DeckExpo Las Vegas 2025 from the other side of the pond

By Karl Harrison – The UK Decking Guy in the hat

Vegas, baby—DeckExpo edition

DeckExpo Las Vegas was loud, bright and gloriously over-the-top—exactly what you want from the world’s biggest decking meet-up. Breakfasts were vast, dinners even vaster, and the portion control was—let’s say—spectacular. Everything about Vegas is a spectacle, only slightly larger than what we’re used to in the UK… multiplied by a bazillion. And yes, the US decking industry dwarfs the UK; think a £500m UK market vs a multi-billion US behemoth. That contrast makes DeckExpo the perfect place to learn, share and bring fresh thinking back across the Atlantic.

Stars of the show (thank you, Decking legends)

I met some brilliant people and brands pushing our sector forward:

• Jeff, Deckorators® – cheers for the hats for my UK pro installers; Excursion mineral boards continue to impress.
• Jason, AKA Dr Decks – you all know him; craftsmanship, content and curves for days.
• Michael, NADRA – the global vision lands well with UK pros.
• Jarret, Fiberon – loved the colourways and finish control.
• Brett, MOSO® Bamboo – a serious alternative to tropical hardwoods.
• Mike, Fortress Building Products – steel framing done right; tidy step detailing.
• Brent, Starborn Industries Inc. – a fixings range with purpose.
• Anthony & Shaun, FastenMaster – clever frame-protection coating stepping in where tape used to live.
• Leslie, Azenco-outdoor – effortlessly stylish pergolas; beautifully engineered.
• Kris, in-lite – smart, modern garden lighting that actually talks to designers.
• April, Deck Builder Marketers – razor-sharp strategy for growth.
• Jodie, LBM Journal – great to meet you; editorial minds aligned.
• BJD & BM – you know who you are; thank you.

What I brought home (besides jet lag)

First, systems thinking is winning: sub-frames, fasteners, lighting, and maintenance as a single conversation. Second, education is king—clear span data, fire performance, traction, and installation detail are what convert interest into spec. Finally, content matters: pros want real demos, honest comparisons and repeatable methods they can trust on site.

Why DeckExpo matters to UK pros

DeckExpo isn’t just a showroom; it’s a pipeline of ideas we can adapt for British gardens, roofs and terraces. From mineral boards with low movement to steel and aluminium framing that thrives above waterproof membranes, the lessons translate directly to our climate, codes and client expectations. In short, it helps us design smarter, build cleaner and hand over projects that stay beautiful longer.

See you next year—New Orleans!

This year we soaked up Las Vegas; next year DeckExpo lands in New Orleans, Louisiana. Expect the same energy with a different soundtrack (and maybe spicier breakfasts). I’ll be there—hat on, notebook out—hunting the details that matter to designers, merchants and installers back home.

Final word from the UK Decking Guy

If we spoke at the show—thank you. If we didn’t, connect with me and the community at Decking Network. I’ll keep sharing what’s new, what works and what to avoid. Together we’ll bridge the pond, one smart installation at a time.

Stay tuned on the Decking Network for post-show breakdowns, product deep dives and live demos. Questions, samples or training requests? Drop me a line. Let’s make the next season our best yet.

Contact advice@deckingnetwork.com