HBSD_Decking E-Book.pdf

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DECKING E-BOOK

A guide to the trends, products and profit potential in the fast-growing outdoor living category

DECKING E-BOOK

DECKING GAINS GROUND In a hot home improvement market, outdoor livings shines bright.

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By Andy Carlo he demand for outdoor living was already going strong before the pandemic, but it’s hotter than ever as homeowners seek to expand their footprint, create sanctuary spaces, and desire more outdoor space to entertain.

Professionals who focus on the decking space — whether it’s deck boards, deck fasteners or deck specialty items, see demand continuing throughout 2022 and beyond. Homeowners expect more from their spaces — indoors and outdoors. And that mindset plays to the advantage of the decking industry.

The days of decks and patios that might be used to host 2

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a BBQ once or twice a year are gone. Now, homeowners are seeking outdoor living areas where they can relax, watch their favorite shows, host a movie night with friends, play games, and truly live every day.

Speaking during an HBSDealer webinar titled “How Prodealers are Cashing in on Decking Projects,” two panelists described sales growth and design sophistication as major trends.

“There's been a huge explosion of demand,” said Mike Miller, director of outdoor living products for North Carolina-based Talbert Building Supply. “Sales have increased at least 20 percent per year in the outdoor living category. And it’s not just decking. Outdoor kitchens have become a big thing. There’s more lighting. And all the accessories have also taken off.”

Scott Shay, the regional general manager at TAL Holdings, based in Vancouver, Wash., is helping to bring about the transformation of Tum-a-Lum Lumber and its Innovation Centers HBSDealer.com

throughout the Pacific Northwest. Decking, he says, is on an upscale trajetory.

“Outdoor living space is just a huge area of focus for us,” said Shay. “It’s an area that’s not traditional for some basic lumberyards, but we’re trying to create that inspiration center for both inside and outside the house.” Shay added: “I think you'll see a lot of changes among traditional lumberyards as they evolve and look for new ways to be inspiration centers to their customers.”

Fast-growing trends also include bolder design choices and additional, personalized features including wet bars, pools, spas, and customized storage solutions.

“These aren't just your old fashioned decks where they put up some boards and some old wood pickets and throw paint on them,” Shay said. “These now are a true outdoor living spaces. We're seeing more cable-rail systems, a lot of glass panels for railings, and really high-end decks. People are taking their living space outside.”

Meanwhile, the concept is being fueled by new marketing and customer-relations innovation. For instance, wood-alternative decking manufacturer Trex launched HBSDealer.com

an online platform called Trex Academy. It includes planning tools like an AR Deck Visualizer app, cost and color calculators, and a user-friendly Deck Designer tool.

MoistureShield, the composite decking manufacturer, has launched a new online tool to help users create an outdoor oasis—the Outdoor Project Hub. It helps homeowners design and build deck projects by offering step-by-step planning and checklist features.

Deckorators has released the latest version of the Deckorators Deck Designer. The web-based program can be used for planning and visualizing a new deck, confirming material lists or hiring a professional. The tool serves up 3D-renderings that allow users to visualize a customized deck and style it with accessories.

As decking demand continues, there’s no shortage of decking innovations. The following pages contain more highlights from the expanding category of decking.

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MoistureShield’s new adventure: Outside the ordinary in 2022

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t’s a new deck season and a new adventure for MoistureShield, with a bold campaign for 2022 that pits MoistureShield Composite Decking against Mother Nature in the most extreme environments on earth. A division of Oldcastle APG (a CRH Company), MoistureShield’s breathtaking “Outside Ordinary” launch shows that everyday life doesn’t have to be ordinary! It depicts adventurers in extreme conditions with their MoistureShield decks, reported by the company to be the only deck brand engineered to deliver 360° protection, 365 days a year. This is largely due to MoistureShield’s proprietary Solid Core manufacturing process that encapsulates every wood fiber.

“Our bold new campaign connects emotionally with customers, showing how getting outdoors can be an adventure, even on their deck,” said Molly Werner, Senior Brand Manager, MoistureShield. “We want to assure our customers that MoistureShield protects their investment every day of the year and in every type of climate and weather situation.”

