8-510 of Chicago Building Code, steel deck framing provides premium weatherability and CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

SOUGHT AFTER

BY HOMEOWNERS AND NEIGHBORS ALIKE. Put our reputation behind your craftsmanship. Build with YellaWood® brand pressure treated pine. The only brand homeowners know and ask for by name. Its high standards, unrivaled protection and naturally beautiful appearance are all backed by some of the strictest quality testing in the industry. Find your local YellaWood® brand dealer at YellaWood.com

YellaWood® brand pressure treated products are treated with preservatives (the “Preservatives”) and preservative methods, and technologies of unrelated third parties. For details regarding the Preservatives, methods, and technologies used by Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated, see www.yellawood.com/preservative or write us at P.O. Box 610, Abbeville, AL 36310. Ask dealer for warranty details. For warranty or for important handling and other information concerning our products including the appropriate Safety Data Sheet (SDS), please visit us at www.yellawood.com/warranties or write us at P.O. Box 610, Abbeville, AL 36310. YellaWood and the yellow tag are federally registered trademarks of Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated. All other marks are trademarks of their respective owners |and are used with their permission. | November/December 2023 Deck Specialist 25

... steel deck framing provides premium weatherability and low maintenance qualities.

low maintenance qualities. The project team installed a 1/4” underlayment material on top of the frame and then put down contemporary stone pavers to create an “outdoor room” that blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living.

The project team installed a custom rooftop pergola made from the same lightweight steel profile as the deck framing. Purposeful in application, the steel pergola makes it easy for Delgavio to break up the rooftop deck into smaller spaces or “zones,” each designed to accommodate the outdoor activities she enjoys doing. To elevate the functionality of her space, Delgavio had an outdoor kitchen installed underneath the steel pergola, complete with a grill, a deep sink and a dishwasher to alleviate the chore of running dirty dishes down flights of stairs at the end of the night.

The project team took additional measures to ensure a safe, complete deck by incorporating a compatible

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steel stair system from Fortress Building Products into the rooftop project. The system sidelines common safety concerns, like poor stringer-to-deck connections and inconsistent rises and runs. These challenges are common in older wood-framed decks since conventional stair construction requires cutting pieces of lumber by hand.

Delgavio’s rooftop deck was completed in the spring of 2022. While large in size (especially for a private outdoor space in a densely populated location), the deck feels intimate and comfortable, inviting friends and family to enjoy an evening drink during Chicago’s fairer weather months. And when the space is not in use, Delgavio can rest easy knowing that the steel frame that supports the rooftop deck will retain its strength even after long-term exposure to Chicago’s notoriously harsh winters. For ultimate peace of mind, the noncombustible framing system, which meets the city’s tough fire-resistive construction requirements, is backed by a 25-year limited manufacturer warranty. DS Jeff Schulz is the senior vice president of sales and marketing at Fortress Building Products. An industry veteran, Jeff has spent the last 13+ years at Fortress Building Products delivering proven performance and smarter solutions with the company’s steel deck framing, pergolas, railing and fencing.

LET THE LIGHT SHINE THROUGH!

••• X

ond Sachs

GOLD WINNER – Raym

Deck Builders

WIN BIG ON

facebook

DECK SPECIALIST had the honor of judging the photo contest giveaway in the Facebook Deck Building 101 group.

The winners were Gold: Raymond Sachs, Residential Improvement Services LLC, Middletown, MD.; Silver: Charles Chadd, Decks Unlimited, Dayton, IN., and Bronze: Jayme Carlson, Hard Decks, Belvidere, IL. The photo contest was inspired by a highly popular photo contest that is held regularly in the Custom Deck Builders FB group, aimed at selecting the cover photo for that group.

As the gold winner, Sachs received the Dexerdry Blue Claw compression tool, a Tru-Scapes Deck Lighting Demo Kit, custom tools created by deck builder DeckMasterJ and an entry to an international deck competition where the photo contest winner will have the opportunity to receive recognition on a national level.

Clint Webb, Webb Decks, Godfrey, IL., who moderates the Deck Building

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101 group, and is a four-time national award winner himself, said, “We are excited to have Deck Specialist magazine voting on and announcing the winning build, as well as the silver and bronze runner-ups who will both receive a Deck Building 101 swag bag and some serious bragging rights.”

Here’s how the winners explained their winning projects.

GOLD WINNER – Raymond Sachs This project is a 340-sq. ft. Fiberon composite deck with a bow front and stairs to a Nicolock concrete paver patio with sitting wall and columns.

The railing is Wolf PVC with round aluminum pickets, and deck board cap. One pergola is bowed to match the arch in the deck and the other is situated diagonally in a corner; both are Shoreline PVC. The deck support posts are PVC wrapped and include top and bottom trim. The support beams are covered and include

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arches. The deck includes a Trex water diversion system with a vinyl soffit ceiling and recessed lighting.

SILVER WINNER – Charles Chadd We built the Colts deck for the very first Deck Wars competition in Indianapolis, IN., and we won the contest. The deck has a lot of unique features that I don’t believe has ever been done in my knowledge — like flame inlays. The deck was built in sections so it could be tore down and put back together quick, which creates more of a challenge.

It is designed to be a football field, and has yard markers scaled out. I measured the dimensions of a real football and scaled this football to fit this space on this deck.

We heat bent the deck boards to outline the football; we even curved the board to make the laces on the football. Trex doesn’t offer a white deck board, so we had to use fascia.

••• X

arles Chadd

SILVER WINNER – Ch

point of the deck is what we called “The Wagon Wheel.” The customer was looking for that “circle of chairs around a campfire feeling.” The deck measures a little over 900 sq. ft. The field and skirting is Trex Transcend Tiki Torch, the borders and fascia are Lava Rock, and the railings are Transcend Tree House.

The Deck Building 101 group, which now boasts over 101,200 members, was created after seeing a need in the industry for a positive place where builders of all skill levels can ask questions on deck building techniques materials and processes and receive feedback and real time from peers around the world as well as industry experts. DS ••• X

BRONZE WINNER –

Jayme Carlson

Fascia is only 3/4” thick, so we had to use 1/4” PVC trim to shim everywhere you see white, which included borders, laces and horseshoe logo.

We went a step farther and cut in the flames. I’ve done a ton of inlays in my 30 years, but flames by far are the most challenging. We installed lighting on the fascia and up lights in the horseshoe logo as well.

We used Trex railing with glass panels handrails. The pergola is built with Trex elevations steel then wrapped with Trex fascia. This project is very unique with so much custom work, it’s one of my favorite builds and had probably the most challenges, especially being only 400 sq. ft.

BRONZE WINNER – Jayme Carlson This project was completed in 2021. The customer was my childhood neighbor who our families have stayed in touch for 30+ years. When they called about getting a deck built, we knew right away that we needed to knock this one out of the park! The focal

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DECKING & CLADDING

INTERSECT

BY DAVID KOENIG

ALTERNATIVE DECKING MANUFACTURERS have taken the concept of a cohesive outdoor living space to a whole new level by matching their decking materials with the home’s rainscreen cladding. And since the decking has water-resistive properties, it is an ideal product to double as cladding.

