Grand Rapids, MI — National Nail announces its CAMO® Structural Screws have been selected by Hardware & Building Supply (HBS) Dealer magazine for its prestigious 2023 Golden Hammer Awards. Judged by the magazine’s editorial staff, the awards highlight the home improvement industry’s “best of the best” products. 

“We’ve known all along that our CAMO Structural Screws were something special. From the depth of the offerings to the superior coating to the fact they don’t just meet code, they crush it; we’re just so proud of this product line,” said W. Scott Baker, CEO, National Nail. “Thank you HBSDealer for the honor of recognizing them as a 2023 Golden Hammer Award winner.”   

CAMO Structural Screws offers a full line of high-performing, code-compliant structural screws for all your deck and framing needs. They are engineered to start fast, drive smooth, and hold strong. No pre-drilling required. Features our industry-leading proprietary coating for superior corrosion resistance. Structural Screws are available for all your wood-to-wood structural fastening needs, including multi-ply, ledger, framing, truss, and more. 

The 2023 Golden Hammer Winners will be formally announced in the March 2024 issue of HBSDealer. This follows the “Golden Hammer Products & Purpose Awards celebration” in Las Vegas on Feb. 27th.

Click here to learn more about CAMO’s Structural Screws. 

About CAMO

CAMO exists to provide the best deck fastening installation experience for hardworking doers who take pride in their work and value their wallet. CAMO products are engineered to save you time and ensure your work looks and performs as you expect it should. CAMO®. The Better Way to Build a Deck. For more information or to locate a dealer, visit the CAMO Fasteners website or call 1-800-968-6245.

Be sure to “Like” @camofasteners on Facebook and @camodeckfasteners on Instagram. Search CAMO Fasteners on YouTube to find our channel.

Media Contact

Katey Dommenick, CAMO®, 1-616-261-2134, katey_dommenick@nationalnail.com

May is Deck Safety Month—make sure your outdoor living space is ready for the season.

Did you know Spring cleaning isn’t just for the interior of your home? As the weather gets nicer and you start scheduling get-togethers and cookouts, it’s critical to do some Spring cleaning— and inspecting —of your outdoor living spaces to ensure they are ready for entertaining. Of course, we don’t just mean that the grill is in the optimal spot for cooking but that your deck is safe and secure for your friends and family.

The North American Deck & Railing Association (NADRA) takes deck safety seriously, and rightfully so, as they estimate that “over 30 million decks [in the US] are past their useful life and need to be replaced or repaired.” That’s why they stress the importance of checking your deck during May, National Deck Safety Month®.

There’s no better time as a homeowner to check your deck to make sure it’s structurally sound and as a builder to evaluate that you are building decks with safety front of mind.

For Homeowners: Check Your Deck

When you go out to clear off dirt and debris from your deck, it’s easy to look at the face of your deck boards, and if they aren’t splintered or cracked, assume your deck is good for the season. But deck issues are often underlying, so you’ll need to do more digging and prodding to ensure total deck safety. Luckily, you can use NADRA’s Check Your Deck® Consumer Checklist to help you evaluate any issues.

The checklist highlights key actions and things to look out for, like rot in the structural parts of the deck, like the joists, posts, and ledger board. You’ll also want to look closely at all the fasteners, tightening any that have come loose or replacing those that have corroded or rusted. Additionally, pay special attention to the stability of railings and banisters to prevent any possibility of them falling off. If any significant issues are present, NADRA recommends having a professional inspect and repair your deck; you can find inspectors and builders on NADRA.org.

Other items on the checklist pertain to the aesthetics and surroundings of your deck. We joked about the grill earlier, but you want to ensure it and other heat sources are away from flammable items or surfaces. Next, check your light fixtures, electrical outlets, and patio furniture to confirm they’re all in good condition. Finally, evaluate your environment: are tree limbs hanging over the deck that could fall, or is there a hornet’s nest you need to remove?

For Builders: Check Your Deck-Building Practices

As a deck builder, Deck Safety Month is an excellent time to review your crew’s practices to ensure you install to the highest standard so homeowners never have to worry about safety. Of course, brand affinity plays a significant role in the products you use, but it’s a good habit to take inventory of the products you’re using to ensure you’ve got the best ones for the job.

For instance, CAMO®, a 2023 Deck Safety Ambassador and brand that built its name on the deck top with innovative deck fastening systems, now offers code-compliant Structural Screws that deliver the same reliability and durability to the substructure and beyond. These Structural Screws are third-party tested and certified IRC and IBC code-compliant by DrJ engineering. These screws start fast, drive smoothly, and hold strong in every popular interior and exterior structural application and may be an excellent option for your crew to try this year.

