Product Picks: April 2020

Each month, hundreds of products hit the market. Here’s our pick of the ones to watch.

Royal Building Products PVC Column Wraps in Sand Dune

Royal Building Products, a Westlake company, has introduced a new color to its line of PVC Royal Column Wraps. Sand Dune is a neutral beige tone and is available in Traditional,
Craftsman, and Contractor styles. In addition to Sand Dune, the column wraps are available in a ready-to-install white finish that can also be painted with vinyl-safe paint to complement a home’s exterior color palette. Made from cellular PVC, Royal’s Column Wraps are designed to be resistant to moisture, preventing issues found in traditional wood columns, such as warping, rotting and insect damage. Backed by a limited 25-year warranty, Royal’s Column Wraps are available in four widths to fit around 4×4, 6×6, 8×8 and 12×12 structural posts, and two standard lengths—8’6″ and 10′. Royal has also added a new 12′ length available in 6×6, 8×8 and 12×12 column wrap size, that is available in white in all styles. To ensure the columns are protected during the installation process, the product is wrapped in a protective film that can be removed after installation. royalbuildingproducts.com

 

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CAMO LEVER tool

CAMO’s board bending solution, CAMO LEVER, was developed to bend, straighten, or align deck boards to speed up deck installation. Without time-consuming set-up, the manufacturer says LEVER sets in one turn to lock boards in place for fastening with no strain, no hassle. In addition to straightening warped boards, CAMO LEVER also speeds up grooved decking installations by locking rows of boards and CAMO EDGE and EDGEX Clips
in place. The tool adjusts to single, double, and even steel joists, and the gap can be incrementally adjusted while holding the board in proper fastening position. According to the manufacturer, contractors can build decks five times faster when LEVER is used with innovations like CAMO EDGE and EDGEX Clip for grooved boards, which can be hand-fastened with the Never-Miss Guide included in each pail of clips, or with CAMO DRIVE, the cordless stand-up tool. camofasteners.com

 

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New aluminum top railing from DuraLife

DuraLife now offers two top railing design choices for its Nantucket aluminum railing product: a flat-top version called Salem, and a contoured, Cambridge style (shown). Both are available in level and stair rail kits with three color options; Matte Black, Matte Bronze, and White. The Salem Deck Top Rail Adapter allows users to install a matching DuraLife deck board top to create a flat drink-top rail. The powder-coated aluminum finish is tested to over 10,000 hours of salt spray, and is designed to withstand the harshest outdoor weather conditions. duralifedecking.com

Mantis hidden deck fastener

The Mantis hidden deck clip system is designed to install grooved composite decking. The product is said to be easy to install for the average homeowner or professional deck builder. Built to enhance the beauty of a deck by providing a safe, fastener-free surface that makes decks look like a hardwood floor, the Mantis clip system automatically spaces the deck boards 3/16″ to allow for adequate drainage. Four profiles are available to ensure a secure fit to the deck boards. The product carries a 30-year limited warranty against loose deck boards. panamericanscrew.com

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Lonza Wood Protection

Lonza Wood Protection provides innovative technologies developed to improve the performance of wood, making it resistant to termites, fungi, fire, mold, and moisture. Lonza manufactures wood protection products for use in backyards all over the world such as Wolmanized Outdoor Wood, preserved with Wolman E Copper Azole with BARamine technology. This enhanced, patented technology was developed to provide improved penetration, broad moldicide protection, and improved resistance to certain aggressive coppertolerant fungi that will help outdoor projects last longer. wolmanizedwood.com

 

Simpson Strong-Tie Pergola Planning Software

Simpson Strong-Tie has launched a free online Pergola Planner Software, designed for fast, easy design of outdoor spaces for contractors, lumberyards, and homeowners. Featuring 3D software, design guides, and an in-app user tutorial, the free web-based design software allows users to upload home photos, select shapes, modify dimensions, and choose from various lumber and hardware options. The Pergola Planner Software web-based app offers lumber and building material dealers a design and takeoff tool for providing contractor and DIY customers with in-house, value-added services. go.strongtie.com/pergolaplannersoftware

 

PrimeLinx Vintage Shadow Gap from BlueLinx

The addition of Vintage Shadow Gap to the PrimeLinx family of products is designed to offer the look of reclaimed wood in two distinct styles: 1/8″ self-spacing shiplap and authentic narrow line. Complete with splits, knots, and nail holes, Vintage Shadow Gap is said to give homeowners the look they desire without the lead paint, chemicals, and insects sometimes found in reclaimed wood. It is reversible and comes factory primed and ready to paint. Made from 100% radiata pine, Vintage Shadow Gap is moisture-resistant and has the strength to hold heavy objects.  bluelinxco.com/primelinx

 

TurboClip

TurboClip is a universal hidden deck clip that works with all major brand composite decking boards including Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon, and more. Users simply insert the TurboClip into the side groove of a deck board, drive the preloaded screw through the TurboClip and into the deck support, then snap off the remaining TurboClip stick. The process is said to cut deck board install time by 60%, allowing builders to save labor time. Limited lifetime warranty.  turboclipusa.com

 

RDI Excalibur Steel Railing

RDI’s MetalWorks Excalibur Steel Railing product line now includes MetalWorks Excalibur with the introduction of the Serpentine and Mosaic (shown) level panel designs. These two new styles are designed to allow customers to create a custom look without it needing to be a custom job. RDI’s MetalWorks Excalibur steel panels are factory welded and pre-assembled, providing both strength and security in steel railing. They’re now available in two textured finishes that can be paired with composite products. As the Pro Dealer arm of Barrette Outdoor Living, RDI services two-step distributors and LBM dealers. rdirail.com

 

DekPro Prestige Aluminum Railing Systems

DekPro Prestige Railing features all aluminum components constructed with durable, finely textured powder coat finishes in four colors: Absolute Black, Cocoa Bronze (shown), Dream White, and Maple Cream. Complementing the DekPro Prestige railing is DekPro EFFEX lighting with matching finishes in band light caps, down light caps, step lights and posts
lights all utilizing high performance LED bulbs and Quick Connect wiring designed for ease of installation. absolutedist.com

 

Meridian Brick’s Authintic Brick

Meridian Brick is relaunching Authintic Brick, which combines the sophistication and warmth of brick with a thinner, lightweight profile that is designed to allow for easy installation and versatility. According to the manufacturer, Authintic Brick is made with real fired clay and can be installed nearly anywhere—interior, exterior, new construction, or remodels. Authintic Brick is offered in a selected color palette of 23 ready-to-ship colors and is available in Modular (7-7/8″ x 2-1/4″), Queen (7-7/8″ x 2-3/4″), and King (9-5/8″ x 2-5/8″) sizes. authinticbrick.com

 

Armadillo Composite Decking

Armadillo Composite Decking is wrapped on all four sides with a polyethylene protective shell to create a natural wood grain finish and protect against fading, weathering, stains, mold, and mildew. The decking is now available in five new colors, bringing the total number of color options to 11. Armadillo Composite Decking is available in three product lines: Lifestyle, Heritage, and Essential. Available with a limited lifetime warranty. armadillodeck.com

 

Feeney VisualBuilder deck and railing design tool

Available for desktop and mobile applications, Feeny’s VisualBuilder offers an interface that enables users to create their own deck from scratch or use one of seven pre-built templates as a starting point. The deck can then be customized to fit the user’s specifications. Decks can be viewed in either 2D or 3D representations, and features such as click-and-drag sizing tools and “smart” icons are included to make it easy to change dimensions, add stairs and additional tiers, and modify the shape of the deck. Users can choose from a variety of deck materials and add walls, windows and doors to replicate the facade of a home or commercial building. A short video tutorial guides first-time users through the online deck design process. In addition, users can take snapshots of their completed deck project and save, edit and share the designs, as desired. feeneyinc.com/visualbuilder

 

DAP Premium Wood Filler

DAP’s latest addition to the wood filler category, DAP Premium Wood Filler with Chameleon Technology, is a 3-in-1 filler and sealer offering contractors, woodworkers, heavy DIYers, as well as hobby and craft enthusiasts the option to utilize it as a wood filler, grain filler, or sealer coat. The unique water-based formula features Chameleon Technology, developed to provide users the ability to mix stains or pigments directly into the wet state for an exact custom color match. DAP Premium Wood Filler is designed to accept all stains and pigments. The formula has a two-hour dry time, cleans up with water, and is low in odor. The filler accepts all types of top coats and finishes once cured. dap.com

 