Two years ago, Fiberon became the first decking-centric manufacturer to introduce a dedicated cladding product (dubbed Wildwood in 2022). According to Jim Strange, senior category manager, “Wildwood was engineered specifically for cladding applications. We worked with architects to create a thinner, lighter board with a 6” profile, allowing for easier installation and a better yield on the wall. Most deck boards have a Class C rating; Wildwood cladding boards feature enhanced resistance to flame spread and have a Class B rating.”

Other manufacturers have followed a similar path, introducing their own brands of cladding products.

Envision Building Products, for instance, markets a single product as dual-use by design. “The end-user... gets an easy-toinstall, durable and low-maintenance product that can be used in several applications on their project,” says Chase Moritz, director of marketing for Envision. “This gives them

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an option to tie the entire outdoor space together using the same product and color for cladding, decking, and accent areas.

We publish separate cladding installation guides to ensure the installer knows the correct installation method.”

“Our full-profile, square-edge capped composite decking is code approved for cladding/rainscreen applications. This is beneficial to both our distributor and dealer customers as well as the end-user,” adds Moritz. “By utilizing our deck boards for cladding, we cut down on the number of SKUs our distributors and dealers need to carry, simplifying their product management with a single product that has dual use capabilities.”

Likewise, Russell Lowe, associate director, decking & cladding for Fortress, says their Apex capped bamboo-PVC composite decking works well as rainscreen cladding because the boards “can defend against water infiltration and support improved

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ventilation while delivering the high-end aesthetic customers want.”

MoistureShield’s Vision and Meridian products both meet cladding requirements under ICC-ES AC524, which is an additional requirement beyond the deck code compliance criteria. According to Barrette Outdoor Living, the same features that make MoistureShield decking a great deck product also make it an excellent choice for cladding since both sides of the board can get wet—its proprietary Solid Core Difference creates an impermeable barrier that can be installed on the ground, in the ground, and underwater. The backsides of some competing boards are vulnerable to water when exposed over time.

“Over the past few years, decking manufacturers have put significant research and development into making more realistic and aesthetically appealing capped technologies,” says Matt Bruce, VP of sales at Barrette Outdoor Living. “With rainscreen barrier technology evolving at an equal pace with the architectural preference for horizontal design, products like MoistureShield’s Vision and Meridian composite decking — that specifically warranty against the elements and water damage — make an ideal choice for cladding applications.”

Trex Cladding is made from Trex Transcend square edge deck boards—the company’s top-of-the-line product and are tested to withstand extreme weather

conditions, including hurricane-force winds, making them ideal for cladding applications.

While AZEK TimberTech Cladding uses the same boards the company sells for decking, so it requires that the understructure is weatherproof since the product is not designed to keep moisture out.

NewTechWood manufactures separate composite decking and cladding systems to provide added protection to the home. According to NewTech’s Richard Lam, “With traditional decking when you put it up on the wall and use it as cladding you are creating what is known as an open rainscreen system.

You will be leaving yourself 1/8” to 1/4” gap between each board. You will have water getting between the cracks and hitting your wall and your housewrap. Our cladding/siding system creates a closed rainscreen system where there are near zero gaps in the board with the clip, giving you an almost waterproof barrier to your house.”

NewTechWood offers three distinct styles: the All Weather System (a traditional flat-panel siding), the European System (with raised notches for a modern look), and the Shadowline System (with a 1/4” false gap). Additional styles are coming soon.

Ultimately, contractors who are designing an entire outdoor living space now have even more designconscious options when they are creating that one-ofa-kind, cohesive space. DS

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• Cedar and redwood: These natural woods contain oils and tannins that make them resistant to rot and insects. They require regular staining and sealing to maintain their durability, preserve their color and prevent weathering.

• Tropical hardwood: Hardwoods are known for their extreme durability and resistance to decay, insects, and even fire. They age beautifully but require regular maintenance and have a higher price tag.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DECKING MATERIAL FOR LONGEVITY AND PERFORMANCE

BY DAVE KILE A PROFESSIONAL DECK BUILDER’S expertise goes beyond mere construction; it extends to selecting materials that guarantee longevity and customer satisfaction. The choice of decking material plays a pivotal role in determining how well a deck withstands the elements and time. In this article, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when choosing decking materials for longevity and performance.

DECKING MATERIAL: A Crucial Decision One of the foremost considerations when selecting decking materials is durability. Different materials have varying levels of resistance to weather, pests and wear-and-tear.

• Pressure-treated wood: A classic and cost-effective choice, pressure-treated wood is infused with chemicals that enhance its resistance to decay and insects. However, regular maintenance, including sealing and staining, is necessary to prevent moisture infiltration, warping, splitting and discoloration.

• Composite: Composites are a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastic that are highly resistant to moisture, insects and rot, leading to a longer lifespan compared to traditional wood. They also resist fading, staining and scratching.

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JOIST AND LEDGER PROTECTION: A Small Investment with Significant Returns If built with wood, a deck’s substructure is highly susceptible to moisture infiltration and rot. Joist protection tape serves as a barrier between the joists and the decking material. It is worth considering because it offers moisture protection for the deck’s substructure, rot prevention and enhanced stability for metal fasteners.

And don’t forget the ledger board. This key connection point where the deck attaches to a house is especially vulnerable to moisture, but it can be fully sealed with wider flashing tapes.

DECK DRAINAGE: A Must-Have Feature for Elevated Decks Proper deck drainage is an often underestimated aspect of deck longevity, particularly when the deck and foundation are built with wood. Using a network of troughs and downspouts, an underdeck drainage system captures and diverts water away from the deck’s surface and framing. The main benefits of adding this type of system include preventing water accumulation, protecting the substructure and providing usable space.

While there are numerous options for underdeck drainage systems, these systems largely fall into one of two categories: those that are installed beneath the substructure framing, and those that are applied above the joists. Most contractors prefer drainage systems that install above the joists between the substructure and the deck boards. This application protects the entire substructure from moisture penetration and allows for gas and electrical lines to be run safety and discreetly between the deck surface and a soffit ceiling below to power lighting, ceiling fans, barbecues, appliances and electrical components, allowing contractors to create a space with the look and function of an outdoor room.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Longevity through Sustainability Homeowners are increasingly looking for sustainable decking options. Consider offering eco-friendly materials that align with these values.

• Composite decking: Many composite decking options incorporate recycled materials, making them both a durable and environmentally friendly choice.

• Certified sustainable wood: If natural wood is preferred, opt for wood that is certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), indicating responsible and sustainable sourcing.

Choosing the right decking materials for longevity involves careful consideration of material durability, maintenance requirements, exposure and vulnerability to moisture, and environmental impact. The right selections combined with expert installation will ensure a beautiful and long-lasting deck that stands the test of time. DS

Dave Kile is the owner of IBP, LLC, the company behind some of the decking industry’s most successful innovations, including Trex RainEscape, Trex Protect and Trex Seal.

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DECKS NEAR POOLS

Require High-Performing Decking Materials

BY MATTHEW BRUCE WHEN IT COMES TO BUILDING POOLSIDE DECKS, there are many considerations for contractors, no matter what region they are working in.

Beating the Heat For Charles Chadd, a deck builder for 30 years in Indiana, the culprit for his poolside decks in recent years has been the historic heat index.

He explained that for fiberglass or concrete pools, recent temperature control breakthroughs for composite decking have made it better for the builder and homeowner.

“There was a time when we had to wear gloves and knee pads, not for the body strain, but to withstand the heat from the composite decking we were installing,” he said.

Chadd explained that decks in his region can get so hot, you can’t walk barefoot on them or sit on a deck’s edge to dangle your feet in the pool. “Pool decks are a lot of work — they require more footings, beams and posts, but within the past four years I’ve started installing pool decks again since I don’t have to worry about callbacks because kids are burning their feet.”

When Andy Loschiavo, a deck builder in Kentucky, meets with a customer for a pool deck replacement quote, typical questions he faces are: How hot will it get? What is the budget? What is the warranty? How slippery is it?

Loschiavo has found one great practice is to bring

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customers to the showroom to see a sample deck where they can see how the product feels under a heat source and letting them touch the product so they can feel the temperature difference. Pools with concrete or tile are also known for being slippery, so good slip-resistance is another feature he looks for in composite decking.

The Battle Against Moisture There is probably no higher moisture environment than a pool deck. For Kevin Florindo, owner of Blue Star Carpentry on Long Island, N.Y., so many properties are located near the water, that he has prioritized weather protective features when choosing decking materials.

He installs several pool decks, docks and bulkheads each season, so moisture-resistant deck boards are high on his list.

“Pool surrounds are very popular as are bulkheads for waterfront homes, so they need an impermeable solution that also has the aesthetic of natural wood, but will last decades,” he said.

Planning for Extreme Temperatures and Stability For Loschiavo in Kentucky, it’s not just the hot summers, but also the cold winters that play a big role in pool deck planning. “There are so many variables you run into, that you may not with a typical deck structure mounted to a home or building,” he said.

“Pool deck structures, from the footings to how the

structure is secured and accessible around the pool or hot tub is key to a successful project,” he said.

Loschiavo explained with decks, the process is like a giant puzzle. Every single piece must be put in place just right for a proper structure, especially around pools and when climate is a big consideration.

“Footings must meet your local building codes for frost or depth of footings so they cannot heave in freezing temperatures,” he explained. “They also have to be stable on good solid clay or soils that can bear the proper weight of the structure, with beam and joist spans dictating the spacing and size of footings necessary.”

According to Loschiavo, extreme temperatures are always a factor in pre-planning. “Footing depth in our area of Kentucky is 30”, which means the ground can freeze up to 30” deep and if your pier or footing is not at least that depth, it can heave over time, causing instability in your structure.”

In extreme climates, Loschiavo recommends to always make sure you are gapping to temperature ratios according to manufacturers’ recommendations.

He noted end-to-end gapping can vary, depending on the temperature outside when you are actually installing the product.

Expansion Contraction Impacts Performance Like Loschiavo, Chadd recommends to consider not only the highest and lowest temperature ranges in

your region, but also the temperature at the time of installation. “I go back to a project every three or four years to see how the product is holding up. I like to know that the products I use perform longterm.

That track record is how I choose my decking and railings today.”

On the northeast coast, Florindo agrees.“ Because of our wide temperature fluctuations, gapping is very important,” he said. “Although pool decks don’t get as much use in the winter, they have ‘loop lock’ covers which are very precise in their anchor location.” He said the last thing you want is a lot of movement that is going to cause damage.

All three pool deck installers in their three distinct regions of the country agree that composite decking that holds up to extreme temperatures and moisture while providing a high level of slip resistance are essential for in-ground and above ground pools, hot tubs and lake areas. DS

With three decades of experience in the building industry, Matthew Bruce, is responsible for global sales of RDI Railing, MoistureShield Decking, Barrette Outdoor Living outdoor accessories and Duralife decking.

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PARKS AND DECK CREATION BOBBY PARKS

Career Changes

Starting a New Chapter

M

Y FIRST MAJOR MISTAKE as a self-employed residential construction and light commercial contractor turned out to be the best thing that could’ve happened to me, forcing “change” in a direction that I’ve benefited from ever since.

At age 24, I became a framing sub in residential building. Job and crew size as well as contract amounts grew over time. I remember being confident I was making good decisions, and that residential construction and light commercial was my future. The work and money were steady.

That was right up until I decided to skip a monthly draw on a large apartment project at the end of a calendar year and roll it over until the next for tax purposes. It meant I would be on the job with a 12-man crew for two months before receiving a draw. This was my first major mistake as the company ran into financial difficulties and bankrupted without paying me anything. I had to lay everyone off and struggled to make my final payroll and satisfy vendors.

At the time, I couldn’t take on jobs that required a crew payroll, so I looked for something that only required myself and one other person. That’s when I entered the deck building market in a position with a new company start-up in Atlanta, GA. At first, I didn’t take deck building serious and looked at it as something temporary until I could get back on my feet and then re-enter residential work again. I had built as many 80 decks on a single apartment complex and a few during home builds, but never thought much about it from a “design/build” standpoint.

But my eyes were opened, and I became aware of the potential for outdoor living. I also learned the basics of

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business that I didn’t know as a subcontractor. During this run, I progressed from crew leader to construction manager, to operations manager and then to VP. I ran the day to day of the company while the business grew to be one of the largest in the Atlanta market at the time.

New Company & Ideas Another change occurred when I resigned my position and started Peachtree Decks and Porches Inc. I had other ideas I wanted to implement.

The original founding principles of the first company included customer service and quality with a production-based business model that included 16 carpenters along with subs in the field.

With PDP, it included the original founding principles, but changes included a different building philosophy of growth through margin instead of production combined with a thought process to be different with style and details, and only offer a combination of higher-end products. The headcount required was cut in half. These key changes are what put me on the map and lead to other opportunities as time progressed.

In 2006, the other opportunities opened up. These included conducting conference courses at Deck Expo, International Pool/Spa/Patio Expo. This was followed

by writing for magazines and invitations to speak at other events with other associations which lead to ideas for future endeavors.

A Departure from Building In September of 2014, I sold PDP to a very capable builder and transitioned out of it over the next 12 months.

I had another vision of what I wanted to do. That was to share what I learned and help others like me who entered outdoor living because of trade knowledge but lacked business and marketing skills, as well as a “retail” mindset. This was a challenging sale at first as it was hard to determine a “return on investment” for manufacturers. It was not a line item on anyone’s marketing budget at the time.

But Fortress Railing took a chance and provided me a limited opportunity to get in front of contractors and share my message. This was followed by Trex contracting with me for a three-year program (20172019) in “Contractor Development.” Although not full time, teaming up with them allowed me to travel into other markets and get in front of builders. It allowed me to contribute in a way that accomplished a lot of what I wanted to do.

Enter Versatex I started using PVC trim in early 2004 but crossed paths with a rep from Versatex in 2009. Not only would it become my brand of choice, but it would lead to a long and wonderful relationship with the leaders and team members of the company. Soon after I sold my business in the fall of 2014, Versatex started providing opportunities for me.

