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and amenity options available today can be ovenvhelming. so homeorvners typically look for help in choosing the right material and features to meet the vision and budget of their outdoor living space.

In areas subject to extreme temperatures. some dealers and contractors suggest composite decking to homeowners looking for lorv maintenance materials. The western Rocky Mountain climate is especially tough on decks. so Scott Pray and Tom Broden of Bozeman Deck Co.. Bozeman. Mt.. rely primarily on EverGrain composite decking.

"About 75% of our decks are made rvith EverGrain." Pray said. "It's the best looking composite decking for the money. it's durable and it provides great slip resistance. rvhich is really important in this climate."

foundation, rvhether it's a porch. patio or deck.

"Just as with the accessories. the foundation they choose must reflect their personal style and require little maintenance." Sollis said. "And because every space is unique. homeowners must make the best possible use of available outdoor space and gracefully blend the foundation rvith the home and its surroundings."

Building material dealers stand to benefit most rvith the choice of a deck-but so do homeowners. due to the value a deck brings to a home.

According to Renrcdeling Maga:ine's "2005 Cost vs. Value Report," the national average for a deck addition recoups more than 9OVc of the project cost upon resale.

The variety of decking materials

According to Mick Whelan. co{porate director of marketing for Tamko, composite decking such as EverGrain offers other benefits. as rvell. including durability. slip resistance. a natural rvood look. and complementary colors and accessories. "These aspects are extremely important because people want higher quality composite materials. like EverGrain. that not only provide style and beauty. but also rvill stand the test of time." Whe len said.

To celebrate the best of outdoor living. EverGrain is sponsoring National Outdoor Living Week June 5-l l. The rveek-long series of events will encourage homeorvners to enjoy their outdoor living areas. Highlights include a National Deck Party June l0 and an Outdoor Makeover Contest. in rvhich the entmnt rvho offers the most compelling need for an outdoor makeover rvill be chosen to receive EverGrain decking. a design consultation. and $2.000 for additional improvements. For details on the promotions. visit rvrvrv.eversrain.com.

[I'OMEOWNERS sizing up your llselection of decking products aren't always do-it-yourselfers. Increasingly, they're buy-it-yourselfers, who often ask dealers to recommend a good contractor to build the project for them.

Dealers, whether or not they have a formal installed sales program for decking, are inclined to recommend someone if they want to make the decking sale.

Yet, in their referrals, dealers may be placing themselves-and their reputations-on the line, both financially and legally. A deck system is a complex combination of elements, the success of which depends on the quality of materials, installation and overall construction. Make sure those you refer are competent and reliable. Their work will reflect on your business.

Here are four steps that dealers should take in choosing the deck builders they refer, according to the North American Deck & Railine Association (NADRA):

Step l: Wlrere to start

Referrals are the first source for names of credible companies. Your own contractor customers are the most natural candidates. Also ask family, friends and associates who they have used in the past.

Contact your state and local licensing authorities, and trade associations, such as NADRA, National Association of Home Builders, or National Association of the Remodeling Industry, about deck builders who are active in the community.

NADRA does caution that some states have regulations that govern the making of referrals to a service provider. Check to make sure that the way you provide referrals does not cause you to take on unnecessary liability. Some states require the referral of at least three service providers any time referrals are given.

Roy Burleson, director of Builder Solutions for Guardian Building Products and "Installed Sales" columnist for The Merchant Magazine, adds that just getting the names of a few referrals isn't enough. "I would actually inspect a few jobs," Burleson advises. "Ask for an extensive list, then randomly pick from it."

Step 2: Meet the prospects

After you have compiled a list of possible deck builders, take some time to evaluate each one carefully. Set up a preliminary meeting to discuss your needs and their qualifications. Pay close attention to the attitude of the builder. Good builders take pride in their work and will be enthusiastic about the possibility of creating a reciprocal relationship.

Ask to see a portfolio and some samples of the decking and railing materials they prefer to use.

Burleson suggests having decking manufacturers supply lists of qualifying questions, including construction methods and material preferences such as decking material, fasteners, etc.

Step 3: Do your research

Experience: The training and experience of a deck builder, as well as the age of his or her company, will help you determine their ability to successfully work with you.

Licensing: Some states require special licensing for deck builders. Ask for business license numbers. Then check with local authorities to see that the firm complies with regulations.

Insurance coveragei A deck builder should carry worker's compensation and general liability insurance. Request the name and address of the insurance carrier, along with a copy of the contractor's insurance certificate.

"When asking for insurance certificates, have their carriers supply you with a copy from their files," Burleson says. "I have actually had contractors make changes, add names (their own), limits, etc., then run it through a copy machine a few times and present it to me as evidence of insurance. Also, request the carrier to notify you if insurance is cancelled or expires. Better yet, get listed as an additional insured."

References'. Your deck builder's past can help determine your future. Ask for credit references, bank information, and a list of completed projects, including names and telephone numbers of previous clients. Find out if the builder stands behind his work.

Step 4r Forge a relationshiP

Establish what each of you wants out of the relationship; i.e., the builder wants qualified leads, and the dealer wants a builder he can trust to provide good quality workmanship. Does the dealer also want a percentage of each job? Does the builder want something for referring his clients to the store?

Educate each other. A dealer usually doesn't know all the ins and outs of deck building and maintenance, and a builder doesn't know the particulars of each product they carry. An understanding of each other's business will go a long way toward guaranteeing that the cross references they send each other are worthwhile.

"Most deck contractors think they are in the deck business," explains Burleson. "While building a quality deck is important, in reality, they are in the service business. The customer's total experience is even more important. A great deck attached with horror stories doesn't help the referring dealer's image. In fact, just the opposite is true. It will tarnish it."

Burleson views the final step as the most important. "If the contractor really understands the value of selling great experiences, the first three items probably take care of themselves or become non-issues," he says.