MoistureShield also launched a new online tool to help users create a perfect outdoor oasis. The company has introduced its Outdoor Project Hub, which helps homeowners design and build deck projects with ease by offering step-by-step planning and checklist features that are all accessible on one dashboard.

“Sometimes, it can be overwhelming to start out with a blank slate,” said Molly Werner, senior brand manager at MoistureShield. “The Outdoor Project Hub is the perfect online tool for helping MoistureShield customers seek inspirational design ideas, select the right products, and find a contractor who can turn their dream deck into a reality.” The new tool is both

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computer and mobile device-friendly, so planning can be done at home or on the go.

The Outdoor Project Hub guides the homeowner through the entire planning process, complete with inspirational custom mood boards and curated MoistureShield collections. These include Vision® with DiamondDefense coating for the strongest cap in the industry and popular new Cold Brew Color; new Meridian, with natural-look TruTexture surface; Elevate as an affordable step-up from wood, and Vantage with the workability of wood.

The four collections are available in a variety of colors and textures with accessible price points for virtually any homeowner. Additionally, Vision and Meridian have the option of unique CoolDeck Technology which offers a more comfortable deck experience by reducing heat absorption up to 35% over other composites in similar colors.

Once a user selects a MoistureShield product, the Outdoor Project Hub utilizes a checklist to stay on track with deck size, budget, timing, and desired amenities. The final step is to search MoistureShield’s “Find a Contractor” database and share the project as a PDF to start building.

Customers also have the peace of mind that MoistureShield is field-proven for 30 years with zero structural failures and is backed by a 50-year transferrable structural warranty for all decking series. Vision also features a 50-year fade and stain warranty and 40-year for Meridian.

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The resilient, color-enriched composite cladding will withstand the elements, providing a natural aesthetic that doesn’t require staining or painting. MoistureShield said it offers the only cladding-approved deck board rated for use in the ground, on the ground, or underwater. Manufactured with 95% recycled content, the deck boards approved for cladding also have eligibility to earn LEED green building credits.

MoistureShield supports growth with plant expansion MoistureShield’s increased interest and growth will be supported by a doubling of its composite decking manufacturing capacity with a new expansion at the company’s MoistureShield plant in Springdale, Ark. This investment will support the Elevate™ affordable capped wood composite decking line while also expanding geographical access to the new MoistureShield Meridian line.

MoistureShield doubled capacity just over a year ago, and are now set to double it again for its lines. Existing production lines, which support MoistureShield Vision will also be upgraded in a Phase II expansion later in 2022.

Dealers and distributors can expect the timing of the expansion to be fully executed for the Q2 decking demand, with inventory having immediate availability,” said Matthew Bruce, vice president of sales, Oldcastle APG. “We’re excited to meet the 2022 deck season with renewed capacity that will allow our contractors to best serve their customers and give them a competitive edge to continue achieving success.”

MoistureShield continues to innovate with new products MoistureShield Cladding — MoistureShield’s Vision and Meridian capped composite decking lines are now available for cladding use.

MoistureShield Cladding offers a durable, low-maintenance finish while adding an elegant aesthetic to any exterior.

Enhance any facade’s architectural details while enjoying the benefits of a low maintenance material when you use MoistureShield composite decking for your cladding needs with beautiful composite color options and textures that reflect the look of real hardwood. The proprietary Solid Core manufacturing process protects the cladding on all four sides against moisture absorption, warping, rotting, and damage from insects — all with a sophisticated look.

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MoistureShield’s new accessories: MoistureShield Aegis Clip™ — designed for installing grooved boards on metal framing, a growing trend. Delivering lasting strength and durability, Aegis Clips are made from glassreinforced polypropylene for superior holding power and durability. Offering a 90-degree installation process for grooved boards, the clips are designed to be used on both wood or steel joist systems. Aegis joins MoistureShield Deck Clips as an option to meet today’s increased trend toward metal framing and challenging environments.

