Useful Deck Information

I know it sounds awfully repetitive because it seems like I post something like this at least once a month.  However, I think it’s one of the more important points I can relay to homeowners and deck builders alike.  Decks have always been and still are one of the more secure investments when it comes to residential home improvement projects.

More proof comes from a U.S. News & World Report which lists the “The 5 Best—and 5 Worst—Home Improvement Projects for Your Money.”  The article explains that a wood deck is the third best home project to spend your money on.  It does a better job articulating the reasons than I do, so the link you just passed will take you there.  The report doesn’t rate PVC or composite decks.  Nor does it mention treated or tropical hardwood decks.  However, I guarantee that just about any type of deck, if properly constructed and of quality craftsmanship, will meet, if not exceed, this type of performance.  Especially if the deck is  made from a reputable composite brand such as Evergrain or a top notch material like Azek or a gorgeous, durable product similar to an Ipe tropical hardwood.

Just remember to do your research.  Find a decking that flows with your home and is ideal for your regional environment.  And as always, hire a reputable, professional deck builder.  One who’s built with that exact material more than once.  Trust me, not all deck products are installed the same.  Incorrect installation is not only wearisome and extremely costly; it may even void your warranty.  And what’s the point in that?

For more proof why decks are a sound investment, I’ve attached some of my previous posts:

• Looming Inflation Guarantees a Deck Investment
• Purchase a Deck in a Down Economy?
• A Kansas City Deck is a Wise Investment

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

Professional deck builders see a wide variety of potential customers.  Some desire an intricate design combined with ornate accessories and features which coincide with the architecture of their home.  Yet others just need a basic layout constructed with simple, durable and low maintenance materials.  And there is an infinite range of desires within this spectrum.  No matter what the deck purchaser requests, there’s always a common thread.  Everyone wishes to achieve functionality while obtaining the most deck for their money.  Therefore, here are a few tips to utilize that valued deck space to its fullest.

Know your numbers.  Lumber, composite, PVC, and just about all building materials are sold in even increments.  A deck builder can usually obtain even numbered dimensional lumber from eight to twenty foot lengths without special ordering.  Composite and PVC deck products are more explicitly produced.  Synthetic decking is usually manufactured in twelve, sixteen, and twenty foot sections while railing components are generally offered in twelve and sixteen foot increments.  What this means for the deck builder and buyer alike is paying for the shortest possible lengths to fit their deck dimensions.  Planning your deck design around the material availability can save both deck builders and homeowners a substantial amount of money.  It can also help create a more practical deck space.

Visualize the deck’s footprint and how it will be utilized.  Decide where to place tables, chairs, a BBQ grill, planters, etc.  This helps ensure you don’t have any major regrets about the deck’s size or configuration. 

Keep stairs towards the corners of the deck.  Stairs in the middle of a side withhold usable room in order to preserve trouble-free entries and exits.  They also break up guard rails and add extra railing posts.  Don’t just consider the cost of materials.  Experienced deck builders are sensible enough to figure in their labor for such additional work.  Also, keep staircases close and adjacent to the deck frame.  Longer staircases may require descents to turn a corner or switch back with a split level landing.  This concept not only saves valuable yard realty, it’s much safer in case of an inescapable fall.

These are just a handful of suggestions to assist deck builders and homeowners with deck conception.  No matter what the objective for a deck, screened porch, pergola or other construction project, thorough planning is sure to enhance the outcome and the tweak the aim.  Similar to much of life, diligent preparation is the key to success in quality deck building.

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

On Tuesday, October 20th, Principia Partners publishing department released their predictions for the deck industry in 2010. Principia Partners is a strategy consulting firm for companies in material related industries.  They estimate that decking and deck related sales will rise from $2.8 billion in 2009 to $3.1 billion in 2010.  This is obviously great news for us Kansas City deck builders and deck related companies throughout the country.

PVC and composite decks have steadily risen in demand since their inception.  However, wood decks gained back substantial ground in 2009.  This was due mainly to the combination of falling wood prices along with the increase in cost of petroleum based products.  The impact of our deep recession has also forced customers to choose deck products which are easier on the pocketbook.  Principia is predicting the trend to shift back in favor of PVC and composite decking as wood prices begin to recover.

