Deck and Railing Association honored the 2020 award winners for its National+ Deck Competition at its annual meeting April 22. Builders were able to meet in person for the first time in nearly a year in Clearwater Beach, FL.

PrimeSource Building Products, Irving, TX., has signed a definitive agreement to acquire NWI Enterprises, Santa Monica, CA., a provider of branded specialty hardware for outdoor residential applications.

Deck builders across the country are taking note of some of the biggest lessons they’ve learned and logging them away for the
future.

Duradek has made the Dek-Vision experience even better. Dek-vision by Duradek is the first online design tool for vinyl membranes to assist homeowners, builders, and remodelers in creating deck makeover plans.

Sakrete’s new Pro-Mix Accelerated decking concrete mix is ideal for repairs and construction of concrete over 2” thick. It is the ultimate pre-blended concrete solution for indoor and outdoor applications where rapid return to service is crucial.

Walpole Outdoors, a leading provider of wood and AZEK solid cellular PVC outdoor structures, has expanded its manufacturing facility in Pittsfield, Me.

Seeking to capitalize on the water-shedding namesake of its patented compound, Green Bay Decking, Green Bay, Wi., has rebranded as DuxxBak Composite Decking.

UFP Industries, Grand Rapids, MI., has acquired the assets of Endurable Building Products, Brooklyn Center, MN., manufacturer of alumiLAST aluminum deck and balcony systems.

Deck-O-Seal’s new flexible, forming utility board gives pool contractors the freedom to work in tighter spaces because it bends easily to form a smaller radius of 6 ft., ideal for circular installations like hot tubs.

As families continue to invest in their outdoor living spaces, we see several trends emerging from different regions throughout North America. Across our network of dealers and Wolf PRO contractors, we looked at what’s trending this season.

If you've installed cable railing for level runs, you're familiar with setting and installing posts and running the cable through for a completed project. When it comes to stairs, it takes more planning to make sure you have the right measurements and materials.

North American Wholesale Lumber Association had just wrapped up its Leadership Summit early last March when the significance of the COVID-19 outbreak slammed home. Attendees had no idea then, but that would be the last in-person industry gathering for the foreseeable future.

DuraLife Decking from Barrette Outdoor Living now offers the CoolTrac Advantage providing performance, durability and strength.
While all composite decks will absorb heat, CoolTrac is engineered to stay much cooler than other composite deck boards.

The days of plain white vinyl railings on every deck have given way to a rainbow of railing colors, enabled by the latest manufacturing technologies and the expanding imaginations of designers.

It’s a great time to be what I refer to as a Custom Deck Specialist. With the pandemic, people are home and looking for some additional leg room. A beautiful new deck can add a tremendous amount of new floor space at a reasonable cost.

Envision Building Products now offers the Pro Plug Hidden Fastening System for use with all full-profile deck boards and colors. Made by Starborn, Pro Plug allows installers to face-fasten deck boards while eliminating visible screw heads and holes.

When we began our remodeling careers over 30 years ago, we quickly learned that doing good work wasn’t enough to guarantee a smooth project or a satisfied customer.

Emulating the haint blue shade currently being revived in the South as a romantic ceiling color, Versatex Building Products has introduced Piazza Blue, a color-through, solid-PVC beadboard.

RDI by Barrette Outdoor Living has signed a distribution agreement with Weekes Forest Products, St. Paul, MN., to distribute RDI’s line of railing products to its Midwest network. Weekes will represent the RDI brand in the region including St. Paul, MN.; Chicago, IL.; Fargo, ND.; Green Bay and Milwaukee, WI.

MoistureShield has combined its Solid Core manufacturing process with CoolDeck and TruTexture technologies into Meridian, a mid-priced capped composite decking.

The new NexTrex supplier program from Trex is rewarding partners for promoting and collecting post-consumer plastic film for recycling into Trex composite decking.

The AZEK Co. will open a new plant in Boise, Id., to produce TimberTech composite decking for the western U.S. Construction on the facility, which will be a retrofit of an existing building, will begin this year.

