Hit the deck for more sales

rFO STEP UP sales of materials for r decks, why not build one yourself, and let your customers see what a deck is likehow it looks, how it's built, and how it feels.

The idea's the same as fixing up a full' scale kitchen corner. A real deck also can be a strong sales aid. One can be built on the parking lot, where it's sure to attract attention.

Nothing rinkydink will do, however. The deck must be large enough for actual use, handsome enough to make the sale.

A 16-foot-square built in B-foot-square modules would be ideal. It's also a good idea to expose the framing of one of the modules, so that construction can be easily studied.

One plan calls for Douglas {ir 2x4 strinsers and deck boards. But 2x6s can be usedJor the stringers. Deck boards can be laid flat, or on edge to produce the slimlined look of fine flooring.

Be sure to space deck boards no more than one-fourth inch apart. One-eighth inch spacing is better.

Don't paint the deck. In a real garden, fir or cedar deck boards should be allowed to weather naturally, with a clear water repellent applied to help hasten the process. You, of course, won't have time to wait for weathering, so cheat a bit and use a coat of semi-transparent driftwood stain, or gray-tinted water repellent.

Accessories are essential. Furnish the deck with a round table and four chairs, choosing something high-styled and not the type with plastic webbing over an aluminum tube frame. If there's space, add a handsome chaise longue and a side table.

Slory qt a Glqnce

Store builtdecking samPles decked out with furniture, Plants and how-to brochures build material sales when customers see and feel real decking.

You'll need plenty of plant materials to make the deck garden-like, but all can be in containers. A local nurseryman may be happy to supply plants in exchange for a small advertising plaque.

You'll need tall, flufiy greens wherever lhere are harsh lineswhere the deck butts against the yard's outside wall, for example, and around the base, where plants soften the junction between deck and parking lot surface.

Instead of a railing, use low plenters along the deck's edge, but not in a straight line. Vary designs and sizes of the plant containers. Lhe nursery can advise you on the best plant materials for this situation. Generally, evergreens are a good choice' And that literature for the display should include three items that Western Wood Products Assn. furnishes free: t'Decks." ttPatios." and tt3 Do-It-Yourself Decks." The first two are full-color idea booklets. These may be ordered in quantity from WWPA Dept. P, Yeon BIdg., Port' land, Ore. 97204. You'll be billed only for the freight, they tell us.

You're in a bind. You needed the materials for the job yesterday and you're not even sure they'll come next week.

We can helo.

Simpson offers a full line of redwood products, specialty plywood and other supplies for every building need, plus a Speed Ordering System. lt's a service, sort of a panic service, and you can't get it anywhere else.

S.O.S. can't get your supplies to you yesterday, but it comes closer than anvone else.