DeckWise Hidden Fasteners

DeckWise Ipe Clip Hidden Fasteners automatically space deck boards at 3/32″, allowing for the expansion of width of air-dried woods. Manufactured from polypropylene with stainless
steel black oxide insert, the fasteners are produced for use with air-dried hardwood, as well as composite or PVC decking. The product is designed to allow for more tolerance in grooved side profiles while increasing hold-down area. Available in Extreme, Extreme4,
ExtremeKD, and Standard versions. DeckWise Ipe Clip Hidden Fasteners are UV-resistant and feature a limited lifetime warranty. deckwise.com

 

MonaDeck from Monarch Technologies

Manufactured in 12″ wide planks, MonaDeck from Monarch Technologies utilizes the same
manufacturing technology as skateboard ramps that is said to provide durable, long-lasting, and environmentally-friendly decking. The patent-pending line is developed for the residential market. The planks are designed to resemble century-old barnwood, are produced in 12″ widths, and are Class-A fire-rated. MonaDeck incorporates a proprietary
bio-based resin system to bind recycled FSC-certified wood fiber and bamboo fiber in a sustainable, wood-simulating composite that, according to the manufacturer, has a hardness rating that rivals Ipe. MonaDeck is available in three deep crosscut teak- and walnut-like finishes. monarchtechnologiesllc.com

 

Milwaukee Tool Narrow Crown Stapler

Milwaukee Tool’s M18 FUEL18GA 1/4″ Narrow Crown Stapler leverages a nitrogen air spring mechanism and is equipped with tool-free depth adjustment to drive staples into soft materials without blowing through. With zero ramp-up time, the M18 FUEL 18GA 1/4″ Narrow Crown Stapler delivers pneumatic performance with the freedom and convenience of a cordless tool. A compact, lightweight design offers better access in tight spaces. The tool is equipped with sequential and contact firing modes and includes two work contact tips and a reversible belt hook for ease of use. The 108 staple capacity stapler is powered by an M18 FUEL system designed to deliver 1,500 staples per charge. milwaukeetool.com

 

DEWALT new charging solutions

DEWALT has announced the 12 Amp Fast Charger (DCB1112) and 6 Amp Charger (DCB1106) for efficient charging. The 12 Amp Fast Charger has the highest charge rate supporting the DEWALT 20V MAX and FLEXVOLT lithium ion battery systems, charging a DEWALT FLEXVOLT Battery (DCB609) to 80% capacity in under 45 minutes, DEWALT says. The 12 Amp Fast Charger comes with Stage 1 and Stage 2 LED indicators which communicate more to the user about the state of charge of their batteries than DEWALT chargers without these indicators. The 6 Amp Charger charges a DEWALT 5.0Ah Battery (DCB205) to 80% capacity in under 45 minutes. Like the 12 Amp Fast Charger, the 6 Amp Charger also features the Stage 1 & Stage 2 LED format, through-hole mounts, secure latching, double insulation and is compatible with batteries in the DEWALT 20V MAX and FLEXVOLT systems. dewalt.com

 

Atlantis Aluminum Stair Stabilizer

Made from aluminum and powder-coated in the following color options: Black, White, Bronze, and Metallic (Silver), the Atlantis Aluminum Cable Stabilizer is designed to be field
cut to size and surface mounted using the supplied wood screws. The new Aluminum Stair Stabilizer (A0908-XX60-ST) is sold as a kit, which includes all hardware and fasteners needed for installation. Atlantis Rail Systems is a manufacturer of premium stainless steel cable and glass railing systems. The prefabricated, modular railing systems are designed for assembly using a collection of patented railing fittings and components. Their systems
are produced for commercial and residential, indoor and outdoor applications. atlantisrail.com

 

DeckWrap PowerBond waterproofing membrane from MFM

DeckWrap PowerBond is a 25 mil polymer film surface membrane that is coated with MFM’s patented PowerBond Adhesive System developed for aggressive adhesion in temperatures as low as 25°F. The membrane is designed for use on structural components such as ledger
boards, joist ends and tops, and posts to protect from water damage to extend the life of these support elements. DeckWrap PowerBond is available in three roll sizes and comes labeled and wrapped for retail display. mfmbp.com

 

Westbury VertiCable aluminum railing from DSI

DSI’s Westbury VertiCable railing features thin vertical stainless-steel cables rather than larger bulky infills. Westbury VertiCable railing comes in pre-assembled sections, and the
stainless-steel vertical cables come pre-tensioned to minimize the need for adjustments during the process of completing the railing section. Available in multiple standard colors and textures. According to the manufacturer, VertiCable railing can be installed in up to 60% less time than horizontal cable railing systems. Covered by a lifetime limited
warranty. diggerspecialties.com

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