DECKING
2024 FIELD GUIDE
From innovative concepts to making outdoor rooms a reality — top decking suppliers share challenges and successes.
THE 2022
SPONSORED BY
When Tom Smith and Steve Alexander started their building-product business in Kansas City, they were taking a chance in a category that one could describe at the time as sleepy and underserved.
Decking: Extending and investing in the home
By Andy Carlo, LBM Editor
H O M E
NEXT: FASTENMASTER
TO
THE
FastenerS
2023 FIELD GUIDE
C A M O
B I G T I M B E R
H U T T I G - G R I P
P R I M E S O U R C E
S P A X
Not anymore. Decking has emerged as a marquee product. And the business founded by Smith and Alexander, The Deck Supply, has grown from its first showroom 20 years ago to five showrooms and two lumberyards.
“From the onset, we’ve placed a high value on creating an experience with full deck displays and dedicated deck-only salesman, offering decision makers an education and the ability to touch and see what they are getting, before they purchase,” said Jordan Smith, vice president of sales. “Our mission to provide top-notch service and delivery of in-stock materials and supplies for builders throughout the city has been a significant factor for our growth.”
Smith said input from customers and homeowners has been an important piece of the dealer’s success. And over time, The Deck Supply has grown its partnership with area deck builders and contractors.
“We’ve gained their trust in providing material for their projects in the entire Kansas City metro area, warranting the opening of additional showrooms throughout the region, bringing an accessible experience to as many customers as possible,” Smith said.
The company’s mix of customers is 70% pro and 30% homeowner/DIYer.
“Our primary customer is a contractor/builder,” Smith says. “Kansas City is a great deck market, with lots of dedicated deck contractors, and we have partnerships with many new home builders.”
The Deck Supply’s growth coincides with the growth of the decking industry. And it’s a global phenomenon. The global decks market size, according to the latest available study from Grand View Research, measures at about $13.04 billion USD, and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 5.9 percent from 2023 to 2030.
The GVR study points to wooden deck material as the most common material for decks, with a total revenue share of around 60.0% in 2022.
But an ever-increasing number of wood alternatives and specialty wood products with ever-improving benefits are knocking on the door of the homeowner.
“Modern decking materials have so much more to offer than traditional lumber,” says Amanda Cimaglia, vice president of ESG and Corporate Affairs at TimberTech by AZEK. “Manufactured products, like PVC and composite, use polymer blends and capping to improve the durability and longevity of decks. TimberTech decking, for example, resists fading and staining — and won’t splinter, peel, crack, or rot. A TimberTech deck will look and perform beautifully for decades without the worry and maintenance of wood, giving homeowners more time to live their best lives outdoors.”
MoistureShield, the decking brand of Oldcastle APG, just launched its Stratos line of composite enhanced PVC decking. “Stratos enables installers to set themselves apart by offering a new level of design, installation detail and speed on their jobs,” said Matthew Bruce, vice president of sales at MoistureShield. “With lower expansion at higher temperatures than standard PVC decking, installers can finish with tighter details across wider spans than ever before possible.”
And to support increasingly sophisticated deck boards, PWT Treated LVL (treated laminated veneer lumber) is described with the tag: “Get Even. No cupping, bowing, rolls or dips. Just flawlessly straight.” The product for the decking substructure provides all the benefits of steel, and all the workability and familiarity of wood, said Duane Smith, vice president of marketing and business development for PWT.
At the Deck Supply, about 90% of the current decking volume is composite or PVC.
“For the money, we don’t see how wood measures up to an industry minimum 25-year fade and stain warranties on capped composite products, and fastener-free finishes,” The Deck Supply’s Smith explains. “We do still offer traditional decking materials such as Yellawood brand treated lumber, Western Red Cedar and can procure exotic hardwoods if the customer so desires.”
The decking industry has also been a home for innovation.
The options are enormous, and growing. And so is the business. Find out trends from industry leaders on the pages that follow.
Modern decking materials have so much more to offer than traditional lumber. Manufactured products, like PVC and composite, use polymer blends and capping to improve the durability and longevity of decks.
