Ideas & Strategies for Outdoor Living Professionals
Legendary builder Bobby Parks Makes his
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Ideas & Strategies for Outdoor Living Professionals
Legendary builder Bobby Parks Makes his
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DECK SPECIALIST
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Brendan Casey, April Edwards, Andy Henley, Mike Mitchell, Bobby Parks
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Sept./Oct. 2025 • Volume 9 • Number 5
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DECK SPECIALIST
Ideas & Strategies for Outdoor Living Professionals
FEATURES
The Future of Composite Decking
What builders need to know now to stay ahead of the competition.
The Unicorn Deck
The Deck Nerds lean on friends to build their dream project.
Back on Deck
Builders take a second look at thermally modified wood.
Deck Building 101 Contest Winners
Nine winners of this year’s Deck Building 101 Facebook group contest share their projects.
Forged by Fire
Firewise Zion Builders masters IWUIC codes for safety and compliance. A Deck Worthy of Its View
Gulf Coast Decks use ProWood’s treated lumber in a high-end Florida design.
New processing advancements have resulted in a superior product.
ON THE COVER: Four decades, over $40M in builds, Bobby Parks built an outdoor living career that he never planned—but wouldn’t trade for anything. Shown here on the back deck of his home, the industry veteran now serves as a partner at IG Railing, focusing on business development and continuing to shape the future of outdoor living.
Editor’s Note
Industry News
Parks & Deck Creation with Bobby Parks
Set the Standard with Brendan Casey
Tool Reviews with Andy Henley and Mike Mitchell
Market Yourself with April Edwards
New Products
Ad Index
Deck Expo 2025
Reaching the Top
Ayear ago, my daughter and I set out to hike a trail near the entrance of California’s Chino Hills State Park. But before we could reach the trailhead, we had to tackle a steep 11% incline for a quarter of a mile.
I’d climbed this hill before. But this time, fresh off a three-month recovery from long Covid, it broke me. Each step set my lungs on fire. I wheezed for air as Covidinduced asthma tightened my chest. I couldn’t catch my breath—even when we stopped to rest. By the time we reached the trailhead, I knew I didn’t have it in me to keep going. I felt defeated.
She didn’t know it, but that moment marked a turning point for me. I silently promised myself: Next time, I’ll come back recovered.
I rejoined my gym and committed to weekly cardio. The improvement was slow, but little by little, my lungs healed. After a couple of months, I no longer needed an inhaler. Then I began gradually increasing the incline on the treadmill—secretly training for that hill. It was just me—and a quiet goal no one else knew about. I was determined to beat this thing.
This journey reminded me: setbacks aren’t the end of the road. They are road markers—signs to keep moving toward something better.
Last month, I returned. Not only did I reach the trailhead, I hiked an additional four miles of steep terrain—and smiled the whole way back. For me, it was a silent victory. Every mindless treadmill session had led me there.
This journey reminded me: setbacks aren’t the end of the road. They are road markers—signs to keep moving toward something better.
Bobby Parks shares a similar lesson in this issue. After a significant financial loss, he pivoted into what is now a successful, four-decades-long decking career.
His story is a reminder that few paths in life are straight. Health challenges, financial loss, shifting partnerships— they all test our footing. But success doesn’t belong to those who never stumble. It belongs to those who keep moving forward.
For me, reaching the top of that hill was proof: you don’t stop just because you don’t make it to the top on the first try—you push harder, dig deeper, and never give up.
Sara Graves is the managing editor of Deck Specialist. Reach her at sgraves@526mediagroup.com
Court Rules for MOSO Bamboo
The United States District Court for the District of Delaware has ruled in favor of MOSO North America, Inc. and MOSO International B.V. in a patent contempt case brought by Dasso International, Inc. and Easoon USA, LLC.
The court concluded that MOSO’s Bamboo Thermo and the redesigned Bamboo X-treme products, along with their manufacturing processes, are colorably different from the previously adjudicated infringing products and do not infringe the relevant claims of U.S. Patent 8,709,578. As a result, the court denied Easoon’s motion to hold MOSO in contempt.
To satisfy earlier patent infringement litigation brought by Dasso, MOSO agreed to modify its manufacturing process and product design. The decision affirms that MOSO’s modifications effectively addressed the prior findings, allowing the company to continue its operations without further legal impediments.
Brett Kelly, CEO of MOSO North America, Inc., expressed optimism following the ruling: “Now we can focus on selling bamboo building materials rather than these needless distractions.”
Distributors Broaden Partnerships
Several distributors are expanding their reach with new facilities and supplier agreements across the U.S.
International Wood Products, Clackamas, OR., has opened a new distribution center in Salt Lake City, UT., strengthening its relationship with Trex Co. The facility will stock Trex decking and railing, serving Utah and Southern Idaho, including Boise.
IWP will continue to cover the Idaho panhandle and Western Montana from its Post Falls, ID., location. With this expansion, Trex products will now be available through all six of IWP’s Western U.S. facilities.
Kebony North America has expanded its reach in the Northeast by partnering with Acton, MA.-based Rex Lumber Company, one of the largest hardwood distributors and custom moulding manufacturers on the Eastern Seaboard.
Envision Outdoor Living Products, maker of Envision composite decking and Fairway Railing, has tapped Encompass Building Materials, Lenexa, KS., as a new distributor in the Rockies. Encompass will carry decking and railing through its locations in Denver, CO., Salt Lake City and St. George, UT.
Eva-Last Americas, Plano, TX., has joined forces with Huff Lumber, Santa Fe Springs, CA., to supply its Infinity IS, Apex Plus, and Pioneer composite ranges throughout Southern California and Southern Nevada.
BOBBY PARKS REFLECTS ON A LEGACY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP, LEADERSHIP, AND INNOVATION.
TREEHOUSES TO TRAILBLAZER
BEFORE HE WAS INFLUENCING contractors across the country and shaping the outdoor living industry from the inside out, Bobby Parks was a Georgia kid building two-story treehouses with a rope-and-pulley system for Marlboros and Coca-Cola. What began as a childhood love for working with his hands eventually evolved into a decades-long career marked by resilience, reinvention, and a refusal to follow the status quo.
Through market crashes, business pivots, and the founding of Peachtree Decks & Porches, he didn’t just build projects—he built philosophies, processes, and a culture of excellence that elevated what outdoor living could be. Now a respected consultant and partner at IG Railing, his influence can be seen in the details of countless decks across the country and in the confidence of builders he’s mentored along the way.
In this exclusive Q&A, he reflects on the defining moments that shaped his career, the lessons learned through both setbacks and success, and the legacy he hopes to leave on the industry he helped move forward.
Q: What first inspired your interest in outdoor living and deck building? Looking back, what were some of the defining moments that shaped the direction of your career?
A: My first go at outdoor living started when I was just a kid as a fort and treehouse specialist. One of my early achievements was a two-level treehouse when I was 13 years old. Added features included a rope and pulley lift system with an attached bucket so that we could hoist our Marlboro cigarettes, candy bars, and six-pack of Coca-Colas to smoke, drink, and dine on either level. Another proud accomplishment was the building of a close replica of a Gilligan’s Island hut. I dreamed
of building Tarzan’s treehouse, but that was beyond my capabilities at the time. It still is.
My real entry into outdoor living was not by design. After transitioning out of the treehouse business, I spent years framing houses, apartments, and doing renovations with a plan of becoming a custom homebuilder. The only reason I ended up in deck building was because a company I had been subcontracting from could not pay after I was on an apartment job for two months with a 12-person payroll and other expenses. I had skipped a December 1988 monthly draw with plans to draw out the job at the end of January 1989, only to find out the developer was filing for bankruptcy.
At that point, I looked for sub-work for me and a helper until I could get back on my feet. I answered a job ad for an opening with a new Archadeck franchise in Atlanta in March of 1989 and was hired as the first sub-crew. At the time, I did not take deck building seriously as a stand-alone business and looked at it as a temporary measure.
But my exposure to the Atlanta market and an organized business helped me realize the potential for a deck company. In 1991, I became the construction manager and progressed to operations manager and then VP and ran the day-to-day operations for years with three salespeople and 16 carpenters in the field. The experience taught me the basics of business and an understanding of retail pricing that I did not realize as a subcontractor doing builder work. During that time, I developed building details and trim styles that I liked, but which only accounted for a small percentage of what we sold and built as we still sold a lot of pressure-treated projects.
I left in 2007 and founded Peachtree Decks and Porches LLC with a different building
“THE
RECESSION PERIOD TAUGHT
ME THAT I WAS A SURVIVOR AND HAD THE ABILITY TO ADAPT AND ENDURE...”
philosophy and a refined vision. It included a plan of delivering a certain style with a focus on higher-end jobs and a true extension of the home approach. It also included not offering pressure-treated decks, which for a Southern market at that time was unheard of.
I had a solid team, and we delivered a lot of great projects, including multiple builds for professional ball players and other celebrities around Atlanta. I sold Peachtree Decks & Porches in September 2014 and transitioned out in late 2015. Peachtree still runs today with a very capable owner.
Q: What personal values or philosophies have guided your journey as a contractor?
A: In the beginning, it was the simple foundational basics of quality, professionalism, and customer service. But when I started Peachtree, the philosophy expanded and changed. It included a forward-thinking mindset of finding ways to do new things and be different from what was accepted as the industry norm.
It was based on creating and leveraging off layers of credibility and lowering perceived risk in a customer’s mind that separated me from others, allowing me to charge a premium. It was about growing a business through margin instead of production. It involved designing and delivering complex projects and creating and adopting custom details that, over time, became our trademark features. And it involved creating a culture that allowed me to find and keep good talent for the long term.
Q: How have you balanced the demanding nature of the outdoor living industry with personal life over the years?
A: In my earlier years as a builder, I did not have balance. I had a lot of people and jobs to keep up with and worked long days. But over time, I learned to become more disciplined, organized, and consider my time equally as important as the customers.
Bobby Parks’ style inspiration came from his early house builds and the details he saw in luxury home magazines.