At first it was filling in the openings in my schedule and doing my “Creating Separation” seminars and being involved with a short training course for some of the new MDS hires. This led to the beginning of the Versatex Roadshow in 2016.

What a great experience and long run it’s been. I’ve been able to learn and understand more about supply chain dynamics. I’ve been exposed to distributors and retail building supply and some of my favorite people, which are the builders themselves.

What you realize is that no matter what area you operate in, it’s all about relationships. It’s about creating and taking care of them. It’s about respect, integrity, truthfulness, and commitment. Everything runs smoother and with less stress if this is done in a positive way. Of course, producing great products doesn’t hurt either.

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I will always be thankful to Versatex for providing me a great opportunity that’s led to so many wonderful experiences and relationships. I’m thankful for how management as well as those in marketing, sales, and administrative teams have treated me over these past seven years. It has been a fantastic position that didn’t even feel like a job at all. This role has allowed me to not only see big city America, but back roads America as well. Being part of this team has been a most rewarding experience, and I believe we accomplished a lot.

New Opportunity with IG Railing But nothing lasts forever, and “change” is occurring again for me. I’m fortunate enough to have the opportunity to team up with another company that I believe I can contribute to and begin a new chapter.

As of November 1, I’ve joined up with IG Railing (Illuminated Glass Railing). This company was founded by individuals that I respect, trust, and who I believe are producing a great product. They are also longtime friends. I’m super excited about being a part of this team.

In some ways, IG Railing, which produces lighted frameless glass, reminds me of a period of time I experienced in the late 1990s when I first started shipping aluminum railing from western Canada into Georgia. The idea was to bring change and improvement for a railing option.

Common comments back then were: “It’s not popular in my market,” “It doesn’t fit into residential building,” or “It’s too expensive.” Yet, offering and delivering what others wrote off played a big part in me growing my

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business and separating it from others. And of course, aluminum railing is very popular now.

I believe IG Railing can accomplish the same thing in markets that have the right demographics and for those contractors that know how to present value. There are lots of features and benefits which I look forward to discussing with many of you in person. In fact, I hope it means I’ll be able to visit both with friends I’ve made during travels and those that I’ve not been able to visit with in the past.

Evolution, progression, and transition all include “change” in their definitions. Often it takes a mix of confidence, courage, and luck, along with the right opportunity for it to work out. Whether it’s a change in products, methods, or business direction, we should all be open to change. You never know what creating, building, and maintaining relationships in this business will lead to or what opportunities or positive changes will present themselves. I have been very fortunate and thankful for the opportunities and changes that have occurred for me. 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.

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SET THE STANDARD

BRENDAN CASEY

It must be nice W

hen we wrote the July/August 2023 article “Well, I’ll Be a Dirty Word,” we couldn’t fathom the outpouring of affirmation that would be received from contractors who had been made to feel the same way and never really had an opportunity to articulate it to anyone outside of their own personal circles.

A lot of us never realized blue-collar deck builders from all over the globe, regardless of their success, were being treated like second-class citizens to the point where when you show any sign of achievement, it tends to be followed by an accusatory “It must be nice.”

You pull up to your appointment or to the job in an expensive new truck and you hear, “Is that what I’m paying for? Must be nice.” That hint of indignation from clients, vendors, suppliers, or peers always seems to seep into conversations whenever tell-tale signs of your success rears its so-called ugly head. How dare that dirty, calloused-handed, leather-skinned, sunburned, laborer enjoy the same lifestyle and luxuries of the white-collared clientele.

Our clients reach out to us to enhance one of the greatest investments they will ever make — their homes, the protected domain of their families. Yet so many times, especially since the onset of COVID, the prospective contractor they intend to have build that lifestyle addition, isn’t even invited into the confines of

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their sanctuary. We aren’t good enough to come inside, yet their lives depend on the quality of the structure we create. It must be nice.

How many times have you heard in a semi-sarcastic way, “It must be nice” to own your own business? Little do they know how long it took to reach a comfortable level of success. Nor do they realize you get up at 4:30 – 5 a.m. every day, putting in your morning routine before work.

Working all day, bathing under the client’s hose, tossing on a fresh shirt to go on appointments in the evening, coming home after the rest of the family has had dinner, squeezing in a quick bite of your own, a shower, and back to your desk until midnight so you can catch up on paperwork. Only to do it all over again tomorrow.

It must be nice, but that is the daily routine so many of us employ, especially in the early years of our business. Working on Saturdays to catch up on projects

LEFT: A mountain sunset at the weekend house.

BOTTOM LEFT: Mike Mitchell vacationing with his wife and daughters.

or appointments while missing the rest of our family’s events because the 18-20 hours we worked each of the previous five days weren’t enough to complete our tasks.

It must be nice.

Let’s talk about that “mortgage-esque” payment we dropped on the new truck we had to buy because the last one was being held together with bubble gum and bailing wire. We pull up to the job and immediately hear no wonder you are so expensive. It must be nice.

I love that one. I always respond with, “Would you have preferred I Uber my way over here or take the bus with all my tools, equipment and supplies?” Oddly enough, most prospective clients would prefer you show up in a nice clean, up-to-date rig and not look like “Bob in his Beater.”

Regardless of where we are in our careers, it’s safe to say we all have goals and a desire to succeed. The one trait that I have found while interviewing Deck Specialists from around the world is you need to seek balance with boundaries. It’s imperative you have a work/family balance while setting hard boundaries with work and clients. The same client that will say It must

Regardless of where we are in our careers, it’s safe to say we all have goals and a desire to succeed.

be nice to have your own business won’t hesitate to call, text, or email you at all hours of the night or expect you to be available on the weekend.

One company I spoke with said they have stopped answering calls after dinner, they don’t offer appointments after 3 p.m. and no weekends between Memorial and Labor Day. It forces the clients who want their caliber of work to make them important. Now, that must be nice.

Mike Mitchell from Mitchell Construction (co-author of the TNT column on page 44) once shared with me that in order to achieve his balance, he always starts off by putting his family first. He does so by penciling in all of his family obligations and events prior to scheduling his appointments and work time. He begins by blocking out dinner every night to spend with his wife and children.

That is nice.

Like Mike, Andy Henley of Hen-House Decks (the other half of the TNT column duo), who actually came up with the name for this article, just finished a two-week

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ABOVE: The view from a super relaxing/ decompressing mountain, weekend home. LEFT: Bill Zinnert with his well-earned Corvette.

trip abroad with his daughter — because he could. Andy has worked diligently as a NADRA award winning Deck Specialist to create a successful business that continued on as a well-oiled machine, allowing he and his daughter to enjoy an uninterrupted trip of a lifetime. That is nice.

Another example, Bill Zinnert of Diamond Decks in Severn, MD., has worked 30 years on the night shift while maintaining a successful deck business by day.

Bill had goals and a passion for building decks. He took the long way around, but has achieved most all of his goals, and when he pulled up to the lumberyard in his gorgeous new Corvette, what were the first words he heard? You guessed it — “It must be nice.” Personally, Bill is an inspiration. Not for his beautiful sports car and his place at the beach, but for the fact that he set lofty goals and had the fortitude to achieve them. That is nice.

