Why You Should Be Using the Tiger Claw TC-G this Upcoming Deck Season

millheam — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:59:27 +0000

For the last five years, we’ve witnessed the incredible growth of the hidden fastener market. It’s no wonder why. A deck that uses hidden fasteners gives a more polished look—and the fasteners hitting the market are getting easier to use, which is great for DIYers.

Even though there many new fasteners hitting the market, when it comes to grooved boards, we’re still big fans of the Tiger Claw TC-G because of its versatility and ease-of-use.

TigerClaw TC-G Hidden Deck Fastener

Who wants to fumble around with multiple different fasteners for different applications when one durable and reliable fastener—the Tiger Claw TC-G—can meet all your needs?

In fact, we 100% guarantee that the Tiger Claw TC-G is a direct replacement for the following fasteners:

Fiberon Phantom
Ipe Clip Extreme 4
Invisi-Fast Hidden Deck Fastening System
EB-TY Hidden Deck Fastener
Mantis Deck Clips or Crown Clips
Deck Clip by Grabber
I-CLP System Fasco
Truemark Deck Fasteners
KleerKlip

The Tiger Claw TC-G will replace the following fasteners, but will leave a different gap:

Oasis for Kodiak (leaves 1/8″ gap – TC-G will leave 3/16″ gap)
Lumber Loc (leaves 1/4″ gap – TC-G will leave 3/16″ gap)
Equator (leaves 1/4″ gap – TC-G will leave 3/16″ gap)

Aside from versatility, the Tiger Claw TC-G gives you automatic 3/16″ deck board spacing, allows for some expansion and contraction, and it’s straightforward to install.

When you’re considering tackling your deck projects this upcoming deck season, we recommend the Tiger Claw TC-G as a drop-in replacement. Streamline your deck installs and build beautiful, fastener-free decks.

The TigerClaw TC-G is available now at www.diyhomecenter.com — or, if you have any questions about compatible fasteners, call us at 888-349-4660 or leave a comment below.

CAMO Marksman Pro NB Installation Tool for Narrow Deck Boards

millheam — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:01:41 +0000

Remember the buzz that the CAMO Marksman Pro created last year? The Marksman Pro made it easy to hide your deck fasteners and get a smooth, beautiful deck finish. It was fast and efficient, it almost felt a bit like cheating it worked so well.

Of course, we thought the tool was great—but since it couldn’t work with deck boards smaller than 5 ¼” we hoped that CAMO would offer a version that worked with narrow boards.

CAMO Marksman Pro NB

They’ve delivered. With the new CAMO Marksman Pro NB, you can work with boards from 3 ¼” to 5″. That’s huge—especially for hardwoods.

Like the Marksman Pro, the Marksman Pro NB is a tough, contractor-grade tool that will stand up to use and abuse. It works with any type of deck board, including composites, PVC, and wood. It requires no pre-drilling. Plus, the fasteners come with a limited lifetime warranty against rust and corrosion.

We think the Marksman Pro NB and the CAMO Deck Hidden Fastening System is great for contractors and do-it-yourselfers.

Since it’s sturdy and tough, contractors don’t have to worry about it breaking down while in the middle of a job. A do-it-yourselfer can rely on its ease of use—just set, load, and drive. The Marksman Pro – NB even helps you get seamless 3/16″ deck board spacing.

We’re excited to be offering this tool—and it’s available right now. Check out the full line of CAMO products at www.diyhomecenter.com — or, if you have any questions, call us at 888-349-4660 or leave a comment below.

Let HeatTrak Snow Melting Mats Set You Free From Snow Shoveling Worries

millheam — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 21:14:14 +0000

Wondering what gift to give your grandparents this year? Consider the opportunities that HeatTrak snow melting mats might provide for an elderly couple—or anyone else with home or business walkways to clear every time it snows. Although snow looks light and fluffy, anyone who has ever shoveled a snow-covered walkway knows just how heavy it is. Every year, close to 11,000 adults and children end up with injuries related to shoveling snow that are severe enough for a doctor’s care. Strained muscles, ligaments and tendons, broken bones and head injuries are among the most common complaints, as are heart-related problems, particularly in men over the age of 55.