The worldwide market for wood deck is forecast to cross $18.04 billion by 2027, according to a new report by Global Market Insights. Although residential will continue to dominate demand—accounting for about 70%, emerging applications will also spark increases in the commercial sector due to wood’s cost effectiveness, particularly in resorts, hotels and offices.

With the industry’s most comprehensive showcase of PVC installation tips and hands-on workshops, the Versatex Road Show once again tours much of the eastern U.S.A. beginning March 9 and 10 in Durham and Goldsboro, N.C., and March 11 in Irmo, S.C.

MoistureShield has introduced Meridian, its new line of capped wood-plastic composite decking. The decking line delivers a natural wood look with minimal upkeep.

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives is opening its new location, Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Montgomery County, owned and operated by veteran and native Philadelphian, George Council.

Illuminated Balustrade Australia has partnered with Spartan Railing to bring their patented technology to the US market, creating simple and clean ways for deck builders to add ambient lighting to their outdoor living projects while having a true unobstructed view railing.

Perma-Column LLC has announced the launch of its brand-new website. The completely rebuilt site provides valuable insights about the groundbreaking Perma-Column story as the industry’s first patented, ICC-ES-certified permanent foundation solution.

DuraLife by Barrette Outdoor Living recently announced a multi-million dollar investment in upgrades at its Biddeford, Me., facility to double the production of composite decking materials in 2021.

Expanding its popular Ridge Premium collection to meet market demand, Envision has added a new 20-ft. length square edge board and 16- and 20-ft. grooved edge boards. Square edge boards were already offered in 12- and 16-ft. lengths.

When the COVID-19 pandemic first took hold last spring, many builders, dealers, and manufacturers faced enormous uncertainties about whether they would be able to work and whether it would grind housing construction to a halt.

Outdoor living is booming. Trends in this space have grown more pronounced, as people are spending more time at home and looking at structures like decks with fresh eyes. Instead of getting away for a weekend, they’re seeking to create relaxing retreats in their own backyards that they can enjoy year-round.

The Sansin Corp. has released its new WoodForce weathering system with Intermix colors that allow for creative, customizable looks and effects. Available in a retail formula or factory finish line, the WoodForce system uses three products—Accel, Clear and Intermix with seven tints—to create an array of weathered looks and effects. 

Envision Building Products, Lamar, Mo., has purchased Fairway Architectural Railing Solutions, seeing Fairway’s railing repertoire as a perfect complement to its composite decking. 

Whether you have multiple crews or you’re part of the only crew, most contractors have a predictable if not limited “buildout capacity.” At the end of the year, your profit is based on an achieved percentage of not what you sold, but the dollar volume you built out in a year.

For the last two years, I’ve run a $3-million-per-year solo consulting practice, but I have been out of money multiple times in my life. Today, I sell large six-figure consulting projects approximately once a month because that is all I can handle. But when I started doing this work, I was proposing (and getting rejected for) $7,500 projects.

Boral North America has introduced Kindred Outdoors and Surrounds, an outdoor living products brand featuring a collection of outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, artisan fire bowls and indoor fireplace surrounds.

MoistureShield has introduced Cold Brew, a warm and inviting medium-roast brown with subtle color variegation, to its Vision capped composite decking line.

Over the summer, home design and renovation hub Houzz reported a 178% year-over-year jump in searches for professionals to work on deck, patio and porch projects.

Lanai Outdoors has married the gorgeous look of hardwood flooring with the high performance of alternative decking to create Lanai Premium Plank Decking, a 100% pure PVC with a durable cap on all four sides.

Trex Company and Albertsons Companies are elevating their shared commitment to sustainability with a special recycling effort to divert plastic waste from landfills.

ALX post extensions for hanging string lights, ALX Contemporary aluminum deck gate solutions, and ALX Contemporary continuous top rail brackets help deck builders and homeowners create personalized outdoor living spaces.

Green Bay Decking, Green Bay, Wi., has launched a new National Dock & Marina Division to service the growing demand for dock and marina-based composite decking.

Based in Colfax, N.C., Tenn-Tex manufactures plastic injection molded parts for kitchen and bath cabinetry. It provides mounting brackets for drawer slides, shelf supports, corner braces, and related products to cabinet manufacturers, hardware distributors, and cabinetry dealers.