I used two cell phones. One was for personal use, which customers and crews did not have. The other was for work, which I left in my truck at day’s end and on weekends. Responses to texts and calls ended when I stepped out of the truck, and picked up when I reentered. I started charging consultation fees for first appointments in 2010 to filter out the tire-kickers. Second appointments were at my office, where designs were reviewed and options discussed, which saved me hours of drive time. I scheduled all sales calls during normal business hours and rarely made appointments on Saturdays unless I thought I would close the deal. I learned how to better delegate duties to my crew leaders, used permit expediters, and incorporated better processes and systems, which together freed up time and lessened my workload.
After selling Peachtree in 2014, I took on consulting roles with contractors and contractor development positions with manufacturers, which involved different challenges. It included a lot of travel and 150-160 nights a year in a hotel. But the roles were fun, gratifying, and stress-free compared to a high-volume builder’s life. I looked at travel as an opportunity to make new friends, learn, and see the country. And as much as I traveled, I had plenty of extended time off.
Q: Were there any early struggles or obstacles in your career that shaped your resilience and determination?
A: For me, there were two major challenges that helped me grow as a person and builder. The first was recovering from the financial blow after the company bankrupted—owing me money, as I mentioned earlier. The second was business survival through a prolonged major recession during the 2008 and 2009 period.
With the first, I learned that I could absorb a hard financial blow and have the mental toughness to move forward and start over. Although I thought at the time this was one of the worst things to happen to me, it was a blessing in disguise, as it led me down a different path and to my career today.
The recession period taught me that I was a survivor and had the ability to adapt and endure during a severe multiyear economic downturn. I learned to stay lean during good times, to always look ahead, and quickly adjust during tough times. It was a great lesson on how to manage cash flow. I was a stronger and better businessperson as a result.
Q: Who have been your biggest mentors or inspirations throughout your career?
A: As a builder, I never had a mentor, per se, but I was fortunate to go to work with a high-quality custom homebuilder straight out of high school, where I learned the right way to do things. I learned fast, and by the time I was 23 years old, I went out on my own as a remodeling and framing contractor.
As an outdoor living builder, some of my early style inspiration came from the houses I had built and from details I saw in various luxury home magazines. I found some ideas by driving through upper-end developments,
seeing both interior and exterior finishes that influenced my deck and porch details.
Q: When you think about your legacy in the industry, what do you hope people will remember most about your contributions?
A: As a builder, I hope to be remembered as a forward thinker who introduced ideas and details that were not common on the back of a house at the time. That I adopted a building philosophy of blending in projects as an extension of the home, and incorporating products such as aluminum railing in the late 1990s and PVC trim in 2004 before either was popular in residential deck building. I would like to think I had a style influence as I see many of my early details in projects across the country today, especially in porches and covered structures.
For my efforts outside of building, I hope I am remembered as someone who was willing to share ideas, opinions, and approaches for building and business that I believed could be helpful. I hope I am viewed as someone who encouraged others to believe in themselves and helped to instill confidence in some that needed it at the time. I hope I will be remembered as someone who truly wanted to see the industry—and all involved—to improve and flourish.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 62 >>
What Builders Need To Know Now
BY MICHELLE HENDRICKS
WITH A GROWING FOCUS on getting the most out of existing living spaces, homeowners are driving rapid change in the composite decking industry, fueled by evolving expectations, new regulations, and advances in material science. For builders, staying ahead means not just keeping up with product trends but also anticipating how those trends will impact installation practices, project margins, and client satisfaction.
A decade ago, composite decking differentiated itself largely through its low maintenance and resistance to weather and wear. Today, those qualities are no longer selling points but function closer to industry standards. Builders should expect performance metrics such as heat resistance, slip rating, and scratch-resistance to become critical decision points, especially as more clients request outdoor kitchens, hot tubs, and fire features that demand higher-performance decking materials. The most forward-looking brands are investing in capping technologies and new core materials that address these demands while reducing environmental impact. Builders who familiarize themselves with these technical innovations will be better equipped to advise clients and win projects with long-term value.
Environmental consciousness is no longer niche. Clients from individual homeowners to commercial developers are increasingly asking about attributes like recycled content, product lifecycle, and certifications like LEED or FSC. Composite decking manufacturers are responding with transparency about sourcing, closed-loop manufacturing processes, and lower carbon footprints. For builders, this shift means more than just selecting sustainable products. It means being prepared to talk about environmental performance and answer questions about how a deck’s materials align with the broader sustainability goals of the project. Builders who can speak fluently about embodied carbon or material circularity will have an edge.
From a design perspective, clients are looking for more than just square features. Curved borders, inlay patterns, integrated lighting, and multi-width boards are pushing the limits of outdoor design, and builders are expected to bring the homeowner’s vision to life. The composite decking products of the future are increasingly designed with aesthetic versatility in mind. I see this often in the form of improved bendability for heat-formed curves, colorfast finishes that mimic exotic hardwoods,
Photo Credit: Karcy Lawson Photography
Photo Credit: TGImage
OF COMPOSITE DECKING
and modular systems that simplify complex builds.
This level of customization requires builders to not only master new installation techniques but also collaborate more closely with designers and architects. Investing in training and certification programs offered by leading manufacturers can be a worthwhile differentiator in a crowded market.
Lastly, product innovation is accelerating, and supply chain predictability remains a challenge. Builders should look for manufacturers that offer consistent inventory, robust technical support, and reliable lead times. In the next wave of competition, it won’t just be about product quality, but also how well those products are supported on the ground. More manufacturers than
ever are offering digital tools for estimating, takeoff, and visualizing finished projects. These can help streamline workflows and reduce costly errors—a win for both margins and client experience.
The future of composite decking is not just about better boards; it’s also about smarter, more designforward solutions. Builders who stay informed, adapt to evolving expectations, and partner with manufacturers who share those values will be well-positioned to lead the next generation of outdoor living projects. DS
Michelle Hendricks is the director of marketing for Deckorators. www.deckorators.com
CHASING THE
Unicorn
BY SARA GRAVES
“The ‘unicorn’ is something that everybody’s chasing after ... When it finally lands in your lap and you have the opportunity to do a build like this,
it’s an extraordinary feeling.”
SOME PROJECTS COME AND GO, but every builder thinks of that mythical project you spend a career dreaming of, but rarely get a chance to build. For Lou Lattanzio, owner of The Deck Nerds in Oak Island, N.C., that project arrived with the help of his friends.
“The ‘unicorn’ is something that everybody’s chasing after,” Lattanzio says. “When it finally lands in your lap and you have the opportunity to do a build like this, it’s an extraordinary feeling.”
For Lattanzio, the nearly two-year journey to build his “unicorn” deck was meaningful. The project’s origins go back several years when Lattanzio was referred to the homeowner by fellow builder Brendan Casey (Casey Fence & Deck), who had previously built a deck for the homeowner in Maryland.
At the time, the homeowner asked Lattanzio to bid how much a new walkway leading to the beach would cost. $375,000 was Lattanzio’s bid, but with this caveat: “Just make repairs and allocate the funds towards something else on the house. Your walkway is fine.” The honest advice was appreciated—and not forgotten.
Two years later, Lattanzio’s phone rang. It was the same homeowner, ready to redirect that $375,000 into a far more ambitious project. A year and three months later, work began with this unusual request: the homeowner wanted to be able to stand in his pool and see the Atlantic.
region. Breaker boards ran straight, except where he bent Fiberon boards around the pool using Heatcon heat mats—a process that required heating boards to around 215°F. Around the spillover spa, he specified Deckorators Voyage to create a wine-barrel effect. Treated 8x8 Culpeper 22-ft. posts were sunk 12 ft. deep, with over 400 galvanized 5/8” x 18” bolts, Simpson PS 218 straps and hurricane ties securing the structure. End cuts were sealed with copper-azole solution.
Mitsubishi’s G-Tape protected joists, while CAMO’s Wedge Clips, structural screws and hidden fasteners, and Starborn Industries Pro Plugs completed the fastening system. Stainless steel hardware was used throughout, except for the bolts. IG Railing glass panels provided an unobstructed ocean view and Hideaway’s screens offered privacy from neighbors.
The design called for a new pool level deck measuring 42’x28’, flanked by two rebuilt 600sq. ft. decks with new handrails. “We came up with the design of elevating the pool into the deck and now he can literally just stand in his pool and look at the ocean,” Lattanzio explains.
It was Lattanzio’s first project using engineered plans. Normally, he designs his own decks and sketches them to scale. It took three versions to get it right, including one in which they rotated the deck 90° to allow for proper walking and seating space.
One-of-a-Kind Touches
From a design standpoint, Lattanzio leaned toward creating modern coastal lines with all the bells and whistles. The homeowner spared no expense making it happen.
Fiberon Promenade was installed for its slip resistance, heat-mitigation, and its availability in the
Lighting, designed with the help of his in-lite rep, featured low-voltage fixtures; shutters and piling lights casting triangular beams at night.
An Azenco white aluminum motorized pergola shaded part of the deck, while Evolve Stone, Versatex post wraps, Serene aluminum cabinetry, Paragon spiral stairs, and louvers made of Owens Corning structural lumber and Lumber Rock 5/4 deck boards, and Haven Underdeck’s ceiling system with Bluetooth speakers in 3D-printed housings, joined as a single signal.
It Takes a Village
From the first conversation to the final detail, collaboration was woven into the building process. Lattanzio tapped into his network—Casey, who provided the referral, and a builder’s perspective when design questions arose; Northern Outdoor Living’s Dan Pettit, whose lighting expertise elevated the in-lite nighttime ambiance; and Kevin Choquette of Ravin Builders, who helped troubleshoot fabrication challenges, including the tricky task of bending deck boards around a spa with a tight, approximately 6” radius.
Lattanzio also relied on the help of his son, Austin Lawson, and team member, Jarod Golombieski. “I would not have been able to complete this without them.”
In the end, the build was proof that a project as elusive as a unicorn can be built if you have the right help.
Asked what he was most proud of, Lattanzio exclaims. “All of it.” There’s not one specific thing… it was just an amazing opportunity to build this thing.” DS
Thermally Modified Wood Decking:
DOES IT DESERVE A SECOND LOOK?
ONCE CONSIDERED A FRINGE OPTION, thermally modified wood is once again drawing attention across the outdoor living industry. Known for its dimensional stability, natural aesthetic, and eco-conscious production, the material has long enjoyed use in siding and cladding—but can it finally carve out a lasting place in the deck builder’s toolkit?
With growing concern about the declining quality of pressure-treated lumber and cedar, and rising fatigue over composite decking options, thermally modified wood is positioned to offer a middle path. Deck builders from across North America recently shared their candid, on-theground perspectives—and the feedback was as nuanced as the product itself.
A Stable, Natural Performer
“It’s extremely stable and doesn’t crack or warp, or do any of the nasty stuff all other woods do,” says John Morrissey, who has used Novawood’s thermally modified ash on decking projects. “The manufacturer claims it expands 1/16” after taking on moisture, but after that it doesn’t move much at all.”
“A joy to work with as a very stable, straight, and beautiful product that stimulates multiple senses while working it and enjoying it afterwards,” adds Jon Witt, a former builder and now a business development executive
with CUTEK North America. “Its sustainability is incredible due to its full life-cycle attributes.”
Built to Last, But Tough on Tools
“It is hard as rock, so cutting, drilling, and installing can be a major pain point for you and your crews,” says builder Mitch Summers.
“It’s more brittle... it does splinter on the edges at times,” confirms Morrissey, referring to the natural tradeoff from the heat-treatment process.
Ongoing Commitment
“It looks gorgeous stained, but requires constant upkeep— even more so than treated,” adds Summers.
Premium Pricing
Thermally modified wood continues to face skepticism around pricing and market position. “It was super expensive… like oak that was thermally modified and soaked in CUTEK, but wow was it nice,” says Jon Hodgkiss, Hodgkiss Construction, Pittsburgh, PA.
“Modified wood typically costs more than both composite and pressure-treated wood,” adds Chris Brown, EVP of Culpeper Wood Preservers, Culpeper, VA.
For builders accustomed to cost-conscious clients,
PHOTO CREDIT: Maximo ThermoWood
that can be a tough sell. “If the decking costs more than entry-level composites, then you are going to be fighting paradigm paralysis of composite always being a better option than wood,” says builder Mike Stinson, a member of Facebook’s Elite Deck Building Professionals group.
As tropical hardwoods like ipé now face tighter regulations and trade restrictions, builders are re-evaluating their material choices. Thermory and similar thermally modified products are increasingly filling the gap left by these species, especially as ipé’s recent inclusion on the CITES list adds new import barriers and contributes to rising prices across the supply chain. Builders seeking sustainable, stable alternatives that don’t compromise on aesthetics are turning to modified wood for decking, cladding, and outdoor architectural details.
Reliable Strength and Fit
Other builders point to the material’s advantages in stability and precision applications. “You can wrap posts and beams, and it stays dead flat. I’ve wrapped 12 x 12 posts with 3/8”-thick thermally modified wood. It’s just incredible,” says Lawrence van Kleef, product manager of Nova USA Wood Products’ thermally modified Ambara line.
Kevin Kilpatrick, CMO at Lumber Plus, Miami, FL., adds, “It has more stability and workability in cutting and fastening—all with a natural aesthetic that is difficult to mimic by composites and pressuretreated wood.”
“Every board is clean, flat, and straight. It installs very easily,” says Ed Mikowski, owner of Windsor, CA.-based Mount Storm Forest Products, which has carried Thermory products for over a decade. “It is very stable and does not shrink.”
Gaining Traction Despite Market Gaps
“There was a big push for it about 10 or 12 years ago... even our top guys in the TV renovation shows were pushing this stuff and building with it on their TV shows,” recalls Stinson. “I asked about it to a bunch of lumberyards, and there was very little interest. No idea why.”
He adds, “I’m thinking it’s more of a supplier/distributor issue, and the conflict between the two categories of pressure treated/ cedar and composite. The thermally modified wood eats the lunch of both categories.”
Built for the Right Applications
“Thermally modified is not an alternative for structural PT,” says Dave Bartnik, president at Deck Masters of Canada Building Supplies, Ontario, Canada. “The thermal modification process weakens the structural integrity of woods. They are literally baked in kilns… this ends up weakening the lignins.”
Still, he notes its aesthetic and stability make it well-suited for surface decking, fencing, and slat-style privacy walls—when builders understand its behavior and manage expectations.
Final Thoughts
“It’s not about replacing tropical hardwoods altogether,” said Steve Getsiv, CEO of Nova USA Wood Products, Forest Grove, OR. “They’re definitely going to take a good spot in the market as things crystallize— which brands and which products are the most suitable for distribution and do the best in the market.”
For deck builders prioritizing natural aesthetics and dimensional stability—and who are ready to manage its trade-offs—thermally modified wood may be worth that second look. DS
DECK SPECIALIST WAS HONORED to judge the third annual Deck Building 101 Giveaway photo contest. From nearly 110,000 group members, 20 finalists advanced, with nine winners ultimately selected. Projects were judged on skill, difficulty, creativity, and innovation. Shown here are the nine winners in each of their categories.
Giveaway prizes included coverage in Deck Specialist magazine, exclusive Deck Building 101 Expert swag, a Demo-Dek demolition tool, a Dexerdry Blue Claw compression tool and swag, a lighting demo kit from Tru-Scapes, decking clamp adapters by Jeremy Wilkins, and a company photo and logo featured on the group’s cover photo (seen by 75,000+ daily viewers).
Here’s a look at the winning projects.
1st OVERALL (A)
Builder: Tim Franklin Tim Franklin Carpentry Services, Casselberry, FL.
2ND OVERALL (B)
Builder: Branden Boyd Limitless Deck and Patio, Greendale, IN. limitlessdeckandpatio513.com
3rd OVERALL (C)
Builder: Cutter Buldock
CURVED DECK (D)
Builder: Andrew Singh Alldesign Construction, London, Ontario alldesignconstruction.ca
INSIDE OUT (E)
Builder: Gabriel Haase Deck by Design L.L.C. deckbydesignllc.com
LIGHTING (F)
Builder: Jeff and Melissa Shattuck Custom Decks by Shatmire shatmire.com
SOLO BUILDER (G)
Builder: Jeff Beckert
J.F.B. Builders LLC
STAIRS (H)
Builder: Djay Thompson Nova Interior Custom Exteriors
TECH (I)
Builder: Promes
Forged by Fire
HOW DID ZION BUILDERS, INC. get its start?
In the wake of job loss during the Great Recession, job opportunities in northern Nevada were scarce, with unemployment soaring to 14%. Faced with uncertainty, we saw an opportunity to take matters into our own hands. In 2009, we launched Zion Restoration and Repair, a handyman business built on resilience and determination. With a new business license, 60 flyers and the helping hands of our two preschoolers, we introduced our new services to our neighborhood.
In 2012, Zion Builders, Inc. was born after owner Don Weaver earned his carpentry contractor’s license.
Can you tell us more about the transition from a handyman service to a general contracting firm? What motivated each phase of growth?
Don Weaver had long dreamed of becoming a general contractor. His plans were accelerated when the general contractor he had worked for over the past 10 years closed as another casualty of the recession. With job opportunities scarce, he launched the handyman business, followed by a small, one-carpenter, custom cabinet shop.
Don dedicated his evenings to studying for his contractor’s license. He bootstrapped the new
contracting business with a modest $25,000 bid limit, leveraging his personal assets. Business advisors encouraged him to incorporate. That is when he pivoted to Zion Builders, Inc.–a name that embodied our longterm vision of a full-service general contracting firm–and closed the handyman business and cabinet shop. In 2022, Don secured his general contractor’s license.
We now employ 12 people and have a bid limit of $1.99 million. By adding a couple of project managers, we have been able to focus on securing general contracting work including large room additions and extensive remodels involving multiple trades.
Deck-building became the cornerstone of our success, thanks to suppliers like Home Depot and Trex who featured us in their contractor referral services. Today, we are proud to be the only Platinum Trex installer in our area.
We’ve also cultivated a dynamic collaboration with FireSky Outdoor, a premier landscape design firm. We are their go-to for woodwork, and we subcontract with them for select concrete and landscaping projects.
How has working under IWUIC guidelines shaped your approach to deck construction?
In the arid West, wildfire preparedness is essential.
For homeowners in International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) zones, building a deck requires expert planning, fire-resistant materials, and close collaboration with local fire protection authorities.
Before construction begins, we work directly with the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) and the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) to assess water availability and defensible space. These factors determine the property’s Ignition Resistance (IR) rating and Fire Hazard Severity classification, guiding our selection of materials and construction methods.
Our decks undergo additional inspections by the fire district. By ensuring that code compliance is met, homeowners know their deck won’t impede their ability to purchase or make a claim to their homeowner’s insurance, which many people don’t consider when hiring unlicensed contractors to save money.
Key elements of IWUIC-compliant deck building include heavy timber construction (larger posts, beams and joists), fire-rated decking (installing 1-½” thick deck boards or synthetic decking, such as AZEK brand, tested for flame spread and combustibility ratings), and spark prevention measures (in unique cases, applying metalized tape to the top surface of joists to prevent airborne sparks from igniting the deck’s structure).
You use Excel to create your building plans. Can you elaborate on that and why you prefer using Excel?
At Zion Builders, we have adapted our multi-generations of experience in creating hand-drawn plans to producing them on Microsoft Excel because it provides an easy
and accessible solution for producing clean, legible and accurate designs. “Bob’s (Zion superintendent Robert Smith) ability to create architectural plans in Excel is a testament to his resourcefulness and dedication,” said Don Weaver. “It’s an unconventional yet highly impressive self-taught skill that showcases his creativity and problem-solving abilities.”
Walk us through a recent project you’re particularly proud of. What made it special?
Zion Builders recently completed a project that we are extra proud of because it encompassed all our specialties in one job. The job was a 25’ x 17’ woodframed deck with AZEK boards that was IWUIC compliant, with a 25’ x 17’ aluminum solid pan patio cover above the deck. The customer wanted the cover to be mounted to the roof of his home. This required additional engineering and additional planning because there were many footings that all had to be placed in precise locations–16 footings for the deck and three extra-large footings for the patio cover.
Additionally, because of IWUIC, the deck had to be built with heavy timbers. This included larger footings, 6” x 8” beams, 4” x 8” joists covered with AZEK, TimberTech Vintage Coastline Advanced PVC 1” x 6” decking. The included photos show all the framing painted black to avoid peek-through appearance and to protect from wood destroying bugs (included at no additional charge).
Of course, this project was permitted using our plans drawn on Excel and engineering from Duralum, an aluminum cover supplier.
CONTINUED >>
OWNERS:
Donald and Lorna Weaver
MARKET:
Washoe County Nevada, mostly in Reno, Sparks, Incline Village, Minden, Gardnerville, Fernly.
YEAR FOUNDED: 2012
TEAM SIZE: 10 full-time, two part-time.
WEBSITE: zionbuilders.biz and zionbuilders.net
INSTAGRAM: zionbuilders.biz
FACEBOOK: zionbuilders.biz
From left to right: Mike Woods, estimator; Robert Smith, construction design manager; Don Weaver (holding service dog candidate Nova), contractor and CEO; Matt Kahler, project manager.
Values are clearly important to you and your team. Can you explain more about that and how that affects your company and your team?
From the very beginning, we dedicated this business to God, choosing the name Zion, which represents a holy place or paradise. This reflects our commitment to craftsmanship, integrity, and service, striving to build projects that honor God through excellence.
Guided by Colossians 3:23, we approach our work with dedication: “Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people.” This verse inspires us to pursue quality workmanship at a fair price, ensuring that every project reflects diligence, care, and purpose. Even in difficult times, our faith has sustained us.
Our approach to team culture and leadership is rooted in Philippians 2:3-4, which calls us to serve with humility: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
At Zion Builders, we believe that people matter most. That’s why we invest in our team, offering career-related training, paid time off, retirement plans, and health and life insurance.
Giving back to the community also grounds us in purpose. We have been long-time supporters of Christian education, humanitarian aid, and various conservation efforts. Currently, we are raising a puppy as a candidate to become a service dog (Nova) for a disabled veteran–a fun and meaningful project for the entire team, as she comes to work with us every day.
Our values of faith, honesty, and integrity are woven into the fabric of our company culture. This culture of integrity attracts customers and strengthens relationships, increasing our client base, repeat business, and opportunities to collaborate with new contractors.
What sets Zion Builders apart from other contractors in your region?
One of the key things that sets us apart is our commitment to craftsmanship–starting with our signature blackpainted framing and underpinnings to enhance protection and create a clean, seamless look. Deck boards must be spaced to allow for natural expansion and contraction due to northern Nevada’s temperature fluctuations. Without our black-painted joists, the exposed Douglas fir framing can create unwanted visual contrast.
Beyond framing, we trim all decks with corresponding fascia to create a refined look, and we incorporate pictureframe borders on surface decking to eliminate staggered boards and enhance durability and aesthetics.
We use either color-matching screws or hidden fasteners on the surface composite decking–both great options for achieving a refined finish.
What’s next for Zion Builders?
Looking ahead, we plan to expand our deck and patio cover operations while growing our general contracting business building custom homes, small commercial projects, and tenant improvements.
Northern Nevada has seen a surge in single-family home construction. And given the region’s high-desert ecosystem and lack of mature trees, shade is a necessity. Homeowners are seeking practical solutions to combat heat and wind while maximizing their outdoor living space. Since we’re nestled at the base of the Sierra, patio covers, that are engineered to withstand those gusts and strong, sustained winds, provide a much-needed wind block.
Zion Builders is ready to meet the demand and elevate outdoor living across northern Nevada. The future is bright, shaded, and wind-protected! DS
A Deck Worthy of Its View
SOME PROPERTIES DEMAND A SHOWPIECE DECK, but near saltwater, rust is always a concern. That was both the challenge and the opportunity for Gulf Coast Decks when a seaside homeowner called about replacing an old, underwhelming structure that failed to match the home’s picturesque setting.
Hudson and Madison Rehm, the husband-and-wife team behind Panama City, FL.-based Gulf Coast Decks, saw the Panama City project as a chance to deliver more than a visual upgrade. Their goal: a deck that would complement the home’s beauty, yet endure for years in the punishing coastal climate.
For the 2,000 sq. ft. of decking, the homeowner initially chose pressure-treated lumber for its value and durability. Gulf Coast Decks recommended color-treated deck boards in Cedar from ProWood, to reduce the
need for immediate staining or painting. The deck was framed with #1-grade pressure-treated dimensional lumber to guard against salt air, humidity, and nearconstant moisture.
Joist tape was also applied to guard the framing against rot. Because the wood was pressure treated, Hudson says, they knew it would shrink after getting wet and drying. “We installed the boards tightly together to allow for the gapping that occurs naturally over time.”
Skirt boards featured nicely beveled edges, the Hogwire Handrail system was perfectly spaced to preserve sightlines open to the surrounding water, and a flush fascia created crisp corners. “It makes this box look with exact corners instead of having the deck boards overhanging,” says Hudson.
Madison says that since rust is such a big problem
“Our thought was that we could deliver something that would match the beauty of the property. We were allowed to turn this deck into a worthy extension of the home itself.”
in saltwater areas, making decks look older and causing them to wear out faster, they opted for stainless steel fasteners to avoid rust streaks on the decking.
“If we had used galvanized (fasteners),” Hudson explains, “we would be back on that property in about a year to replace the screws. Stainless steel is pretty much an industry standard down here.”
One standout detail: a custom gate so sleek, says Hudson, it’s nearly camouflaged. “If there weren’t hinges on the door, you probably wouldn’t know it was there.”
The Gulf Decks team was pleased with the result. “The deck boards are exact in where they have their seam, the handrails are perfectly spaced, the skirt boards have nice bevel edges, we put a beautiful gate on it, and it has a great cut around the pool,” says Madison.
For Hudson, the project reaffirmed the possibilities of using quality treated wood in high-end design. “I didn’t know anything like it existed. It’s the perfect product for use in residences close to the water. Now, anytime we’re building a deck, in the back of my mind, I’ll be thinking, ‘Could color-treated wood work for this?’ because the result was so stunning,” he says.
“Our thought was that we could deliver something that would match the beauty of the property,” adds Madison. “We were allowed to turn this deck into a worthy extension of the home itself.” DS
Madison and Hudson Rehm, owners of Gulf Coast Decks.
Built on a Strong Foundation: The State of Pressure-Treated Wood
BY GRACE BILBROUGH
WITH ALL OF THESE DEVELOPMENTS at the forefront of today’s treated wood products, I believe the sector is prepared to step into a new phase of challenges and opportunities to meet the needs of contractors and homeowners on an even greater level. The foundation we’ve built through modern innovations has positioned us perfectly for continued growth.
Pressure-treated wood is a proven resource that builders count on for crafting everything from furniture and homes to outdoor living and community spaces. Like many of my peers, I see a collective drive in our industry to deliver products that are built to perform in the real world. Over the last few decades, wood products have been improved upon through innovations in their engineering at a molecular level. The pressure treatment process is intended to affect these products in a very important way by elevating, within a very exact range, their preservative retention levels.
The progression toward advanced preservative treatment processes has been a game-changer. The shift away from Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) to formulations like Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ) and Copper Azole (CBA) was an important step towards addressing modern demands. Then, we saw the emergence of Micronized Copper Azole (MCA), which delivers deeper, more uniform penetration throughout
the wood fiber, extending its service life significantly. We’ve also seen a robust, industry-wide approach to Kiln Dried After Treatment (KDAT) innovations. Modern kiln drying protocols utilize precise temperature and humidity control systems that gradually reduce moisture levels to 15% or lower without compromising the structure of the preservative content. This process ultimately yields wood products that are dimensionally stable and immediately ready for use without requiring extended drying periods.
As a result of this continued improvement in manufacturing practices, we’re seeing treated lumber installations that maintain structural integrity and aesthetic appeal decades beyond what was previously possible. Quality assurance has also evolved beyond compliance. Advanced testing protocols, including penetration analysis and retention testing, allow manufacturers to stand on the integrity of their products, building trust with consumers and assuming a position of strength in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
These new advancements have delivered superior performance while reducing environmental impact. Treated lumber manufacturers are following preservative regulation standards set by the American Wood Protection Association (AWPA), as well as lumber sourcing and harvesting practices certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). Industry benchmarks such as these
resonate with both contractors who stake their reputation on dependability and environmentally conscious consumers. Collectively, such practices serve to prove that the pressure-treated wood sector is positioned to meet growing demands for sustainable building materials that don’t compromise on durability or values. Lastly, the strength of the outdoor living consumer segment continues to drive innovation in the appearance of treated wood. Breakthroughs in lumber engineering have led to more aesthetically appealing products. Consumers expect materials that combine durability with beauty, driving manufacturers to develop products like color-treated lumber, which offers a vibrant appearance out of the box and removes the need for customers to deal with staining. DS
Grace Bilbrough serves as Director of Marketing for ProWood, a leading brand of UFP Industries, Inc., where she draws on more than a decade of experience as a key strategist. She has played a pivotal role in the ProWood rebrand and business model shift from the prior UFP Retail Solution business unit. www.prowood.com
Composite and PVC Decking 101
BY STUART DIMERY
TODAY’S HOMEOWNERS are looking to invest in beautiful outdoor spaces that are built to last. Traditional wood decks are becoming less and less favorable due to high maintenance, limited design options, and shorter lifespans. Modern alternatives, such as composite and PVC decking, have become the go-to materials for outdoor living projects. With proper installation and the right brand, a composite deck can last 30 years or more, compared to an average of nine years for a pressuretreated deck board.
