Useful Deck Information

Well, the local Azek rep stopped by our Southern Johnson County, Kansas deck showroom the other day.  He didn’t come empty handed either.  He brought with him a crucial piece Azek needed to make their product even more marketable for us Kansas City deck builders.  A much anticipated color line which includes a wider variety of colors and darker color selections.

I’ve posted about the new Azek colors expected to hit the deck market a couple times over the last year.  Azek has delivered it right on schedule and fulfilled exactly what today’s deck consumer craves, a darker and richer color selection.  There’s no doubt that Azek’s cellular PVC technology has always been a high quality decking product.  It’s proven to be very durable, extremely stain resistant and guaranteed not to rot.  However, one of the decking line’s major weaknesses has been its color selection. 

Before last year, there were only four Azek colors for us deck builders to sell.  The colors were okay, but they were all fairly timid in tone.  None met the high demand for a deep, dark, rich pigmentation most deck Kansas City deck customers demand.  Sometime last early October, the Kansas City deck builders and contractors were presented with the Kona and Fawn colors.  I reported my thoughts about those colors previously. 

See: Azek introduces new colors to Kansas City deck builders.

Now Azek gives us Sedona, Redland Rose, Morado, Acacia, and Tahoe.  My opinion on these five new colors is very strong.  I’m not going to gab on and on in detail about each color and what each one means to me.  Instead, I’m going to give Azek the strongest compliment a deck builder can give a decking manufacturer.  “Thank You!”

Here they are for all you deck builders, contractors and potential deck customers to see.

 Click  here for the Complete Azek Decking Color Line.

Hope this helps,

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

Bamboo decking manufacturers are emerging in every corner of the deck industry.  That’s for good reason.  Not only is the deck product very resilient, it’s also genuinely striking while containing quality attributes.

This unique indoor and outdoor decking is made from one hundred percent, all natural, compressed bamboo fiber.  Growing faster than any other wood product, bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource which bodes great for the environment. Bamboo is a grass that is harvested.  The manufacturing process makes it ready to for use on residential and commercial decks within three to five years.  The fluctuation is dependent on the maturity of the grass’ interior structural fibers.  Bamboo’s density, durability and strength features are comparable to Brazilian Ipe, Cumaru and other tropical hardwoods. 

That also means a quality bamboo deck brand is tougher and will last longer than the more commonly used cedar, redwood, and treated southern yellow pine.  Its deep natural wood tones are also more commonly preferred by high-end custom deck builders, architects, designers and consumers.

All bamboo decking manufacturers I’ve come across claim their decking to be fire proof and insect resistant.  They also testify the decking has been progressively weather tested in accelerated climate conditions. 

Being closely priced to tropical hardwood decks and even more eco friendly, I think it’d be safe to say there will be a place for bamboo in the deck market.  Our company has never used any type of bamboo in construction of a deck, pergola, screened porch or other project.  However, since we consider ourselves the leader among Kansas City deck builders, I can assure you it’s a product we’ll be further researching.

Hope this helps,

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

As I’ve posted before, we’re a huge proponent of FastenMaster’s Cortex hidden fastening system.  It retains the simple engineering principle of keeping two face screws per board per joist.  Many Kansas City deck builders use other methods of concealing their screws.  However, most structural experts will agree that the Cortex system provides a much more stable deck than any hidden clip or tongue and groove method.

Earlier in the year, I spoke highly on how well Cortex’s core and plug operation worked for AZEK Deck®.  I was amazed at both the ease of installation as well as the consistency of its appearance and performance.  However, when I heard FastenMaster had created one for EverGrain Classic Colors*®, I was somewhat skeptical. 

As a professional Kansas City deck builder, our company installs more EverGrain decking than any other product.  Therefore, we know its characteristics very well.  I love the value EverGrain delivers.  It’s both low cost and durable as well as not harboring mold and mildew.  Sorry for the digression.

The main reason for my skepticism was the raised dense grain pattern pressed into EverGrain’s surface.  I didn’t picture those plugs being very easy to install or blending in very well with such a pronounced and defined texture.  Then the EverGrain rep showed me a demo that quickly forced me to swallow my presumptions.  The plugs were easily set even with the raised parts of the surface and simply conformed to and became part of the texture.  I guess that’s why I’m a deck builder and not in the manufacturing business.  I was both surprised and impressed.

If you’re a deck builder or consumer who prefers using another type of decking, FastenMaster has also extended the Cortex line to other brands.  It is now available for Trex® Accents and Escapes and TimberTech® TwinFinish Decking.  They’ve also come out with the new Azek Kona and Fawn colors.

For more info, here’s a link to FastenMaster’s Cortex Fastening System

Hope this helps,

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

About a month ago, I posted how Azek was ready to show off their new darker decking colors to the deck builders in Kansas City.  Well, I missed the introduction due to family obligations.  However, my partner was able to attend and grabbed a couple of samples so I could relay my opinions on this blog.