MoistureShield Joist Tape — protect the deck’s substructure and joists with a moisture-resistant barrier that can add more than 10 years to the life of a deck. Ensure every inch of your deck is designed to defy the elements with MoistureShield’s patented acrylic adhesive and woven cloth joist tape that creates a tight seal over your deck joists and deck screws to prevent moisture infiltration. It tears off the roll easily without tools, doesn’t stick to itself and can be repositioned without leaving a residue, making it incredibly easy to work with on any substrate, including lumber and steel.

Click the link for more information: MoistureShield.com

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Building a better Backyard DECKOR ATORS AND PROWOOD COMBINE FOR A ONE-T WO PUNCH

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hen it comes to decking materials, it’s a mistake to think that wood and woodalternatives are competing forces. They actually work well together.

“They're a great collaborative pair,” said Jase DeBoer, senior marketing manager of outdoor living for UFP Retail Solutions, the parent company of Deckorators and ProWood, leaders in their respective fields of composite decking and treated lumber. “Wood and composite don't need to be at odds. They complement one another.”

While composite materials are growing quickly, wood is the material of choice for about 70 percent of decks, and about 95% of deck sub-structures, he said. Those numbers and the growing popularity of outdoor living have kept DeBoer’s team and the UFP brands extremely busy in the last couple of years.

“Outdoor living was already on the rise for years, and the pandemic really pushed it to a different level,” DeBoer said. He pointed to other factors generating sales: the increasing length of time people are remaining in their homes – (rising quickly to 14 years on average).

Also, there’s a clear trend toward more sophisticated outdoor spaces to bring value to homes. “Ultimately from a style standpoint, you're seeing this transition as interior design concepts are moving outside,” he said.

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Voyage Decking is Deckorator’s top-of-the-line mineral-based composite deck board, designed with textured embossing for best-in-class traction.

(Shown here in Sedona.)

That’s good news for Deckorators, where a big part of the story begins with three little letters: MBC, or mineral-based composite. It’s a key differentiator to the brand’s top-line products and used to produce Deckorators Voyage and

ProWood pressure-treated decking delivers professional grade results for those who prefer real wood.

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The Trailhead Decking line is a wood-plastic composite featuring natural embossing with rugged overtones.

(Shown here in Ridgeline.)

Vault Composite Decking. “It truly sets the bar for premium wood-alternative decking in the industry,” DeBoer said.

MBC-enhanced boards are lighter by 35% than a traditional wood-plastic composite, and offer the best strength-to-weight ratio in the market. “It’s virtually unbreakable,” DeBoer said. “It's lightweight. It’s incredibly strong. It has the lowest thermal movement of any decking material on the market, and the traction for slip resistance is best-in-class.”

And for those who choose wood decking materials, ProWood treated lumber has an additional list of stand-out features. It starts with a unique Micronized Copper Azole preservative, which is more sustainable and less corrosive to fasteners than competing brands. ProWood accepts color well, allowing it to be produced in

color-infused Cedar- or Redwood-tones that last longer than real Cedar or Redwood. And ProWood is certified by SCS Global as environmentally preferred. “It’s sustainable, and it’s a beautiful product,” DeBoer said.

“ProWood has a lifetime limited warranty against rot and termite decay,” he added. “And Deckorators has the best warranties in the industry. So with ProWood and Deckorators, you're fully covered with the most comprehensive warranties and backing of a company in the industry.”

The products are just one part of the competitive advantage enjoyed by Deckorators and ProWood. Another is the process, which is marked by a commitment to listening and learning. Improvement initiatives begin at the job site, where the brands’ teams have developed strong relationships with contractor customers, a relationship enhanced by the Deckorators Certified Pro program.

“Part of the reason that our model is growing and working for us, is that we listen,” DeBoer said. “And the best research that we can do is working with the people who are swinging hammers and using our products every day. They provide us feedback, they provide us product ideas, and we listen.

“I think that's a critical part of our business,” DeBoer continued. “When our contractors speak, they feel like they're part of the company because they have a voice and we listen, and we try to take what they're saying and put it into action.

Because when their business grows, so do we.”

Deckorators Mineral-Based Composite Decking explained.