For contractors, understanding the key differences and benefits between composite and PVC decking is essential to help clients pick the right deck material that fits their lifestyle, local climate, design goals and budget.
Composite Decking
Wood plastic composite decking, or WPC, is one kind of composite decking made from a blend of recycled wood and plastic that is engineered to mimic the look of natural wood with added durability and resistance to moisture, rot, insects, and fading. It’s an excellent choice for homeowners who want the traditional wood look without the hassle of staining or sealing. This material also makes for a sustainable and environmentally friendly option that is long-lasting compared to other alternatives like pressure-treated lumber.
Today’s composite decking options are available in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes that replicate the natural grain of wood without the pain of splinters or warping. Two popular types of composite decking are uncapped composites, which are an earlier generation
material, and capped composites, which include a protective polymer shell to provide better color and wood grain options, heat reduction, fade and stain resistance, and weathering protection.
From backyard patios to multi-level decks, composite decking offers a familiar feel and adaptable installation for a range of design needs.
PVC Decking
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking is made from a cellular, high-strength material that typically does not contain cellulose. Lighter in weight than composites, it’s also highly resistant to moisture, mold, and insects, which makes it a smart choice for coastal homes, docks, poolside decks, and other high-moisture environments.
High-quality PVC decking also includes advanced surface benefits for slip resistance, color retention, and heat reduction technologies, allowing homeowners to enjoy their space more comfortably year-round.
Low Maintenance, High Performance
Both composite and PVC decking offer significant advantages over wood, with low maintenance requirements being a key selling point. With composite and PVC, there’s no need for additional staining, sanding or sealing, just occasional cleaning with soap and water.
Both materials are also resistant to termites, rot, and splintering, making them ideal for families with kids or pets. The return on investment is clear: while the upfront cost is higher than pressure-treated lumber, the long-term savings in labor and maintenance are significant to note.
Choosing the Right Material
Decking aesthetics are important to today’s homeowners. When helping clients choose between composite and PVC, contractors should consider several factors, such as:
• Site conditions: Is the deck low to the ground, near water, or in a shaded area prone to moisture?
• Design preferences: Does the client want a natural wood look or something more uniform and contemporary?
• Climate: Will the deck be exposed to intense sunlight, humidity, or freeze/thaw cycles?
• Usage and comfort: Will the surface need to stay cooler underfoot or provide enhanced slip resistance?
• Budget: Composite options are typically less expensive than PVC.
PVC is ideal in high-exposure, high-moisture environments. For elevated or backyard decks with more visual needs, capped composite decking offers a wide range of finishes and textures with strong durability.
Composite and PVC decking share many similar benefits as brands continue to engineer advanced features that enhance comfort and safety. Cool deck technologies reduce surface temperatures, helping homeowners beat the heat, especially during the summer, which is a plus
for families with small children or pets. Slip resistance is also key for families and aging homeowners, especially around pools or entryways.
Composite boards are denser and heavier than PVC, which can affect installation time. In contrast, composites are more rigid and experience less expansion and contraction. Hidden fastener systems are common with both types, allowing for cleaner finishes. Be sure to check local building codes on fastener requirements, as some coastal areas and cities have specific requirements.
Contractors who can clearly explain the pros and cons of each material can make a difference in their clients’ outdoor spaces. You can guide clients toward a decking solution that delivers performance, style, and peace of mind.
Whether you’re building a lakeside deck, a rooftop terrace, or a backyard retreat, understanding the distinctions between composite and PVC decking allows you to offer better recommendations and the ability to install with confidence. As demand for high-performance outdoor spaces continues to rise, staying informed helps contractors remain competitive in the market. DS
Stuart Dimery has been with Oldcastle for three years and currently serves as products manager, overseeing the company’s Oldcastle FRD (Fence, Railing, and Decking) brands: Catalyst Fence Solutions, MoistureShield Decking & Railing, RDI Railing, and Freestyle Decorative Accents. He brings more than 20 years of success managing sales processes for technical products across a wide range of industries and roles. Stuart draws on experience gained at a Fortune 500 corporation, a European-based firm, a privately held venture-capital startup, and his own business. www.oldcastleapg.com
The Path I Never Planned
DOING THE INTERVIEW with Sara for this issue of Deck Specialist caused me to stop and think just how truly fortunate I am to be involved in this industry. And how thankful I am especially since being an outdoor living contractor was not part of my plan and almost never happened. My original goal was to transition from a framing sub and remodeler to a custom homebuilder, not a deck builder.
It took an occurrence over 30 years ago as noted in my Deck Specialist interview that caused me to reluctantly veer in another direction. What seemed like a low point in my career was in fact a blessing in disguise. Looking back, I am thankful it occurred just as it did. Otherwise, the opportunity to be a high-end outdoor living contractor, writer, speaker, or work with manufacturers in contractor development would have never happened.
The “occurrence” led to me taking on a role with a company that taught me a lot about business and eventually founding Peachtree Decks and Porches. Later, as fate would have it, an off-chance encounter set a new series of events in motion that led to where I am today.
It began as an email I sent in 2006 to the original editor of the Professional Deck Builder magazine, which I had been providing photo content for. What I did not know was that Hanley Wood had just acquired Deck Expo and the magazine from Terry Dempsey, who was the original founder of both.
My email was forwarded to the new editor, Andy Engel, who had taken over the role three days earlier. That led to a conversation at the end of which Andy asked
me if I would be interested in writing for the magazine. I declined at first, but he encouraged me, so I gave it a shot. Shortly afterwards, the conference manager at Hanley Wood asked me to take part in a panel for the opening ceremony of the 2006 Deck Expo in Las Vegas. I did not want to open my mouth in front of 300 people, so I had no intention of doing that either. But my wife encouraged me to not miss the opportunity, so I ended up doing it. This led to being on the first Deck Expo advisory committee and being a regular conference speaker at the Pool Spa & Patio Show, the Remodeling Show, and Deck Expo.
Even selling my business in 2014 was not planned. It came about through a conversation with a builder friend from New Jersey who was considering a move to Georgia.
So, it is easy to see how fortunate I have been and that my progress down this path has involved some lucky breaks and a series of flukes. My involvement in this industry easily could have never happened. But I am thankful it did.
I am thankful to Andy Engel, who unfortunately is no longer with us, for shining his light on me and opening the door as he did. I am thankful for my lead guys and the building team I had around me throughout the years. I am thankful for competition like Decksouth and other builder friends in the Atlanta market that kept me from becoming complacent during my years as a builder.
I am thankful to my Australian friend Phillip Hutt, who I met at the 2006 Deck Expo. In 2015, he encouraged me to not give up on my efforts with contractor development ideas with manufacturers at a time I had
become discouraged and began to question if any would buy into my program. Phillip was sure they would.
I am thankful to Fortress Railing for dipping their toe in the water in 2016 and giving me a shot at doing the Creating Separation sessions after transitioning out of Peachtree Decks & Porches. I am thankful for my friends at Trex who from 2017-2019 provided three years of great experiences traveling around the country and taking part at Trex University speaking with groups of contractors.
I am especially thankful to Rick Kapres at Versatex for believing in the value of the contractor development sessions from the beginning and for the Versatex
Bobby Parks may not have planned to become a highend outdoor living contractor, and now a partner at IG Railing, but he is thankful for everyone who helped him on his way.
Roadshow. The seven years at Versatex could not have been more enjoyable or rewarding. Rick, John Pace, and my friends there could not have treated me better.
These three manufacturers allowed me the privilege of traveling all around the U.S. and Canada doing over 900 speaking and roadshow sessions meeting a lot of great people along the way.
Today, I am thankful for all the friends I have in this industry and to be a partner at IG Railing. I am both thankful and honored to be involved with NADRA and Deck Specialist.
So, please forgive me for making this column all about me instead of sharing something that might be beneficial to others. But this issue seemed like the right one to tell part of the story and say thank you to so many. I have learned that there really can be a silver lining in what seems like the worst situation. You just never know how the next person you meet or the next conversation you have may impact the path you are on. And although I am a believer that we mostly make our own luck, sometimes you really do get lucky breaks. I am thankful I benefited from several. DS
Bobby Parks is a well-known contractor who has delivered more than $40 million in outdoor living projects. He is now a partner with IG Railing, focusing on business development.
Drawn to the Light
SOME BUILDERS ARE Drawn to the Light. For them, deck building isn’t just a job or pay check, it’s a mission and a calling to build the perfect deck. These are the outdoor artisans that will go above and beyond to deliver a little extra for the money, giving the client more than they bargained for. They are like the guy who is never looking at his watch because he doesn’t want the day to end.
Being Drawn to the Light is about crafting that perfect deck project and the journey we take to get there. The beauty of it is that we all have a unique and different vision of what our perfect deck should be; therefore, we aren’t stepping on each other to get there. I also believe that as we climb the ladder of our careers, our concept of the perfect deck dramatically changes.
When we first break into the trade, the perfect deck could be as simple as getting the sales call, the design, the permit, and the take-offs all perfect. The weather cooperates, everyone shows up, no bad cuts, no wasted materials, you finish on time, on budget, and pass the final. The client is happy and you walk away with the exact net profit you anticipated when you sold the job. That is the foundation of a successful business and a great career.
As we continue to climb the ladder of our journey, The Light we are drawn to has a different appeal. The
Light has changed, and we have as well. New goals, new materials, and new skill sets bring about new objectives—a new light.
Builders who are drawn to The Light are the same ones who see design ideas in some of the weirdest and unique ways. I’ve talked to guys who have said they found inspiration while looking at clouds, Persian rugs, tapestries, coffered ceilings, hardwood floors, staring out into the ocean, beaches, mountains, the night skies and the stars above. They allow the creative side of their brains to be open to all of nature’s suggestions. When they view old architecture or works of art, they don’t just see history, they visualize future design opportunities and creative new pathways to The Light.
A lot of us build because we are good at it and the job is an opportunity to make decent money and provide for our families. After all, if you aren’t achieving that basic tenet, you should find another way to make a living. Family should always come first.