Cautiously optimistic, Principia hopes that a greater ability to tap into home equity to finance home improvement projects along with more confidence in consumer spending will result in substantially more deck sales.  “The increase in housing starts and modest growth in repair and remodel activity will increase the demand for decking and railing,”   Principia said.

There will be about 2.5 million decks built on residential homes this year.  Principia says we should expect about a 6% increase in deck sales.  That’s about 150,000 more decks next year.  As a Kansas City deck builder, I sure hope they’re right on target with this forecast.  And I’m sure my fellow deck builders, retailers, and wholesalers are crossing their fingers that these numbers come to fruition.  Because like many industries throughout the United States, the American deck industry could sure use a banner year in 2010!

For more info on this report, here’s a link to Principia Partners.

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

You might have yet to hear of Radiance Wood.  It’s another new decking product just being introduced to the deck industry.  What makes this new deck product special?  What does it offer that Cedar, Treated Wood, Composites, Cellular PVC, and Tropical Hardwoods don’t?  These are the very first questions that most Kansas City deck builders, retailers and distributors are asking about Radiance Wood.

Kansas City Deck Supply recently held a contractor’s breakfast get together to ask the representatives of Radiance Wood these questions and more.  Let’s just say the reps weren’t fully prepared for barrage of inquisition that our Kansas City deck contractors were hurling their way.  Basically, they just didn’t convince the Johnson County deck builders and decking suppliers that Radiance Wood was going to sell against composites and traditional wood decking at the price point being offered. 

This past Tuesday morning, the president of Radiance Wood, and a local distributor stopped by our office to clarify the answers to those questions with me and my partner.  They were able to convince us both that at comparable price to composite decking, around $2.00/ lineal foot, Radiance Wood may in fact be a another option to present to consumers looking to purchase a deck.

Many people prefer the natural wood look over composites.  However, they’re not willing to take on the maintenance of cedar, aren’t happy with the future appearance MCQ and ACQ treated woods, or aren’t willing to pay the premium price for tropical hardwoods like IPE and Tiger Wood.

Radiance Wood developers have done a good job of identifying those weaknesses and have nestled themselves into a nice little niche. 

The new decking product looks outstanding.  It has a rich dark tone, much like that of tropical hardwood decking.  It also comes in either a Euro style ribbed surface or a traditional smooth finish.   

Radiance Wood is kiln dried so it is very stable so it won’t shrink, and is not likely to warp, twist, cup and bow.  It’s only treated with only heat and water so it’s environmentally safe.  It’s very durable being made from premium Southern Yellow Pine and milled at an inch and a quarter thick.  Its finish is a factory applied resin and guaranteed not to grey out for two years and not to rot for twenty years.

It also seems to be very deck builder friendly due to the fact that it weighs approximately one third that of most composites.  The deck contractor only has to pilot the end fasteners and can even use a pneumatic nail guns if desired.  There’s also a surprisingly well balance selection of building members like 2”x2”, 2”x4”, 2”x6”, 2”x8”, 2”x10”, 4”x4”, and 6”x6” boards and timbers.  Our Johnson County deck vendor also sends out a quart of “One Time” with every job pack so the deck builder and reseal the cut ends and touch up any scratches or nicks.

We haven’t actually installed Radiance Wood on any decks in Johnson County, KS or any deck in Kansas City yet.  However, we are going to start offering and promoting the product as long as the cost stays reasonable.  And as we all know, price is definitely king in today’s world.

Follow this link for more information on Radiance Wood.

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks – Kansas City deck builder)

Sources tell me that Azek will have three to four new darker decking colors coming later in 2009.  This is great news for those deck builders selling the PVC deck boards.

I’m pretty sure that most of the United States, like the Kansas City deck market, is moving more and more towards darker decking colors.  Timbertech came out with their Earthwood composite decking line a few years ago, and we’ve built many decks in the Kansas City metro with the rich colors like Tropical Walnut and Tropical Teak.  Elk has had their own stamp on the deep dark brown and reds for a couple of years now.  And Gossen, another cellular PVC manufacturer, just released its own version of a similar tone.

