Andy's Picks

Andy has been in the Decking industry for over 11 years and considers himself to be a building trade professional as well as an expert do-it-yourselfer. Andy enjoys woodworking, with his most recent project being the installation of a new wood floor for his bathroom, made entirely from reclaimed lumber. With all of his product expertise, Andy's main responsibilities here at DecksDirect include inventory management and order processing. Chances are Andy will be the one to give you a call when you accidentally ordered too few connectors - oops!

Fortress Iron Twist and Basket Balusters

Why Andy likes this product: When using single and double twists and baskets in variable combinations, I really have an opportunity to express my creativity. Not only do they look impressive, they are impressive.

Special product notes: For a sleek look, go with black. For an old world look, choose either oil-rubbed bronze or antique bronze.







Key product features:
• 100% galvanized steel
• Available for mounting in between the rails or face mounted
• Multiple sizes available including 26", 31", 32" and 42" (varies depending on specific product)
• Available in square and round configurations

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Aurora "Odyssey" LED Strip Light

Why Andy likes this product: Since the Odysseys debuted this summer, more artistic projects have used this lighting option. The "curtain of illumination" is unlike any other light.

Special product notes: In many applications less can really be more when using the Odyssey. It doesn't have to just be installed as a step light - try it as a rail light. This light has no limits; get creative with it!







Key product features:
• Available in Kits as well as individually
• Voltage: 12 volts DC
• Wattage: LED
• Dimensions: 3/16" Wide x 5/16" Deep
• Bulb life: up to 25 years

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Aurora "Nova" Flat Top LED Post Cap Light

Why Andy likes this product: The flat top is more user friendly on a deck, and the light cascading from the corner of the cap down the post is dramatic.

Special product notes: The light from this fixture is mood-setting; it is NOT to read War and Peace by.








Key product features:
• Voltage: 12 volt AC
• Wattage: LED
• Colors Available: White, Bronze, Black and Natural Brown
• Sizes Available: 3-5/8", 4-1/16", 4-3/8", 5-1/16" and 5-9/16"
• Powder-coated aluminum
• Aurora recommends using an AC transformer with this LED light

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Camo Hidden Fasteners Deck Screws

Why Andy likes this product: It's not every day that a product comes along and makes you eat your words. For me it may happen more often than for many. The most recent example was the new Camo Hidden Fastener System. I have rarely been so wrong with a first impression.

The Camo System first came to my attention when Blair and Angelene came back from the IBS show. They had seen the system, got some literature and had some hands-on time with it. They were impressed and described the system well, but I was underwhelmed.

Then the Camo boys came for a meeting and demonstration. After about ten minutes of going over the basics and testing results we were each given a chance to give it a test drive. I took the first turn and chose to try it on the IPE. For those of you who haven't heard or don't know, IPE is the toughest, hardest material you will ever make a deck out of. A South American hardwood, IPE is beautiful but it's a beast. Well, I inserted the screw into the Marksman tool, remembered the instructions to go full tilt on the drill speed but only about half pressure compared to other screws. The Camo screw is not typical with a point. Instead it is a flat bottom screw that in essence bores a hole for itself rather than pushing the material apart. Cut to the chase, it worked beautifully and I was hooked. I then proceeded to watch the rest of the people in the office try it on every decking material and it continued to impress me. The quantity and length options as well as the choice of coated or stainless steel fasteners was extremely well thought out.

Now whenever I get a chance, I tell anyone who will listen about this great new fastener that made a fool out of me.

Special product notes: There are two Camo Marksman tools available, the DIY and Pro Unit. The Pro Unit is worth the upgrade with its beefier build and its capability to take screws on both sides of the tool. Unfortunately, the Pro Unit is not available in a kit.

Key product features:
• Types Available: ProTech Coated and Stainless Steel
• Lengths Available: 1-7/8" (for 5/4" x 6" decking) and 2-3/8" (for 2x6 decking)
• Quantity Available: 100, 350, 700 and 1750 count
• Kits Available: (1) 700 Count box of 1-7/8" or 2-3/8" fasteners (200 sqft), (30) Starter board screws, (2) Camo Driver Bits and (1) Camo Marksman DIY Tool

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The New SMART-BIT® by Headcote

Why Andy likes this product: I'm a sucker for any tool that eliminates tool changes, especially changing bits in a drill driver. You can use the SMART-BIT for both pre-drilling and counter sinking, saving time and money.

Special product notes: I loved the first smart bit, but I love this one even more! The New SMART-BIT is even faster than before and has interchangeable bits.







Key product features:
• Match the dimensions of Starborn's Standard HEADCOTE® 305 stainless steel screws
• Package contains one (1) complete tool, two (2) extra replacement bits and one (1) hex wrench.

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