There is a certain percentage of builders who don’t stop at the basic generic cookie cutter norms, they are Drawn to the Light with an obsession to achieve their own unachievable perfection. They are driven by the challenge to be better today than they were yesterday. They are motivated by reaching that next level of excellence that brings them even closer to The Light.
These are the visionaries that bring us projects resembling a deck shaped like a giant guitar. Or unbelievable backdrop cutouts with thousands of fiber optic lights showcasing sunsets, night skies, lake view scenery, and bridges that come to life right before your eyes. Decks with dramatic curves or curved staircases. Decorative nautical port hole-style circles in the deck or ocean front walkways that emulate waves and a glimpse of the flowing surf.
Decks with board patterns that could be hung on the walls of the finest galleries. Inlays resembling a compass or divine roses, crosses, stars, diamonds, interlocking 3D squares, sun sprays, letters, names, Welsh dragons, timber scenes, wildlife, sports logos, flames, and so much more.
Projects featuring built-in bars with lights and inlays. Lighting packages that emulate constellations. Trim details that look more like they belong in a palatial mansion than on a deck, but the guys pull it off perfectly.
All of these craftsmen are not just creating an outdoor living space; they are delivering next-level artwork with hammer and saw.
The socioeconomic makeup of the communities you work in plays a tremendous role in dictating the details you are able to incorporate into every project. Many
builders only have the opportunity to create a “Pietà” or sculpt their “David” once or twice in a lifetime, while others are provided with that blank canvas of a “Sistine Chapel” opportunity on a weekly basis.
Though you can’t make every deck perfect, you can try. You try every minute of every day. You try by making the sales call perfect and by making your designs perfect. You try to assemble the perfect team; a team where every member buys into your philosophies as an owner and a leader. A team that buys in that every measurement, every cut, every chalk line, or the placement of a screw is another step on the path that Draws You to the Light. That way, when you do have the client who requests that you create their version of “The Starry Night” on the back of their home, your entire team welcomes the opportunity with the excitement of Little Ralphie getting his Red Ryder.
I was talking to my 85-year-old father about how being Drawn to the Light and the ladder we climb or the path we take changes not only by age, but also by the products and tools that are available today. He reminded me that when I first started out, we didn’t even have nail guns; it was all done by hammer. We basically had two hammer options—wood or fiberglass handles, and if you showed up with a waffle face on one, the boss
immediately put it on the grinder to make it into a smooth face. No one wanted dimples in the wood.
We rebuilt broken tape measures, changed out the brushes in our electric tools. We joked about the material choices—redwood, cedar, treated, or creosote. The perfect deck had a much different meaning.
Times have changed dramatically over the last 40+ years and so has The Light. Deck builders are offering clients options we never dreamed of back in the day. Steel, aluminum, composite, or marine grade framing. WPC, PVC, mineral-based composites, special coatings that mitigate heat, glass, stone, and tile decking options. The list goes on with railing and lighting options as well.
Dad said one thing never changes: You show up every day and give 100%, and the journey will show you the path to The Light.
For those who are constantly seeking The Light in pursuit of that one perfect deck, regardless of size or dollar value, there is a certain real pleasure in the daily journey: it’s climbing that ladder of creativity to the next plateau. I have been told it can be equated to a euphoriclike sensation released into our systems rewarding our efforts every time we get closer to that perfect project.
As you get Drawn to the Light, you become more focused and acutely aware of every detail. You tend to generate a rhythm, being in sync with your entire team; everyone is feeling it and believing in it. For many, having the love and passion for what they are creating is not
about being better than anyone else, it’s about respecting the reflection in your mirror and a dedication to challenge yourself on a daily basis.
Finding that pureness in your heart to leave a little bit of your soul in every one of your creations is a special feeling few of us ever get to or care to enjoy. But when you do, you will appreciate that it’s about more than a paycheck or a five-star review. It’s seeing your client cry tears of joy, hugging the entire team upon completion. At that moment, we felt like we had come close to The Light.
They say complacency is the enemy of progress, and the journey toward the perfect deck defeats complacency. As we reach each milestone on that journey, the basic becomes special, special becomes exquisite, and exquisite becomes the masterpiece. The masterpiece is The Light. Til Valhalla. DS
Brendan Casey with Casey Fence and Deck is a 18-time national award-winning Deck Specialist with over 40 years of professional experience. He and his wife, Dianna, started their business 25 years ago and immediately gained a reputation for high quality and a unique approach when it comes to delivering exceptional value for your outdoor living investment.
The Mystic Sky project by the Casey Fence and Deck team, including Edy, Kevin and Darwin. Lights provided by LMT.
HOW CHATGPT BOOSTS OUR DECK BUILDING BUSINESS
(Even When We’re Not Thinking About It)
IF YOU’D TOLD US a few years ago that an AI tool could help run a more efficient and profitable deck building business, we would have laughed it off. But after putting it to the test in real jobs, we can say without hesitation— ChatGPT is like having a smart assistant who never gets tired and always has an answer.
It’s not here to replace people. It’s here to replace wasted time. And in our world, saved time is profit.
Here’s how we’ve been using it in our own day-today work to save hours, keep crews productive, and impress clients.
MIKE: We all have our own way of doing things, but getting that process out of our heads and into a format the crew can follow is another matter. ChatGPT has become our goto for turning quick notes, texts, and messy checklists into clear, step-by-step workflows.
If we tell it, “Write a workflow for building a 14×20 composite deck with hidden fasteners, including inspection points,” we get a professional plan we can hand straight to a foreman or new hire.
It’s just as useful for clients. We’ve used it to create “what to expect” documents that explain timelines, payment stages, and site prep—cutting down on lastminute questions and surprises.
ANDY: We know we should post more. But when the jobsite is busy, social media is the first thing to fall off the list. Now, we can give ChatGPT a photo and say, “Write three short Instagram captions for homeowners thinking about composite decking.”
It’s not just captions—it can add hashtags, suggest a posting schedule, or rewrite the same post for Facebook, Instagram, and our website. One great deck photo suddenly becomes content for every platform without us spending all night in front of a keyboard.
MIKE: Finding the right help is hard enough without losing hours on the wrong candidates. We’ve used ChatGPT to write job ads that speak directly to the kind of people we want to hire.
For example: “Write a job ad for a lead carpenter
experienced in composite decking who can manage a crew and interact with customers. Keep it professional but approachable.”
When it’s time to interview, ChatGPT gives us targeted questions—like “10 questions to see if someone can read blueprints, operate a miter saw, and lead a small team.” It can even role-play tough scenarios so we can practice our responses.
Standard Operating Procedures might not be exciting, but they’re essential. Instead of staring at a blank page, we give ChatGPT our rough notes and let it turn them into a polished, step-by-step process—whether it’s setting posts or handling change orders.
Over time, we’ve built a library of SOPs that keep jobs consistent, even when we’re not on site.
ANDY: ChatGPT isn’t replacing our CAD software anytime soon, but it’s great for quick concepts. If a client says, “We want something modern with cable rail and a fire table,” we can get an AI-generated image that’s close enough to show the idea. It’s not for production, but it’s perfect for sparking excitement and getting everyone on the same page.
We’ve all lost hours digging through product specs. Now, we can have ChatGPT summarize the pros and cons of a railing system, note installation challenges, and even mention code considerations—before we call the supplier. It saves us from going in blind and speeds up decision-making.
CONTINUED >>
Korina Decking - Thermally Modified Wood
Thermally modified for lasting performance, Korina delivers the elegance of fine hardwood with the stability of advanced engineering. Highly resistant to warping, cupping, Korina is built to perform as beautifully as it looks - year after year. Always sourced from sustainably managed forests, Korina can be used in a wide variety of applications including decking, siding, rainscreen, pattern, and trim.
Contractor’s Corner
One of my favorite specialty tools is the Kreg Jig Foreman. It’s a serious upgrade from the standard Kreg jig, saving time and delivering consistently tight, flush joints. The Foreman helps us keep miter joints perfectly aligned, especially in stair treads and picture-frame borders where precision matters.
Without it, miters tend to open over time due to weather exposure. Other joining methods fall short: biscuit joints stay level but separate horizontally, face screws are unsightly, plug screws don’t hold inside miters well, and glue alone is unreliable outdoors.
With the Foreman, the pocket holes are hidden underneath, preserving the look of the board while significantly improving durability. It’s become an essential tool in our outdoor builds, especially for stair treads, where strength and symmetry are critical. Once you use it, you won’t go back.
Jake Holstein Project Manager Solid Ground LLC
MIKE: Weather delays, material backorders—how you word those updates matters. We use ChatGPT to take our drafts and make them shorter, friendlier, and more reassuring so clients stay.
When we bring in a new crew member, there’s a lot to cover. ChatGPT helps us create a two-week onboarding plan that’s realistic—mixing safety refreshers, tool training, shadowing, and small independent tasks. It keeps training structured without overwhelming anyone.
Getting Started is Simple
You don’t need to be a tech expert. Here’s how we began:
1. Pick one task you don’t enjoy or that eats up too much time— like writing an email or making a checklist.
2. Tell ChatGPT exactly what you need and who it’s for.
3. Tweak the result so it sounds like you.
4. Save your best prompts to reuse later.
The clearer and more descriptive you are, the better it works.
The Bottom Line
AI isn’t going to build the deck for you. But it can clear away the paperwork, planning, and back-and-forth that take you away from building.
Whether it’s writing an SOP, creating a job ad, or putting together a client welcome packet, we’ve seen firsthand how ChatGPT can give back hours each week.
Even using it for just one or two things will show you how those minutes saved add up—to more bids, faster builds, and maybe even a little more time with your family.
And here’s the kicker... This entire article you just read—yeah, we did the whole thing using ChatGPT. We gave it direction, added our own touches, and here it is. That says more about its usefulness than anything else we could tell you.
PROS: The sky is the limit. Makes your life and business run smoother.
CONS: It’s creepy how good it is... makes us uneasy how much it can do.