Watch video here.

ProWood treated lumber with Micronized Copper Azole explained.

Watch video here.

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CAMO® Deck Fastening Tools and Fasteners: The Solution to Building a Better Deck

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ith deck building season in full swing, and deck builders looking at months of projects held over from the lockdown, your pro customers are likely thinking about how to build the best decks possible while keeping efficiency top of mind. As labor becomes harder to find, crews need to run leaner, and delays can happen.

So, how do LBM dealers help their customers combat these all-too-common issues on the jobsite? One way is to guide them toward building systems that will save time on the job, increase their margins and allow them to spend more time with family and friends on their own decks!

This is where CAMO® tools and deck fasteners can become the go-to for busy deck contractors, who are looking to speed up board installation. While there are a variety of hidden deck clip systems available, they are not all created equal, that may get the job done but not efficiently.

For contractors who want to maximize efficiency, there’s a comprehensive system they can trust to help them save time and build better: the new CAMO ClipDRIVE™ Standup tool for fastening grooved deck boards; CAMO’s brand new collection of Stainless Steel fasteners that go beyond the deck; CAMO Universal Deck Clips, the LEVER® board bending and locking tool, and the CAMO DRIVE stand-up fastening tool. Combined, the system can speed-up deck installs up to 5X faster.

CAMO's new Stainless Steel Fasteners offer builders lasting fastening solutions that protect against the elements.

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Reduce strain and install grooved decking up to 5X faster with the CAMO ClipDRIVE stand-up fastening tool.

New CAMO ClipDRIVE Stand-Up Tool: The Fastest Way to Install Grooved Decking The new CAMO ClipDRIVE adds efficiency by fastening grooved decking while standing up. Designed to fasten CAMO Universal Deck Clips with super-efficiency, the heavy-duty contractor-grade yet lightweight tool allows contractors to comfortably fasten deck boards while standing. It attaches to a standard drill and has a height-adjustable handle, making it the right fit for everyone on the jobsite.

ClipDRIVE has a weighted nose that makes it simple to swing the tool from joist to joist and easily target screw heads, while the no-mar nose protects the board from rings or scuffs.

Brendan Casey of Casey Fence and Deck in Maryland said, “CAMO ClipDRIVE tool and EDGE Clips are a game-changer. My guys installed a 336 square ft. of Fiberon Composite Decking in less than one hour. If you are not using this system, you are handicapping your company.”

New CAMO Stainless Steel fasteners Now, the CAMO brand can add fastening efficiency and strength to exterior projects across the country, no matter the environment. Designed for added protection against the elements, CAMO’s 316 Marine Grade Stainless Steel fasteners are ideal for use in highly corrosive coastal and agricultural environments. CAMO 305 Stainless Steel fasteners provide excellent corrosion resistance and long-lasting aesthetics for various inland exterior projects.

“CAMO Stainless Steel fasteners deliver superior corrosion resistance and holding power on any jobsite,” said Doug Hutchings, Vice President of Product Development at National Nail. “New metallic lids for the Stainless Steel Fastener’s pails also signal a bold new approach for CAMO brand colors on packaging to help identify and simplify product selection.”

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to hold decking in place for fastening, meaning workers can be that much more efficient. With its walkaway lockout power, one person can finish the job by themselves, getting the boards set and going back to fastening.

CAMO DRIVE™ Stand-Up Tool The award-winning CAMO DRIVE tool was developed as a practical, versatile solution to reduce strain on deck builder’s knees and back, perfect for edge-fastening wood decks with collated screws.

CAMO Collated Edge Screws and Face Screws for pressure treaded wood feature a rake tip auguring board material as they’re driven, preventing splitting and cracking. The stand-up fastening tool allows contractors to build better-quality and increase efficiency up to 5X faster.

Install grooved decking faster on metal-framed decks with CAMO EDGEXMETAL Clips with the included handheld NEVER-MISS Guide or ClipDRIVE Stand-up Tool.

