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IN DEPTH: Decks

Snavely’s Kirit also sees potential in porch projects. “The wood-porch market has great potential, as there are few wood options that perform over time. People want a wood porch and they want it to perform so they can spend time enjoying it. A lot of contractors end up walking away or avoiding porch projects because of past material performance. The trend I expect is a move toward modified-wood products.”

As homeowners expand their deck choices, some also are evaluating their substructures. Although pressure-treated wood remains dominant, some manufacturers are seeing rising interest in metal framing. “Metal substructures appear to be gaining in popularity, but primarily in commercial structures,” says Enduris’ Wearne. “With good reason, there is concern that, as the boards become more durable, will the treated-wood substructure support these high-performing deck products?”

Trex, which offers a steel substructure, sees a lot of potential. “Customers are looking to upgrade their substructure because they’re doing two-tier decks and they realize they can finish the space underneath and create additional living space,” explains Zambanini. “A steel substructure offers the ability to create open space without columns and provide more livable space that can be used when it’s hot or rainy. Steel also ensures great craftsmanship, ensuring the deck is flat and straight.” It also encourages more use of deck-drainage systems as well as under-deck lighting, he notes.

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It will take input by dealers and contractors for that market to grow significantly, says UFPI’s Camfferman. “Education to the homeowner about the substructure options isn’t there yet,” he says. “The contractor has to suggest an upgrade and explain its benefits. There’s a lot more that can be done in that realm.” Adds Fiberon’s Kello, “Steel substructures have been cost-prohibitive for most homeowners, and most decking contractors don’t have experience with them, which has limited their use.”
Dealer-Needs
Steel substructures used with commercial projects represents a growing market, says Tiger Deck’s Gerstenberger. “The biggest growth markets for our products are the commercial and government markets,” he says. “More architects are looking at new options for doing these types of projects. Landscape architecture is growing in popularity, and those professionals also are using our products more often. Our distributors are reaching out to architects to help them learn about the products, and we send out packets to architects when they’re requested by the architect or distributor.”

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