When evaluating the fasteners you’re using, keep coatings in mind too. For example, CAMO’s Structural Screws are available in a proprietary PROTECH™ Ultra 4 four-layer coating that protects your connections against the harshest environmental elements. Each layer works together for optimum corrosion resistance, UV and environmental protection, and torque reduction for a high-performing, long-lasting screw. It’s the only screw coating on the market tested to ASTM G198 standard, which required 2X longer testing and 3X more samples than the industry standard. If you’re building in marine settings or near water, use hot-dip galvanized structural screws and 316 Stainless Steel fasteners for every other connection.

Before laying down deck boards, take the extra step to extend the deck’s life by using deck tape. CAMO offers Joist + Ledger Deck Tape that adds uncompromised moisture defense to joists and ledger boards. The flexible butyl Deck Tape also delivers exceptional performance to protect your project from harsh elements like UV radiation and even extreme temperatures.

Finally, when it comes to fastening the decking, consider using fasteners that will preserve the life of the board so homeowners don’t have to deal with splitting and cracking. For square decking, use CAMO Edge screws that fasten the board through the edge, making a strong v-lock connection into the joist. Edge screws feature a patented rake tip that augers board material while being driven. That action makes space for the screw and prevents splitting and cracking without the need to pre-drill holes on most boards. For grooved boards, rely on CAMO Universal Deck Clips that are up to 88% stronger than competitors’ clips in reducing lateral movement and up to 50% stronger in uplift holding power, thanks to the stainless steel gusset that locks the boards down. A bonus of using CAMO fasteners? CAMO backs its fasteners with a warranty, so you and the homeowner will have invaluable peace of mind.

Don’t get the grilling and deck-building season underway before you take the time to check your deck and make sure you’re using the right products to help you build better.

Dreaming of a deck where the familiar horizontal layout takes a stylish turn? Diagonal decking offers a distinct shift in perspective, breathing fresh life into your outdoor space. Get inspired by creative decking design ideas, and learn how to achieve a successful angled installation with our tips.

Diagonal Decking Designs

Explore these diagonal decking ideas to spark your creativity for a custom retreat that’s truly special.

• Framed Field

Combine diagonal decking with border accents in distinct colors or materials—from subtle contrasts to bold statements—for a polished picture-frame border that adds definition.

• Diagonal Stripes

Alternate the color or material of deck boards in diagonal stripes for visual interest and a sense of movement. Consider varying the stripe widths by laying more or less boards.

• Diamond Pattern

Arrange diagonal decking boards into diamonds for a classic design that brings elegance to your deck.

• Diagonal Definition

Delineate specific deck areas, such as the dining, firepit, and grilling zones, with diagonal decking sections.

• Chevron Pattern

For a modern take, consider a sophisticated chevron pattern that complements contemporary settings.

• Herringbone Style

Achieve an impressive effect with a herringbone configuration. Mix colors or wood species to further enhance the pattern.

• Spiral Layout

Arrange diagonal decking in a spiral pattern radiating from a central point for a dynamic, eye-catching design.

• Inlaid Geometrics

Experiment with shapes and motifs by combining horizontal, vertical, and diagonal boards into custom geometric inlays.

Diagonal Decking Tips

Ready to turn your design vision into reality? Here are some tips for installing your diagonal decking.

1. Plan Ahead
   Plan your layout to optimize material usage and minimize waste. Account for board orientation, seam placement, and features like stairs or railings.
    
2. Ensure Proper Support
   Follow manufacturer guidelines and local codes for joist spacing and sizing. Consider reinforcing joists and support beams to accommodate the unique stresses of diagonal decking.
    
3. Keep the Surface Clear
   Don’t let visible fasteners detract from your diagonal decking pattern. Choose hidden deck fasteners so your decking can shine.
    
4. Select the Right Hidden Fasteners
   Choosing the right hidden fastener for your diagonal decking depends on three key factors:
   

• • Reliability
    Choose deck fasteners with the holding strength and stability for a secure, long-lasting decking surface.
    
    CAMO WEDGECLIP™ fasteners were designed for any deck as it offers superior lateral movement resistance and stronger uplift holding power than other clips on the market.
     
  • Compatibility
    Make sure your fasteners are compatible with your decking and framing materials.
    
    CAMO WEDGECLIP™ is warranted for use with the leading grooved deck boards and are compatible with wood, composite, capped composite, and PVC decking. WEDGEMETAL™Clip is also suited for angled installations on metal framing.
    

• • Ease of Use
    Many clip systems require time-consuming pre-installation: A first pass for initial placement between boards, then revisiting each for the final screw down.
    
    CAMO Clips are different. They’re designed for efficient and easy installation. The clips create consistent 3/16-inch spacings and stay in place for quick, one-pass fastening. CAMO also includes a Never-Miss Guide for precision alignment every time. For even faster installation, attach the CAMO DRIVE® or CAMO ClipDRIVE® tool to your drill to install up to 5X faster from a comfortable standing position.

Ready to take on a deck project with a twist? Reach for CAMO Clips: With unbeatable strength, reliability, and easy installation, they’re your go-to hidden deck fasteners to bring your diagonal decking designs to life.