Like many in our industry, we have discovered that “necessity is the mother of invention.” We have not only learned to make the best of a bad situation, we have found ways to work smart, improve efficiency and trim costs. In the early stages of the pandemic we weren’t clear what the future would hold.

The new Deckorators Trailhead low-maintenance composite decking is a wood-plastic composite (WPC) that offers affordability, ease of maintenance and peace of mind, in addition to a rugged, trend-setting appearance.

In the span of a few months, the coronavirus crisis has demanded sweeping changes from the U.S. construction industry, and experts say many of them will remain in place even after the outbreak recedes.

Fortress Building Products, Garland, Tx., is providing customers with a simplified deck design and planning process with the launch of its new virtual outdoor visualizer, FortressView.

Sure Drive USA manufacturers a wide variety of deck fastening solutions. Its recent YouTube video walks you through the installation process of its hidden deck fastener line, which includes The Mantis Clip for grooved boards, voted as the easiest hidden deck fastener to install- a favorite with decking contractors as well as DIY homeowners.

MoistureShield has expanded its sales of decking products in northern Minnesota with Marietta, GA., based BlueLinx Corporation.

Cabot has introduced new product sample stains providing pros with another tool to help their customers. The new sample sizes are designed to help pros and consumers feel confident in their color choice before beginning a project.

DeWalt’s new ToughSystem 2.0 Storage System offers improved durability, rugged terrain mobility, and modularity versus previous units.

Our fearless homeowner has finished the “easy” part (demo) and now the “skilled labor” portion begins with…. ANGLES! Like his demolition tally, will we need to calculate his project overage in tons as well?

CAMO’s new EdgeXMetal Clip provides a revolutionary way to fasten any grooved deck board on metal substructure. The new one-pass fasteners use the same technology as CAMO EdgeX Clips for wood framing.

The construction industry is an extremely tough breed of people. It takes a slightly off-kilter mindset to be up and ready to go before the sun rises, crowing long before the roosters get out of bed.

G Wood Products, New York, NY, has been formed to serve as the exclusive US distributor of Tantimber's unique line of thermally treated wood products.

Organizers of the Remodeling Show/Deck Expo and The International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in Las Vegas have decided to move the combined event to a virtual format.

PROJECT TRACKER UPDATE: Angles are easy! Our fearless homeowner has finished the “easy” part (demo) and now the “skilled labor” portion begins with….ANGLES! Like his demolition tally, will we need to calculate his project overage in tons as well???

Continuing on almost 100 years of service to their core industries, 526 Media Group, Inc. announced today their newly launched 526 Events Virtual Event Platform.

Culpeper Wood Preservers has given its website, www.culpeperwood.com, an upgrade. The new site, which features both enhanced content and a redesigned format, provides a better overall user experience and reinforces the company’s position as a leader in the outdoor living category.

DuraLife’s new Concord steel railing system features pre-welded fully assembled panels, and posts with pre-attached brackets, making installation easier.

We’re excited to announce that this summer through our social media channels, newsletters and website, we’ll be following Ryan, former combat veteran and SoCal police officer, as he attempts to tackle his own deck and backyard remodel.

Sure Drive USA manufacturers a wide variety of deck fastening solutions. The company's hidden deck fastener line includes The Mantis Clip for grooved boards, voted as the easiest hidden deck fastener to install; it's been a favorite with decking contractors as well as DIY homeowners.

To meet the need for inpatient care, the exhibit hall of the Baltimore Convention Center has been converted into a facility to treat those recovering from COVID-19. With the uncertainty of when it will return to hosting professional events, Deck Expo is splitting off from the Remodeling Show, which will move to a new format in 2020.

AG-CO’s FootingPad post foundations for deck, post-frame and other post-in-ground structures is now available in a 20” diameter version, joining four other sizes (10”, 12”, 16”, 24”).

Simpson Strong-Tie has debuted the first episode of Build a Stronger Deck, an entertaining and educational YouTube video series that shows builders, deck contractors, and their homeowner customers how to easily build stronger, safer decks that last.

The Cable Connection and sister brand Ultra-tec have consolidated from three buildings to one in Carson City, NV.

