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. 

Ready to transform your limited urban space into a stylish oasis with a thoughtfully designed deck? This guide will equip you with design hacks and expert tips to maximize your outdoor experience, even in the smallest backyard.

Unlocking Space in Your Urban Deck Design

First, let’s explore some space-saving layouts and features that can help maximize your square footage.

• • Deck Shapes: Avoid complex shapes that can fragment the area and make it feel smaller. Stick to simple square or rectangular configurations that efficiently utilize your available space. Or, choose an L-shaped design that offers additional deck space with distinct zones, like a grilling station separated from your living and dining space.
  • Second-Story Decks: Explore the possibility of a second-story deck to maximize outdoor space. This is a great way to gain square-footage and create a private haven above the hustle and bustle of the city. Below, you can retain your yard or garden—or add a cozy patio.
  • Stair Placement: Tuck your stairs along the side or in a corner of the deck. This frees up valuable deck space for furniture or activities that would otherwise become just a space-eating walkway.
  • Railings: Avoid railings with thick posts and balusters. Opt for slim railings or those that provide a feeling of openness, like cables, metal mesh, or glass.
  • Multi-Purpose Built-ins: Planters and pergolas serve triple duty, allowing you to add greenery, privacy, and shade. By carefully integrating them, you can also save space while creating an interesting, cohesive design.
  • Under-deck Storage: Benches with storage can help wrangle clutter on your small deck, but plan to take advantage of hidden under-deck storage to stash even more items out of sight.
    

Modern Material Pairings for Urban Decks

When it comes to decking materials, consider options that create a modern feel and complement your urban environment. Here are some decking-and-railing pairings to spark your imagination:

Stained Wood

Stained wood may sound traditional, but there are plenty of ways to achieve a new twist on this classic for your city deck.

• Dark and Bold: Consider wood decking with a charcoal or smoky gray stain for a contemporary feel—and the added advantage of hiding dirt. Pair this with sleek metal railings for a bold urban look.
• Light and Breezy: For an airy feel, consider stain colors like light gray, driftwood, and taupe to reflect light and make your small deck feel larger. Complement these with glass railings for a minimalist look that maximizes your view.
• Colors with Personality: Your deck can be a great canvas for modern tones. Deep teals, refreshing blues, and sunny golds all make unique statements. Complement these stain colors with bright aluminum railings or artistic custom panels with a modern flair.

Composite & PVC Decking

Both composite and PVC decking offer a modern aesthetic in a low-maintenance package. Consider these stylish options for your urban deck:

• Wood-Grains: These manufactured boards mimic the look of real wood. Choose a straight grain pattern for a clean and contemporary aesthetic, and check out newer offerings designed with the look of interior hardwoods for seamless transitions from the indoors to the outside. Complement your choice with horizontal cable railings for a clean look and clear views.
• Solid Colors: Solid color composite or PVC deck boards come in a variety of hues. Consider a deep navy, a Caribbean blue, or a bright citrus shade to spice up your deck. Solid colors make a statement and pair well with minimal décor. Sleek black metal railings with a matte finish offer a pleasing contrast to their richness, perfect for a unique, sophisticated vibe.

Decking Layouts to Maximize Visual Space

The orientation of your decking boards can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your deck. While traditional parallel installation is the most common, alternative orientations can create the illusion of more space for your small deck.

• Diagonal Decking: This is a classic trick for making a small space feel larger. Running the deck boards diagonally draws the eye across the deck, creating a sense of expansiveness.
• Perpendicular Decking: For attached decks, orienting the boards perpendicular to the home can visually extend the feeling of the deck space outward from the house. This works best on rectangular decks, where the long side runs parallel to the house. 

These installations are more complex than parallel layouts, so factor in additional labor costs if you’re hiring out. Alternative orientations can also affect weight-bearing capacity, so be sure to call in a professional to assess the specific requirements of your design as needed, and always adhere to local building codes.

Fast & Easy Deck Installation with CAMO

Now that you’re inspired to transform your urban space with a stylish new deck, it’s time to consider efficient building solutions. CAMO offers a variety of products and tools designed to streamline your installation process.