HeatTrak Snow Melting Mats

HeatTrak snow melting mats provide a better way to clear snow and ice from sidewalks and porch steps. Using electricity from a nearby outdoor outlet, these mats heat up and melt snow as it falls to prevent dangerous icy buildup along your walkways. If you wake up to find an unexpected fresh snowfall, just turn on the mats and it will melt the snow at a rate of about two inches every hour. Once the mats are set up, they can stay outside all winter so they’re ready at any time.

HeatTrak offers snow melting mats for both home and commercial use in a variety of sizes, including two sizes designed specifically for use on stairs. All mats come with watertight connectors built in so they can be connected in a chain to cover multiple surfaces. The mats simply plug into an outdoor outlet, or they can be wired to connect to a switch inside your home or business. HeatTrak also offers an optional snow-sensing controller that operates automatically whenever snow begins to fall.

DIY Home Center carries a wide range of HeatTrak melting mats Mats for walkways and stairs.

Cortex by FastenMaster: Set the Screw, Set the Plug…And Your Deck is Set!

diyhomecenter — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:47:15 +0000

Hidden fastening systems all suffer from the weaknesses of increased complexity. All the various clips, brackets and other hardware are all subject to corrosion, improper installation and structural failure. This fact can be frustrating for homeowners and contractors alike as they plan construction of new or renovation of existing decks.

: FastenMaster’s Cortex Concealed Fastening System for Decking

FastenMaster has risen above the rest with the Cortex Concealed Fastening System. Cortex is the fastest, easiest way to conceal the heads of your deck screws on market-leading deck board types. Set the screw, set the plug, and you’re all set…you won’t even need to caulk, sand or paint!

Cortex offers a strong connection between the deck board and the joist and can conceal fasteners across the entire deck: first and last board, perimeter, and stairs. Available for popular decking brands, including Trex, TimberTech, Azek and EverGrain, the Cortex Hidden Fastener plugs are made from OEM manufacturer decking boards to ensure a proper color match. Each box of Cortex includes everything you need: screws, set plugs and setting tools; and can be easily installed with a standard drill.

Cortex’s simplicity is its strength. Nothing can beat the simplicity and strength of a through the deck board screw. Once the plug is installed, the screw is hidden and sealed off from the elements. When installed according to the instructions, these plugs are difficult if not impossible to find. End result: Your deck is strong and perfectly consistent in appearance. Now that’s a job well done.

12,500 Diapers Donated to diaperLove! Thank You!

diyhomecenter — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:45:43 +0000

For growing numbers of families caught in personal or economic crisis and natural disasters, a supply of disposable diapers is an ongoing critical need that is unrecognized and unmet. There are wonderful organizations that feed, clothe, heal and house children, but a major void exists in meeting the basic, fundamental, hygienic need for an adequate supply of diapers. To address this vacancy, the diaperLove charity was created to provide diapers to children in need.

DiaperLove Donation with Purely UV Bulbs

We at DIY Home Center were humbled to be partnering with diaperLove and Purely Products to cover as many bottoms as we could in 2011 by donating 12 diapers with any Purely UV bulb purchase. We are so happy to announce that we have already achieved our goal of 12,500 diapers, three months early!

We would like to first thank to Purely Products for their assistance in facilitating this partnership. A company who aims to put products in customers’ hands that make eco-friendly decisions for clean, healthy living easier ad more affordable, Purely UV’s 100% quartz UV germicidal replacements bulbs for air, water and pond filters and sterilizers are top rate tools for cleanliness, and we are proud to carry such an exceptional product.

Secondly, we would like to thank diaperLove for working tirelessly to assist children and families in need of diapers. Their work eases the burden of this important hygienic need in communities throughout the country, and we are all stronger because of their assistance.

Lastly, we thank everyone who helped us reach this goal of 12,500 diapers donated by purchasing Purely UV bulbs from us. With diaperLove helping communities, Purely Products promoting good health with superior products like UV bulbs, and our customers helping us achieve this lofty goal with these organizations, we realize how lucky we are.