Barrette Outdoor Living has launched “Sale into Summer,” a rebate promotion for consumers/contractors.

The new CAMO LEVER is used to bend, straighten or align deck boards. It's also designed for smaller crews and allows social distancing on the jobsite.

Makita U.S.A. has begun offering temporary free labor and free shipping for tool repairs at Makita Factory Service Centers.

RailFX has launched ProFX, a nationwide rebate program available to all licensed contractors purchasing RailFX Aluminum Systems now through December 15.

In light of current events, BPD and The Merchant e-Weekly will feature guest contributors offering the industry their thoughts and advice. This is NOT paid advertising but rather part of our service to the industry in contrast to the ongoing 24/7 news cycle we are faced with. If you have thoughts to share, please send them to padams@526mediagroup.com.

Treated engineered wood marks the next generation in deck framing systems.

Owner expenditures for home renovations and repairs are expected to decline at least through the first quarter of next year due to fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fortress Building Products recently unveiled its revitalized Fortress Preferred Program. The program will give U.S. and Canadian building professionals helpful resources for their business.

Podcasts are paving the way for professionals to connect with each other and gain knowledge through a different avenue, and the decking industry is no exception.

When we began working together as remodeling contractors nearly 40 years ago, we used several means to generate work.

Simpson Strong-Tie has launched a free online Pergola Planner Software tool to help quickly and easily design dream backyards.

Deckorators has introduced Deckorators Certified Elite, the highest recognition level for its growing deck contractor partnership and rewards program.

As distributors and retailers of quality building materials throughout the West, one of your primary goals is to keep your customers up to speed on current trends and products.

The push to more eco-friendly behavior is changing how we live. It’s affecting our choices in small, incidental actions like using re-fillable coffee cups and recycling plastic bags, to larger life milestones such as the kind of cars we drive or the materials our homes are made of.

What is the cost of a sales team? Most remodeling companies that use hired salespeople see it as a must have, especially if you’re going to scale the company (grow it to the point of profitability beyond the cost of overhead). If you are the owner of the company and you don’t have people skills, it may be an absolute requirement to have a salesperson.

Not only does a good fence frame the yard and add to a home’s curb appeal, but it also can provide an element of privacy and safety, including noise reduction.

Fall is a great time to spend time on the deck. Whether you’re overlooking a beach, lakefront, rolling hills with vibrant fall colors, or other scenic vista, getting out on the deck in the cooler autumn temperatures can be downright therapeutic.

Most composite decking manufacturers now offer a capstock line, covering their wood-plastic-composite core with an all-plastic outer layer. Tiva Building Products has gone one better—capping its PVC core with ASA (acrylic-styrene-acrylonitrile), a tough, rigid plastic known for its heat resistance, color retention, and weatherability.

Every day as contractors and custom deck specialists, we seek out new ways to not only make ourselves better, but also to set ourselves apart from the masses. Clients will do their searches and call on half a dozen or more local (and sometimes not-so-local) companies to get their price quotes, estimates or proposals in an effort to maximize their purchasing dollars.

Now I know a pile of folks who own construction businesses and will install anything the customer asks for. This represents the path of least resistance and does make it easy in the sales process. That said, if you have this mentality you are missing out on a bunch of good stuff, especially money.

While demand for new outdoor living spaces is strong, the scarcity of skilled workers has many deck contractors booked out for months and losing out on significant revenue opportunities. Often there is not enough capacity available for follow-up on new leads, stunting business growth.

As a longtime building material distributor, Steve Rhone figured he was familiar with most types of decking on the market. But he was so impressed with one versatile new product that he not only used it for his own deck, he agreed to distribute it to his customers.

If there’s anything that we’ve learned over the years as pro builders, it’s that job safety is job number one! There is simply no task that takes precedence over safety. Period!

Outdoor spaces have become increasingly popular to homeowners nationwide who are using decks as extensions to their homes. Decks and porches are more easily built for those who live in the suburbs or countryside, given they usually have the luxury of space.

As we speed into the winter months, summer memories are still fresh even while the end of the year and all that it brings draws closer. And so, it is impossible to escape that there are only a few selling weeks left in 2019.

Last time, I discussed laying out your quoting process so it’s easy to know what to charge for your decks and how to make it easier for you. Previously, we discussed your materials and their costs. The goal thus far has been to encourage you to build essentially the same project over and over in compartments. Square foot of this, linear foot of that, number of these, etc. So, even though each deck is a little different, the building units are the same.

Last time, I discussed marketing and how to get leads coming your way. Hopefully some of what you read will help you in the future in your marketing. Remember that each part of your business works with another. They are all tied together, and you have to master each one or hire someone who can. Today we are going to talk about how the lead turns into a quote, but more about how to make your quoting process more efficient.

We will talk about it in three steps. Marketing process, quoting process, and construction process. You must have a working plan for all three, and an allocation of the sale price of each project for all three. Today is marketing day.

It’s Any Airport, USA at 2:00 a.m., and someone makes the announcement that the delayed 6:00 p.m. flight will finally begin boarding. The catatonic crowd in the packed waiting area begins to form a line. They’re tired and relieved to be getting on their way.

Cable railing offers a visually appealing aesthetic for both commercial and residential spaces. However, for those who are accustomed to traditional balustrade installation, a cable rail system presents unique challenges that can be overcome with a few tips and techniques.

Nothing captivates attention quite like stainless steel. Any appliance that incorporates stainless steel becomes instantly more appealing, and any building that incorporates it into the design looks more innovative.

Your reputation—it’s your single best asset. It’s what keeps your phone ringing with requests for new business. Anything that questions your reputation or the integrity of your business can be devastating.

When we market our companies, we are seeking to set ourselves apart from a prospect’s other options. As we present our projects, we all have special key points we believe make us the “best” choice. We continuously seek out ways to stay ahead of the competition with design features, board patterns, inlays, transitions, picture frame borders, and lighting, to name just a few. 

PLS Line Lasers - The PLS 180 Red - The PLS 180 Green

Until recently, wood has been the go-to material for builders, contractors and architects. However, as professionals are increasingly switching to steel for its superior structural integrity and design flexibility, steel deck framing is poised to be the next big thing.

So what is this mental block towards creative deck building that has been so prevalent in the minds of the general population for so long?

Now, more than ever before designers and builders are mixing textures and grain patterns, blending different brands and colors while also taking into consideration the surrounding architecture, landscape and hardscapes.

As professionals in the deck industry, most of us, at least in the privacy of our own minds, feel pretty confident in our abilities and our knowledge of the subject matter. After all, this is what we make our living at and what our reputation hinges on!

When people look at a deck, what is the first thing they see? It’s certainly not the footings, or even the deck boards for that matter. Odds are it’s the railing that catches their eye before anything else. So, why is it that railings are so often an afterthought?

All parts of our industry can gain from improving our relationships, and leveraging those improved relationships for future new opportunities.

In several articles past, we have discussed so many points regarding product, process, people, and profit. In this article, I want to discuss your relationship with competition. It is so critical to know who you are competing with.

When my brother and I began working together as remodeling contractors nearly 40 years ago, we used several means to generate work. Needless to say, word-of-mouth referrals, new jobs for former clients, and Yellow Pages advertising were fundamental.

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Railing used to be a lower priority in the deck-planning process. Homeowners focused most of their time and treasure on choosing the ideal composite decking; railing selection was an afterthought. Nowadays railing is starting to get the attention it deserves across the decking industry.

Building custom homes for more than 24 years, Palomar Builders prides itself on building each project with the care and quality homeowners expect, with the value and affordability they prize.

As we head into the busy spring renovation season, homeowners are seeking more ways to expand their outdoor living spaces for the summer or for future resale. Decks and patios are sought-after amenities for most homes, making them top projects to consider.

A recent deck build near San Diego, CA., presented the contractor with a literal cliff-hanger—one challenge after another that all had to be incorporated at the edge of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The worst part about it was the car was silver in color—not really my jam, but at least I wasn’t upside down on it. Yet.

For years, a family’s go-to outdoor escape was little more than a pool with a modest deck. Today, the idea of outdoor living has expanded to multi-layer structures, elaborate patio lighting and fully functional outdoor kitchens.