Free Decking Sample Delivery A Comprehensive Guide To Composite Decking Samples

Introduction

For homeowners considering building or renovating a deck, selecting the right materials can be a challenging decision. With numerous composite decking options available, each claiming different benefits, durability, and aesthetic qualities, many consumers appreciate the opportunity to evaluate products before making a significant investment. Fortunately, numerous decking manufacturers and retailers offer free sample programs that allow customers to receive physical samples of their products delivered directly to their homes. These programs enable consumers to touch, see, and compare different materials, colors, and finishes in their own outdoor environment. This guide explores the various deck sample delivery options available across the United States, detailing how consumers can request these samples, what to expect upon delivery, and how to make the most of these no-cost evaluation opportunities.

Overview of Deck Sample Programs

Deck sample programs serve as a valuable resource for homeowners throughout the deck planning and selection process. These programs typically provide small sections of actual decking materials that consumers can examine up close, compare side-by-side, and test in their intended installation environment. Most samples range from 3-inch to 12-inch pieces of decking boards, allowing customers to assess color, texture, grain pattern, and finish quality.

The primary purpose of these sample programs is to help consumers make informed decisions about their decking investment. By physically handling the materials, homeowners can evaluate factors such as weight, texture, slip resistance, and color accuracy under different lighting conditions. Many manufacturers also include informational materials with their samples, highlighting product features, benefits, technical specifications, and care instructions.

Participation in deck sample programs generally requires only basic contact information, with most companies offering these samples at no charge. However, some programs may impose limitations on the number of samples or sample kits that can be requested per household or per order. Additionally, while most sample programs are free, some manufacturers may apply a small handling fee that is typically refundable upon purchase of their products.

Brands Offering Free Deck Samples

Several leading decking manufacturers and retailers across the United States offer free sample programs to potential customers. Each company has its own approach to sample distribution, with variations in the types of samples available, the ordering process, and shipping policies.

Decks & Docks provides free decking samples of every product and color in their inventory. Customers can request samples through their website, which are then shipped directly to the specified address. Alternatively, customers may visit one of their showrooms to browse the collection in person and take their preferred options home.

Decko DIY offers various sample options through their website, including individual tiles, ramps, corners, and free sample packs. Their product range includes different price points, with sample packs ranging from $5.90 to $87.89. Notably, their DECKO Sample Box includes 11 premium WPC interlocking tiles with a $5.90 handling fee for color samples, which is fully refundable.

TruNorth Decking currently offers a limited-time promotion allowing customers to request four free samples. These samples are delivered at no charge, with the discount automatically applied at checkout. The company emphasizes that there is no obligation to purchase and no billing information required to receive the samples.

Deckorators provides FREE 3" samples that customers can select from their website. Customers may choose up to six individual boards or one sample kit that includes six pre-selected boards. The company limits orders to one per household, with a maximum of six samples or one sample kit per order.

Millboard offers up to three free samples of their composite decking or siding products. Sample packs are delivered free of charge to the lower-48 US states and include a complimentary Millboard brochure. For customers outside the UK, Millboard may forward their request to a distributor in their region for fulfillment.

TimberTech provides sample kits that feature a curated selection of their most popular decking samples. These kits allow customers to touch, see, and feel the realistic wood aesthetic in person. Each kit includes a guide to textures, styles, and colors to help inspire deck design ideas. TimberTech also offers free samples and shipping on various deck board options with different features, finishes, and color options.

Sample Types and Sizes Available

Deck manufacturers offer various types of samples to help consumers evaluate their products. The most common sample formats include individual board samples, sample packs, and comprehensive sample kits.

Individual board samples typically measure 3 inches in width and vary in length from 6 to 12 inches. These smaller samples allow customers to see the surface texture, color, and grain pattern up close. Deckorators offers 3" samples that customers can select individually, with a limit of six per order.

Sample packs generally include multiple small pieces of different products or colors. For instance, Decko DIY offers various sample packs with prices ranging from $5.90 to $87.89, containing different combinations of tile strips and sample bases. These packs are useful for comparing multiple options side-by-side.

Sample kits represent a more comprehensive approach, containing a curated selection of a manufacturer's most popular products. TimberTech's sample kits include multiple deck board samples that represent their best-selling items and different color families. These kits often come with informational guides that provide additional context about textures, styles, and installation considerations.

Some manufacturers also offer specialized sample formats. TruNorth Decking provides four free samples per request, while Millboard allows customers to request up to three free samples of their composite decking or siding products. DECKO offers a unique "Sample Box" option that includes 11 premium WPC interlocking tiles, providing customers with a more substantial quantity of material for evaluation.

The materials used in these samples vary by manufacturer and product line. Most samples are made from the same composite materials as the full-sized decking boards, ensuring that the appearance and texture match the final product. Manufacturers often highlight specific features in their samples, such as wire-brushed finishes, hand-scraped textures, or specialized color blending techniques.