It must be nice to have that new boat, RV, ATV, UTV, car, truck, vacation home, or the ability to take grand vacations on an annual basis. It must be nice to live in the same neighborhoods as our clients, send our children to the same schools and participate on the same teams.

You know what else was nice? Working 90 days straight one summer without a single day off to meet deadlines and stay on schedule. It must have been nice grinding yourself into the ground, working in the rain, snow, freezing and scalding hot temps to reach your goals. It must have been nice knowing that while you were out putting in extra hours, your children were looking up into the stands or the audience to see if you made it to their event. You couldn’t be there because

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you had bills to pay, a family to provide for, and a desire to make your business succeed. It must be nice.

The truth is, reaching each goal really is nice. Don’t ever let the jealousies of others tarnish the shine of your achievements. But as we do, we will continue to hear the battle cry of the insecure: “It must be nice,” as we forge on to the next plateau. It must be nice to know that we chose to make our living in an industry that truly rewards us for our efforts.

By no means is it easy; it takes a special breed to make a go of being a Deck Specialist. Like any other business in any other industry, there is no guarantee.

For every success story there are dozens of sad ones — companies that were not able to make it work. But the days of a blue-collar income maxing out far below where white collar starts are long gone, and that truly is nice.

I know this may sound farfetched to some, but we Deck Specialists have a right to the American Dream just as much as any other profession. It must be nice to know that we also have the ability today to achieve whatever goals we set for ourselves. We all have our own unique stories. So next time someone says, “It must be nice,” just smile and reminisce about the road you traveled to get there. You earned it. DS

With 35+ years experience in construction, Brendan Casey, with his wife Dianna, launched Casey Fence & Deck, Frederick, MD., fulfilling a need in the market for an innovative, creative, custom builder.

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TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY ANDY HENLEY & MIKE MITCHELL

TNT REVIEW OF USEFUL APPS

D

ECKING TNT is about to embark on an explosive journey through the realm of decking apps, and no, folks, we’re not talking about restaurant apps here. So, don’t get all confused and try to order a sandwich with your phone; we’re diving into something even tastier!

Grab your virtual hard hats because Mike and Andy, our dynamic TNT reviewers, are gearing up to detonate some knowledge bombs about a few of the best apps in the decking world.

MIKE: Construction Master Pro App. 1 Month Full Access $7.49 1 Year Full Access $58.99

In my opinion, the Construction Master Pro calculator app is the ultimate construction companion. Before the app was available I had the same feeling about the calculator it was created from (and all of its predecessors).

I will never forget when my Dad was teaching me about cutting roofs and he briefly touched on how he used to step off rafter lengths or do long drawn-out equations to figure roof measurements. Then he quickly changed the subject to the handheld sized Construction Master and said, “Now that we have this, none of that matters.

If you ever lose or break it, the first thing you will want to do is go to the store and get a new one, because it’s just not worth your time doing it any other way.” I’m going to guess the next generation of carpenters won’t even know what “stepping off” a rafter means.

I’m not saying to ditch your handheld and desktop version — because they have their place too — but the Construction Master Pro Calc app is a digital tool that is with me wherever I go. In the fast-paced world of construction, accuracy, speed, and efficiency keep you ahead of your competition, and it is super helpful having all this power right on my smartphone.

App Design: When you open the app it’s instantly on the calculator screen that looks very similar to the handheld device, so if you have been using this for years you will feel right at home. The only real difference I noticed is they removed the “off” and “backspace” button, and relocated the “clear” button. If you’re new to the Construction Master line, you will find well laid out buttons and how easy it is to get started using it. The help and setting buttons are easily accessible, but not out of the way. The app’s design ensures that you can focus on your calculations without being distracted.

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Versatility: This app is a powerhouse.

It can help with just about every aspect of construction, from simple measurements to complex conversions. Whether you need to calculate areas, volumes, angles, curves, stairs, or rafter lengths, this app has you covered. It also allows you to work with feet-inch-fraction measurements, trigonometric calculations, and dimensional math. Within the settings you can also choose the Trig or Legacy calculator. You can preset things specific for the way you build or for a specific project. For example: You can set things like: on-center spacing, stair tread width, fraction resolution (I use 1/16), yards per ton, etc. Another nice feature is the app keeps track of your key strokes and you can go back to the “paperless tape” to check your work. From there you can save your work or email your “tape” for future reference. Also, If you aren’t sure how one of the buttons or functions work, you can hold it down for a few seconds and the “help” page pops right up to help walk you through it.

Hands on: We use this app while estimating, designing, or building decks and porches. It effortlessly calculates the area of the deck surface, the length of railing materials needed, or the spacing between joists.

In only a few clicks, we can figure the slope for a ramp, or get the radius for a curved deck. For curves you can calculate rise, run, radius, arch length, arch area, and arch angle. We use it to calculate our stair rise, run, and pitch. Doing this right on our phone on-site while designing the space with the customers allows

us to know where the stairs or ramps will land without any guessing. Imagine you are on an estimate and the customer asks if you can fit a porch roof between two windows, or under a second floor roof. In a matter of seconds, you can have your answer. This is just another way to set yourself apart as an expert in your field.

The only downside here is that you have to pay for it (honestly I’m not sure if it is even a downside, I personally think it is a bargain). But, the app is not a free tool, and its price may be a consideration for some. However, given its comprehensive functionality and the time it will save you, it’s a worthwhile investment.

Overview: As a deck builder where precision and speed are critical, the Construction Master Pro Calc app shines brightly. Its huge range of calculations, user-

friendly interface, and advanced features make it an invaluable companion for all construction professionals, especially those involved in deck building. While its price may deter some, the return on investment in terms of time saved and reduced errors makes it a “must have.”

This app is a testament to the power of technology in simplifying tasks and increasing productivity on the job site, making it an indispensable tool for deck builders seeking perfection in their projects.

TNT Rating: 9.9/10 Pros: Easy to get started using the app. Powerful for office or field use. Wide variety of calculations Cons: High annual cost

ANDY: Delux Stairs Calculation Calc Cost: Free

As an experienced deck builder, my crew and I have faced our fair share of challenges when it comes to creating precise and aesthetically pleasing stair stringers. The art of crafting staircases that seamlessly blend with the overall deck design is a complex task that demands meticulous measurements and calculations.

However, my recent discovery of the Delux Stairs app has completely transformed the way we approach stair stringer layout, making the job a whole lot easier.

One of the first things that struck me about this app was its user-friendly interface. I really appreciate things that are easy to navigate and understand. The app’s layout is clean and intuitive, ensuring that even those

with limited tech-savvy skills can make the most of it.

The standout feature of Delux Stairs is its ability to provide accurate measurements for stair stringers effortlessly. Just input a few key details: the desired stair height, the depth of each step, and the overall

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Contractor’s Corner NOWADAYS TECH IS EVERYWHERE and for a modern carpenter it can seem we are being left behind. With all the advancements to put everyday tools ahead we often forget that tech is advancing our skills. At Thayer Lynn Carpentry we are always reaching for the best option to deliver our clients a top notch project. Our tools are the things between us and that final product.