The new line includes hand drive deck, composite and trim screws; 316 Stainless Steel Marine Grade Edge Screws for use with CAMO MARKSMAN Pro® tools and collated screws for use with the CAMO DRIVE stand-up tool. Also new to the CAMO brand are ring shank deck nails and joist hanger nails, collated ring shank framing nails and collated metal hanger nails compatible with a wide array of pneumatic nailers.

CAMO MARKSMAN System The MARKSMAN System by CAMO is the solution to achieving a fastener-free deck surface with MARKSMAN tools and CAMO Edge Screws that secure the board through the edge to offer the on-trend look of hidden fastening. When it comes to boosting overall efficiency and building better decks, builders rely on CAMO products that are easy to use as the better way to build a deck. Take it from the many crews who install decking daily who are looking for less pain, more gain, and can move to the next job with ease.

Better Hidden Deck Clips CAMO Universal Deck Clips stay in place on the joist or in the groove of the board so contractors can lay down multiple rows of boards and clips and fasten an entire field at one time. No partial installation of clips required. And, independent tests show that CAMO clips are up to 88% stronger than competitors’ clips in reducing lateral movement and up to 50% stronger in uplift holding power.

STARTER Clips for the first board.

EDGE® Clips for 90° deck patterns on wood joists.

EDGEX® Clips for double joists, rim joists, or a ngled deck patterns on wood joists.

EDGEXMETAL® Clips for any grooved deck build on 14–18GA metal joists.

The CAMO LEVER locks rows of boards and clips into place to free up deck builders' hands for fastening.

CAMO LEVER These days, labor is an issue everywhere. CAMO LEVER can serve as another set of hands on the jobsite. The board bending and locking tool eliminates the need for someone HBSDealer.com

Click the link for more information: Camofasteners.com

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Armadillo, for the good life ARMADILLO COMPOSITE DECKING IS BUILT WITH A PURPOSE

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von Plastics stands behind its Armadillo brand with a lifetime limited warranty. But more than that, the third-generation family business builds with an intense commitment to sustainable manufacturing and a focus on the lifestyle of its customers, employees and communities. The company was actually recognized by the United Nations with a U.N. Environmental Programme Award. “With Armadillo composite products, you get the highest level of quality and service as if you were part of the family,” said Chuck Hayes, national sales and marketing manager.

Out in the fast-growing decking market, the Armadillo brand is clawing out a reputation for durable, beautiful, high-end products at a price, he says, that doesn’t “break the bank.”

Below, Hayes elaborates on Armadillo’s features along with thoughts on decking market in general:

Armadillo also uses high density plastics and wood fiber products versus lower density materials. This gives our products a higher moisture resistance rating than most other products. Finally, we stand behind our quality with a 2-year labor warranty on all purchases, in addition to the Limited Lifetime warranty against any defects.

Describe the differentiating factors for Armadillo Decking?

And contractors?

How is the deck customer changing?

Hayes: Families are continuing to expand their need

for more livable space by creating additional spaces outside that continue the comfort and functionality of the indoor environment. They also want these spaces to be maintenance-free, and composite-deck products are the first step in achieving that goal.

Hayes: Contractors are becoming more tuned in Hayes: Armadillo is a simple program. We provide one style

of product in seven colors that meet most consumers demands without overwhelming them with options. By doing so, we have been able to keep our lead times to within two weeks or less even during all the issues with the disruptions in the supply chains and labor shortages that everyone has been experiencing.

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to the benefits of composite decking versus wood and how it can meet the needs of the deck customer to provide that indoor environment look outside.

Also, in today’s environment, lead times to deliver the product are crucial, and in many cases it is the deciding factor in the purchase decision.

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Your website, has an assortment of interactive customer tools. Featured prominently. What’s the background for those?

Armadillo’s simple, edited color assortment has helped reduce lead times.

Hayes: Consumers and builders both are using the internet

show up to work every day with the goal in mind to create something everyone can enjoy for years to come while doing a service for the environment by recycling plastics.

to gather ideas and inspiration and ultimately to shop for solutions. Providing tools to our customers to help design, visualize and calculate the cost provides them the ability to turn their dreams into reality.