One of the new colors is called Fawn.  Fawn is a deep dark tan or milky brown.  Actually, the name is very fitting because it’s exactly what color you’d think a young deer to be.  I’m not a huge fan of any light brown and cedar color decking.  No matter what brand it is.  That’s not so much a knock on the colors the manufacturers created as it is my personal taste.  I wouldn’t put the Fawn Azek on my deck either.  However, I think it’s a more attractive tint than most of the other decking colors close to the same shade.  I also think it will definitely have a stable spot amongst deck consumers since it’ bold enough to be different while still remaining fairly natural and neutral.  Not bad.

The other color has been named Kona.  I’d say it could best be described as cocoa or dark chocolate.  It is right in line with what I thought Azek was going to have to put out in order to compete.  Timbertech and Gossen have developed some creative and sharp decking colors.  Darker colors are definitely the trendy choice with many deck consumers in Kansas City and around the country.  Fawn is sure to gobble up its fair share of those purchases.  It probably already is. 

When it comes to the darker deck colors, deck builders should inform their customers about hot temperature surface.  Some of the dark composite decks can actually feel unbearable when exposed to bare feet.  I guess that depends on how tough you and your feet are. 

Personally, mine aren’t nearly as callused and leathery as when I was a kid.  I use to spend all day playing outside with my dogs unprotected.  Not so much today. 

Cellular PVC, like Azek and Gossen, have an advantage.  The technology of PVC restricts much less temperature change than composites.  That can make a big difference with small children.  Especially in direct sunlight and in the middle of summer.

Helpful links:

Azek decking

Gossen decking

Timbertech decking

Evergrain decking

Hope this helps,

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

Many people ask the same thing when we’re bidding decks, screened porches, and pergolas this time of year.  “Can you build a deck in when it’s cold outside?”  Actually, our deck builders prefer the cool weather over the warm.  It’s much easier keep the human body warm when doing physical labor than it is to cool it down.  That doesn’t mean they enjoy the brutally frigid temps that get hover near zero.  However, the thirty and forty degree temps are nothing if the carpenter knows how to dress right.

Some customers are worried about the concrete curing properly in temps below freezing.  Concrete will create its own heat.  If the deck builder or contractor covers the pier, footing or pad with plastic and then burlap, the heat will hold long enough to allow the concrete to cure fully.  When the ambient air gets below thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit, we accelerate the curing process by adding Calcium Chloride or TriMix – NCA.  These chemicals help ensure the concrete cures enough before it freezes. 

The deck builder has to make sure that the concrete is cured before putting all of the deck’s weight on the piers.  I’ve seen a number of decks and screened porches sink down in concrete because the deck contractor assumed the concrete was ready.  They simply felt the surface to see if it was hard to the touch.  However, the concrete was actually frozen.  If concrete freezes before it cures, it will not continue to cure until it thaws back out.  You can tell the difference by drilling a small, inconspicuous hole, at least six inches down.  If you get a dry dust or powder, the concrete is most likely cured.  If you get any kind of paste, sludge or moisture, it needs more time.  If the deck builder is unsure or it’s borderline, temporary supports should be left on for a few more days.    

More and more Kansas City deck builders are using TXI’s Maximizer because it’s a “high/early” mix.  It has a very high strength at 5500 PSI and sets up to 3000 PSI in twenty-four hours.  This makes a big difference when time is a factor.  And if a deck builder plans on being successful, time is always a factor. 

Most Kansas City deck builders do work year round.  Just make sure you hire one who knows what they’re doing!

Hope this helps,

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

Yesterday, I posted about Deckorator’s Classic round aluminum baluster.  I also mentioned Deckorator’s Estate baluster.  They’re essentially the same thing as a Classic round aluminum spindles except for square and not round.  Doesn’t sound much different but they definitely are.  As a Kansas City deck builder, we built a cedar deck in our showroom using the Estate balusters, and I’m sure glad we did.  It definitely looks very different from the round balusters.  Deck builders also still have the option to add baskets, knuckles, finials, etc. to the spindle by a slide on attachment that holds tight with an inconspicuous set screw. 

If you’re a deck builder who likes to bore your round spindles into the deck railing framework, you won’t be able to do that with the Estate baluster.  However, the connectors for the Estates are much stronger and secure than the ones used for the Classics.  They go on the outside of the spindle and have a channel to sit in so the baluster is cradled and locked in place.  The caps also have nubs that press into the railing framework to prevent them from turning.

If the deck builder is imaginative, they can create some unique looks with the square balusters.  Turning the spindles at an angle creates even more of a contemporary look.  Installing them with a pattern of three in a bunch and then a normal space puts off an on old world wrought iron look.  More or less, Deckorator’s Estate baluster simply gives the deck builder and homeowner more possibilities and options.  They are definitely a nice change of pace from the monotony of Classic round balusters which area on nearly every deck in Kansas City.

 Here’s a link to Deckorator’s Estate Balusters.