Overall TNT rating: 9.9/10
Andy Henley is the owner of Hen-House Decks, Uniontown, OH. Mike Mitchell is the owner of Mitchell Construction in the Chicagoland market. Andy and Mike can be reached in the DeckingTNT Facebook group.
To all of our dealer and distributor partners, thank you for your unwavering support and dedication in bringing MOSO® Bamboo to communities across the country. Together, we are building a more sustainable future—one project, one partnership, and one colorfully different deck at a time. Thank you for standing Thank you for standing with
Booked in Spring Starts Now
IN MY LAST COLUMN, “Reputation Won’t Save You: Why Even the Best Builders Are Falling Behind in the AI Era,” I laid out the hard truth: AI, search tools, and buyer behavior have completely changed how homeowners choose contractors. That column wasn’t just a wake-up call. It was a warning.
This one is about what to do next.
Because here’s what we’re seeing already. This year brought a slower spring, fewer calls, and leads that took longer to close. The builders who felt it the most were the ones who didn’t already have visibility where homeowners do their research.
That was not a one-time dip. That was a shift. And the longer builders wait to adjust, the harder it gets to catch up.
So here’s the real takeaway: the ones who stay booked in spring are already laying the groundwork now. Not in January. Not when things are already quiet. But in fall and winter—when there’s still momentum and opportunity to build on.
Why Fall and Winter Still Matter
Most builders wait until the jobs slow down to think about marketing. But by then, leads are thin, cash flow is tight, and there’s no time to test what works. Then spring hits and they are too busy to fix anything—and the cycle repeats.
The builders who avoid that cycle treat fall and winter as a setup season. They use the time and resources they have
now to make smart moves that pay off later.
This is our busiest time of year at Deck Builder Marketers. Because the builders are calling us right now. They are not reacting. They are preparing. And they are winning because of it.
What Successful Builders Are Doing Right Now
You do not need to start from scratch or spend big. These are focused, strategic actions that stack results over time— and work because most of your competitors are quiet.
Launch a Seasonal Promo
Homeowners are still browsing, dreaming, and planning. But they won’t act unless you give them a reason to move now.
Campaigns we’ve seen work include:
• Free lighting upgrade with any project scheduled before November 30
• Save $500 when you lock in your spring build by December 31
• Free 3D design with any consultation requested before January 15
• Early booking bonus for spring spots reserved with deposit
This isn’t about discounting your value. It’s about creating urgency for people who are already considering a project.
(And by the way, “spring build” doesn’t have to mean you are open in March, it just sets the stage for prebooking.)
Promote your offer everywhere your brand shows up: your website, contact form, Google Business Profile, and your email list. If you are running ads, the campaign should live on a dedicated landing page (with project photos, reviews, and a clear call to action).
Get Your Website Working While You’re Not
Most builder sites look like they were launched once and forgotten. If yours hasn’t been touched since your last rebrand, you are missing easy wins.
Here is what to focus on before the year ends:
• Add new photos from this season (with short captions that explain the work)
• Include a simple three-step explanation of your process (from consultation to completion)
• Add a crew photo and team bios (people hire people)
• Record a walkthrough video or a short clip answering a common question (done is better than perfect)
• Post your promise or guarantee clearly on your homepage (what can a homeowner count on?)
Your site should look like it’s alive and actively building trust—not like a forgotten brochure.
Show Up in All the Right Places
Most builders think “SEO” means Google rankings. That is outdated. Homeowners are now using map listings, AI tools like ChatGPT, voice search, and local review platforms to find answers and make decisions.
That is why we now focus on Search Everywhere Optimization—the system that helps you show up where buyers are actually looking:
• Google search results
• Google Maps
• Voice tools like Siri and Alexa
• AI tools like ChatGPT
• Review sites and business directories
• AI-powered browser snippets
To show up there, you need content that speaks to real homeowner questions and search behavior. Not fluff. That means:
• Writing project pages (they are your case studies and your SEO)
• Adding area pages for nearby towns you serve
• Publishing blog posts that answer the questions you get asked every week
• Updating your headlines and calls to action so they reflect how homeowners search today
The big win is not what happens in the next 30 days. It is walking into spring already booked, with a pipeline that keeps building.
This kind of organic visibility takes a few months to kick in. That is why the builders doing it now are setting themselves up to dominate spring.
Fix the Follow-Up Gap
Most builders lose leads they already paid for—not because of poor sales, but because there is no real follow-up system in place.
Fix that now:
• Create a three-email sequence that automatically goes out after someone contacts you.
• Use a spreadsheet or CRM to track every lead and when they were last contacted.
• Send a monthly email to your entire list with project photos, updates, or homeowner tips.
• Set reminders to follow up at one week, two weeks, and three weeks if a quote is still open.
If a homeowner reached out once, chances are they will hire someone. If it is not you, it might just be because they forgot who followed up.
Repurpose What You Already Have
Most builders are sitting on a goldmine of content and not using it. You don’t need to reinvent anything. Just put your best work where people will actually see it.
Before February:
• Post one finished project a week to your social channels (short, real, and captioned).
• Build one new project page on your site each month with photos and a short writeup (they double as portfolio and SEO).
• Record one short video answering a question you hear from homeowners often (think “Can you build in winter?” or “What is a composite deck really like?”).
• Follow up with every client who hasn’t left a review and send them the direct link to your Google profile.
This kind of content builds trust before a prospect ever picks up the phone.
Final Takeaway
Next year will not play by the old rules. Builders who pause their marketing when the season slows, who rely only on referrals, or who throw a few hundred at ads without a plan are planning for a spring that will not exist.
The ones who act now? They are setting up systems, dialing in their message, and getting in front of the right people early. That means fewer gaps, stronger leads, and more options all year.
The big win is not what happens in the next 30 days. It is walking into spring already booked, with a pipeline that keeps building.
If you’re unsure where to start, need a little help figuring out your next step, or if this seems too much for you during this busy season, I’d be happy to help. This is what I do every day with builders across the country, and I’m always glad to give real, honest advice and point you in the right direction.
As always, if you have a question or are stuck in your marketing efforts, you can message me directly using the chat at deckbuildermarketers.com/deckspecialist or book a Free Growth Strategy Session there. It’s all from me—no fluff, just real help.
Until next time... Keep moving forward. DS
April Edwards is a digital marketing strategist and founder of Deck Builder Marketers, Oceanside, CA. You can message her on Instagram @deckbuildermarketers or learn more by visiting deckbuildermarketers.com.
W. R. Meadows has engineered a new premium-grade, clear, water-based concrete curing compound to deliver outstanding performance while preserving the appearance of freshly placed concrete.
Cristallum is designed for use on both interior and exterior, vertical and horizontal surfaces where visual appearance is of critical importance during the curing process. Once applied, it forms a clear, premium-grade film that optimizes water retention, helping to create a harder, denser finished concrete surface while allowing the natural beauty of the concrete to remain visible throughout the curing period.
The product offers improved resistance to cracking, abrasion, and chemical attack; enhances compressive and tensile strength; and minimizes common surface defects such as thermal cracking, hairline checking, dusting and shrinkage.
FrogTape Pro Grade Deck and Joist Flashing Tape combines ShurGRIP high-performance, solventless acrylic adhesive with a conformable film backing that easily bends around edges, corners and other building transitions.
The all-weather, high-performance flashing tape is ideal to waterproof deck joists, stair stringers, posts and ledger boards. It installs quickly and easily with no liner or primers required.
The tape is self-healing around nails and protrusions for a waterproof seal, engineered with UV curing technology, and initially repositionable on a range of substrates, including challenging building materials such as treated wood, OSB and concrete.
It features a VOC-free, stable acrylic adhesive that resists degradation, offering strong, long-lasting performance even in extreme temperatures.
[frogtape.com]
Westlake Royal Building Products’ new Outdoor Design Tool for Kindred Outdoors + Surrounds is an interactive visualizer that helps users imagine, design and plan custom outdoor living spaces with ease.
The tool is an immersive platform that allows contractors, landscape architects and homeowners to create detailed outdoor designs. Users can incorporate a wide range of Kindred products, including Signature Kitchens, outdoor cabinets, fire bowls, fireplaces and fire pits. Designs can be further customized with a curated selection of architectural stone veneer, cooking appliances like grills and ovens, as well as lighting, flooring, furniture, plants and more to create a realistic and fully imagined space.
[mykindredliving.steps3d.net]
[wrmeadows.com]
Milwaukee Tool is expanding its Top-Off lineup with the launch of the new M18 Top-Off Charger & Power Supply-the most compact M18 charger, up to 65% smaller than traditional kitted chargers.
Designed for users who charge on the go, the charger delivers simultaneous M18 battery and device charging. It features a 100w bi-directional USB-C PD port and a 15w USB-C port to deliver 115w of continuous power for faster charging of headlamps, phones, tablets and laptops.
The kit includes a 65w USB-C wall adapter and a 100w 3-ft. USB-C PD cable.
[milwaukeetool.com]
Deck railings are featured in the 3D renderings included in Keystone’s proposals.
Milwaukee Tool has expanded its Freeflex, Gridiron and Workskin workwear collections to enhance comfort, movement and protection for pros on the jobsite.
Among the additions are a Freeflex Lightweight Insulated Vest, Women’s Freeflex long-sleeve Hybrid Tee, and Women’s Gridiron Long Sleeve Pocket Tee. For cold environments, the Workskin Low-Profile Beanie and Workskin Balaclava wick away sweat, while their brushed fleece interiors provide enhanced warmth.
[milwaukeetool.com]
Deckorators has unveiled its new online Deck Visualizer, providing homeowners and contractors with an intuitive, interactive tool to help design their ideal outdoor space before a single board is installed.
The free Deck Visualizer lets users quickly create next-level designs, starting with either their home’s layout or a design theme such as Classic Craftsman, Suburban Sanctuary, Modern Farmhouse, or Timeless Traditionalmaking it easy to see their dream deck come to life with just a few clicks. The tool offers a variety of deck shapes, railing styles, privacy screen options, and over 35 deck width and color combinations to provide a realistic rendering of what the final project will look like using diverse Deckorators product lines.
