THE weekend warrior often underestimates the complexity of a deck build. Your lumberyard offers full lines of framing and decking materials, fasteners, stains and finishes, plus assorted power tools. You may also offer deck design services and an occasional how-to course.

There's another overlooked area, however, that ministers to the weekend warrior-deck-related hand tools.  These "helper" tools will help you to help your customer feel more relaxed and in control as he pushes that cart loaded with materials that he expects to transform into an envy-of-the-neighborhood deck. 

• BoWrench - This tool from Cepco provides a fast and effective way to straighten decking boards.  The longer the board, the more likely it is to have some warp. A tool like this saves time, aggravation and money. Operation involves placing the BoWrench over a joist, then pulling the lever arm and releasing it.  It works to align boards by either pushing or pulling them, then locks in place so the user may then fasten the boards to the deck framing.  

• DeckIt Deck Spacers - A simple spacing tool that fits over and hugs the joist, DeckIt deck spacers make gapping decking boards a no-brainer.  The spacers come in two sizes to provide a 1/8" gap (for most wood varieties) or a 3/16" gap (for most composite materials).

They are durable and easy to use. Only four or five are needed for an average size deck. They also work well in concert with BoWrench, when working the warp out of a board. Since DeckIts are made of polypropylene, they will not mar boards.

• Duckbill Deck Wrecker - Forrester's deck-specific tool for removing boards is a must-have for the homeowner who needs to get rid of an old deck before starting on the new one. Its upright design and long handle provide great leverage and permit the user to "wreck" the deck without spending a lot of time bending over. 

• Joist Jaw - This durable tool from Grabber comes two to a pack and works to hold the joist in place for installing joist hangers or other connectors. Especially helpful for the warrior who is working solo, the Joist Jaw clamps over a joist to temporarily hold it in place, level with the rim joist or ledger.

• Post Level - Various manufacturers offer this 90°-angled level, which allows for easy leveling of deck posts.  Simply hold the level flush on one corner of an upright post, and position until the three levels (one on each side, and down the spine) all read right. 

Here are a few more generic helpers that you might mention to your customer:

• Knee Pads - A must-have for building a deck.   Do your customer a favor and be sure to recommend these pain-savers. You can hold a bottle of ibuprofen in one hand and a pair of knee pads in the other, and just say, "Pick one."

Knee pads are especially meaningful for those who plan to apply a coat of stain to their new deck.

• Safety Glasses - Anyone who has ever had sawdust or, worse, in their eyes needs no urging to wear these, but the weekend warrior may appreciate a reminder to purchase and wear this inexpensive protective gear.

• Long Extension Cord - Your customer should have at least one of these that is long enough to reach from the power source to the farthest edge of the deck. You might also recommend the multi-outlet version with the internal circuit breaker.

These little helps go a long way to keeping that homeowner on his way to building a great deck with a bit less aggravation. They also become your hook for making sure that when they want to add an awning or outdoor kitchen, they think of your store over a competitor, and come back to you for more great products and guidance.  

- Diana Hanson is co-owner and operator of deck contractor Woodpile Construction, Meridian, Id., and Woodpile Products, maker of Deckit deck spacers. She is active in the North American Deck & Railing Association and frequently writes for industry publications. Contact her at diana.hanson@gmail.com.