Jeremy Baker Named 2026 VRLDA Lumber Person of the Year
Jeremy Baker accepts the 2026 Lumberperson of the Year award from current VRLDA President Claudia Homan
rk MILES is proud to announce that Jeremy Baker, the company’s Safety & Fleet Manager, has been named the 2026 Lumber Person of the Year by the Vermont Retail Lumber Dealers Association (VRLDA). Baker received the Association’s highest individual honor during its 2026 Annual Meeting at Stratton Mountain on September 24th.
The Lumber Person of the Year Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to Vermont’s lumber and building materials industry. Throughout his career, Baker has been committed to promoting safety, supporting employees, and strengthening the independent lumber industry across the state.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive the 2026 Lumber Person of the Year Award from the Vermont Retail Lumber Dealers Association,” Baker said.
“This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career. The lumber industry is built on strong relationships, hard work, and a shared commitment to serving our communities, and I’m proud to be part of that tradition at rk MILES,” he added.
Baker has served the VRLDA in numerous leadership roles, including President and Legislative Chair. He continues to support the industry nationally through the NRLA Executive Committee, Lumber and Building Material Foundation and American Building Material Alliance. Baker also chairs the NRLA Safety Roundtable. His dedication to safety, mentorship, and collaboration has made a lasting impact on both his colleagues and the building materials community.
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How to Choose the Right Paint Colors and Finishes for Every Room: A Homeowner’s Guide
A paint color you love can give a familiar room a completely different presence, even when everything else stays exactly where it is. But once you start narrowing down the swatches you like, just keep in mind that the room itself is likely going to have just as much influence as your own personal tastes. After all, a shade that immediately catches your eye may look entirely different once you see more of it across the walls. (more…)
Smart Storage & Space-Saving Solutions for Builders: Maximizing Small Work Areas with Milwaukee, Festool, & Makita Systems
A smaller work area can fill up pretty quickly once tools, materials, and the people completing the work all need room to move. You’ll still want everything close enough to reach when you need it, but having too much equipment in the area is likely going to leave the crew shifting boxes around just to get back to the task in front of them. (more…)
Understanding Residential Energy Codes: How Standards Like RBES Impact Material Choices
A home can look complete from the outside, well before you actually know how well it’ll hold onto the heat inside. That distinct part of the work is determined behind the finished walls, where insulation, air sealing, windows, doors, and other components all have to perform together. (more…)
Must-Have Building Material Accessories Building Projects: Essential Supplies for Strong and Lasting Structures
A lumber takeoff can account for every board in the structure, but the work still has to turn those dimensions on paper into a complete assembly in the field. That means having every supporting component ready for the exact stage when the crew needs it. Just one missing or incompatible product can interrupt an otherwise well-planned installation at a very inconvenient point. (more…)
Innovative Building Material Solutions for Sustainable and Cost-Effective Construction
Every construction project comes with a long list of decisions, and the price on the initial order of materials only tells you so much about what each product is going to cost. You still have installation time, material waste, energy performance, and future maintenance needs to be considered once the building is complete. (more…)
Why Trex Select® Composite Decking is the Best Low-Maintenance Choice for Modern Outdoor Living
A new deck should give you more time to enjoy your backyard, but the material you choose to have built from will have a lot to say about how you spend that time in all the years ahead. And sure, wood is the classic choice that provides a very familiar look to an outdoor space. That, along with the sanding, staining, and sealing that will eventually find its way into your weekend plans. (more…)
rk MILES Welcomes Vermont Works for Women Trailblazers to Manchester Campus
Participants of Vermont Works for Women Trailblazers group photo while touring rk MILES’ Manchester location.
rk MILES recently welcomed participants from the Vermont Works for Women (VWW) Trailblazers program to its Manchester campus, offering a firsthand look at the building materials, products, and services that rk MILES provides to contractors, builders, and homeowners throughout the region.
The visit was part of the Trailblazers pre-apprenticeship program, which is being held at Burr & Burton Academy for the first time. During the campus tour, participants learned about rk MILES’ operations, explored the many career paths available within the building supply industry, and gained insight into the teamwork, craftsmanship, and customer service that support residential and commercial construction projects throughout the region.
“We were honored to host the Trailblazers participants and share what a career in our industry can look like,” said Jeremy Baker, Safety & Fleet Manager for rk MILES who guided the tour. “Programs like Trailblazers are helping create more opportunities for women and gender-expansive individuals to enter the skilled trades, and we’re proud to support that mission by opening our doors and sharing more about our industry,” he added.
Trailblazers is a free, seven-week pre-apprenticeship program that prepares women and gender-expansive individuals ages 18 and older for careers in construction and the skilled trades. Participants develop hands-on skills, build confidence, and explore career opportunities through classroom instruction, field trips, community build projects, and work experiences with employers committed to inclusive workplaces. The program is certified as a pre-apprenticeship by the Vermont Department of Labor, with Alliance Group serving as its employer partner.
The visit reflects rk MILES’ ongoing commitment to supporting workforce development and helping build the next generation of skilled trades professionals. By partnering with organizations like Vermont Works for Women, rk MILES hopes to encourage more individuals to consider rewarding careers in construction and building materials.
About rk MILES
rk MILES is a family-owned building materials supplier serving contractors and homeowners throughout Vermont, western Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. With a commitment to quality products, knowledgeable service, and strong community partnerships, rk MILES has been helping customers build with confidence for generations.
About Vermont Works for Women
Vermont Works for Women promotes economic justice by advancing gender equity and supporting women and youth at every stage of their career journeys. Through workforce training, career coaching, youth programs, and workplace equity initiatives, the organization helps women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to thrive in high-demand careers, including the skilled trades.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE – LOUISVILLE LADDER SAFETY RECALL
Louisville Ladder Voluntarily Recalls Featherlite, Lite & Century Attic Stairway Ladders with Gas Struts
Hazard: The bolts on the attic stairway ladders can break while in use, posing a risk of serious injury or death from fall hazard.
Remedy: Repair
Consumers should stop using the recalled ladders immediately and register at Atticstairwayrecall.expertinquiry.com to receive a free repair kit.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
888-679-5132
Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET
Specific model numbers and UPCs for the recalled Attic Stairways are available on the recall website or by calling the above toll free number. If your Attic Stairway Ladder has yellow-colored spreader arm bolts, the bolts have already been corrected.
This recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
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Decking & Outdoor Renovation Guide: Materials and Design Tips That Add Value
Decking Materials and Design Tips That Add Value to Your Home
Choosing the right decking materials for homes in Vermont, western Massachusetts, and northern New Hampshire means balancing durability, weather resistance, and design. A well-built deck extends your living space, creates a gathering point for family and friends, and adds measurable value to your property.
In the Northeast, you need materials that withstand freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow, and UV exposure. Composite and tropical hardwood decks perform best in these harsh climates, offering low maintenance and returning up to 44% of their cost in added property value.
What Are the Best Types of Decking Materials for Homes?
Pressure-Treated Lumber
Pressure-treated (PT) wood is a common, budget-friendly choice. Though chemically treated to resist rot and insects, it requires regular sanding, sealing, and staining every one to three years to prevent warping and cracking, especially in harsh climates.
Composite Decking
Made from wood fibers and recycled plastic, composite decking mimics wood without the high upkeep. It resists fading, staining, and moisture. Brands like Trex offer warranties from 25 to 50 years, and these decks provide a strong return on investment.
PVC Decking
PVC decking contains no wood, making it highly resistant to moisture and mold. While it has a higher upfront cost, its durability and low maintenance make it a great long-term investment.
Tropical Hardwoods
Dense woods like Ipe and Red Balau are naturally resistant to rot, insects, and extreme weather. A well-maintained tropical hardwood deck can last 40 years or more with periodic cleaning and oiling.
Cedar and Redwood
These woods offer a classic aesthetic and are naturally resistant to decay and insects. They are more expensive than pressure-treated lumber and need regular maintenance to preserve their color and integrity in cold, wet climates.
Decking Durability: What Actually Holds Up in the Northeast?
In Vermont, western Massachusetts, and northern New Hampshire, decks endure freeze-thaw cycles that cause wood to expand and contract repeatedly. That movement creates cracks, loosens fasteners, and accelerates rot in untreated or poorly maintained materials.
Here is how each material stacks up for durability in the Northeast:
- Composite and PVC decking perform best in the long term. Their resistance to moisture, temperature swings, and UV exposure makes them especially suited to the region’s climate. Composite products from established brands are tested specifically for these conditions.
- Tropical hardwoods are exceptionally durable due to their density but require careful installation and periodic maintenance to reach their full lifespan.
- Pressure-treated lumber is durable when maintained, but its track record in harsh climates is mixed for homeowners who prefer a lower-maintenance approach.
- Cedar and redwood sit in the middle: durable enough for the Northeast with proper upkeep, but more vulnerable than composite or tropical hardwood options if maintenance is deferred.
Weather Resistant Decking: What the Northeast Climate Demands
The Northeast combination of heavy snow loads, spring rain, summer humidity, and UV radiation creates a uniquely demanding environment that requires weather resistant decking. Key performance factors to prioritize when specifying weather resistant decking include:
- Moisture resistance: Standing water and snowmelt are constant. Look for materials with sealed surfaces or inherent hydrophobic properties.
- Freeze-thaw stability: Materials that expand and contract significantly under temperature shifts will loosen fasteners and crack over time. Composite and PVC products are engineered to minimize this movement.
- UV resistance: Southern-facing decks in Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire receive considerable sun exposure during long summer days. Capped composite and PVC products include UV-stabilized surface layers to resist color fading.
- Mold and mildew resistance: High humidity seasons make mold a real concern for any material with organic content. Capped composite and PVC decking are largely impervious to mold growth, while natural wood options require periodic treatment.