The Best Time to Apply Penofin Deck Stain

diyhomecenter — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:21:18 +0000

As the high heat and humidity of summer retreats, conditions become perfect to stain and/or clean your wood and concrete. When it comes to this important job which preserves the quality of key elements of your outdoor space like decks, patios and walkways, there is none better than Penofin.

Penofin Blue Label Exterior Penetrating Oil Finish

Penofin deck stains, with their revolutionary formula, penetrate deep into the wood’s surface, coating the individual fibers of the wood and allowing moisture to pass in and out. All Penofin stains contain Brazilian Rosewood Oil, which is a strong, flexible, water and mildew resistant oil that is sustainably harvested from the seeds of the Brazilian Rosewood tree (no trees are cut for production). Rosewood oil allows wood to retain its flexibility and creates no surface film.

Many times, we get questions about when to apply Penofin stain to surfaces. Generally speaking, you should not apply Penofin outdoors at temperatures under 45 degrees or above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A good rule of thumb is to trust your own temperature gauge. If you put your hand on the wood and it’s uncomfortably hot, then it is too hot to apply Penofin. The product may flash (like oil in a hot pan) and dry on the surface, which will eventually cause darkening and the coat will chip and peel. If your nose is cold, it’s too cold to apply Penofin. The product will not penetrate the wood as efficiently at colder temperatures and the application will not last as long. The cooler temperatures of fall provide an ideal temperature range for any Penofin application. As for rain, ideally you should apply Penofin 24 hours after rain when there is no chance for more rain in the proceeding 24 hours.

With Penofin stain, you will never see cracking, bubbling or peeling. In fact, you will never need to strip or sand again! Simply clean the wood thoroughly, let dry and apply a light coat to any areas of the wood that may show wear and tear….it will easily blend in with the rest of the application. Furthermore, Penofin contains superior ultraviolet protection, which virtually eliminates fading due to sunlight. For instance, Blue Label Penofin has 90% ultraviolet protection from transoxide pigments.

DIY Home Center carries a wide range of Penofin stain applications – Wood Prep, Exterior Wood, Interior Wood, Composite Wood, Concrete and Marine – from the Blue, Red, Gold and Green labels in quarts, gallons and five gallons.

Kronotex Laminate Flooring – Beautiful, Durable, Affordable

diyhomecenter — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:43:42 +0000

: Kronotex Laminate Flooring

Look beneath your feet. What do you see? Dingy carpeting that’s old and tired? Stains like grape juice, wine or pet messes from everyday life? Do you wish that you could install flooring that is attractive and easy-to-clean, without the expense of hardwood? Our new Kronotex Laminate Flooring is just what your tired floors need!

Kronotex Laminate Flooring stands up to feet stomping, paws scratching and other things known to destroy hardwood in a heartbeat. And, with a surface infused with melamine, your Kronotex floor will also be resistant to dirt and dust as well.

In addition to being attractive, tough and economical, Kronotex Flooring has several green benefits. All designs contain a wood fiber core made with ecologically sustainable pine trees, providing the look and feel of exotic hardwoods without harming exotic or endangered species. In Kronotex Laminate Flooring production, the manufacturer is able to use almost every part of the tree for a more efficient manufacturing process. Regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping with a mild cleaning solution will keep your floor looking like new for years to come, with no need for harsh chemicals.

DIY Home Center now proudly offers Kronotex products in these beautiful wood collections: Aberdeen, Amazone, Beaufort, Cherry Valley, Designer Series, Herrington and Wilmington.

CAMO Hidden Deck Fastening System at DIY Home Center

diyhomecenter — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:42:05 +0000

Everyone wants a safe, secure and beautiful deck. The CAMO Hidden Deck Fastening System will get you there both affordably and easily. The system works on any treated lumber, hardwood, cedar, composite or PVC deckboard and delivers the fastener-free surface homeowners want for their deck retreats. CAMO deck screws and a CAMO Marksman tool will help you get the job done at a price that makes getting the project easy as a contractor, and installing the deck even easier, whether its a professional install or a do-it-yourself undertaking.