Amanda Cimaglia VP of ESG and Corporate Affairs TimberTech by AZEK
FASTENMASTER
NEXT: MIDWEST FASTENER
Over the last quarter-century, FastenMaster, a division of OMG Inc., has cemented itself as a pioneer in the fastening industry by offering products that enhance the speed, quality, and ease of professional construction work. One area where their impact has been particularly significant is in the decking business, where FastenMaster's innovative decking and trim solutions, including the renowned Cortex system, have revolutionized how pro contractors approach their projects.
A trajectory of innovation: Decking solutions are a sweet spot for FastenMaster
FastenMaster has earned its reputation by focusing on the development of products that not only meet but exceed industry standards. Since creating the structural fastener category over 25 years ago, they’ve introduced groundbreaking screws for deck builders like LedgerLOK, the first ledger-specific fastener and ThruLOK, the first carriage and through-bolt replacement. However, it's their decking and trim solutions that have truly set FastenMaster apart in the marketplace.
Listening to the needs and feedback of contractors has been a cornerstone of FastenMaster's strategy. Web Shaffer, senior vice president and general manager, highlights the company's commitment to delivering top-notch productivity solutions as a key factor in its success. "Our goal has always been to drive innovation in service of our PROs, helping them achieve remarkable results with our cutting-edge solutions.”
The FastenMaster Cortex fastening system is renowned in the decking industry for creating a visually seamless deck surface. The "perfect plug" is made directly from deck boards, ensuring an exact match that blends effortlessly with the deck boards, making fasteners virtually invisible. This precise match preserves the beauty and uniformity of the deck, contributing to a flawless finished look. Additionally, the plugs are designed for quick and easy installation, coming in collated strips with pre-aligned grain that significantly speeds up the process, ensuring a perfect fit every time.
The Tiger Claw fastening system by FastenMaster stands out for its universal compatibility and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for decking projects. This system is designed to work seamlessly with most grooved decking boards from top manufacturers like Trex, Fiberon, Veranda, and more. Such compatibility ensures that no matter the decking material chosen for a project, the Tiger Claw clips can provide a secure, hidden fastening solution that maintains the visual appeal of the deck. The clips themselves are made of 304 stainless steel, which not only promises strength and durability but also makes them suitable for use in challenging environments, including saltwater applications and with ACQ or chemically treated lumber.
FastenMaster's ICON system revolutionizes deck construction by blending the durability of steel with the workability of wood, creating an unparalleled deck structure that offers several key benefits. This innovative system significantly accelerates the construction process, reducing project timelines by 1-2 days thanks to its speed of installation. Unlike traditional pressure-treated (PT) joists, ICON joists are lightweight, making them easier to handle and install. This ease of installation is further enhanced by the system's design that eliminates the need for joist hangers and ties, as the ScrewJoists can be attached directly to the ledger. Moreover, the ICON system ensures a flatter deck surface, which not only facilitates a smoother installation process but also results in a superior final product that homeowners will appreciate. ICON is currently available in the Northeast US with future expansion on the horizon.
Looking ahead, FastenMaster is poised to continue its trajectory of innovation, developing new products that will further improve the way professionals conduct their work. With a solid foundation built on providing solutions that meet the specific needs of the decking industry among others, FastenMaster is set to uphold its reputation as a leader in deck fastening solutions for many more years to come.
CLICK TO VISIT:
M I D W E S T
U 2 F A S T E N E R S
What sets the Cortex system apart as the "perfect plug" is not just its seamless appearance but also its durability and compatibility with major decking brands like Trex and TimberTech. Guaranteed to last for the lifetime of the deck, these plugs represent a long-term solution for maintaining the deck's appearance and integrity. FastenMaster's commitment to innovation and quality makes the Cortex fastening system a standout choice for achieving a durable and visually stunning deck.
