NEWS YOU CAN USE FOR BUILDING OUTDOORS

By Carter Smith

Spring is a prime time for building outdoors and preparing your property for having fun in the sun. We’ve rounded up some of the latest product and material options to consider for your next springtime project.

Deck Screw On Steroids

A “deck screw on steroids,” the U2 Universal Screw is ideal for replacing those old, failing nails or deck screws. Made of case-hardened carbon steel, these self-starting screws feature U2’s trademark Tight Star Recess, so they grip the matching U-bit so tightly they allow for one-handed installation. Beneath the screw head, special Burrow Pockets help to countersink into the toughest of materials. The Universal Screw is designed to drive and into the many types of materials used in residential construction, and they’re available in sizes ranging from 1/2 to 12 inches, as well as in an assortment of stainless 316 versions. www.u2fasteners.com

CAMO JOIST + LEDGER DECK TAPE EXTENDS DECK LIFE

National Nail’s CAMO brand introduces an added layer of protection for the deck substructure, with CAMO Joist + Ledger Deck Tape. Made in the USA, the selfadhesive butyl tape creates a waterproof membrane to protect wood deck framing against moisture, which can lead to rot. It self-seals around fasteners, blocking the pathway of water into wood. Apply CAMO deck tape to the top of joists and ledger board, between joist hangers and ledger board, between rim joists and fascia, and between framing and joist hangers. Securely bonding to the wood framing, one 65 ft. roll of CAMO Joist + Ledger Deck Tape covers approximately 75 square feet of deck framing. The tape is available in three sizes: 1-5⁄8-inch width for single joists to fully cover tops of 2x wood joists; 3-1⁄8-inch width for use with double joists; and 6-inch width ideal for ledger and rim joists. www.camofasteners.com

Marine Decking For Waterfront Work

TanDeck Marine Decking is a low-maintenance decking material that provides premium wood-like aesthetics with advanced durability.

Made from a blend of extremely tough recycled HDPE, strengthening agents, UV inhibitors and anti-static additives, this resilient deck board is engineered for residential boat docks, marinas and piers. It requires no waterproofing, staining or painting. The wood-free decking offers exceptional resistance to moisture, fading, insects, splintering, warping and exposure to the harsh marine environment. Strong and practical, Tangent’s plastic 5/4×6 dock decking allows up to 16″ on-center spans and 2×6 up to 24″ to replace wood decking for residential and light commercial applications. Backed by a 50-year limited product warranty, Tangent Marine Deck boards are embossed with a wood-like texture on both faces. To clean, just wash with mild, environmentally friendly soap like Dawn and rinse with water.

www.tangentmaterials.com

Protect Your Deck

The YellaWood Protector brand of pro-grade, acrylic-oil hybrid wood stains and sealers are water repellent and provide excellent protection for all outdoor projects like decks, fences or outdoor furniture. In accelerated weather test exposure to UV light, condensation and high temperatures, YellaWood Protector stains demonstrated color fastness and coating durability equal or superior to the leading competitor’s tested products. The Protector wood stain and sealer has iron oxide pigments for rich, long-lasting color. The premium alkyd oil finish penetrates wood to provide superior moisture damage protection, resist wear, and fend off mold and mildew. For homeowners who prefer a natural look, the clear, water-repellent deck sealer is loaded with UV stabilizers to maintain that stunning appearance provided by Mother Nature herself.

www.yellawood.com

DIY-FRIENDLY DECK KITS

Fortress Building Products adds customizable Deck Kits, which include all the products, hardware and components needed to build a standard 12-by-12-ft. deck. True to the company’s Total Solution approach, Fortress Deck Kits include steel deck framing, decking and railing in a complete package for a simplified deck ordering experience and installation process. The Evolution steel deck framing system will sidestep any issues associated with moisture absorption, is backed by a 25-year limited manufacturer warranty, and it received a Class-A Fire Rating. Resting on top of the steel frame, Apex capped bamboo-PVC composite decking features non-repeating grain patterns, enhanced wood grain textures and rich, vivid color choices like Brazilian Teak and Himalayan Cedar. By offering the new kits through leading home-improvement retailers, including Home Depot, Lowe’s and Wayfair, Fortress can offer DIY homeowners and residential contractors quick and convenient avenues to purchase an all-in-one deck system. www.fortressbp.com

Add To Your Outdoors With A Gazebo Kit

Gazebo Penguin Inc. has been manufacturing and importing steel, aluminum and polycarbonate solariums and gazebos since 1984. Sold as kits, the company’s premium quality hardtop gazebos and outdoor structures can be found in all major online retailers in North America. The gazebos are available in brown and slate colors with metal or polycarbonate roofs. The solariums are available as freestanding or wall-mounted versions in multiple sizes. With over 35 years of experience, and a qualified staff of customer service, operation and sales support, Gazebo Penguin provides quality, stylish outdoor structures to help you create your own backyard oasis.

