Home improvement is undergoing a shift. Homeowners, fueled by a desire for customization and cost-effectiveness, are increasingly embracing DIY projects—especially deck building. This presents an opportunity for building supply retailers.

The Rise of the DIY Deck Builder

The world of deck building is expanding! While professional contractors have always been a cornerstone of the industry, today, thanks to online tutorials, instructional videos, and accessible solutions like those from CAMO, a growing number of homeowners are tackling their own deck projects. These individuals, spanning generations and skill levels, are eager to add value and enjoyment to their outdoor spaces.

Simplify DIY Decks, Strengthen Your Business

This surge in DIY interest presents retail opportunities for an expanded customer base and increased sales. Empower your customers to confidently realize their DIY deck dreams with high-quality CAMO products, ranging from hidden deck clips and exterior fasteners to deck tape and foundations, along with user-friendly tools that make their installations a breeze. Everything works together to simplify deck building for your DIYers.

Here’s how CAMO benefits both your DIY customers and your business:

• Faster Builds, Happier Customers: Many DIYers are weekend warriors, and time is precious. CAMO products are designed to streamline the deck-building process with innovative products like our lightweight CAMO Block foundations. These instant foundations, which can be installed on various surfaces, save DIYers the time and complexity associated with traditional concrete blocks. It’s just one way that CAMO delivers fast results and greater customer satisfaction.
• Pro Results, No Expertise Needed: Deck building can be daunting, but CAMO makes it easy. Our WEDGECLIP™ hidden deck clips come pre-assembled, require no partial installation, and stay in place until fastened. This allows DIYers to achieve the professional, fastener-free deck surface everyone wants. Great results bring a sense of accomplishment and pride, leading to more projects in the future.
• Easy Installations: Deck building can be physically demanding, especially for homeowners tackling large projects themselves. Tools like the CAMO LEVER® for straightening and locking in boards and the ClipDRIVE® Stand-Up Tool for board fastening reduce exertion and frustration, making the process more manageable for DIYers of all skill levels. Sales of efficient CAMO tools not only increase purchase totals but also minimize product returns and exchanges.
• Everything you need: Deck in a Box is an all-in-one bundle that provides everything you need to install 500 sq. ft. of grooved decking. This single-box kit includes deck benders, hidden deck clips, and a stand-up tool for fastening the clips, ensuring you have all the tools and materials necessary for the job. Deck in a Box is perfect for both professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts, making deck installation straightforward for anyone with basic DIY skills. 

In-Store Strategies

Here are some strategies to leverage the power of CAMO products and capitalize on the DIY deck trend:

• Merchandising Program: Attract DIYers and contractors with effective product showcasing through the CAMO Destination Dealer merchandising program. Display CAMO products on a variety of merchandisers, like wire racks or wing stackers, to educate customers and lead them to informed buying decisions and comprehensive solutions.
• Product Demonstrations: Host occasional in-store demos showcasing the CAMO DRIVE®, ClipDRIVE®, and LEVER tools to pique customer interest and address any initial apprehension about DIY deck building. Offer customers an opportunity for hands-on experience with the tools.
• Bundled Packages: Create bundles that combine CAMO hidden deck clips, exterior fasteners, deck tape, and CAMO tools for specific deck sizes along with other adjacent products to simplify the buying process and encourage customers to purchase everything they need for their deck project in one go.
• DIY Email Campaign:  If you have an existing email marketing program, consider including an email campaign focused on DIY deck building and how CAMO makes the process easy.

From faster project completion to professional-looking results, CAMO empowers DIYers while fostering customer satisfaction and loyalty for your business. Support the growing legion of determined DIYers with user-friendly CAMO products and transform your deck-building section into their one-stop shop for project success. 

Building a floating deck is a great way to add extra outdoor living space without the hassle of digging or pouring concrete—and CAMO BLOCK makes it even better. These innovative blocks replace and outperform traditional cement block footings, providing a superior foundation for your free-standing deck project. Count on CAMO BLOCK for situations where traditional footings aren’t an option, and complete your new deck quickly while preserving your existing landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a first-time DIYer, CAMO BLOCK foundation blocks make it easy to get your floating deck project off the ground fast and with total confidence.

CAMO BLOCK: The Lightweight, Heavy-Duty Solution

CAMO BLOCK takes the hassle out of creating a solid foundation for your floating deck. With lightweight convenience and impressive strength, it’s designed to save you time, effort, and frustration—providing a foundation that’s easier to handle and install than traditional cement blocks, while delivering exceptional performance. Here’s what makes CAMO BLOCK the top choice in deck blocks:

• Easy-to-Handle: Stackable and weighing just 2.16 lbs., CAMO BLOCK is 18 times lighter than traditional concrete alternatives, making transportation and placement a breeze.
• Strong and Reliable: Each BLOCK supports up to 1,800 lbs. with the strength needed for a secure foundation without the bulk of cement blocks.
• Perfect Fit for Every Joist: CAMO BLOCKS are molded to fit standard joist (and post) sizes, whether you’re using 2×4, 2×6, or 2×8 wood joists or 2-inch metal joists.
• Easy Installation: CAMO BLOCK can be set up on any solid surface and even used on uneven ground with minimal leveling—and without time-consuming site preparation. CAMO BLOCK also saves money on the materials and labor associated with traditional footings.
• Durable: Made from polyolefin, these blocks resist cracking and chipping, even in cold weather, and the vented design promotes proper drainage to reduce the risk of mold and rot.

How to Use CAMO BLOCK for Your Floating Deck

Building a floating deck is simple, and with CAMO BLOCK, the process is even easier: No need to dig, pour concrete, or install beams or posts! CAMO makes it easy with their complete installation guide, but here’s all it takes:

1: Position CAMO BLOCKS

Remove 2 inches of topsoil, then fill with 3 inches of paver base material and compact it. If the ground is uneven, dig out to ensure each BLOCK is sitting on a level surface. Now, lay out your CAMO BLOCKS, spacing them up to 60 inches apart, based on your deck’s design (check out the CAMO BLOCK Installation Guide for the number of blocks you’ll need) and local building codes. No beams are required; the BLOCKS provide all the support you’ll need for your joists.

2: Insert Joists

Place your 2×4, 2×6, or 2×8 wood joists (or 2-inch metal joists) directly into the BLOCKS. CAMO BLOCKS are precision-molded to securely hold the joists in place.

3: Attach Decking

With the joists positioned, you can attach your decking. The weight of the decking, combined with the secure joist placement in the BLOCKS, keeps the structure stable.

If you’re installing grooved boards with clips, use CAMO LEVER to lock your boards into place so you can secure them quickly and precisely (and without an extra pair of hands). To really speed up your decking installation, attach CAMO ClipDRIVE to your drill for comfortable clip fastening while standing. For edge or face fastening, choose the CAMO DRIVE Stand-up Tool.

Build Smarter with CAMO BLOCK

Choose CAMO BLOCK and fly through your floating deck project, confident that your base is solid and reliable. Built to support your deck—and all the activities that will happen there—CAMO BLOCK makes foundation prep quick and easy, saving you time and effort. Build efficiently with CAMO for killer results and lasting quality you can count on.