Sell ildeck help"rsrr to weekend wqrriors

By Diana Hanson

THE weekend warrior often underI estimates the complexity of a deck build. Your lumberyard offers full lines of framing and decking materials, fasteners, stains and finishes, plus assorted power tools. You may also offer deck design services and an occasional how-to course.

There's another overlooked area, however, that ministers to the weekend warrior-deck-related hand tools. These "helper" tools will help you to help your customer feel more relaxed and in control as he pushes that cart loaded with materials that he expects to transform into an envy-of-theneighborhood deck.

. BoWrencfr - This tool from Cepco provides a fast and effective way to straighten decking boards. The longer the board, the more likely it is to have some warp. A tool like this saves time, aggravation and money. Operation involves placing the

BoWrench over a joist, then pulling the lever arm and releasing it. It works to align boards by either pushing or pulling them, then locks in place so the user may then fasten the boards to the deck framing.

Decklt Deck Spacer.r - A simple spacing tool that fits over and hugs the joist, Decklt deck spacers make gapping decking boards a no-brainer. The spacers come in two sizes to provide a l/8" gap (for most wood varieties) or a 3116" gap (for most composite materials).

They are durable and easy to use. Only four or five are needed for an average size deck. They also work well in concert with BoWrench, when working the warp out of a board. Since Decklts are made of polypropylene, they will not mar boards.

. DuckbiLl Deck WreckerForrester's deck-specific tool for removing boards is a must-have for the homeowner who needs to get rid of an old deck before starting on the new one. Its upright design and long handle provide great leverage and permit the user to "wreck" the deck without spending a lot of time bending over.

Joist Jaw - This durable tool from Grabber comes two to a pack and works to hold the joist in place for installing joist hangers or other connectors. Especially helpful for the warrior who is working solo, the Joist Jaw clamps over a joist to temporarily hold it in place, level with the rim joist or ledger.

Post Level - Various manufacturers offer this 9O"-angled level, which allows for easy leveling of deck posts. Simply hold the level flush on one corner of an upright post, and position until the three levels (one on each side, and down the spine) all read right.

Here are a few more generic helpers that You might mention to your customer:

. Knee Pads - A must-have for building a deck. Do Your customer a favor and be sure to recommend these pain-savers. You can hold a bottle of ibuprofen in one hand and a Pair of knee pads in the other, and just saY' "Pick one."

Knee pads are esPeciallY meaningful for those who plan to apply a coat of stain to their new deck.

' Safety Glasses - AnYone who has ever had sawdust or, worse, in their eyes needs no urging to wear these, but the weekend warrior may appreciate a reminder to Purchase and wear this inexpensive protective gear' fT'S not your grandfather's rib-charlring BBQ and wooden picnic table anymore. The nice cabinet-enclosed grill is even having to roll aside for something more. The outdoor kitchen may have made its debut as a completely custom, lavish expense for the rich and famous, but is now becomins a component-based specialty item tha*t is affordable to the rest of us.

LonE Extension Cord - Your customer should have at least one of these that is long enough to reach from the power source to the farthest edge of the deck. You might also recommend the multi-outlet version with the internal circuit breaker.

These little helps go a long waY to keeping that homeowner on his way to building a great deck with a bit less aggravation. They also become your hook for making sure that when theY want to add an awning or outdoor kitchen, they think ofyour store over a competitor, and come back to You for more great products and guidance.

- Diana Hanson is co-owner and operator of deck contractor WoodPile Construction, Meridian, Id., and Woodpile Products, maker of Deckit deck spacers. She is active in the North American Deck & Railing Association and frequently writes for industry publications. Contact her at diana.hanson@ gmail.com.

Backyard entertaining has come a long way since lawn chairs and a charcoal grill. Costs of outdoor kitchens retail from $3,000 to around $15,000 (unless someone wants it all and then the sky's the limit). Designs and components run the gamut from simple and functional to extravagant appliance-loaded structures.

Outdoor kitchens are finished in tile, marble, stucco, brick, rock-vou name it. Just about any material you can think of is now available. There are grills that sear, rotisseries, beer taps, wine refrigerators, mounted blenders, pizza ovens, etc. If you can think of it, it's probably out there

People are spending more time than ever entertaining at home. They want all-season use of their backvards. Outdoor kitchens provide just such a setting for making the best use of that "extension of living space" that used to be called the yard. Consumers want more and better, and they are willing to pay for it. Consumer Reports estimates around 1.5 million outdoor kitchens are installed each vear. Now that's a lot of steakl

If you are on the fence about whether to start carrying outdoor kitchens, know that they will absolutely boost sales in other departments of your store. Think about it: an outdoor kitchen has power, gas and water requirements. Consider, too, that vou sell materials for decks and oatioi. A patio sounds like a great place to plant an outdoor kitchen! Plus, you can also provide the tile or marble for outdoor kitchen countertops, either by canying it directly or by making arrangements with local suppliers.

You already cary many of the supplies needed for a great outdoor kitchen. The customer is already in your store, so they are very likely to make all those purchases from you so long as you make it convenient for them. (Pssst... as long as their wallets are open, go ahead and get a quality line of BBQ tools, stainless cleaners, and a good grill cleaning brush.)

The Display

Where do you display an outdoor kitchen? Why, outdoors of course! This does a number of things. First, customers have to walk by it everv time they enter your store.

Next, it's a perfect set-up for those occasional contractor breakfasts, hot dog lunches, and power tool demos. It also provides a logical setting for that bit of patio furniture that you display. Build it so it makes the customer feel like it's the real thing, a place they can see themselves in and enjoying

Manufacturers

Note that since outdoor kitchens live, well, outside, quality really matters. For example, when you open up a cabinet door, you don't want to be showing potential customers fiberboard on the inside-it won't hold uo. You must also watch the grade of stell and thickness used in the manufacture of components. The cheaper stuff will be bright and shiny in your store, but your customer's face won't be brieht and shiny a year later when he te-lls you about his rust problems.

As with any popular item, there are many manufacturers of components. An Internet search for "outdoor kitchen" will turn up a bunch of suppliers. Some are good, some are not. Do a little research. Try looking to trade associations, such as the Kitchen & Bath Association and the Hearrh Patio & Barbecue Association.

Consumers today want all-yearlong use of their outdoor living space. Just keep them interested in improving their backyards, and you'll have customers for life.

- Diana Hanson is co-owner of deck contractor Woodpile Construction, Meridian, Id., and Deckit deck spacer maker Woodpite Products. Active in the North American Deck & Railing Association, she freque ntly w,rite s for industrv publications. Reac h her at diana.hanson@ pmail.com.