Installing a plastic drainage system isn’t the only way to create a dry zone beneath an outdoor deck. DryJoist’s structural aluminum planks take the place of conventional joists and provide a foundation for finish decking while simultaneously forming a waterproof barrier.

The planks — made of 6005-TS marine-grade extruded aluminum — can span up to 8 feet without any intermediate supports and can be cantilevered up to 18 inches. They’re connected with joint covers that also keep out water. Decking is screwed to anchor clips, which can be installed at any point along the water channel without compromising weathertightness. The company recommends the system be installed with a pitch of 1/8 inch per foot.

DryJoist is available in lengths of up to 24 feet, in widths of either 4 inches or 8 inches. It comes with an ivory-colored powder-coated finish, but the company says it can be painted. The aluminum components weigh about half as much as similar-size components made of wood.

A matching railing system also is available. Post connectors are screwed through the finish decking into anchor clips, which makes for a simpler installation than a conventional railing system on a wood deck. Rail posts are available in 36-inch and 42-inch heights. The system meets structural requirements of the International Building Code, the company says.

Original article

Leading manufacturers will be building decks from the ground up onsite at the 2008 Remodeling Show. This is a prime opportunity for you to learn more about the deck-building industry and how it can help you diversify and grow your current business offerings.

Participating exhibitors will have a 20x20 area starting with bare floor on day one of the show and on Day 3 a deck will take it's place. Contestants will be judged by editors and all designs will be featured after the show in Professional Deck Builder magazine and online at both the DeckExpo and Remodeling Show websites.

Come see how creative the participating companies can be in a limited space with limited time!

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Comments from Wahoo Decks
October 2008

“DryJoist participated with the ‘Deck Design Competition’ to not only introduce the waterproof deck joists but also to demonstrate that constructing a dry outdoor living space is no longer an afterthought or an outsourced ‘add-on’ but an integrated design feature that is engineered into the actual construction materials used to build or refurbish a deck.”
-Terrie Kwiatkowski, Senior Marketing Analyst