HOME
BIG TIMBER
HILLMAN
MIDWEST
NATIONAL NAIL
PRIMESOURCE
SIMPSON STRONG-TIE
SPAX
In terms of installation, the Tiger Claw system maximizes efficiency through the use of TC-G clips and the specialized Tiger Claw Installation Gun, which together allow for the rapid installation of decking. It's possible to install up to 400 square feet of decking in an hour, significantly reducing labor time and cost. This efficiency does not come at the expense of quality or longevity; the system's stainless steel clips are built to last, backed by the ProjectLife™ guarantee that ensures their durability for the life of the project. This combination of universal compatibility, efficiency, and guaranteed durability makes the Tiger Claw fastening system a preferred choice for professional deck builders looking to achieve a beautiful, long-lasting deck with minimal visible hardware.
PACIFIC WOODTECH
Request a Job Site Visit Today!
MIDWEST FASTENER
NEXT: PACIFIC WOODTECH
Midwest Fastener Builds on Value:
That’s when Midwest Fastener launched its BuildRight Contractor Pack line of deck screws – promoted as a screw that has everything a deck builder needs, and nothing he doesn’t.
And while value is often in the eye of the beholder, Midwest Fastener is finding ways to deliver on multiple fronts.
“There is a real demand on the job site for products that bring the same level of performance, but offer much more efficient installation,” Thies said. “That's been an interesting trend to watch, and will continue to be.”
Midwest is also bringing new products into the mix. The company expanded its 316 stainless deck screw line – a line that performs well in tough, coastal areas. “It’s great for saltwater environments, and it has maximum corrosion resistance,” he said. The line expansion is expected to bolster its already robust corrosion-resistance offering as extreme weather plays out in increased frequency.
We're definitely your holistic fastener solution, I would say for a deck or really for any other project is definitely the message that we're trying to get across coming into show season this year.
Nick Theis Category Manager, Construction Fasteners Midwest Fasteners
The team at Midwest Fastener, the Kalamazoo, Mich.-based company that distributes its products coast-to-coast and beyond, has surveyed the field, felt the pulse of the industry, and recognized an unambiguous conclusion about the market.
That conclusion: Value reigned in 2023. Value will continue to reign in 2024.
“That’s been the big one,” said Nick Thies, category manager for construction fasteners and a 12-year veteran of Midwest Fastener. “That story hasn’t changed very much for us since about a year ago.”
“The market really seemed to demand value,” Thies said. “ They just wanted more, and we were able to give that to them. And we've seen that line really take off in 13 months, and we’re continuing to watch that trend.”
The decking business is a “crucial, really important” part of Midwest Fastener. And Thies explains here how the company plans to increase its market share in the decking business heading into the heart of the 2024 deck season.
“So, taking our structural line, which would be our SaberDrive Platinum brand, tying that into our deck screw line.. Because very often those go together when you're remodeling your deck, you need some structural fasteners to fasten your ledger board. You need to put your multi-ply beams together with something.
A major theme for Midwest Fastener is the interconnection of decking, construction and a variety of fasteners.
“So bringing those products together that have kind of lived side by side for a while, tie them into a sort of packaged solution for the dealer and —through the dealer — for the end user. That’s been a real focus."
“We're definitely your holistic fastener solution, I would say for a deck or really for any other project," Thies said. "That's definitely the message that we're trying to get across coming into show season this year.”
Midwest Fastener's Nick Thies
“We’re thinking of it as combining some of our different products together into one solution,” he said. “So if I look across my brand portfolio, I've got everything from metal screws to concrete fasteners to wood screws. And tieing that all together has been a major focus coming into this selling season.
Midwest Fastener Builds on Value: Responding to the market with products and solutions
Responding to the market with products and solutions
NEXT: PRIMESOURCE
The developers of PWT Treated LVL are on a mission to build better decks, or at least provide the decking substructure to get it done.
PWT stands for Pacific Woodtech, and LVL for laminated veneer lumber. And behind those initials is a product – described as the “world’s first manufacturer-treaded LVL” — that’s ground-breaking and benefit-loaded.
Pacific Woodtech: On a mission.
The journey to a finished product for PWT Treated LVL begins with the peeling of logs into thin veneers that are treated in a break-through process before being pressed together into a board. “It’s treated all the way through, from the inside out,” said Smith.
