Deck contest moves redwood

rnWO San Francisco Bay Area contractors took the top I- prizes in the California Redwood Association annual deck contest. But all dealers who used the contest to sell more redwood and deck packages came out winners.

"The contest does get customers excited," said John Duddleston, decking sales specialist for Mead Clark Lumber, Santa Rosa, Ca. "It lets contractors send in photos of their projects, and our customers love having their work noticed, which can lead to future business."

WINNING deck, built by Bonny Weil, features multiple levels across the back of a home in Contra Costa County with a side staircase and boardwalk to a hot tub. Spanning nearly 1,500-sq. ft., the deck was built with B-heart grade redwood, providing high durability and few knots, and left unfinished to weather naturallv.

OTHER winner, built by Weston Leavens, features two levels across the back of a Sonoma County home. The 400-sq. ft. deck was constructed with DeckMaster hidden brackets and clear, all-heart redwood for utlimate decay resistance and a knot-free appearance. The wood was sealed with a natural finish to protect its distinctive color.

Mead Clark customer Weston Leavens. owner, Deckmaster Fine Decks, Sebastopol, Ca., was one of two $3,000 winners in the Build a Deck, Win a Deck contest, for the North Bay area. Bonny Weil, a Martinez, Ca.-based general contractor who shops at Truitt & White Lumber, Berkeley, Ca., built the winning entry for the East Bay area. The prizes are valid toward purchases at their favorite LBM dealer.

Both winners are longtime redwood users. "I've been working with redwood for years because it's so distinctive and a great natural product to work with," Leavens said. "My clients love the look and feel of redwood and its durability, and I like having satisfied customers."

"Redwood is beautiful wood and so easy to work with," Weil added. "You can get creative with redwood and create fabulous outdoor living areas."

CRA engaged independent lumberyards throughout Northem California to promote the contest. "We had strong retailer support and gave contractors a chance to show off their skills," said CRA marketing director Bob Mion. "As a result, we had a lot of gorgeous decks to choose from."

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