The go-to guide for free deck information
Steve Hodes, owner of Moonlight Decks emailed me some cool pics he posted on his website, and I wanted to share them! I’m including my favorite pic in this post, but to see all the pics he posted follow this link! Moonlight Decks are post lighting that are economical while illuminating your life. No he’s not paying me to say this, though he should! If you talk to him, tell him you heard of him from me!
For people out there who want to order hidden deck fasteners online, check out the online shopping cart at www.Hidden-Deck-Fasteners.com. My friend and associate, Daviann, who is also the editor and founding member of Deck Enquirer is the controller of this site. There is cheaper shipping charges than going through Ebay or Amazon, and VERY FAST delivery!
According to an article in Hanley Wood’s Remodeling online magazine, the stimulus bill “extends the tax code section 25C credit for energy-efficient home improvements through the end of 2010″. What does this mean for our industry? Market a project using products earmarked for stimulus money. Build sunrooms incorporating a new type of roofing that is energy star qualified, and storm windows and doors that meet the energy saving codes required. There’s insulation, lighting, energy, and skylight options all that earn savings as well (see tax credit list here). This smart marketing to your homeowners may be just the incentive they need to go for the dollars, or the homeowners that see your ads who are applying for it on their own will want a contractor who knows about these codes. Do your due diligence now. Our industry should be trying to capitalize on those earmarked dollars. Figure this out and you’ll have a good year.
Hey check out this link I found on YouTube depicting Lumber Loc hidden deck fasteners. It features Lumber Loc being installed using the UFO ballistic nail screws invented by WC Litzinger. Pretty cool and short video. Just thought I would share, even though these screws don’t come with the fasteners, I still found the video fun to watch.
In case you missed the link above, cut and past this into your browser:
Wow! Check out the phenomenal lighting pics by Decks & Lights By Dan. Dan Troxel is a Kansas City Deck Contractor who also invented his own extra efficient custom lights to showcase KC decks, houses and yards. I was impressed when he told me he’ll come out and change the burned out bulbs if the customer calls, because they blow out so seldom. It takes appx 13 lights installed per side of a house. Gorgeous craftmanship, don’t ya think? Leave your comments if you think the homes are gorgeous…and if you refer him, tell him you heard it from my blog. I’m wanting him to become a regular reader himself. He’s a phenominal Deck contractor who’s built a nice business, so enjoy the viewing below!
Lit porch, pool and landscaping...breathtaking!
Colored lenses come with lights so you can decorate your yard, should you want!
Lighting adds security!
I’ve been reading and hearing alot about not falling asleep at the wheel on marketing during slow economic times. If you cut back on marketing dollars you might lose out because a competitor did not. I was thinking about organizing a free webinar for my customers and blog readers about marketing in a down economy geared specifically towards our industry. Any interest in this? Leave me a comment and tell me what you think.
Okay, so this HDPE technology seems to be everywhere I look all of a sudden. I just read this article about Fiberon Horizon™ decking products with PermaTech™. It has quite a bit of accessories to go along with it, though I have to say Latitudes composite decking is still better because of the hidden deck fastener they have with it. Fiberon claims to groove it for a hidden deck fastener, but which one do they groove it for, and what if they groove it for a crappy one? I personally think Lumber Loc hidden deck fastener is the best on the market because of the patented wings, and Latitudes has the wings technology. But still this HDPE stuff needs to be investigated by professionals in the industry.
After a great comment from an earlier post regarding composite deck mold problems, Deckmaster stated that Latitudes composites are mold resistant due to the HDPE plastic I decided to do a little research myself on the subject, because I just so happen to be a big fan of UFP’s Latitudes line! Here’s some great information I found that you might deem useful:
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or PolyEthylene High-Density (PEHD) is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum. HDPE has little branching, giving it stronger intermolecular forces and tensile strength thatn lower density polyethylene. It’s also harder and more opaque and can sithstand somewhat higher temperatures (120 °C/ 248 °F for short periods, 110 °C /230 °F continuously).*
I recommend if you’re interested to do your own due diligence on the subject. I’ve just began, but I found this information extremely useful.
*copied from Wikipedia
Contractors, listen up! Save money on projects now, or for next spring! Home Depot® is giving all active-duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and their families a 10% discount off their purchases in honor of Veteran’s Day. The offer is valid on purchases of up to $2,000 for a maximum of $200 between November 6 and November 12, 2008, at The Home Depot stores, The Home Depot Design Center locations, Yardbirds and EXPO Design Center® locations. You must present proof of military service when checking out and the discounts will be taken at the register.This was too good an offer to not pass on…