Ordering Process and Requirements

The process of ordering deck samples is generally straightforward and designed to be accessible to homeowners at any stage of their deck planning process. While specific procedures vary by manufacturer, the basic steps remain similar across most companies.

To begin, customers typically visit the manufacturer's website and navigate to the sample request section. Here, they can browse the available sample options and select the products they wish to receive. Most websites allow customers to choose either specific products or pre-selected sample kits.

For companies like Deckorators, customers can select up to six individual boards or choose one sample kit containing six pre-selected boards. The website enforces a maximum of six samples or one sample kit per order, with a reminder that customers must remove one item before adding another if they exceed this limit.

Millboard requires customers to specify the type, color, and collection of samples they wish to receive. This structured approach helps ensure that customers receive samples that align with their specific interests and project requirements.

TruNorth Decking offers a simplified ordering process for their limited-time sample promotion, where customers can request four free samples through a straightforward order form. The company emphasizes that no billing information is required to receive these samples.

After selecting their samples, customers proceed to checkout, where they provide their shipping information. Most companies require only basic contact details such as name, address, and phone number. Some manufacturers may collect additional information about the project timeline or location, which they use to connect customers with local retailers or installers.

At checkout, some companies automatically apply discounts for sample orders. TruNorth Decking, for example, applies a no-charge discount automatically at checkout, ensuring customers receive their samples without any payment. Decko DIY's sample orders typically include handling fees, though these may be refundable under certain conditions.

Upon completing the order, customers receive confirmation emails with details about their sample request, including shipping information and estimated delivery timelines. Most companies process sample orders within a few business days, though processing times may vary depending on product availability and order volume.

Shipping and Delivery Information

Shipping policies for deck samples vary among manufacturers, with some offering completely free shipping while others may apply handling fees or geographic restrictions. Understanding these shipping details helps customers set appropriate expectations for delivery timelines and potential costs.

Millboard explicitly states that all sample packs are delivered free of charge to the lower-48 US states. The company includes a complimentary Millboard brochure with each shipment, providing additional product information. For customers outside the continental United States, Millboard may transfer their request to a distributor in their region for fulfillment.

TruNorth Decking offers free delivery for their four-sample promotion, with no shipping charges applied to orders. The company operates with a network of retailers across the United States and may connect customers with local partners depending on their location.

TimberTech provides free samples with shipping included, as indicated in their sample ordering information. This policy applies across their various deck board options with different features, finishes, and color options.

Decks & Docks ships samples directly to customers' addresses, though they do not specify whether shipping is included in the no-cost sample offer. The company also mentions that customers can visit their showrooms to browse collections and take samples home, providing an alternative to home delivery.

Decko DIY's sample ordering process includes delivery/pickup options at checkout, suggesting that customers may have a choice between home delivery and in-store pickup. This flexibility can be advantageous for customers who prefer immediate access to samples or who live near a physical location.

The delivery timeframe for deck samples varies by manufacturer and shipping method. Most companies process sample orders within 3-5 business days, with additional transit time depending on the customer's location relative to the shipping facility. Some manufacturers provide tracking information upon shipment, allowing customers to monitor the progress of their samples.

Geographic restrictions may apply to certain sample programs. Millboard specifically mentions that their free shipping applies only to the lower-48 US states, implying that additional charges or alternative arrangements may apply to Alaska, Hawaii, or international destinations. Customers should review individual manufacturer policies to confirm shipping eligibility for their specific location.

Sample Return Policies

While most deck sample programs are designed as no-cost evaluation tools, some manufacturers implement return policies or refundable handling fees for their sample offerings. Understanding these policies helps customers make informed decisions about which sample programs to utilize.

Decko DIY offers a unique approach with their DECKO Sample Box, which is described as "fully refundable" with a $5.90 handling fee for color samples. This suggests that customers may receive a refund of the handling fee under certain conditions, potentially when they proceed with a purchase of the full-sized decking products. The company provides specific instructions for how to get or return sample boxes, indicating a structured process for handling these returns.

Most other manufacturers, including Decks & Docks, TruNorth Decking, Deckorators, Millboard, and TimberTech, do not explicitly mention return policies for their free samples. This absence of information typically indicates that the samples are provided as complimentary gifts without expectation of return. However, customers should review individual manufacturer terms and conditions to confirm specific return policies.

Some manufacturers may include return shipping labels or instructions with their sample packages, particularly for more expensive or larger sample kits. These return materials typically outline the process for returning samples if customers decide against purchasing the full-sized products. In cases where handling fees are applied, return policies often specify the timeframe within which customers must initiate returns to qualify for refunds.

The environmental impact of deck sample programs is worth considering, particularly given the focus on sustainable building materials in the decking industry. Some manufacturers may include instructions for proper disposal or recycling of sample materials, while others may offer take-back programs for returned samples.

Benefits of Requesting Deck Samples

Requesting physical deck samples offers numerous advantages for homeowners planning deck construction or renovation projects. These benefits extend beyond simple visual assessment, providing comprehensive insights that can influence purchasing decisions and long-term satisfaction with the chosen materials.