Modern Deck Design Trends Worth Knowing in 2026
Modern deck design trends have shifted meaningfully in recent years. Homeowners are no longer treating decks as simple platform extensions of the back door. They are designing outdoor living spaces that function as true rooms with defined zones, purposeful furniture arrangements, and cohesive aesthetics tied to the home’s interior style.
According to House Beautiful’s 2026 deck trend coverage, cool and earthy natural tones are dominating color choices. Grays, warm taupes, slate blues, and charcoal shades are popular across composite and PVC product lines, offering a modern and calming visual aesthetic that complements traditional New England home exteriors.
Key design trends shaping decks in 2026:
- Multi-zone layouts: Separate dining, lounging, and cooking areas to create a more functional outdoor space.
- Built-in features: Integrated seating, planters, lighting, and storage reduce clutter and improve usability.
- Lighting integration: LED lighting for post caps, risers, and railings extends usability and adds a professional finish.
- Picture framing and inlays: Contrasting borders and decorative inlays elevate the deck’s visual impact.
- Natural material accents: Stone, steel cable railings, and natural wood accents create visual contrast.
- Earthy, nature-inspired tones: Browns, grays, and weathered wood tones are popular choices for Northeast homeowners.
Planning Your Outdoor Renovation: Key Decisions Before You Build
A successful deck project starts well before the first board is laid. Planning for function, budget, materials, and code compliance up front avoids costly surprises and rework.
Define the Purpose of the Space
A deck designed primarily for outdoor dining calls for different dimensions, material choices, and lighting than one designed for a hot tub or a children’s play area. Clarifying the primary use early shapes every downstream decision.
Set a Realistic Budget
Deck costs vary significantly by size, materials, and complexity. According to data from Remodeling Cost vs. Value (2023), the average deck project in the East costs approximately $22,279. Setting a budget with a ten to 15 percent contingency built in allows room for material upgrades, unexpected site conditions, or permit-related requirements.
Understand Local Permit Requirements
In Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, most structural decks require a building permit, and requirements vary by municipality. Trade professionals working with rk MILES clients in the region know local codes well, and working with an experienced contractor from the start keeps the project compliant and on schedule.
Choose Materials That Suit the Site
A shaded deck on the north side of a home faces different moisture and mold challenges than a south-facing deck in full sun. Site conditions should influence material selection directly, not just aesthetics or budget.
How a New Deck Adds Value to Your Property
The financial case for a deck addition is well established. According to the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report (2023), a new wood deck delivers a national average ROI of 50.2%, while a composite deck returns an average of $9,325 in added property value against an average project cost of approximately $22,279.
For homeowners in the Northeast region, including Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, composite and wood decks deliver nearly identical ROI percentages, approximately 43.7% and 43.4%, respectively, according to TimberTech’s analysis of Cost vs. Value regional data. This is largely because Northeast climates are hard on wood, which makes composite’s lower maintenance requirements and longer lifespan particularly attractive to buyers evaluating the home.
Beyond the numbers, the National Association of REALTORS has found that a deck addition scores 9.8 out of 10 on their Joy Score, meaning homeowners who add a deck report high levels of personal satisfaction with the project, making it one of the few home improvements that delivers on both the lifestyle and financial return.
Deck Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Investment
Even the most durable decking materials benefit from regular care. Here is what maintenance looks like across the major material categories:
- Composite and PVC decking: Clean two to three times per year with soap, water, and a soft-bristle brush or a composite-safe cleaner. Avoid pressure washing at high settings, which can damage capped surfaces. Inspect fasteners and framing annually.
- Pressure-treated lumber: Sand and re-seal or re-stain every one to two years. Inspect for rot, splitting, and loose fasteners after each winter season. Replace damaged boards promptly to prevent structural spread.
- Tropical hardwood: Apply a penetrating hardwood oil once per year to maintain color and surface protection. Clean periodically with a hardwood deck cleaner and rinse thoroughly.
- Cedar and redwood: Clean annually and apply a water-repellent sealer or semi-transparent stain every two to three years. Check for cracking or checking in boards following winter freeze-thaw cycles.
For all deck types, clearing snow promptly with a plastic shovel (never a metal blade) prevents ice buildup and reduces freeze-thaw stress on the surface. Keeping gutters and downspouts directed away from the deck framing also reduces long-term moisture exposure to structural components.
Build It Right the First Time
A deck is one of the most visible, frequently used, and financially impactful improvements a homeowner can make. Choosing the right decking materials for homes in Vermont, western Massachusetts, and northern New Hampshire means understanding durability, weather resistance, maintenance requirements, and design potential together. Composite decking leads in low-maintenance performance. Tropical hardwoods deliver longevity and natural beauty. And modern deck design trends point clearly toward multi-functional outdoor spaces built with intention and care.
rk MILES has been a trusted building materials partner across the region since 1940, stocking the products and carrying the expertise to support homeowners and trade professionals from the first design conversation through project completion. Contact our team today to get started.
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