The science behind the product begins at the beginning, where the LVL is treated during the manufacturing process. Strength, stiffness and uniformity are all built in. And so is workability. PWT Treated LVL is lighter than pressure treated lumber of equal size.
The slogan at PWT is "The best decking deserves the best deck substructure." Smith and the PWT team back up their position with a long list of features and benefits:
PACIFIC WOODTECH: THE INSIDE STORY
Hillman Corporate snapshot:
• Uniform in size, wane free and straight; • Sustainable and renewable; • Protects against rot, decay and insects; • A 25-year lifetime limited warranty. • Longer, straighter, easier-to-build substructure.
The manufacturing process treats the entire wood member uniformly throughout its cross section without adding VOCs or mineral solvents. On top of that, Treated LVL retains the full strength of the wood fiber. While other companies have tried to develop similar penetration technologies, PWT Treated LVL marks the first success.
Here’s a testimonial from an Idaho deck builder
“We can span longer than traditional lumber,” Smith said. “We can also carry a heavier load so that you don't have to have as many columns underneath. So that's better and cleaner sight lines and better livability under a raised deck.
“We're really the first ones in the world that have figured out this technology,” Smith said. “And we're the first manufacturer that's been able to utilize using LVL in an exterior use.”
Sophisticated science is baked into the product. But for deck builders, there’s a simple and powerful story.
The active treated chemicals and organic compounds that make up the company’s proprietary TRU-CORE technology retain their strength for 30 to 60 years—a big improvement over traditional treatment process where only the outer layer of wood fiber is treated, the company said.
• Core fasteners, including nuts, washers, bolts and screws • Specialty “hard to find” fasteners • Engineered fasteners, including power screws and structural lags • Anchors, for hollow and solid wall applications
Watch how PWT Treated revolutionized exterior wood.
Employees: Distribution centers: Customer locations: Total company products: Website:
3,800 22 40,000 112,000 hillmangroup.com
NEXT: MIDWEST FASTENERS
“An also, the deck joists stay perfectly flat and perfectly straight, which means your deck boards stay perfectly flat and perfectly straight,” he added.
The team at PWT is benefiting from the same homebuilding trends as the rest of the decking industry. The outdoor living trend accelerated during the Covid pandemic, and hasn’t slowed down. And as deck boards from some of the biggest brands in decking continue to improve in quality, PWT observes that the quality of pressure treated lumber in general hasn’t kept up.
What’s new now, is that there’s a premium framing product to support all of the proliferation of premium deck boards. And the potential for PWT Treated LVL is huge, according to PWT.
“The reaction has been, ‘Finally.’” Smith said. “There are a lot of people who are saying, ‘Finally.’ We're giving them a product that they're happy to frame with.”
“Our treated LVL product is the first time anybody's been able to use LVL for exterior use,” said Duane Smith, vice president of marketing and business development for PWT. “And it's really revolutionized how people are framing their decks.”
Our treated LVL product is the first time anybody's been able to use LVL for exterior use. And it's really revolutionized how people are framing their decks.”
Duane Smith Vice President of Marketing & Business Development, Pacific Woodtech
NEXT: THE HILLMAN GROUP
As homeowners look to invest in their homes as a sanctuary from the outside world, outdoor living spaces are getting more attention.
From Pros to Weekend Warriors: A Fastener for Every Deck Builder
New Grip-Rite® DeckForce™ premium exterior screws are enveloped with PrimeGuard® Nano Coating technology, which is formulated to provide a seamless seal and smooth finish, making screws ultra corrosion resistant. The coating carries a lifetime guarantee, giving pros and homeowners confidence in the integrity and security of their project.
Every job, every deck, every location is different. Grip-Rite® offers a complete line of exterior screws to meet the needs of every application.
DeckForce™ Exterior Screws
The Grip-Rite® DeckForce™ line includes two different models specifically engineered for wood or composite decking. The wood screws are designed for building wooden decks and fences, and can be used in both treated and non-treated lumber. The composite screws are suited for composite and PVC decking.
Both sets of screws are available in multiple colors, allowing installers to color-match to the deck material and provide a clean, uninterrupted look.
Grip-Rite® MAX Stainless Screws are the preferred premium exterior construction fastener on job site located in areas with high humidity, around pool areas or near the coasts. They feature deep cut threads and T-15 & 30 star drive heads, increasing holding power and quick engagement for a solid connection.
Grip-Rite® Exterior Fasteners engineered with the exclusive PrimeGuard Plus premium coating are ideal for deck remodel and repair projects. They are guaranteed for the life of the project against rust and corrosion to prolong the beauty and durability of decks, siding, fences, gazebos and other outdoor projects.
A new, patent-pending product from RailFX®, the innovative Express Mount Brackets™ make it easier and faster to install cable railing.
Save Time on Deck Installation Jobs
Grip Rite® Ninja™ Hidden Deck Clip helps deck installers build strong, beautiful decks while saving time.
RailFX® has updated its FlexFX® Fittings to make installation of cable railing faster and easier and more cost effective by reducing the number of different types of fittings needed for a project.
Express Mount Brackets™ Take Time & Cost Out of Cable Railing Installation
To help contractors meet their customers’ needs by building beautiful decks – and doing it quickly – PrimeSource Building products has made significant investments in new product development.
Grip-Rite® Exterior Screws
PrimeGuard Max® Stainless Exterior Screws
PrimeGuard Plus Coated Exterior Screws
RailFX® FlexFX® Fittings Simplify Cable Railing Installation and Ordering
The patent-pending design features compression fit levers that hold the clip in place, accelerating the installation of deck boards, while serrated metal teeth hold boards securely in place.
Installation is simple and fast. Each clip is pre-assembled with a Grip-Rite® PrimeGuard Max® 316 Stainless Steel™ coated fastener, eliminating the frustration of fumbling for separate fasteners and manually threading them into the clips. The innovative design of the Grip-Rite Ninja Hidden Deck Clip also eliminates the need to pre-set each fastener, which significantly speeds installation.
The patent-pending design of the Grip-Rite® Ninja™ Hidden Deck Clip offers users the flexibility to use a single clip style to create multiple deck patterns — straight, diagonal or herringbone — all with a seamless surface finish.
The unique design allows the same fitting to be used level and incline applications at any angle, meeting the needs of virtually any deck layout. This simplifies the ordering and installation processes, significantly reducing the complexity traditionally associated with cable railing systems.
In addition to its versatile application, FlexFX® Fittings include RailFX®'s exclusive Push-Lock® technology. This feature allows for effortless cable insertion, securely locking the cable in place without the need for additional tools or complex procedures.
The fittings also can be used with the available universal drilling template, making alignment, and drilling straightforward and efficient, instead of needing to drill through posts.
The brackets simply mount to the outside of each deck post, delivering a unique “floating cable” appearance. The new universal drilling template makes installation easy, without specialty tools or training.
For contractors who want to expedite a premium railing installation and provide options to their customers, RailFX® Express Mount Brackets™ offer a time saving solution to finish jobs quickly. And for homeowners, there is no simpler way to achieve a high-end cable railing look…that they can easily install themselves.
“Since 2022, we have launched several new products from our Grip-Rite®, RailFX®, and Nationwide Industries® brands,” said Michael Engle, Senior Director of Branded Product at PrimeSource Building Products. “In that time, we’ve developed more outdoor living product innovations than ever before in the company’s history. And we’re committed to continuing that trajectory.”
THE HILLMAN GROUP
BACK TO HOME PAGE
Decking plays a significant role in the success of Hillman’s fastener business. It represents about 25 to 30 percent of sales. And that segment is poised to grow, according to product specialists of the Cincinnati-based fastener industry giant.
Hillman: Ready for more.
“Our theme is: We're ready,” said Tim Ferguson, vice president of product engineering and brand for the Hardware Solutions brand. “The interest rates have come down. Some of the inflation rates have come down. Labor availability and material availability have improved. All of those things play into the idea that ‘we're ready.’”
CAMO is the better way to build a deck. In empowering you to build a better deck, we inspire you to build a better gathering place. A better community. A better life.
