Outdoor living spaces are extensions of our homes, and decking is at the heart of them. A well-designed deck provides the perfect backdrop for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the beauty of nature. Due to aesthetic appeal, homeowners still seek natural wood or a sustainable alternative that mimics wood’s natural grain. Today, homeowners can be assured that with new systems, their decks will stand the test of time with minimal upkeep, longevity, and sustainability.
With new innovative designs and advanced materials, systems like Grad offer compelling alternatives to traditional deck building. Weather is always an issue for the longevity of any deck; no matter the material, water, and humidity can cause boards to cup. With the Grad System, there is no contact with the joists and deck boards, offering better ventilation and preventing water traps that can cause cupping.
Let’s explore how the Grad System transforms outdoor living by providing a superior decking solution with outstanding benefits for contractors, builders, and homeowners.
About Grad
Grad is a hidden clip system for decks, cladding, and more. A revolutionary approach to decking, the Grad System is designed to simplify installation—a shout-out to timesaving and efficiency. Not to mention, it is long-lasting and highly stable. The Grad System addresses the limitations of traditional decking, ushering in a new era of outdoor living that prioritizes both beauty and function.
The aluminum track and plastic clips are made of high-grade materials focused on sustainability and durability. The aluminum rails are made from 80% recycled aluminum and are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and non-flammable. The clips are made from the same material used for ski boots—polyoxymethylene (POM)—with excellent resistance to moisture and chemicals of neutral pH. Highly durable, the plastic components keep their natural elasticity over time.
Easy Installation for All Applications
For decking, the Grad aluminum rails fit perfectly over wood or steel deck joists (not across), over concrete floors with low clearance, and directly onto flat surfaces without joists. The aluminum tracks on which Grad clips are pre-fixed make measuring and cutting deck boards easy.
Installation is simple. Just snap deck boards onto the clips without using fasteners. There’s no need to pre-drill boards or check the alignment or gap size. The finished product gives a smooth and uniform look and feel.
Deck boards can be removed to access the subdeck and then put back in place, making retrieving small items or making simple repairs easy.
For rooftop and platform decks, we recommend using Grad pedestals—made from Polypropylene (PP) mixed with talc and fiberglass—that lay directly onto flat or irregular surfaces like concrete, grass, or gravel with a maximum slope of 4%.
The Advantages of the Grad System
The Grad System translates to one of the most significant advantages for contractors today: efficiency and reputation. Grad’s streamlined installation process requires less labor and time than traditional decking, leading to faster project completion and cost savings. The system’s durable, low-maintenance nature reduces the need for callbacks and repairs, bolstering your credibility. Couple these benefits with the Grad System’s versatility, allowing contractors to cater to diverse design preferences, expanding their portfolio, and improving their bottom line.
A preferred partner, Issaquah Lumber is one of four suppliers nationwide that custom-mill wood products from our Cascade Collection designed specifically for the Grad System. This summer, we added a second Grad milling machine to keep up with the demand for the Grad System.
How to Order
Our customers can order directly from us. With our expertise and knowledge of the Grad System, the Issaquah Lumber team can guide our customers through the selection process, ensuring they choose the right products for their specific needs.