[deckorators.com]
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Wright’s new line of cushioned-grip screwdrivers is specifically engineered for tradespeople who demand increased torque and enhanced comfort on the job.
The precision-made screwdrivers have large, ergonomic handles featuring a cushioned, sure-grip design for maximum comfort. They come in four styles: CabinetTip, Phillips, Round-Shank Slotted, and Square-Shank Slotted.
[wrighttool.com]
The new Trex Deck Railing Designer simplifies the railing selection process by delivering real-time 3D visualization, instant material estimates, and seamless performance across devices.
Designed with speed, accuracy and efficiency in mind, the user friendly digital platform allows pros and homeowners to visualize the numerous railing and decking pairings available from Trex.
With an intuitive, interactive interface, the tool supports the configuration of more than 2,000 railing combinations from Trex’s portfolio of 13 railing lines. Built with advanced 3D web technology, it loads instantly on desktops, tablets and mobile devices.
[railingdesigner.trex.com]
Senco’s new 1-1/2” cap stapler is engineered to improve jobsite performance for siding, roofing and framing pros who install house wrap, roofing felt and foam board insulation.
Weighing just 4.5 lbs., the CS61Ht’s reinforced magnesium body makes it both lightweight and tough. Its rugged top-load cap magazine with spring-loaded door keeps caps secure and protected from the elements during operation. Wear guards protect the tool body from abrasive surfaces and improve durability.
A cap bypass switch allows the user to drive staples without caps for door and window jambs, eliminating the need for a separate tool. Its dual mode trigger easily switches between contact and sequential firing modes for fast-paced work or precision staple placement. A tool-free depth adjustment allows operators to quickly change depth of drive depending on the material being fastened. lts in-line feed system and cap magazine improve line of sight, balance and maneuverability.
[senco.com]
Belt
The GSB01 also has an adjustable front grip for sanding flush to walls and using the nose and the side of the sander. A variable speed dial allows adjustments from 390 to 1,540 ft./ min. to match the speed to the application. Its auto belt tracking system keeps the belt in
Convenience features include an innovative design for optimal tool and battery weight
illuminates the work area, a dust bag, and a
Created to deliver scale, performance, and aesthetic flexibility, Milgard Windows & Doors’ new AX650 Moving Glass Wall System features maximum heights up to 10 ft. and max panel widths of 5 ft.
It is available in three premium configurations: pocket glass, stacking glass, and bi-fold glass doors. The bi-fold is available in up to five panels, while the pocket and stacking configurations support four panels for expansive openings that enhance natural light and openness in residential and commercial spaces.
Offered in four frame finishes (Bronze Anodized, Satin Anodized, Warmtone and White), it can be further customized with flush or contemporary hardware.
[milgard.com]
Canyon Quartz represents the latest innovation in Duradek’s Ultra Quartz Series, combining exceptional durability with sophisticated aesthetics in a superior vinyl decking solution.
This premium product features 72” width construction with heavy-duty 60 mil thickness and woven polyester scrim backing for enhanced dimensional stability. The distinctive design showcases warm, sandy, beige tones with rich charcoal gray veining that authentically mimics natural canyon stone formations, creating a versatile aesthetic that complements any home style. This dual-directional quartz pattern delivers an upscale natural stone appearance while providing Duradek’s trusted waterproof protection, effortless maintenance, and comprehensive warranty coverage including 15 years for material defects and five years for appearance.
[duradek.com]
FastenMaster’s Cortex hidden fastening line is now available in 18 colors for TimberTech’s composite fascia boards in the Legacy, Reserve, Terrain+, Prime+ and Premier lines.
Cortex plugs for composite fascia are engineered specifically for fascia applications and are designed to accommodate fascia expansion and contraction over time. Pros can now combine Cortex for Decking with Cortex for Fascia to complete an entire deck with the hidden fastening system.
The plugs are made from the same composite material as the fascia boards for a perfect color and texture match and are warrantied for the life of the project. They come in the Ashwood, Espresso, Mocha, Pecan, Tigerwood, Whitewash Cedar, Antique Leather, Dark Roast, Driftwood, Reclaimed Chestnut, Dark Oak, Natural White Oak, Weathered Oak, Sea Salt Gray, Dark Cocoa, Coconut Husk, Dark Teak, and Maritime Gray.
[fastenmaster.com]
Protection for your deck starts UNDERNEATH IT
DeckWrap PowerBond® is the quick and easy way to extend the life of deck support systems and posts. Our patented PowerBond® adhesive aggressively adheres to all wood types, even in temperatures as low as 25°F. Self-adhering and self-sealing for protection you can trust, roll after roll.
Feeney’s new DockRail kits provide a durable, marine-grade railing system designed for residential docks.
DockRail rail and post kits are engineered for easy installation, using components that snap and screw together with predrilled posts and pickets to support its 6200 series 1/8” CableRail kits (included). Designed for level dock applications, the system includes post kits—each containing posts and bottom post caps—along with rail kits featuring 10-ft. 200 top rails and top rail inserts, end plate kits, 1/8” CableRail kits, and CableRail end caps. The kits feature 6000-series aluminum, known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and reliability in marine environments.
The AAMA-2604 powder-coated finish adds an extra layer of protection against UV exposure, salt spray, and weathering.
[feeneyinc.com]
Far left: ARK Home Solutions’ staff from the bottom stair up: Ashlyn Kreps (daughter), Tyler Kreps (son-in-law), Gracie Thomas (daughter-in-law), Noah Thomas (son)
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Q: As a longtime contractor and consultant, what were some of the most valuable lessons you learned during your career?
A: That attitude, personal standards, and good leadership are important. That quality craftsmanship and good customer service are crucial, but they are only the beginning for a contractor. That the quality of the delivery experience is as important as the project delivery itself. That communication is key for a smoother operation and minimizing mistakes and misunderstandings. That staying humble and managing your ego allows for wider acceptance and respect among your peers. And that navigating wisely and taking care of relationships provides more opportunities in the long run. That creating the right culture allows loyalty and longevity with employees and subcontractors. That if positive motivation does not work with your work associates, you have the wrong people.
Q: How have you seen the outdoor living and decking industry evolve since you first started?
A: When I started, building was mostly fragmented and localized from a knowledge standpoint compared to the national awareness we have today. Thanks to
screw solutions create reliable building and light-industrial structures to fencing, containers.
connected and improved with more consistency in terms of techniques, code, and education. Product and detail innovation has evolved well beyond the basic options that existed in the early 1990s.
The industry has become more organized and supported through efforts such as NADRA. Building standards are more consistent, and the evidence of creativity is at an all-time high. Support systems such as CAD and CRM business software are much better. Inspiration and sharing of techniques through social media puts many builders on a “fast-track” of progression that elevates their abilities in less time compared to a decade ago. It raises the general bar for the industry to a higher level.
Q: What motivated your shift from being a contractor to becoming a spokesperson and now a key figure at IG Railing?
A: By 2014, I had been building for a long time. I had been involved with the delivery of over $40 million (more in today’s dollars) of outdoor projects, not to mention what I did in residential building. I felt that I had accomplished what I wanted as a builder and was growing tired and bored with the routine.
need for concrete footings dramatically reduces labor minimizing the project’s carbon landscape. CONSTRUCTION: Proven for a spectrum of projects.
I had conducted conference courses at Deck Expo and other trade shows since 2006, which gave me ideas for another career path that I believed could be useful and provide me fresh challenges. That led to the contractor development and roadshow roles that went on from 20162023. I believe the combined experiences, exposures, and created relationships, prepared me for my role as a partner at IG Railing. And the timing was right.
Have you mentored other professionals in the industry? If so, what advice do you find yourself giving most often?
Yes. My basic advice: Be honest with yourself. Selfevaluate and identify what you want your career path or business to be, what your goals are, and how much of a commitment you are willing to make to get there. Create a realistic business plan and rate yourself where you are strong and weak. Create goals to improve yourself with all business aspects. Pick one major improvement goal or system each year and incorporate it into the mix. Understand that building skills alone will not assure business success.
Realize that whether you are a carpenter or business owner, being one of the best is all about mindset. No one starts at the top. It takes a strong inner drive, time, patience, and a good plan to begin the climb. Ambition, motivation, determination, commitment, and good instincts are all required. DS
All Eyes on Deck Expo 2025
HELD IN CONJUNCTION with the International Pool/ Spa/Patio Expo, Deck Expo 2025 brings the decking and outdoor living industries together at the Las Vegas Convention Center, October 22–24. This year’s show continues its reputation as a must-attend event for builders, contractors, and outdoor living professionals looking to source products, sharpen their skills, and connect face-to-face with industry reps.
More than just a product showcase, Deck Expo offers a rich blend of education, innovation, and networking. Attendees can explore the Expo Hall’s new product offerings, attend expert-led sessions, and enjoy show-floor demonstrations and guided matchmaking with suppliers.
It also serves as a reunion for builders and manufacturers: “It’s an incredible opportunity to reconnect with the builders we work with across the country and to form new meaningful connections,” says Andrew Pantelides, executive vice president, Regal ideas Inc.
Lou Lattanzio of The Deck Nerds, Wilmington, N.C., is equally enthusiastic. In addition to discovering new show products and connecting with friends he hasn’t seen in a while, Lattanzio shares, “Meeting people I’ve never met in person will be great and long overdue.”
With its carefully curated education tracks, ranging from business insights to outdoor living design, as well as live demos and the chance to compare products side by side, Deck Expo 2025 promises to be the premier gathering for decking pros to grow their knowledge and their network. DS
Come by the Deck Expo Outdoor Living Stage between 2 and 3:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22. We start with Deck Specialist’s Power Panel featuring Andy Henley, Mike Mitchell, April Edwards, Tommy Holstein and Chuck Casey. They will be sharing strategies on winning high-end clients. Then, at 3 p.m., Andy Henley follows up with his clinic on AI tools for the modern deck builder.