One tool we find ourselves using from day one on the job site is the Makita 10 1/4” 40v Max Beam saw. This tool has made our sites more efficient and less of a mess. This larger blade allows us to pull out less tools on site to complete a single task. With it being cordless, there is still no loss

run. The app then generates precise measurements for the stringers, taking into account variables like tread thickness and joist width. This level of precision ensures that every step aligns perfectly, creating a staircase that not only looks great but also meets safety standards.

By streamlining the stair stringer layout process, Delux Stairs helps save valuable time and resources.

It eliminates the need for complex mathematical calculations and the trial-and-error approach that often leads to wasted materials. This not only accelerates the construction timeline but also reduces material costs, making it a cost-effective solution for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

My experience with the app is it has become a go-to for our company. It has simplified the complex process of stair stringer layout, allowing us to tackle projects with greater confidence and efficiency.

TNT Rating: 9.6/10 Pros: Easy to use, Saves time, accurate measurements Cons: If you want to print out your info, you have to email it to yourself. Would be better if you could just print from the page.

We reached out within the decking industry to see what apps our fellow builders are using. Thanks to Daniel Penn of Penn Construction (Springfield, MO.) for his take on the Todoist app. Here’s what he had to say: of power when it’s needed. The 40v Max line

by Makita has been a game changer to the tool industry with its unmatched power and quality.

The battery platform will be a continued winner for others to try and match. The 10 1/4” beam saw is a large tool to handle but very satisfying to watch complete the work.

Alex Larson is one of the owner operators of Thayer Lynn Carpentry based in N. Illinois. When he is not swinging a hammer, he is hitting the woods on his mountain bike. The outdoors call him alongside his family as they travel together camping. This joy of being outside drove his desire to open the company to create unique outdoor spaces others can gather and enjoy.

Alex Larson Thayer Lynn Carpentry, N. Illinois Instagram: @a.l._carpentry

Todoist is a standout choice in the realm of project management apps with its user-friendly interface. The app’s intuitive task organization, customizable project boards, and easy-to-set deadlines allow users to efficiently manage their tasks and projects with ease. Its compatibility with platforms like Google Calendar, Slack, and Dropbox simplifies collaboration and streamlines workflow. Our company created a project board template, so for every project it runs all of the “micro” stuff: what to bring, what to do, shopping, client concerns, etc. and we can tag team members and easily prioritize items.

Everything in my business and life is run to some degree by this app, and it allows me to stay on top of so much more than I could before. DS Cost: $6 per month per user. A free version is available as well.

Daniel’s Rating: 9.2/10

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.

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MARKET YOURSELF APRIL EDWARDS

BUILDING SUCCESS IN THE COLD:

A Deck Builder’s Winter Marketing Guide

P

ICTURE THIS: the days are getting shorter, and the air is crisp with the promise of winter. For many, it’s the season to stow away tools and take a breather from the business. After all, who thinks about improving their outdoor living space when it’s freezing outside? But what if I told you that the off-season could be your ticket to owning the market?

Taking Advantage of the Slow Season The off-season provides a unique opportunity for your business to stand out in a less crowded field. Many of your competitors tend to scale back their marketing activities during this period, believing that clients aren’t actively seeking deck builders in the winter months. However, this presents a golden opportunity for your brand to shine.

By maintaining a strong marketing presence during the off-season, you position your business as a standout choice. When potential clients do start looking during this time, your message will be more noticeable amidst the reduced marketing noise. This is your chance to capture their attention and begin nurturing valuable leads.

1. Invest Time in Website Improvement The off-season is an excellent opportunity to improve your website. Review your existing content and update it with your latest projects and achievements. Showcase your best work and highlight any new design trends or materials you’ve incorporated. Ensure that your website is a reflection of the high-quality work you do.

2. Harvest Past Review Opportunities Connect with previous clients who never left a review.

Check in with them, see how they’re enjoying their deck, and ask if they’d be willing to share their experiences online.

Reviews are a powerful form of social proof, and they can motivate others to choose your services especially when the review is paired with a picture of the project.

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3. Leverage Cost-Effective Online Ads During the off-season, online advertising can be more cost-effective with less demand. Platforms like Google Ads allow you to pay per click, meaning you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. This is a budget-friendly way to maintain visibility and attract potential clients actively researching deck projects.

Consider getting Google Guaranteed and setting up their pay-per-lead model where your website shows up at the top of Google search results. This ensures that you appear prominently when potential clients are looking for deck builders in your area.

4. Cultivate Future Prospects with Rich Content While it’s true that clients may not be inclined to start a deck project during the winter months, they are often actively researching and planning an improved outdoor space to enjoy when the weather breaks. The off-season provides the ideal window of opportunity to cultivate prospects for the future.

One effective strategy is to leverage rich content that educates, motivates and instills trust. Consider creating blog posts, videos, or downloadable guides that showcase your expertise. For instance, you could offer a comprehensive “Deck Design Guide” in exchange for website visitors’ email addresses. Many people spend the winter thinking about their dream deck, and your guide could be just the inspiration they need filling them with everything they need to know priming them for sales.

5. Nurture Prospects Once you’ve captured their email addresses, you can stay in front of these prospects until they are ready to start their deck project. Email marketing and automation can be very powerful for you (and something that a lot of deck builders aren’t capitalizing on). Craft a series of emails that provide valuable information about everything decks along with customer success stories. Gradually nurture these leads, building trust and authority.

Additionally, consider running remarketing ads on social media platforms. For those who have visited your website, these ads act as gentle reminders of your brand and the value you offer. By becoming omnipresent, you’ll be the deck builder they already know, like, and trust when they’re ready to move forward.

Prepare for the Peak Season By dedicating the off-season to planning and strategizing, you equip yourself to execute your marketing initiatives seamlessly when the peak season arrives. This proactive approach can lead to more efficient and effective marketing that yield results you never could image. More so, it will ensure that you will reach your goals instead of coming up on the end of the year and realizing where did the time go?

While you make the most of the off-season for strategic marketing, ensure you’re crafting a comprehensive plan for the upcoming year.

Areas to consider: • Budget allocation: if you don’t have one, set one!

I see deck builders budgeting anywhere from 1%-15% on marketing — it all depends on if you are just starting out or if you are a seasoned vet. If you are just starting out, it could take more to build your brand initially. And, even if you are an established business, you may have aggressive growth goals or a sales team that you need to feed. Consider how you will allocate it to areas such as website improvements, content creation, SEO, social media, paid ads and software.

• Content calendar: Develop a content calendar that outlines your blog posts, videos, social media updates, and other marketing materials. Plan the topics, themes, and messages that resonate best with your audience throughout the year.

• Advertising channels: Old school print? Online ads?

Whatever you decide, always have part of your marketing budget allocated to paid advertising to take full advantage and keep your pipeline consistently full.

• Promotions and special offers: Consider whether running special promotions or offers during different times of the year would be beneficial. Define the specifics of these promotions like free lighting or a percentage off the cost, and create compelling marketing materials to promote them when the time is right.

