Top Ten Insights from DeckExpo 2011
October 13 - October 15, 2011
Lakeside Center at McCormick Place - Chicago, IL
Photo by Anglene - View from Navy Pier after the Diamond Pier Trolley Tour
The only trade show of its kind, focusing exclusively on the deck, dock and railing industry, this year’s DeckExpo exceeded expectations with new products, education and hands-on demos. The expo floor was filled with builders, manufacturers, distributors and retailers who were ready to take in all Chicago and the DeckExpo had to offer. DecksDirect.com saw a lot of new products and industry changes announced for the 2012 deck season. Hopefully you were one of the lucky industry professionals that were able to attend the DeckExpo, if not we have highlighted what we think are the top ten insights from this event in no particular order, enjoy!
1. North American Deck and Railing Association – NADRA Rocks!
Back in 2004, builders and manufacturers gathered at the DeckExpo in Reno. Concerns were raised over the compatibility of new generation of wood treatment and fasteners. Soon after, NADRA was born as the unified industry voice.
This year, NADRA showcased a large booth with comfy couches for Expo weary attendees to rest their tired bodies. On Thursday evening, NADRA hosted their annual meeting and awards dinner at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. It was a wonderful affair filled with speakers, photos, awards, food, drinks, tornado movies, and green homes. To top off the evening, NADRA hosting an exciting after party at the Hard Rock Café complete with a band.
Thanks to NADRA for the wonderful event and everything you do for the industry. NADRA Rocks!
2. FortressAccents – Post Caps and LED Deck Lighting by Fortress Iron
The anticipation for this new LED line has been almost unbearable, but these LED lights are well worth the wait. Die-cast aluminum with DuPont powder coating, the FortressAccents are both beautiful and durable. This complete system features post cap lights, rail lights, recessed light and a universal bar light. Available in three premium Fortress finishes; Gloss Black, Gloss white and Antique Bronze.
What makes them different you may ask? For starters, the standard post cap can be transformed from non-lit to lit with an optional drop-in LED light kit, which can be used to light 1, 2, 3 or 4 side(s) of a post cap. The recessed LED surface mount light features an integrated diffuser lens that not only offers a soft glow, it illuminated hot spots that can be created by the individual LED diodes.
3. Fortress Iron – AI-13 Aluminum Railing and ADA Handrail
Not only did Fortress announce their new Fortress Accents lighting line, they managed to also bring a new aluminum railing system and ADA handrail to the market this year. The new AI-13 aluminum railing system is a fully welded panel system complete with easy to install brackets. This system is completed with an ADA handrail. The unique feature of this system is the angle adjuster, which features a ball joint allowing for multiple angles making this the most versatile system we have seen to date.
4. TimberTech DeckLites – New LED lights
Everyone has been asking and TimberTech as answered… The same award-winning lighting design now in LED! Yes, TimberTech as converted their Post Light Module, Riser Light and Accent Light to LED. TimberTech has also added a small recessed LED light to their product line.
A great redesign that is worth noting, the TimberTech Riser light has been redesigned to make installation even easier. No longer will you need to cut an oval hole, these lights now feature an 1” wide recess.
The complete line of TimberTech DeckLites LEDs now available at DecksDirect.com 
5. CAMO Hidden Deck Fasteners – New Narrow Board Tool
Just introduced in the last few years, the CAMO Hidden Fastener System has become wonderfully popular among builders and do-it-yourselfers alike. CAMO is adding a third tool to their line-up, the Marksman Pro-NB (narrow board). This new tool is similar in design to the CAMO Pro Unit, but will adjust to fit boards from 3-1/2” to 5”. This new tool along with the CAMO Pro Unit has been redesigned to be stronger than ever. The more versatile tool will be available November 2011!
6. Highpoint - Redesigned Mini Round Recessed LED Light
Tried and true, Highpoint Deck Lighting has been around for over a decade. Their passion for deck lighting has brought us a newly design Mini Round Recessed LED Light. They have expanded this product to 5 premium finishes; Textured Black, Textured White, Oil Rubbed Brass, Brushed Stainless and Antiqued Bronze. With a new frosted lens, these small lights put out an equivalent of 7-10 watt of warm light. The most noteworthy change is that these are compatible with either AC or DC 12 volt systems. Now you can mix and match your LED and incandescent lights on one transformer.
7. VersaCaps from DecKorators – New low voltage lighting
From the innovator of maintenance-free decorative metal balusters and rail accessories, DecKorators introduces a whole new line of low-voltage lighting. Featuring a low-voltage Band Post Cap Light and Tiffany Style Glass Post Cap Light. Similar to the already popular solar and un-lit post cap designs, now you can add lighting that ranges from classic to contemporary.
8. Starborn - Smart-Bit Pro Plug System
This booth was tucked away in the corner and unfortunately may have been missed by some. Although there were no new products officially announced from Starborn at the DeckExpo this year, we think the Smart-Bit Pro Plug System is worth talking about. Anyone who has ever tried to cut their own plugs for say an IPE picture frame, know that these hardwoods make this task virtually impossible. This Pro-plug system makes this otherwise difficult process simple. Whether you are a deck builder, finish carpenter, cabinet maker or hardwood floor installer, the Smart-Bit Pro Plug System can help you cut your installation time in half leaving you with a beautifully finished product.
9. Diamond Pier Foundation System
Pin Pile Technology is all the hype these days. Diamond Pier has been around for quite awhile now and is quickly growing more popular as an alternative to traditional deck footings. Diamond Pier is pre-engineered to provide up to 6300 pounds of bearing capacity and frost resistance up to 60 inches (when used in conventional soils or course). One of the greatest things about Diamond Pier is that it allows inspection of Pin length anytime after installation. This saves time and money allowing the builders to start framing immediately. Look for Diamond Pier at DecksDirect.com soon.
10. Simpson Strong-Tie – Deck Collapse
According to Simpson Strong-Tie, since 2003, there have been thousands of reported injuries and several deaths as a result of deck failures. To help raise awareness about the prevalence of deck collapse and promote code-compliant deck construction, Simpson Strong-Tie staged a live deck collapse at DeckExpo 2011. Below is a video just in case you missed it. Take note of the red “X” that mark the points for weakness for the unsafe deck. Everyone enjoyed watching the deck and furniture fall 15 feet to the ground, very exciting!
Loads of coffee was consumed in order to take in everything the DeckExpo had to offer. I would like to send a special thanks to all the wonderfully intelligent people who took the time to teach a seminar during the DeckExpo this year. I had the opportunity to attend a few of them and found them incredibly insightful and well worth it. If you attend DeckExpo 2012, check out the event seminars, you won't regret it.
If you would like to see more photos and videos from DeckExpo 2011 in Chicago please visit us at:
