How To Get Free Deck And Railing Samples For Your Outdoor Project

When planning an outdoor deck or renovation project, choosing the right materials is crucial. With numerous options available in colors, finishes, and materials, many homeowners find it helpful to see and feel products before making a final decision. Fortunately, several decking manufacturers offer free samples that allow consumers to test products in their own outdoor spaces. This comprehensive guide explores the free sample programs available from leading decking brands, detailing what samples are offered, how to request them, and any restrictions that may apply.

Overview of Free Decking Sample Programs

Free sample programs have become a standard marketing practice in the decking industry, enabling manufacturers to provide consumers with hands-on experience with their products before purchase. These programs typically offer small pieces of decking material in various colors and finishes, allowing homeowners to compare options under their specific lighting conditions and alongside existing outdoor elements.

The sample programs generally fall into two categories: individual color samples and curated sample kits. Individual samples allow consumers to select specific colors or finishes of interest, while kits provide a pre-selected assortment of the manufacturer's most popular options. Some manufacturers also offer specialized sample kits for contractors or include railing samples alongside decking materials.

Most programs ship samples within a few business days at no cost to the consumer, though there are typically limits on the number of samples that can be ordered per household. These limitations help manufacturers manage distribution costs while still providing adequate options for consumers to make informed decisions.

TimberTech: Free Decking and Railing Samples

TimberTech stands out among decking manufacturers for its specific inclusion of railing samples in its free sample program. Through their offering, consumers can receive four total decking and/or railing samples or a curated sample kit at no cost. This comprehensive approach allows homeowners to evaluate how decking materials coordinate with railing options in their outdoor space.

The TimberTech samples enable consumers to compare colors, finishes, and materials, including the real wood aesthetics of their composite decking products. Having samples delivered directly to your doorstep eliminates the need for multiple store visits or showroom appointments, streamlining the decision-making process.

The TimberTech sample program is available to customers in the United States only. However, it's important to note that the offer may change at any time, so interested consumers should check the current availability before proceeding with their request. The process typically involves visiting the TimberTech website, selecting either individual samples or a pre-curated kit, and proceeding to checkout without incurring any charges for the samples themselves.

Composite Deck Direct: Color Sample Options

Composite Deck Direct provides free color samples for both decking and fencing materials through their sample program. The company offers a maximum of four samples per household, with delivery typically occurring within 3-5 business days after the request is submitted. This expedited shipping ensures that consumers receive their samples promptly to continue planning their outdoor projects.

The sample program includes a variety of color options across two categories: solid colors and variegated colors. The solid color options include Mocha, Caramel, Red Bordeaux, Stone Grey, Brulee, and Sand. For those interested in more complex, multi-tonal finishes, the variegated colors feature Amazon Grey, Ash Grey, Brazilian Cherry, Hazelwood, Tigerwood, and Tropical Walnut.

Composite Deck Direct also offers specialized contractor kits that include TruNorth, Clubhouse, and Lanai samples. These kits are exclusively available to contractors, who must register with the company before ordering. It's worth noting that availability of Lanai samples may be limited during certain times of the year, so contractors should check current offerings when planning their projects.

The company maintains a shipping policy that excludes PO Boxes, requiring a physical address for sample delivery. For larger orders, shipping charges apply based on order size and location, with free shipping available for orders exceeding $20,000 pre-tax within the shipping region. However, these shipping policies do not affect the free sample program, which ships at no cost regardless of location within the company's service area.

Deckorators: Curated Sample Selections

Deckorators offers free 3" samples through their sample program, providing consumers with an opportunity to examine the unique finishes and colors of their decking materials up close. The company presents two options for sample requests: consumers can select up to six individual boards of their choice or order one sample kit that includes six pre-selected boards.

The sample kit option provides a convenient way to experience a variety of Deckorators' most popular finishes without having to select each color individually. This curated approach is particularly helpful for consumers who may be unfamiliar with the brand's product line or who want to compare multiple options simultaneously.

Deckorators enforces a limit of one order per household, with a maximum of six samples or one sample kit per order. This policy ensures fair distribution of samples while still providing adequate options for most consumers to make an informed decision. When adding samples to the cart, the system will alert customers if they attempt to exceed this maximum, instructing them to remove items before adding new ones.

The Deckorators sample program focuses on visual and tactile evaluation of the materials, with the 3" size being sufficient to assess color, texture, and finish without being unwieldy. These samples are ideal for placing against existing structures, under different lighting conditions, or alongside potential furniture and outdoor elements to ensure proper coordination in the final design.

Decks-Docks: Comprehensive Product Sampling

Decks-Docks provides an extensive free sampling program that includes samples of every product and color they offer. This comprehensive approach allows consumers to experience the full range of options available from the company before making a selection for their deck or dock project.

The company emphasizes that building a deck or dock can be overwhelming due to the numerous options available, and their sample program aims to simplify the decision-making process. By providing free samples that can be shipped directly to customers' doors, Decks-Docks eliminates the need for multiple showroom visits or trying to visualize materials from online images alone.

In addition to their mail-order sample program, Decks-Docks invites customers to visit their showrooms to browse the collection in person and take their favorite options home. This dual approach accommodates different consumer preferences, offering both the convenience of home delivery and the tactile experience of in-person shopping.

The Decks-Docks sample program covers all their decking materials, which may include various composite and traditional wood options. The company positions itself as a helpful resource throughout the decision-making process, with samples serving as a key tool for customers to make choices that fit their specific space and design preferences.

NewTechWood: Sample Program Overview

NewTechWood includes a "Free Samples" option in their website navigation, indicating that they offer samples of their composite decking products. While the website doesn't provide detailed information about the sample program specifics such as the number of samples allowed, shipping timeframes, or color options, the presence of a dedicated sample section suggests a structured approach to providing product samples to potential customers.

The NewTechWood website features a comprehensive product lineup including composite decking boards in various series (Magellan and Cortes, Monarch, and Bell), as well as deck tiles, siding, railing, and garden products. This extensive catalog suggests that their sample program may include a variety of materials and finishes to help consumers evaluate their options.

Consumers interested in NewTechWood samples should navigate to the "Free Samples" section on their website to access the specific request process and program details. The company also provides various calculators and resources to assist with project planning, which may complement the sample program by helping consumers determine how much material they might need based on their sample preferences.

Requesting Free Deck and Railing Samples

The process for requesting free decking samples varies slightly by manufacturer but generally follows a similar pattern across brands. Most companies require consumers to visit their official websites and navigate to the samples or freebies section, where they can select their desired samples and provide shipping information.

For brands like TimberTech, the process involves selecting either individual samples or a pre-curated kit and proceeding to checkout. Despite the checkout process, the samples are provided at no cost, with no payment information required. Composite Deck Direct and Deckorators operate similarly, allowing consumers to select specific colors or finish types before submitting their shipping details.

When requesting samples, consumers should be prepared to provide: - A valid shipping address (PO Boxes are often excluded) - Contact information for order confirmation - Specific color or finish selections (when applicable) - Verification that they are not a robot (common on sample request forms)

Some manufacturers, like Composite Deck Direct, may require additional verification for contractor sample kits, such as business registration or proof of professional status. These specialized programs typically offer a broader range of samples or larger quantities to professionals who regularly specify products for client projects.

The shipping timeframe for samples generally ranges from 3-5 business days, though this can vary depending on the manufacturer and current order volume. Most companies send confirmation emails when samples are shipped, allowing consumers to track their delivery and plan accordingly.

Eligibility and Restrictions

While free sample programs are widely available, manufacturers typically implement certain eligibility requirements and restrictions to manage distribution and prevent abuse. Understanding these limitations can help consumers navigate the sample request process more effectively.

Household limits are the most common restriction, with most manufacturers limiting the number of samples per order or per household. For example, Composite Deck Direct allows a maximum of four samples per household, while Deckorators permits up to six samples or one sample kit per order. These limits ensure that resources are distributed fairly while still providing adequate options for most consumers.

Geographic restrictions may also apply, with some programs limited to specific regions or countries. TimberTech explicitly states that their samples are available to US customers only, while other manufacturers may have more limited distribution areas based on their service capabilities or business model.

Time-based restrictions can affect sample availability, particularly for seasonal or limited-time offers. Some manufacturers may temporarily suspend sample programs during peak seasons or when introducing new product lines. Additionally, certain colors or finishes may be unavailable as samples during specific periods, as noted with Composite Deck Direct's Lanai samples.

Contractor programs often have additional eligibility requirements, such as business verification or registration. These specialized sample kits typically offer more comprehensive assortments or larger quantities to professionals who regularly work with the manufacturer's products.

It's important to note that sample programs may change at any time based on manufacturer policies or market conditions. Consumers interested in particular samples should submit their requests promptly to ensure availability, particularly for limited-time offers or seasonal programs.

Conclusion

Free deck and railing sample programs offer valuable resources for consumers planning outdoor renovation projects. By providing hands-on experience with materials in their own spaces, these programs help ensure that final selections will coordinate with existing elements and meet aesthetic expectations. TimberTech, Composite Deck Direct, Deckorators, Decks-Docks, and NewTechWood all offer sample programs with varying options and restrictions, allowing consumers to compare materials before making significant investments.

When requesting samples, consumers should be mindful of household limits, geographic restrictions, and any verification requirements. The process generally involves visiting manufacturer websites, selecting desired samples, and providing shipping information, with most samples delivered within 3-5 business days at no cost.

For homeowners planning deck or railing projects, these sample programs represent an opportunity to make more informed decisions with minimal financial commitment. By evaluating materials in their actual outdoor environments, consumers can better visualize the final result and select products that will enhance their living spaces for years to come.

Sources

1. Decks-Docks Free Sample Form
2. Composite Deck Direct Free Samples
3. Deckorators Sample Collection
4. TimberTech Decking Samples via YOFreeSamples
5. NewTechWood Sample Program