• Competitor analysis: Monitor the activities of your competitors and analyze their marketing strategies.

Identify areas where you can differentiate your business and provide a unique value proposition to potential clients.

• Measurement and analytics: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to gauge the success of your marketing campaigns. Implement a system for measuring and analyzing your marketing endeavors to make informed, data-driven decisions like Google Analytics for website traffic and a CRM with sales insights.

• Collaborations and partnerships: Explore potential collaborations or partnerships with other businesses such as manufacturers, landscapers or even other deck builders.

These alliances can extend your reach and introduce your services to a broader audience.

Final Thoughts I hate to say it, but the off-season shouldn’t just be reserved for much-needed rest and relaxation. Embrace it as an opportunity to boost your brand’s recognition, establish your authority, and pave the way for a prosperous 2024.

Reduced competition allows you to shine brightly, and spending the time now to build up your audience will surely result in a substantial pipeline of potential clients.

Do you want to be the name that comes to mind when potential clients consider their deck project? Engage in strategic efforts during the off-season to ensure you are well-equipped to capitalize on the peak season!

Until next time, 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.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Hard Work Pays Off

Project software enables builders to finish projects faster and pay their crews more When you pay your crews to work smarter, not harder, everyone wins. This is the premise behind Protiv’s patent-pending incentive management software (Protiv. com) that enables business owners to pay their workers higher wages based on performance and timeliness.

The software creates a target for the team for each job bid. If the team is more productive, works well together and communicates efficiently without wasting time, ultimately finishing the job ahead of schedule, they’re going to earn more money, explains Protiv owner Michael Fortinberry.

For instance, if a job is budgeted at $3,000 in labor costs, but the crew completes the work and the labor costs are $2,000, the team would split the difference of $1,000, prorated to the number of hours each employee put into the project. The $1,000 comes from the alreadybudgeted labor costs, not the company’s profit.

Platinum Decking, who has four Illinois locations, and specializes in Trex decking, hardscapes and patio services in Illinois and Wisconsin, is averaging an 11% increase in efficiency using the software, which means the team members are earning an average of 12% more in wages.

Fortinberry adds there’s no financial incentive for a team to rush a job. Only after a supervisor has approved

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the quality of the finished work and signed off on the project, will employees be eligible for any bonuses.

“When I’m working with many jobs going on at once, it’s really difficult to have supervisory help to be able to manage the day-to-day labor force,” says Matt Schmidt, 3rd Gen owner and president. “I don’t have to have a supervisor check up on these job sites every day to micromanage my employees because my employees are now incentivized on an efficiency scale.”

New Castle Hosts Two Steel Builder Events New Castle Steel recently hosted two Stronger With Steel events on October 3 and October 10.

Builders were invited to construct a New Castle Steel deck frame at each event: a 12´x20´ at Randall Brothers in Atlanta, GA., and 30´x19´ at Outdoor Living, Inc. in St. Louis, MO. The goal was to help builders see what it’s like to build with steel. Lunch, music, and giveaways were provided to those who attended.

In Atlanta, New Castle Steel partnered with the North American Deck & Railing Association (NADRA) to allow builders to earn CE credits for participating in the build.

“The turnout was fantastic, making these inaugural events a big success,” said Jason Alloway, president of New Castle Steel.

For more information on future Stronger With Steel deck-building events, visit them online at ncsteel.com.

Coming November 2023 MOSO® Bamboo X-treme

From its new headquarters in Holland, MOSO® is proud to introduce the next generation of bamboo Decking, Siding and Lumber: MOSO® Bamboo X-treme. We have re-engineered our product to decrease waste and increase CO2 capture. Learn more about it at Deck Expo Booth #4738 West Hall.

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NEW PRODUCTS Hammer brand Stiletto has expanded with three specialized measuring squares for professional carpenters.

The new lineup includes two 7” carpenter squares designed with more layout notches to help users build and level faster. A Bomber Cutout allows for repeatable stud measurements of 1-1/2”, 3”, and 4-1/2”, as well as LVL measurements of 1-3/4” and 3-1/2”. The 7” Carpenter Square with Level also features a replaceable 180° vial. [milwaukeetool.com] Wright now offers a revamped line of superiorquality, American-made steel screwdrivers designed for professional tradesmen.

Featuring rugged handles with a tri-lobe design for maximum strength and torque transfer, the drivers provide high-strength blades and precision machined tips for reliable fastener engagement.

They are available in cabinet-tip design, Phillips head, round and square-shank styles, and can be ordered individually or from six sets ranging from five to 10 pieces per set. [wrighttool.com]

DeWalt released a fully integrated storage solution to organize power tools, hand tools, outdoor equipment, stick tools, power tool accessories and more. The line consists of metal tool storage chests and cabinets as well as 25 new workshop accessories (sold separately) utilizing a heavy-duty metal rail as the centerpiece of the platform.

The chests and cabinets are built with heavy-gauge steel and feature full-extension, soft-close, ballbearing drawers. Small drawers have a single set of slides and a max capacity of 100 lbs., while large and deep drawers are fortified with double slides that support up to 150 lbs. per drawer. Cabinets feature 6”x2” casters with a 2,000-lb. load rating.

Chests include an integrated 15-amp max load power strip with six power outlets and two USB ports for convenient charging of mobile devices and DeWalt power tools. The drawers are designed with an internal keyed lock and are lined with anti-slip mats. [dewalt.com]

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Simpson Strong-Tie has introduced Timber Drive — a first-of-its kind, heavy-duty structural fastening system designed for stand-up, semi-automatic operation while driving 3” to 6-1/4” structural screws.

Engineered to vertically drive large structural screws without the operator having to bend over, the system causes less fatigue for knees, back and shoulders, increasing user comfort, speed and productivity.

A patent-pending drop-feed loader allows for semiautomatic driving of a wide variety of Simpson StrongTie fasteners.

The tool has four adjustable countersink depth settings, two interchangeable nosepieces that accommodate either face-screwing or connector fastening, and a positive placement tip that locates connector holes and provides straight, perpendicular driving. [go.strongtie.com/quikhd]

The Dynamex Rise-It Paver Pedestal System from StoneDeks is designed to fully support the load of installed pavers, outdoor porcelain tiles and foot traffic, while reducing vibration and shock.

The system’s main advantages are simplified and reliable installation, improved drainage, and protection of critical roofing membranes and moisture barrier systems.

Precision manufactured and durably made from 100% recycled materials; the system can be used to convert unused roof space into valuable patio real estate. Or apply it over broken sidewalks, sand, gravel or uneven concrete to convert them into well-drained, level surfaces. [stonedeks.com] November/December 2023

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Superior Aluminum Products’ new Series 9G glass railing provides a high-end, modern look without impeding the view.

It features a codecomplaint, affordable design with no clips or fasteners, and tempered and laminated glass.

The low-maintenance aluminum frame provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional stainless steel. Square frames come in six different finishes, including black, white, dark bronze, sandstone, gray, and satin anodized, and include caps and bases for a polished look. [superioraluminum.com]

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Milwaukee Tool’s redesigned M18 FUEL 16-Gauge Straight Finish nailer delivers the power to sink nails in hardwoods while leaving clean, consistent nail holes.