One of the primary benefits of deck samples is the ability to evaluate materials in the actual environment where they will be installed. Lighting conditions, surrounding colors, and architectural elements can significantly affect how decking materials appear. By placing samples in the intended installation area, homeowners can observe how the materials look at different times of day and under various weather conditions, helping them make more informed color and finish selections.

Physical samples allow customers to assess tactile qualities that cannot be fully appreciated through digital images or descriptions. This includes evaluating texture, such as wire-brushed finishes, hand-scaped surfaces, or embossed grain patterns. The weight and density of materials can also be assessed through samples, providing insights into product quality and durability.

Deck samples facilitate direct comparison between different products, colors, and finishes. By arranging multiple samples side-by-side, homeowners can evaluate subtle differences in color blending, grain patterns, and surface treatments. This comparative approach is particularly valuable when manufacturers offer numerous color options or when considering products from different brands.

Sample programs often include informational materials that provide technical specifications, installation guidelines, and maintenance instructions. These resources help homeowners understand the practical aspects of working with different decking materials, including cutting requirements, fastening methods, and recommended cleaning products.

For homeowners working with contractors or designers, deck samples serve as valuable communication tools. Physical samples can be shared with professionals to ensure everyone has the same understanding of the selected materials, reducing the potential for misunderstandings or discrepancies between expectations and outcomes.

Some manufacturers use sample programs as an opportunity to highlight unique product features or technologies. For example, TruNorth Decking emphasizes their proprietary rice hull moisture blocking formulation and heat-blocking technology, while Millboard highlights their mold resistance and non-porous composition. These features may be more apparent when examining physical samples rather than reading product descriptions online.

Comparing Deck Sample Programs

When evaluating different deck sample programs, consumers may consider several factors to determine which options best meet their needs. These factors include the variety of samples offered, shipping policies, ordering processes, and the insights provided by each manufacturer's samples.

The breadth and depth of sample offerings vary significantly among manufacturers. Deckorators allows customers to choose up to six individual boards or one sample kit with six pre-selected boards, providing flexibility in selection. Millboard limits customers to three free samples but offers both decking and siding options, allowing for more comprehensive material evaluation. TimberTech's sample kits feature a curated selection of their most popular products, which can be beneficial for customers who prefer manufacturer recommendations over self-selection.

Shipping policies represent another important consideration. Companies like Millboard and TimberTech explicitly include free shipping in their sample programs, with Millboard specifying free delivery to the lower-48 US states. TruNorth Decking also offers free delivery for their four-sample promotion, while Decko DIY's checkout process includes delivery/pickup options, suggesting shipping costs may vary based on selection.

The ordering experience differs among manufacturers, with some offering straightforward processes while others provide more structured selection options. TruNorth Decking's limited-time promotion features a simple order form for four free samples, while Millboard requires customers to specify type, color, and collection for their samples. Decko DIY's e-commerce approach mirrors online shopping, with samples added to carts and checkout processes similar to regular purchases.

The informational value of samples varies based on what each manufacturer includes with their shipments. Millboard provides complimentary brochures with detailed product information, while TimberTech's sample kits include guides to textures, styles, and colors. Some manufacturers may also highlight specific technical advantages or certifications in their sample materials, such as ignition resistance or WUI compliance.

For customers comparing products from multiple brands, requesting samples from several manufacturers simultaneously can provide the most comprehensive basis for comparison. This approach allows for direct assessment of how different brands' products compare in terms of color consistency, texture quality, and overall appearance.

Conclusion

Deck sample delivery programs offer homeowners a valuable opportunity to evaluate composite decking materials before making a significant investment. These programs provide physical samples that can be examined, compared, and test-fitted in the intended installation environment, helping consumers make more informed decisions about their deck projects.

The variety of sample options available—from individual board samples to comprehensive sample kits—ensures that customers can select the evaluation approach that best suits their needs and preferences. Most manufacturers offer these samples at no charge, though some may apply handling fees or implement order limitations. Shipping policies vary, with many companies providing free delivery to the continental United States.

When utilizing deck sample programs, customers should consider requesting samples from multiple manufacturers to facilitate direct comparison. Examining materials in the actual installation environment allows for assessment of color consistency, texture quality, and overall appearance under various lighting conditions.

As composite decking technology continues to evolve, sample programs remain a critical resource for consumers navigating an increasingly diverse marketplace of options. By taking advantage of these no-cost evaluation opportunities, homeowners can approach their deck projects with greater confidence, knowing they have thoroughly researched and compared their material choices.

Sources

1. Decks & Docks Free Sample Request
2. DECKO DIY Free Sample Packs
3. TruNorth Decking Free Samples
4. Deckorators Decking Samples
5. Millboard Free Decking & Siding Samples
6. TimberTech Sample Kit
7. TimberTech Order Samples