What are the key trends that you’re seeing in the decking business?

Hayes: The younger generations desire more time spent with

family and friends enjoying the social experience while also feeling good about supporting sustainable products that help the earth. Composite decks and other products such as cladding and fences are becoming more and more the product of choice for these types of experiences as evidenced by its market growth over the past few years.

What makes you most optimistic about the decking business in general and the Armadillo brand in specific?

Livable outdoor space is a big trend in home improvement. Above, Armadillo’s Lifestyle product.

Hayes: Even through a global pandemic, the demand for

composite deck materials has not slowed down and in fact has increased. Armadillo’s brand has been growing year over year as more and more consumers and builders become aware of our high quality product for a value price. The simplicity of our program has made it possible for us to focus on what we do well and meet the lead time objectives for our customers. At Armadillo, we

Click the image below to explore the Armadillo Online Deck Designer.

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Armadillo Decking’s key selling points include quality, durability and value. Watch the video here.

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Shur-Line hits the deck with innovation Waukesha, Wis.-based Shur-Line rolled out the industry’s first edger in the 1950s. Since then, the company has built a reputation as a home improvement innovator, with a bulging catalog of products that make projects faster, easier and even more fun.

“For over 70 years, Shur-Line has been designing new and innovative convenience paint tools and accessories that are easy to use and offer great results regardless of the skill of the painter — making them ideal for DIYers and contractors alike,” said Ken Weiss, executive vice president of sales and marketing.

“Shur-Line offers a full line of brushes, roller covers, mini rollers, paint trays, poles, frames, surface prep, edging and convenience tools, and we are excited to bring a new assortment of decking specialty items to market.”

The company shows its commitment to innovation in its products, on display here:

Ken Weiss, EVP of sales and marketing, Shur-Line

FEATURED PRODUCT Between the Boards Painter The Between the Boards Painter is the easiest and fastest way for painting or staining between deck and fence boards. Tear resistant flocked pad provides excellent coverage and leaves a smooth finish.

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Where no brush has gone before: Click here to watch the Between the Boards Painter tool in action.

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Deck Pad with Groove Tool

Angle and Flat Beavertail Brushes

Shur-Line’s Stain Pad with Groove Tool stains the top of flat deck surfaces and in between boards at the same time, reducing overall project time and tedious detail work. This two-in-one pad provides professional results with ease. Handle pivots for easy steering and to engage the groove tool.

Wrapped edge pad helps prevent ripping due to rough wood, screw, and nail heads.

Improved high-end professional grade brush features a perfect blend of Nylon and Polyester bristles for optimal release and easy cleanup. Angle Brushes (left) available in 2” short and 2” exterior versions. Flat Beavertail Brush (right) available in 3” and 4”.

Easy Reach Extension Pole Shur-Line’s Easy Reach Pole makes painting easier. The one-step extendable paint pole extends from both ends helping you reach farther, faster. Over-molded grip and comfortable foam handle provide lasting comfort. The universal threaded tip allows you to attach your favorite accessory.

9” Deep Well Plastic Paint Tray The tray features a brush rest and offers a textured ramp to ensure the paint roller cover is loaded evenly with paint for a smooth finish.

9” BEST Deck Pad Shur-Line’s Best Paint and Deck Pads feature durable pads that will not get caught or tear on stray nails or rough surfaces.

Their pivoting handles also include an overmolded comfort grip.

Refill pads available.

Exterior Project Kit Everything needed to complete your outdoor paint project in one kit! Kit contains large Easy Reach Pole, best 9” deck pad with pad refill, deepwell tray with liner, exterior flat 3” brush, exterior angle 2” brush and between the boads painter.

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Smooth extension, finger-tip control, ease of use: You will love the Easy Reach Extension Pole. Watch the demo here.

9” Premium Deck Pad with Detail Edge The 9” premium deck and fence paint pad features a durable pad which will not get caught or tear on stray nails or rough surfaces, making it ideal to use on siding, brick, and concrete. A curved edge makes it perfect for staining between deck and fence boards and small areas. Soft grip handle swings freely or locks into 3 different positions for better control and is threaded to use with most extension poles. Use with all paints and stains. Refill pads available.

