When it comes to deck building, time is of the essence.
Both contractors and homeowners are increasingly prioritizing project timelines and quick completion. This shift in expectation is driving significant changes in the decking fastener market, where speed and efficiency have become paramount.
One of the major challenges facing the construction industry today is the decreasing availability of skilled labor. Contractors are often forced to work with smaller crews or hire less skilled workers.
Consequently, they need to complete jobs as quickly as possible to maintain their revenue streams.
Fasteners play a critical role because they represent a substantial portion of the time spent on any decking job. Every decking project involves the use of hundreds, if not thousands, of fasteners in both deck boards and cable rail installations. The faster and easier a fastener is to use, the quicker the job can be completed.
Innovations in Fastener Design
To address the need for speed, fastener brands have made several innovations in product design. These new designs focus on ease of use and a quick installation process, reducing errors and accelerating project timelines.
Hidden Deck Clips
One notable innovation is the development of hidden deck clips. These clips are designed to provide strength, stability, and speed in grooved deck board installations.
The design features compression fit levers that hold the clip in place, accelerating the installation process. Serrated metal teeth securely hold the boards in place, while pre-assembled fasteners eliminate the need to fumble for separate components.
This integration of the fastener into the clip significantly reduces installation time, allowing contractors to complete jobs faster and move on to the next project.
Specialized Screws
Another trend is the creation of specialized screws for different decking materials, especially wood and composite decking. These screws are engineered to provide optimal performance for their specific applications.
For instance, wood screws designed for building wooden decks and fences feature advanced tips, dual-action auger threads, and unique shank designs that speed up installation.
Composite screws, on the other hand, come with aggressive saw teeth and undercut heads to ensure a secure and efficient installation in composite and PVC decking.
Many of these specialized screws are also offered in multiple colors to create a seamless and aesthetically pleasing finish, matching the deck material perfectly.
Simplifying Cable Railing Installation
Cable railing systems have also benefited from innovations aimed at reducing installation time and complexity. New installation accessories, such as express mount brackets, have made it possible to install cable railing with basic tools and minimal training.
These brackets eliminate the need to drill through deck posts, simplifying the installation process significantly. Contractors can now install cable railing by simply attaching the bracket to a post, feeding the cable through, and tightening it to secure the railing.
This not only speeds up the installation process but also reduces material use and overall project costs.
The Impact on Contractor Productivity
These advancements in fastener technology are helping to improve contractor productivity. By reducing the time spent on each job, contractors can take on more projects and increase their revenue.
Fasteners that are easy to use and quick to install enable contractors to meet tight deadlines and exceed customer expectations. This efficiency is particularly important in an industry where delays can lead to increased costs and decreased customer satisfaction.
As the demand for outdoor spaces continues to grow, and available labor decreases, contractors will face increasing pressure to complete jobs quickly. They will look for fasteners that install easily and quickly.
Manufacturers are responding to this demand by developing fasteners that are not only easy to use but also provide superior performance and durability.
Danielle Cook is the senior product manager, fasteners for PrimeSource Building Products. She can be reached at lesterd@primesourcebp.com.
