DesignWood Interlocking Timbers by Thompson Industries, Inc., are landscaping timbers with male and female ends that interlock with a joint pin. They're pressure-treated southern yellow pine available in 4 x 4 and 6 x 6 with lengths of 2, 4, 6, and 8 feet, allowing you to create decorative landscape bordering, planters and retaining walls. Other projects could include a planter/bench top combination using their prebuilt 2 x 2-foot and 2 x 4-foot bench tops that work with the 4 x 4 timbers, a raised-bed garden, or a sandbox/bench top. This list can be as long as your imagination can carry you. In Figure 11-31, notice how well the DesignWood blends in with the environment and the deck, both as a border for the landscaping and to hold the pavers for the steps.

Figure 11-31  DesignWood interlocking landscaping timbers

Photo Courtesy of: Thompson Industries, Inc.

Manhours - Use these manhours for a landscaping project, using a crew of one and not including any excavating:

• 4 x 4: 0.045 manhours per linear foot.

• 6 x 6: 0.060 manhours per linear foot.

Have an open mind toward the alternative products now entering the market, and keep up with new developments. Your customers may already be aware of these products and eager to put them to use on their projects. Don't lose a sale because you're not aware of the latest in alternative products. You already know the deck market is very competitive, but being adaptable and flexible will help keep you on top of the competition. Now, let's look at products that can help to tie the surrounding environment to the structure.

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