Hope this helps,

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

It wasn’t all that long ago when aluminum spindles were first introduced to deck builders, and in turn, the entire deck industry.  At least in Kansas City, Classic or round balusters quickly grabbed the attention of deck builders and their clients.  Today, they are still most popular deck baluster used on decks in Kansas City by a country mile.  This transgression occurred for a few simple reasons.

They are inexpensive.  A little more than a cedar spindle at the time at the time of inception but not outrageously priced.  Today, they cost even less than a cedar spindle.  They are maintenance free.  Anyone who’s ever stained a deck knows the spindles are definitely the hardest part of the deck to finish.  Aluminum balusters also provide a more transparent view from inside the deck.  At three quarters of an inch wide, they are half the width of a two by two wood spindle.  This provides more open viewing area to see through when sitting on your deck looking out.  With these key attributes characterizing the round aluminum spindle, there is still a more important reason they became so widely used by Kansas City deck builders. 

The number one reason these balusters are so trendy is because they are so trendy.  By that I mean they are very different from the decades of wood spindles that bordered nearly each and every deck in Kansas City ten or more years ago.  Driving down almost any street in Johnson County, Kansas or Kansas City, Missouri, or Desoto or Lawrence, all you could see is wood decks with wood spindles.  Sure, there was some separation by creative deck builders in the patterns and styles of railing some had designed.  However, they sure had to work at it to make their deck unique.

Now days just about every deck builder in Kansas City uses Deckorator’s Classic round baluster.  As a matter of fact, they’re as common on decks as wood spindles were previously.  These round balusters are definitely something Kansas City deck builders rely on to dress up their decks without breaking the bank. 

Tomorrow I’ll tell about Deckorator’s new Estate baluster.  They’re a nice change of pace from the round balusters.  And who knows, they may even soon take their place amongst deck builders and homeowners alike.

Here’s a link to Deckorator’s Classic aluminum baluster. 

Hope this helps,

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

In case you haven’t ever been to a Deck Expo exhibit, there’s still time to sign up.  Being a professional deck builder, our company has been numerous times.  No, I’m not soliciting their show or being reimbursed in any way.  I just recommend the exhibit for anyone interested in decks, screened porches, pergolas, or any kind of outdoor living area.   It boasts to be the biggest event of the deck industry for 2009.

It’s a great place for deck builders and other contractors to get a look at the latest tools, materials and building technology the deck industry has to offer.  There’s hundreds of exhibiting companies and product manufacturers to answer your technical questions and take your suggestions.  As a Kansas City deck builder we have many fellow deck contractor competitors.  Therefore, we’re always trying to expand our building knowledge and skills.  This is a great place to get a jump start on the competition before spring.  They even have a Green deck building clinic. 

For homeowners looking to purchase a deck, there’s top talent deck builders from around the country and product showcases to view all the latest deck innovations.  It’ll open your mind to endless deck possibilities.  Every kind of deck product will be represented.  You can get unbiased answers to your most abstract questions straight from the source.  I’m always preaching the importance of deck safety and permits.  The Deck Expo actually has a live demonstration of a deck collapse.  This is a must see for all deck builders and homeowners alike.

Anyways, enough of the pitchy writing.  If you are a deck builder, I believe they even still have space for exhibitors.  However, it’s in Indianapolis.  Not real cheap and probably not a great marketing tool unless your a deck builder in Indiana somewhere close.  However, not a bad way to spend your weekend as a visitor October 28-30th if you got a couple extra bucks and some spare time. 

I strongly feel the more people that attend these type of functions, the larger, more sophisticated the deck industry will eventually become.

For more info, I’ve attached a link to their website: Deck Expo

Hope this helps,

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

Back in March of this year, I wrote a post saying that Azek has Darker Decking Colors coming soon.  Well, I’ve been told that some of those colors are here.  Within the next couple of weeks, Kansas City Deck Supply will be holding a get together for Kansas City deck contractors and builders. The Azek reps will be showing off these new colors.  I’m sure either my partner or I will attend, and you know I will review and share my thoughts through this blog.

Frankly, just the fact Azek actually has new darker colors already available for sale says a lot about their company.  Many of the deck industry manufacturers often tell us Kansas City deck contractors that they’ll have this or that product, new color, new texture, or new component out soon.  The reps try to pull the deck contractor along.  I understand why.  They need to keep the deck contractor thinking that their company is the most cutting edge and upcoming brand in the deck industry.  Most of the time frames for the future innovations they boast takes at least twice as long as promised and is half of what they said it would be.

Azek told us Kansas City deck contractors that they developed the technology and ability to produce dark pigmented Cellular PVC back in March.  From what I understand about PVC composition, darker colors are truly a revolution.  Here it is, about six months later, and Azek is ready to show them off.  My compliments to Azek for following through on the short time frame of mid to late 2009 for producing their new product.  I’ll let you know as soon as I do if the colors are worth promoting.

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)