Azek is the leader in cellular PVC marketing.  It has many benefits over composite decking.  Azek has far superior stain and fade prevention due to the chemical makeup of PVC.  Durability is also one of the product’s strengths.

Azek is very resistant to scratching and denting.  The other beautiful trait of cellular PVC is that if you do somehow mange to dent or scratch the surface, you can simply apply light heat (with a heat gun – not a torch or lighter!), and surface will almost always form back to its original state.    

 All the deck builders and contractors I’ve talked to love working with Azek because of its weight, or lack thereof.  Deck contractors are also very fond of the product’s ease of installation.  You can literally put a screw within one eighth of an inch of a board’s edge without it splitting.  This means there’s absolutely no piloting necessary which saves both the deck builder and consumer a ton on labor.

With all of these great things to say about Azek, one of its few weaknesses has always been the color selection.  I’m told that the technology of cellular PVC has always limited the pigmentation of which it can be manufactured.  Well, it looks like those barriers are being broken and cellular PVC decking is taking a giant step forward towards dominating the decking market. 

Now, if they can just find a way to make a structural PVC two by four and two by six boards that will pass IRC guardrail code requirements.  Then I think we’d see the next great revolution in the deck industry.

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks - Kansas City deck builder)

Azek "Clay" decking

· Thousands of injuries and deaths occur each year directly related to improper and inadequate deck construction. At the very least, please make sure your project is being constructed with a building permit!

· The following are just a few of the many cases we’ve encountered in the Kansas City Metro area from 1997 – 2008.

· We lost these bids to competitors claiming to build the same quality as us but at a lower price. (We’ll let you be the judge).

· We were called back later to resolve the faulty construction techniques and poor craftsmanship!

Be careful who you hire. The most expensive project is the one that has to be redone. The best priced is the one that requires the least amount of maintenance, lasts the longest, and adds the greatest value to your home.

Improperly installed flashing – it should be behind the siding.

It is also very dangerous. This is the number one cause of deck collapses which often cause serious injury and death.

1. Inadequate joist support.  No joist hangers.

2. Inadequate ledger board attachment.  No washer on lag bolts, lag bolts installed too close to edge of board, lag bolt spacing too far apart. 

1. Inadequate footings – support posts not in full contact with piers

2. No standoff or attachment connection between post and pier

(Notice how they even tried to push some of the posts out of level to hit the piers)

Hopefully, a poorly built deck is discovered before something terrible happens.

 Double check to make sure you know what you’re getting! An estimate’s text is pretty vague. Don’t trust word description to describe the quality, style and type of work to be performed.

Make sure you can view the contractor’s previous work first hand by visiting decks they’ve previously built.

Don’t just take my word for it. For more pictures and info, visit http://www.deckfailure.com

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks - Kansas City deck builder)

     The makers of Azek have developed a hidden fastener system that solves the problem most other products still have.  I’ve said before that I’m an opponent of hidden fastener systems for decks.  Up until now, I’ve never seen one able to create a stable deck structure like face driven fasteners provide.  Most are composed of brackets or guides fastened to the deck joists and fitted into grooves on the decking.  As the deck’s treated understructure dries out, it will push and pull, warp and twist in different directions.  Clips in grooves will not effectively hold the joists and rims in place.  Some others designs which are better, but still not great, are tongue and groove planks fastened through the tongue or groove.  This is stronger than the clip style.  But you’re still only getting one screw through the decking into the structure, and at an angle, versus two perpendicularly with traditional fastening methods.

     Azek’s revolutionary Cortex fastening system accomplishes both of the strength of face driven fasteners and the clean appearance of hidden fasteners.  The kit comes with a special bit which automatically sets the depth of the Cortex screw.  The Cortex screw has a specialized cutting head which bores a clean hole when driven through the decking surface.  Then a precut plug is tapped into the hole concealing the screw.  The plugs even have a matching wood grain pattern if you wish to line it up with the decking grain.  As an experienced Kansas City deck builder, I was very skeptical.  I just knew that with temperature and climate change, expansion and contraction, there’s no way the plugs would stay in place over time.  However, the salesman told me that Azek was confident enough in their system to stand directly behind it.  He assured me that Azek’s warranty even covers these plugs loosening or popping up.  The reason he explained for the plugs staying in place was that they are made from the same PVC material as the decking, and therefore, would expand and contract at the same rate.  I’ve seen and heard a lot of claims so I never believe anything until I try it for myself.