CAMO Hidden Deck Fastening System

Hidden in the side of the board, CAMO deck screws create a beautiful, fastener-free deck surface. Easy to install using either Marksman tool, CAMO secures deck boards directly to the joist to reduce board movement, and they back out easily in the event a board needs to be replaced. No pre-drilling is required! And CAMO deck screws come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty that guarantees against rust and corrosion for the life of the project.

A reverse rake tip removes deck material as it bores, allowing the screw to penetrate the board without splitting. A star drive offers more points of contact for better performance and reduces bit slippage and wear. An aggressive lower thread pattern provides superior holding power while the reverse upper thread pulls the board tight to the joist and provides a clean, finished entry. A unique trimhead design provides a less visible point of entry.

CAMO Hidden Fasteners were independently tested by Architectural Testing Inc. (ATI) and exceeded ASTM Uplift Resistance standards in all solid and grooved wood, composite, and PVC and boards tested. CAMO also exceeded ASTM Thermal Cycling standards in all solid wood, composite, and PVC and boards tested.

Watch this three-minute video and see why lumber industry veterans are saying the CAMO system is one of the best hidden fastener systems on the market:

CAMO Hidden fasteners are available in 100 Count, 350 Count, 700 Count and 1750 Count packs. DIY Home Center is an authorized supplier and offers free shipping on most orders!

auraMIST 16 Inch Dry Misting Fan Cools Down Homeowners

diyhomecenter — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:25:36 +0000

When nature turns up the heat and the humidity, do you ever find yourself frustrated by the discomfort of an otherwise beautiful day…sweat pouring down your face, your insides heating up? We have just what you need! Our new 16 inch auraMIST fan is designed to cool you, your friends and your family poolside, on the deck or on your patio!

: auraMIST 16 Inch Dry Misting Fan

The only fan with adjustable mist on the market, auraMIST 16 uses 80% less water than any other misting fan while cooling. In fact, it reduces the temperature up to 30° F with a refreshing mist that is “dry”, so your clothes, food, furniture, floors or the spirits of your guests never get damp or wet. Moreover, no slippery floors ensure safety.

The auraMIST fan is eco-friendly and energy efficient, using less than 200 watts of energy for either indoor or outdoor use. Its unique mist volume control allows you to adjust mist output to your own comfort level, and the three speed fan settings further the ability to adjust cooling preference. Furthermore, the 16″ fan head oscillates 90°, providing a wide area of cooling.

Now you can safeguard your family, friends and pets from summer heat with a new 16″ auraMIST fan, the perfect tool for BBQ’s, parties, decks, garages or anywhere you work and play!

M Brace Raised Bed Corners for Easy Elevated Gardens

diyhomecenter — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:07:02 +0000

Do you live in an area with less than ideal soil quality? Maybe you just want to separate your plants, like fruits and vegetables or flowers, from the surrounding area. The M Brace™ Raised Garden Bed Bracket by Outdoor Essentials is the answer to your gardening needs!

Before the summer heat, the raised bed corners elevate your garden, allowing you to work with soil during spring’s awakening to jump start to your gardening. Raised beds are low maintenance due to their compact construction, height and well-defined space, and allow for both better drainage and easy access throughout the garden season.

Outdoor Essentials M Brace, Swirl Design

The M Brace raises your garden to loftier heights with American-made recycled metal, helping you to create a raised garden bed using common lumber—even old fence boards or grape stakes. Portable and adjustable up to 12 feet per side, this unique design allows you enjoy an accessible, easy to tend raised garden bed that you can fill with the soil your plants need. Moreover, the wide range of design choices for your raised bed corners, from squiggles to bars to carrots, is sure to bring a touch of individuality to your outdoor space!

The M Brace is easily assembled in a simple three step process:

Cut the boards.
Stack the boards in the M Brace.
Fill with soil.

That’s it! Available in unfinished steel or antique bronze finish, this great product was purposely designed to have superior strength, so no need to worry about flimsy corners or inclement weather. To see the easy installation of this
comely product in action, check out this video:

Extend your planting season, love your garden and beautify your corner of the world, all at the same time with Outdoor Essentials M Brace Raised Garden Bed Bracket, now at DIY Home Center!