This compact, fully battery-operated nailer provides a pneumatic fire rate, without the hassles of an air hose. There are no gas cartridges, no need to carry a compressor and hose to the jobsite, and requires no maintenance. [milwaukeetool.com]

Weighing only 1 lb., Ridgid’s new R350MPF Mini Palm Nailer is 65% more compact than the previous model.

Great for installing metal connectors in the framing stage, the tool gets into tighter spaces that framing nailers or hammers can’t. Its magnetic nail channel keeps nails in place for efficient one-handed operation.

An integrated quick-connect swivel coupler delivers more maneuverability with fewer air hose kinks. [ridgid.com] Diablo Tools has added two new blades to its line of Amped carbide teeth reciprocating saw blades: general purpose and medium metal blades.

The blades offer Titanium Cobalt (TiCo) Hi-Density Carbide and Black I.C.E. coating, to deliver efficiency, cutting life, and versatility in wood and metal cutting and demolition applications.

The blades provide up to 100 times longer cutting life than standard bi-metal blades, and up to double the performance of standard carbide blades. [diablotools.com]

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DATE PLANNER

Deck Expo - International Pool & Spa Expo When: Nov. 13-15 Wh ere: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV. Wh at: The International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo will be co-located with DeckExpo.

The industry will gather to stay informed of trends, market directions, and technology.

More info: poolspapatio.com

Century Aluminum Glass Railings Aluminum railings with glass panels create a minimalist modern look that shows off any view.

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877-810-4166

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Below-Grade Post Foundations

• Proven Performance: over 1,000,000 in use • Can be used with most post types, including wood, Perma-Column, and poured columns • Available in 5 sizes from 10” to 24”

ICC Building Code Compliant ESR-2147

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Replaces concrete footings while being lightweight and easy to handle.

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Colorado Springs Home Building & Remodeling Show When: Jan. 5-7 Wh ere: Norris Penrose Event Center, Colorado Springs, CO. Wh at: Builders and homeowners congregate to learn the latest in landscaping and building.

Mo re info: homeshowcenter.com/ overview/coloradoSprings International Builders Show When: Feb. 27-29 Wh ere: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV. Wh at: The premier, once-a-year NAHB International Builder’s Show (IBS) is a hub for new product launches, construction demos, workshops, panel discussions.

More info: buildersshow.com/about-ibs

FootingPad® structural post foundations are engineered to meet or exceed the load capacity of concrete, while reducing hassle, time, and labor costs.

Learn more or request a sample at footingpad.com or call us at 800-522-2426

North American Deck & Railing Association – Awards Dinner & Networking Event Wh en: Jan. 3-5, 2024 Wh ere: Wyndham Grand, Clearwater Beach, FL. Wh at: NADRA will honor this year’s best decks at its annual, prestigious awards presentation. Other activities include a welcome party and workshops.

More info: nadra.org

Perfect for decks, post frame buildings, and other postsupported structures.

November/December 2023

OKC Home & Outdoor Living Show When: March 22-24 Wh ere: OKC Fairgrounds, Oklahoma City, OK. Wh at: Attendees can get inspired for their own backyard projects or engage with professional builders during social events.

More info: www.homeshowokc.com

AD INDEX Page 7

Absolute Distribution Inc.

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www.absolutedist.com

53

American Ground Screw Mfg. & Supply

www.yellawood.com

55

www.americangroundscrew.com

Cover 4

Avon Plastics

Black Talon

19

56

BuyRailings

Lumber+ www.lumberplus.com

51

www.blacktalonuniversal.com DESIGNED FOR BEAUTY, MADE FOR LIFE.

Humboldt Sawmill www.mendoco.com

www.armadillodeck.com

41

Great Southern Wood

MOSO North America www.moso-bamboo.com

39

www.buyrailings.com

New Castle Steel www.ncsteel.com

ARMADILLODECK.COM

3

CAMO Fasteners

43

www.camofasteners.com

53

Deck2Wall

www.gtape.com

54

www.deck2wallspacer.com

45

Deck Builders Marketers

Deckorators

9

DeckWise

47

Digger Specialties

31

FootingPad

Cover 2

Glass Flooring Systems www.glassflooringsystems.com

Regal ideas www.regalideas.com

11

www.footingpad.com

27

Perma-Column www.permacolumn.com

www.DiggerSpecialties.com

56

Palram Americas www.palram.com/us

www.deckwise.com

Cover 3

Pacific Woodtech Corp. www.pacificwoodtech.com

www.deckorators.com

37

Nova USA Wood Products www.novausawood.com

www.deckbuildermarketers.com

5

Nichigo G-Tape

Simpson Strong Tie www.strongtie.com

33

Tiger Deck www.strongtie.com

November/December 2023

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Deck Specialist

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57

IDEA BOOK

Nighttime Optics

T

HE UNOBSTRUCTED VIEW of

the frameless glass rail at night was the driving force behind the customer’s decision to extend his railing by an additional 88 linear ft.

As Joe Hayes, GM of Renew It Decks in Charlevoix, MI., explains, the company chose IG Railing for this $170,000 Bay Harbor, MI., project, having been introduced to it at tradeshows, and having tested it on smaller projects. “I knew this would really add something to this project — something to set it apart from his neighbors.”

Initially the project was bid at 142 linear ft., but the customer felt compelled to add more railing after he saw the nighttime view. Hayes notes, “It really convinced him to spend the extra money on the railing.”

During installation, Hayes discovered the intricacies of installing this railing on a larger scale. Each railing zone included 100 stanchions supporting the glass panels, with lights installed on each panel.

This necessitated four lighting zones to accommodate the space. Hayes admits, “You really have to pay attention. I didn’t realize it would take four lighting systems.

If I had known that, I would’ve planned it a little differently.”

Additionally, 1,750 sq. ft. of Deckorators Voyage decking in Khaya was installed, but the irregular angles of the front of the house presented challenges for Renew It’s installer, David. Nevertheless, Hayes commends David’s commitment to perfection. David is a “perfectionist, a true craftsman” who wouldn’t accept anything less than perfection for this project.

During the five-week build, LMT Mercer Group lights were added to steps and 1x8 PVC trim from Restoration Millwork Trimboard by CertainTeed was installed under the deck.

58

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Deck Specialist

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Hayes characterizes this project as fairly typical project for his company, which moved to exclusively constructing decks and outdoor living projects 10 years ago. He notes that the company’s reputation has grown “exponentially” in the past five years, resulting in more organic leads through their website and an increase in word-of-mouth referrals. Renew It typically completes approximately 140 decks per season, with project budgets typically ranging from $40,000 to $100,000. He remarks, “These Submit photos of your are not the kind of people to latest and greatest go on Angie’s List to find a project to sgraves@ contractor.” DS

November/December 2023

526mediagroup.com

DECK

S P E C I AL I ST 151 Kalmus Dr. Ste. E200 Costa Mesa, CA 92626-5959

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FREE Sales Tools 2 or 5 Year Labor Warranty (based on product installed)

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Deck Specialist

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November/December 2023

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