     So we sold our first Azek, about three dollars per square foot higher than Evergrain composite and still cheaper than some Timbertech lines.  My biggest fear was how long it would take to tap in a couple thousand tiny little plugs.  I was astonished at how smooth the process actually was.  The Azek plug system is nearly the same amount of labor if you figure how long it takes to pilot every screw hole and make sure all the heads are set flush when installing composite decking. 

     The Cortex conceal kit does cost a little more, about eighty to ninety dollars per hundred square foot.  From my experience, it’s well worth the extra dollar per square foot if hidden fasteners are a high priority.  If not, Fastenmaster has created a special line of Trap Ease colored screws that match Azek decking perfectly.    

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks - Kansas City deck builder)

Azek "Brownstone"

     The law firm coalition which formed a class action lawsuit against ChoiceDek decking products says it’s close to a settlement, and it should be official sometime near the middle of September, 2008.  The Plaintiffs filed their suit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington in Seattle against Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE:WY) (ChoiceDek® seller); Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:AERT) (ChoiceDek® manufacturer); and Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) (ChoiceDek® retailer) (collectively, the “Defendants”).  The lawsuit stems from excessive mold growth on the decking.  Testimonials state that even after cleaning the deck surface, the mold returns fairly quickly (within a couple of weeks to a month depending on the climate).

      Adanced Enviornmental Recycling Technologies, Inc. (A.E.R.T.), which manufacturers ChoiceDek, also produces Moisture Shield decking.  Moisture Shield is very similar to ChoiceDek in both look and texture.  Moisture Shield can be purchased through a variety of retailers while ChoiceDek is a brand sold exclusively at Lowe’s stores.  As a Kansas City deck builder, we’ve fielded zero mold issue complaints on Moisture Shield decks.  We’ve installed numerous decks with it the last couple of years, but the law suit involving A.E.R.T. has deterred us from using it along with ChoiceDek.  Both products have also been pulled from the decks in our showrooms. 

      For those who have mold issues with their ChoiceDeck deck and have not yet filed a claim, there’s still time.  Even if the case is settled before filing is completed, you should be grandfathered in by the date of purchase on the product.  However, there will probably be some sort of settlement statute date, so don’t wait too long. Make sure you do not clean the deck!  You’ll need to take pictures of your deck and its mold for evidence.  I don’t know what kind or how much compensation will be paid out, if any.  I do know you won’t receive anything unless you act soon. 

Here’s a link to one law firm that’s been prompt on issuing a claim for a few of our customers: http://www.cmht.com/choicedek.php

A.E.R.T also has a toll free hotline you can call.  I cannot vogue for its effectiveness, but sometimes direct claims with manufacturers are expedited faster and more satisfactory than class action lawsuits. 

That number is:  1-800-951-5117

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks - Kansas City deck builder)

     Cellular PVC is the next generation of decking that will give consumers yet another option for building a deck.  Wood and composite decks are no longer the only choices.  In fact, Cellular PVC is to composite the same as composite was to wood ten years ago.  Cellular PVC decking has some characteristics which are better than composite decking and some that are not.

     Unlike composites, Cellular PVC decking contains no wood fibers.  Therefore, it has absolutely no pores.  This means it has superior resistance to stains from BBQ grease to bird droppings to berries falling from your trees.  As a matter of fact, it is nearly impossible to stain.  Many composites cannot make this claim.  Because of its solid surface, mold and mildew cannot grow on its surface.  This is an issue which has ignited more than one class action lawsuit against major composite manufacturers.  It can also be easily cleaned with just soap and water versus the bleach concoctions usually necessary to clean composite decks.

