Flush Beam vs Drop Beam: Which is Better for Your Deck?
I call beams the “backbone” of deck framing. They support joists, which hold the deck boards and the deck’s weight above. When designing your deck, decide whether to use a…
Mentioned In:
Deck Specialist
Building Products Digest
Merchant Magazine
Homes & Gardens
Turf Magazine
West Sound Magazine
Experience
- Dave Kile is the owner of IBP, LLC, the company behind some of the decking industry’s most successful innovations, including Trex RainEscape, Trex Protect and Trex Seal.
- Dave got his start in the construction business in the early 1990s, while still in college, as an outside sales representative for 84 Lumber.
- He spent more than a decade in sales and sales management with Capital Lumber, the leading distributor of building materials, before starting IBP in 2003.
- During the first few years, Dave focused on growing sales for an innovative deck drainage product called RainEscape®. Unlike other drainage products that install below the joists of a deck substructure, this revolutionary system installs above the joists to protect the entire substructure from moisture while also creating dry, usable space beneath a deck. The product captured the attention of contractors for its superior aesthetics and ease of installation.
- Through the process of selling Trex RainEscape, Kile identified a problem – and ultimately an opportunity – in the marketplace. Due to new tree harvesting practices and wood treatments, the quality of deck joists worsened and joists were no longer lasting as long as they once did. With Dave’s innovative creativity and business acumen he created the foremost product in the joist protection category with Trex Protect Joist, Beam and Rim Tape.
Expertise
- Entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovative product development and new business opportunities.
- Ability to bring new products to market that improve efficiency and effectiveness in the deck building industry.
- Proven leader that builds strong teams.
Building Code for Sistering Joists
To sister a joist means to fasten a new joist alongside an existing one. It’s a tried-and-true method for repairing damaged joists, strengthening weak ones, reinforcing sound joists to bear…
Deck Board Size Guide: Choosing the Right Width and Thickness
Most homeowners don’t start a deck project thinking about board size. In my experience, they start with color, grain, or pattern instead. Board size is usually an afterthought, but it…
Deck Board Overhang Rules
After decades in the decking industry, I’ve learned that it’s often the small details that make the biggest difference in the life of a deck. One of those less-discussed details…
Cost of Deck Installation: How Much Does It Actually Cost in 2025?
Creating functional outdoor living spaces has become increasingly popular, with homeowners and prospective buyers alike recognizing the value. From my own experience, I’ve witnessed how the right deck can not…
What is Composite Decking?
In my decades of building decks, I’ve learned that when it comes to outdoor living, the easier the living, the better. After all, who wants to spend their weekends maintaining…
How to Build a Floating Deck
A floating deck is one of the easiest ways to get your hands on a solid outdoor space. With no ledger board to attach to the house and no major…
What is Deck Joist Tape? A Complete Overview
As someone who’s spent decades in the decking industry, I’ve seen—and been a proud part of—a lot of innovation, especially in how we preserve and extend the life of our…
Deck Screws vs Construction Screws: What’s the Right Choice?
When constructing a deck – or any structure around your home – choosing the correct fastener is essential for the project’s safety and durability. I caution homeowners that they shouldn’t…
Can You Paint or Stain Composite Decking?
The short answer is no. You shouldn’t paint or stain your Trex® composite decking. But I suggest you read on to hear why and the rare cases when it “might”…