www.gazebopenguin.com/en

SAVE TIME AND LABOR WITH PRE-COLORED LUMBER

Prowood Lumber’s most popular option for decking is Color Treated with an EPA-registered, color-infused preservative that allows the wood's natural grain characteristics to remain visible. Rather than relying on a topical finish or stain that may quickly fade, the Color Treated pigment is driven deep into the wood fibers so it's guaranteed to stand up to the elements for years. It’s the look you want without the work of staining. The treatment is backed by a lifetime limited warranty to prevent termite attacks and fungal decay. Color Treated is also compatible with aluminum building materials, meaning it’s less corrosive to fasteners. Tests have shown that cedar and redwood will fade while Color Treated prevails, and Prowood backs the Color Treated lumber with the industry’s first 2-year and 5-year color assurance limited warranties. www.prowoodlumber.com

LUMBER INDUSTRY'S FIRST AI SYSTEM

Ipe Woods USA, a top supplier of premium hardwood decking and lumber, launches the development of the first AI system tailored for the lumber industry. Available exclusively for Ipe Woods USA customers, the system features a conversational interface, allowing customers to interact with the AI, receive personalized recommendations, and make precise calculations. Customers can obtain advice on essential tools, accessories, clips, and screws for their projects, along with explanations for the best choices. The AI Lumber Assistant (named Chuck) can save customers time by getting quick and accurate answers to their questions, and gain access to an extensive knowledge base about Ipe Woods USA products and services. www.ipewood.com www.ipewood.com/ai

Decking Made Of Stone

Tanzite is a stone product (not wood, composite or PVC) so it naturally doesn’t scratch, fade, get slippery, or heat up like other decking options, and it’s backed by a lifetime warranty. Tanzite stone is light enough and designed to simply install over any typical wood deck structure. Since stone doesn’t expand like composite, your cuts stay perfect. The durability of stone allows for detailed designs, with amazing highlights and lowlights creating a hyper-realistic natural beauty. Plus, the manufacture of Tanzite Stone doesn’t cut down trees nor does it use plastics of any kind. It’s one of the most sustainable types of decking possible. Its longevity, due to durability, creates one of the lowest environmental impacts of any decking option. The Tanzite Appalachian Collection is a non-waterproof system that is installed like composite decking with hidden fasteners. The Rainier Collection is a free-floating waterproof system that is installed over a subfloor. www.tanzite.com

Rain Protection Under A Deck

The Trex RainEscape under-deck drainage system is an ideal solution for those wanting to fully protect their deck’s foundation from moisture damage while optimizing the usability of the space beneath an elevated deck. Using an integrated network of troughs and downspouts applied above the joists of the substructure, the system captures and diverts water away from the deck to create dry space underneath. Once protected, this space can be used for storage or outfitted with furnishings and accessories to create an additional outdoor living area. Gas and electrical lines can be safely and discreetly run between the deck surface and soffit ceiling below to power lighting, ceiling fans, grills, appliances, electrical components and more. RainEscape is now warrantied against defects in materials or workmanship under normal and proper use for a period of 25 years from the date of purchase. www.trex.com

Fire In The Bowl

The modern Lyra Fire Bowl features a patentpending brass burner system that uses half the fuel of conventional fire rings, yet produces higher flames and a brighter appearance. Lyra exudes a linear design with a gently sloped fire feature. Sharp 90 degree inset walls add to its unique monolithic concrete design. The patent-pending burner system comes complete with powerful 65,000 BTU burner, all brass fittings, heavy-duty stainless steel platform and 10-year limited warranty. Fire Bowls are available in four colors designed to represent various types of natural limestone www.mykindredliving.com

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Rhino Wood

Nova USA Wood Products, Inc. has been named the exclusive provider of Rhino Wood in North America. Rhino Wood is a modified timber produced through a patented two-stage process that uses thermal modification and pressure to impregnate the original wood right to the core with a proprietary compound. This patented process results in a sustainable alternative to hardwoods like Ipe. Rhino Wood achieves the same high-density, low-maintenance and Class 1 durability characteristics as Ipe hardwood, while aging beautifully into a silver-grey color over time. In addition to being biodegradable and containing zero toxins and no VOCs, Rhino Wood can also be disposed like any other untreated wood. Other advantages include the ability to resist dents, scratches, surface damage, moisture, swelling, shrinkage, insects, UV degradation, rot and decay. www.novausawood.com

New Railing Options

MoistureShield has launched the new Solid Core Composite Series Railing and Compass Series Aluminum Railing. Made in the USA, MoistureShield’s Solid Core Composite Railings are designed for durability and will not rot, splinter, warp or stain. Available in three profiles, each Solid Core kit includes top rails, infill options and hidden brackets with no squeaks or rattles. Accessories include post sleeves, gate kits, wired or solar lighting options and ADA components. MoistureShield’s Compass Series Aluminum Railing adds sleek, contemporary edge to any deck design, with Cambridge or Classic style top rail options, in Matte Black or Matte Bronze powder-coated finish. www.MoistureShield.com

Take A Look Through A Glass Deck

The SkyFloor Modular Glass Deck System from Glass Flooring Systems, Inc. is designed specifically to be used in a deck application to allow light to shine through the deck into the space below. The system comes with everything needed for installation and integrates easily into standard 16-in. on-center framing. The walkable glass panels are available in two tested anti-slip texture options—the clear NanoDot and the opaque, more private LuxRaff Regular. The systems are ICC certified and easy to install. www.glassflooringsystems.com