Taking aim at a “rental-dominated” housing market that values portability, DeckWise offers hardwood decking squares that can be installed quickly and disassembled should the owners want to take their deck with them when they move.
The Bradenton, Fla., company offers the prefabricated decking panels in three species of wood — ipe, tigerwood (goncalo alves), and cumaru. Ipe squares are available with either a smooth or an anti-slip surface.
Tiles are installed on a flat surface with the help of polyethylene connectors, which incorporate integral spacers that keep gaps between tiles uniform, as well as pins that prevent the tiles from moving around.
Connectors are available in black, brown, and gray and can be cut in halves or quarters with a utility knife for use along edges or in corners.
Tiles are 20 inches square and about 1 1/8 inches thick, with ipe tiles also available in a 24-inch-square size with a smooth surface. Those are about 1 3/4 inches thick.
Suggested retail prices are $23 for the tigerwood and cumaru, and $24 or $40 each for the ipe, depending on size. Connectors cost $203 for a case of 78 pieces and can be purchased individually.
DeckWise makes a number of other decking-specific building products, including hidden fasteners, screws, and a board straightener for installing decking. — S.G.
DeckWise, 866/427-2547, deckwise.com