Versatility meets durability in this deck pad.

Watch this video for the detailed demonstration.

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A fresh new take on the beauty, sustainability and durability of decking

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CRE™ by Modern Mill is a new, innovative building material manufactured in the USA from upcycled rice hulls, a byproduct of rice production. Rice hulls give ACRE its amazing durability, water resistance and organic feel, making it indistinguishable from real wood. It’s an inspiring idea that proves sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing performance.

ACRE satisfies the needs of the architect, artisan, builder and homeowner alike. It looks, feels and handles like real wood—but with far less maintenance and a smaller environmental footprint.

What makes ACRE’s workability revolutionary?

“The workability of ACRE is really what sells the material to builders and contractors in the field,” said Chandler Delinks, strategic account manager, Modern Mill. “The consensus from job sites is that ACRE mills, cuts, routs, sands, stains and paints similar to wood and better than current PVC’s on the market. Screw retention is great as well. ACRE is compatible with standard woodworking tools, blades and bits with very little wear and tear.”

ACRE Decking offers the market a true tree-free woodalternative to luxury woods like ipe or cedar with increased durability, workability and no sacrifice to aesthetics.

ACRE is a sustainable replacement for wood for various applications — other than structural — by combining the aesthetic and workability of real wood with the easy maintenance of a composite. ACRE accepts paints and stains for endless customization with changing color trends.

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CHANDLER DELINKS Strategic Account Manager, Modern Mill

“Since ACRE is a homogeneous material, it takes stains on the edges and on profiled pieces as it does on the face,” said Delinks. “You can paint and stain ACRE with 100% acrylic water-based paints and water-based stains, no primer necessary.”

However, this trend has remained out of reach for most, as biophilic design tends to be a high-ticket item or difficult to scale because of construction and ongoing maintenance. ACRE is widely available and offered at an accessible price point making it a tool to scale the benefits of biophilic design and improve the well-being of many.

ACRE‘s coatings guide is available at https://modern-mill.com/ tech-and-training/

The show stopping feature?

ACRE’s thermoformability. With the application of heat, you can bend, mold and manually shape ACRE to fit countless applications such as curved deck designs.

Are there any design and building trends that your products can provide solutions for?

Multi-Colored Planking

Seamless Indoor Outdoor Living

ACRE is fit for purpose for indoor and outdoor applications making seamless transitions and harmonious indoor / outdoor living easy to achieve.

Biophilic Design For more on ACRE Decks, click here.

The mental and physical benefits of incorporating nature into our living environments cannot be denied.

ACRE DECKING ACRE decking offers a sustainable alternative to wood decking that doesn’t sacrifice performance. Enjoy the beauty of wood in a slip-resistant, water-resistant surface that is comfortable underfoot. Guaranteed not to crack, splinter or rot, ACRE decking will keep looking good year after year with minimal upkeep.

What are the specific problems that utilizing rice hulls as an ingredient aims to solve?

The rice hull’s role in life is to protect the precious rice grain inside from the elements, which makes it an ideal building material ingredient. “The protective nature of the rice hull is what gives ACRE its resistance to water, weather, rot and pests,” said Delinks.

“The hull’s fiber delivers the perfect balance of performance and the natural wood grain appearance and warmth that ACRE possesses.”

Available in 5/4” x 6” (nominal), square-edge or grooved boards with lengths f rom 8‘ up to 20‘ with a with a reversible embossed or smooth prof ile.

ACRE works with most clip systems. ACRE decking is available raw, in its natural state — gorgeous as is or you can finish it with your choice of water-based stains and paints.

Modern Mill is the maker of ACRE. We operate in Fernwood, Mississippi, in a zero-waste manufacturing mill. We are proudly focused on our people, our planet and developing the most innovative building materials the world has seen.

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For more on the workability of ACRE, click here.

ACRE products are offered in their natural, organic state, ready to paint, stain or digitally print to your liking. This feature allows architects, designers and homeowners take advantage of popular trends like multi-color planking.