     Besides its stain resistance, Cellular PVC is also very durable and cannot be easily gouged or scratched from patio furniture legs or dog claws.  It fades very little, if at all, when exposed to ultra violet rays.  For deck builders, it is very easy to install because it requires absolutely no pre-drilling or piloting of holes.  You can put a standard screw within one eighth of an inch of a board’s edge without splitting.  I didn’t believe it either until our sales rep put five in a row right at a deck board’s edge!  Proprietary Procell Technology minimizes PVC’s expansion and contraction.  This means less configuring for the deck builder and more consistent appearance at seams and gaps during climate change.

     With Cellular PVC having so many benefits, why would anyone go with composite?  Well, there are some legitimate reasons to still choose a composite or wood deck over Cellular PVC.  Because the product is so new to the deck industry, no manufacturer has yet to produce a decent selection of available colors.  Color and texture are by far the main reasons one decking product is chosen over another.  Also, there are very little accessories available to the consumer.  Limited railing components such a rails, top caps, and balusters don’t give the consumer many choices for designing a deck that meets their specific style.  Price is also a major factor in Cellular PVC’s marketability.  On average, PVC decking is seventy-five cents to a dollar more (per lineal board foot) than composite decking.  In this kind of economy, twenty-five percent more is an awful lot!

     Most consumers are just a little hesitant about a brand new product that hasn’t been tested by the environment for an extended period of time.  Especially when just a few years ago, composite decking companies boasted their “maintenance free” decking only to be quickly downgraded to “low maintenance” after many warranty claims and defects brought out by good old Mother Nature.  One such defect recently discovered with PVC is the interaction with rubber which causes discoloration in the decking.  Only rubber mats, planters, BBQ wheels, etc. with an “approved for vinyl” stamp should be used in direct contact with PVC or other forms of vinyl decking.

     There aren’t a lot of Johnson County, KS decks or even Kansas City decks built yet.  However, Cellular PVC is obviously going to make a valiant run at replacing both composite and wood decks throughout the United States.  Price, color and accessory selection, and major defects yet to be discovered will determine exactly how successful that run will become.

If you’d like more info, here are some links to the leading manufacturers of Cellular PVC and Vinyl Laminated decking:

Azek: http://www.azek.com/viewProduct.php?id=5

Weather Ready: http://www.getweatherready.com

Timbertech: http://www.timbertech.com/Products/DeckingPlanks/XLM.aspx

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks - Kansas City deck builder)

Azek "Clay" decking

1.   It’s cost effective:  Probably the lowest cost of all the reputable composite deck brands. 

2.   Quality:  We’ve only processed one claim in eight years.  It wasn’t mold either

3.   Made locally:  Manufactured in Joplin, Missouri, company representatives are always in the Kansas City area.

4.   Service:  Our one claim was a manufacturing defect about five years ago with a particular color.  The Evergrain representative came out and looked at the deck immediately and issued the customer a full refund for materials and labor.

5.   Colors:  “Weathered Wood”, “Redwood”, and “Cedar” colors are very popular and win almost every time when put up against other brands’ selections.  They also match very well with TrapEase screw colors.  The best composite screws on the market (http://www.fastenmaster.com).

6.   Warranty:  25 year warranty.  The best part, it’s one time transferrable so you can actually sell the warranty on the deck with your house. 

     With the popularity of composite decks, there are numerous composite deck companies out there and more popping up every month.  I’d be very leery of using composite decking without a reputable name.  These products are fairly new.  By new, I mean developed and put out into the elements within the last ten to fifteen years.           

      Almost all brands, even the big names, have had their share of defects and product failures.  They’ve had to diagnose, correct and retest their products and some are still having problems.  There is definitely a learning curve to a concept so young.  A product is only as good as its warranty and a warranty is only valid if the company can be located.

     Bottom line, do your research. Check consumer reports (www.consumerreports.com).   Evergrain is a great product, but it’s certainly not the only good brand out there.  Some other brand may offer a more unique color or hidden fastener system that grabs your eye.  Timbertech (www.timbertech.com) has very unique “Earthwood” colors such as Tropical Walnut which is very trendy. 

    Feel free to comment or question through this forum on other composite decking brands or building products. 

Hope this helps,

Dan Milford (DW Elite Decks - Kansas City deck builder) 

Evergrain "Cedar" composite decking