• CAMO MARKSMAN Pro Tools: These tools are specifically designed for edge-fastening deck boards with CAMO Edge deck screws, creating a beautiful fastener-free surface. They work with a variety of deck materials, including pressure treated lumber, cedar, redwood, hardwood, composites, and PVC decking.
• CAMO DRIVE Tools: Just attach the DRIVE or ClipDRIVE tool to your drill and comfortably install your decking twice as fast.
• CAMO WEDGECLIP: These pre-assembled deck clips eliminate the need for pre-drilling and ensure consistent spacing between your deck boards. WEDGECLIP’s are designed for grooved wood, composite, and PVC deck board installations in any deck pattern on your wood joists.
• CAMO LEVER: This helpful tool straightens warped boards and secures them for fastening, replacing the need for extra hands and making your urban deck an achievable DIY project you can tackle yourself.
• DECK IN A BOX: This convenient kit includes everything you need to install 500 square feet of grooved composite decking, offering flexibility for larger projects—or perfect for partnering up with your favorite neighbor on twin decks. It includes board benders, hidden deck clips, and a stand-up tool for clip fastening–perfect for taking on your urban deck with ease.

With careful planning and attention to detail, your urban oasis is well within reach. By leveraging CAMO’s innovative deck tools and clips, you can efficiently build a modern deck that makes a big impact in your small space. Enjoy your chic retreat as you relax, entertain, and create backyard memories in the heart of the city.

How Do the Two Most Popular Types of Decking Stack Up?

Whether you’re resurfacing your deck or building a brand new one, a big decision is what type of deck boards you want to install. The two most popular options are pressure treated wood and composite. We’ve compared these two options based on three categories: cost of materials, installation time, and maintenance over time.

Cost of Materials

Costing around $1.25–$5.60 per linear foot, pressure treated lumber is a familiar product for pros and DIYers that won’t break the bank. However, you’ll also need to factor in the fastener cost. You can use any face screw with pressure treated wood, but it will come at the expense of making repairs down the road. So consider investing in a face screw that won’t crack or split the board or using an Edge fastening system that leaves the board’s surface free from fasteners.  

Composite decking manufacturers offer square and grooved decking at various price points, so you can find one that fits your budget, but you can expect to pay somewhere between $2.90 and $6 per linear foot. When it comes to fasteners, you could use a color-matched composite screw or spend a little more on a hidden fastener that results in a higher-end finish. For square decking, consider an Edge fastening system that secures the board through the edge, and for grooved decking, use Universal Deck Clips for a secure install.

Installation Time

Depending on the quality of pressure treated boards you get, you may have to spend some time straightening each board before you can fasten. Then, you can drive the screws by hand, bending over at each joist or moving around on your knees. If you want to save time— and your body —you could use a collated fastening tool that allows you to fasten while standing.

Although you won’t have to straighten them before fastening, square composite deck boards will take a similar amount of time to install compared to pressure treated boards. You can use color-matched face screws for a quick solution or a hidden system like plugs or Edge fastening, which will take a little longer but provide a better result.

Grooved composite decking is the fastest to install if you use Universal Deck Clips, which allows you to set multiple boards and clips before fastening. In addition to our easy-to-use clips, CAMO offers two stand-up tools, the ClipDRIVE and DRIVE, that speed up installation.

Deck Maintenance Over Time

After installation, you will spend more time working on a pressure treated deck to keep it looking its best and maximize its lifetime of about 15 years. That means you’ll be investing time every year to pressure wash, sand, repair, and stain your deck.

Composite boards, on the other hand, endure weather better, repel insects, and don’t require paints or stains. After installation, a simple sweep and scrub every year will keep the surface looking new. Plus, manufacturers often have warranties on their composite boards, giving you peace of mind over their lifetime of about 20+ years.

Ultimately deciding between wood and composite comes down to personal preference and how much time and money you want to put into your deck. Whichever board you choose, you can always take steps to build better to make your deck look great and last.