Our pride comes from creating new solutions for old problems. Through innovation, we’re changing the tools, the old way of thinking, and the time it takes to build a deck.
As a 100% employee-owned company, our purpose is simple, and it’s shared—"Inspire People to Build Better.” Whether supporting our customers, suppliers, fellow employee-owners and their families or the communities in which we live and work, it’s relevant and simple to do. Inspire whoever we engage with to help them become better.
OUR ‘WE’RE IN THS TOGETHER’ MINDSET
Hillman’s Tony Kovac, director of product management for fasteners, said the new product has excelled on the job site, and—by extension—has excelled in the marketplace.
The new Power Pro line “allows us to benefit from improved drive speed from the time you put the screw on top of the wood to the time when the screw sinks flush to the wood surface,” Kovac said. “We’re 30 percent faster on average —and depending on the competitor, it's even greater than that.”
Cornerstones is the first indicator that as an organization we are not in this game merely for ourselves or corporate profit. There is a fundamental belief that our responsibility is not only to the growth of our company but also a commitment to the success of our employee owners, our customers, our vendor partners and, perhaps most importantly, the people that use our products. It is not only the “what” we do but “how” we operate our business that distinguishes us in the industry.
OUR 'CORNERSTONES'
Its history of technology innovation runs deep, and continues to this day with its CAMO system, which is changing the face of decking.
WHY CAMO IS A BETTER WAY
And that message of readiness is supported by Hillman’s strength in product development, its design capabilities, its breadth of offering, and its understanding of how contractors and deck builders get things done on the job site.
Several of those factors are built into Hillman’s new Power Pro Structural Wood Screw Line, launched in April of 2023. The patented design maximizes thread performance with a view toward improving speed.
THE POWER PRO STRUCTURAL WOOD SCREW LINE
The “we’re in this together” mindset is evident in everything we as employee owners do at National Nail. “I am far more inspired to work smarter and better for the people in the trenches with me than nameless, faceless shareholders that aren’t personally involved in our business,” Dommenick said. “Put simply, when I walk in the door in the morning, I see the people that I am fighting for—that perspective is priceless for me.”
Everything that we're doing from a design standpoint is focused around that pro and to help them on the job site. And we can get somebody on and off a job from a fastening standpoint 30 percent faster.
Tim Ferguson Vice President of Product Engineering, Hardware Solutions, The Hillman Group
NEXT: PRIME SOURCE
Industry insights from product specialists on the cutting edge.
The entire Power Pro Structural Wood Screw line requires no pre-drilling and has an innovative thread design that creates speed of installation — allowing users to not only save time, but to drive more screws per battery charge. The durable epoxy coating provides 4 layers of corrosion protection and is AC257 treated lumber certified. Built for durability and longevity, all Power Pro Structural Wood Screws have grade 5 strength.
“Everything that we're doing from a design standpoint is focused around that pro and to help them on the job site,” said Ferguson. ”And we can get somebody on and off a job from a fastening standpoint 30 percent faster.”
The Power Pro line is Hillman’s flagship offering. Also in the offering is the Deck Plus line, described by Kovac as a high-performing screw and a “project finisher.” It allows the deck builder to match a variety of colors depending on the style of the project.
Color matching is a concept that Hillman helped pioneer years ago. Today, the trends in decking continue to grow in sophistication. Ferguson described one new trend as “mixed medium decking.”
“Where it used to be a deck or a patio, now we're getting both,” he said. “It's a patio with a wooden structure on top of it. Or it’s a deck that leads directly into a paved or a poured area. The standard, elevated deck is morphing into a multi-tiered deck that leads into a patio. And that patio now has wooden structures anchored into it and built on top. It’s an exciting trend.”
And also, it’s a trend that Hillman is in position to embrace and promote, as it continues to roll out new products that complement its broad offering.
“Right now we already have the most expansive mix out there in the industry—with colors, with screw heads, diameters, and lengths,” said Kovac.
Ferguson added: “Whether they're building a deck, a mixed-medium deck, or over land or over water, we've got the solutions that everybody is going to need for those projects.”
