Decking product attributes

Decking catalogs mix treated lumber, tropical hardwoods, capped composites and PVC boards, and each brings its own data habits. Nominal sizes such as 5/4 x 6 describe a family, not the board, so the actual thickness and width have to be stored separately. Composite boards also come in grooved and solid-edge versions of the same color, which are not interchangeable once a fastening system is chosen.

Span is where supplier data most often falls short. Manufacturers publish maximum joist spacing separately for perpendicular runs, diagonal layouts and stair treads, sometimes with different figures for commercial use. A single span value copied from a brochure makes a stair or 45-degree layout look acceptable when it may not be. The code evaluation report behind those spans is a separate piece of evidence and needs its own field.

Selling units cause quieter errors. Boards are stocked by the piece in fixed lengths but often priced per lineal foot, and square-foot coverage depends on the board width plus gap. Recording selling unit, board length and actual width as structured values keeps quotes, takeoffs and ecommerce prices consistent with what arrives on the truck.

The decking attribute template

18 candidate fields in 5 groups, ordered the way a record gets built: identify the item, capture its specifications, then record fit and the evidence behind any claim. 10 are marked Core: without them the item cannot be identified or filtered. Example values show the expected format only; they do not describe a real SKU.

Identity

Which exact item, variant and pack this record describes.

Check before use: Preserve leading zeros and punctuation, validate against the manufacturer record, and check the GTIN check digit and packaging level before linking.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Selling Unit of Measure selling_unit_of_measure	Controlled list	Core	EA (one 16 ft board); priced per LF
Manufacturer Part Number manufacturer_part_number	Identifier	Core	DK-CAP-0616-WB
GTIN-14 / UPC-A gtin_14_upc_a	Identifier	Core	10614141310095

Technical specifications

Measured or rated values that must travel with their unit and test conditions.

Check before use: Store the number and unit separately. Convert only when the source unit and test conditions are known.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Nominal Size nominal_size	Controlled list	Core	5/4 in x 6 in
Actual Dimensions (Thickness x Width) actual_dimensions_thickness_x_width	Text · in	Core	0.94 in x 5.50 in
Board Length board_length	Number · ft	Core	16
Maximum Joist Spacing (Span Rating) maximum_joist_spacing_span_rating	Text · in o.c.	Buyer decision	16 in o.c. perpendicular; 12 in o.c. at 45°

Selection attributes

The type, material and option choices buyers filter and compare on.

Check before use: Map supplier wording to a governed vocabulary only after checking the source text and which variant it applies to.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Material Type material_type	Controlled list	Core	Capped wood-plastic composite (WPC)
Board Profile (Edge / Bottom) board_profile_edge_bottom	Controlled list	Core	Grooved / scalloped
Color / Finish Name color_finish_name	Text	Core	Warm Brown
Cap Coverage cap_coverage	Controlled list	Buyer decision	Capped, 4 sides

Fit & compatibility

What the item mounts to, mates with, replaces or works alongside.

Check before use: Keep model and series qualifiers. A similar-looking part is not a verified fit until a source says so.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Hidden Fastener Groove Compatibility hidden_fastener_groove_compatibility	Text	Buyer decision	Grooved edge; accepts manufacturer-listed universal clips

Evidence & compliance

Listings, standards, classifications and origin claims that need a document behind them.

Check before use: Link the manufacturer document or label with its edition or date. Never copy a certification from a neighboring SKU.

Attribute	Type	Priority	Example format
Country of Origin country_of_origin	Controlled list	Core	United States
Warranty Term warranty_term	Text	Buyer decision	25-yr limited residential; 25-yr fade and stain
Code Report Number (ASTM D7032) code_report_number_astm_d7032	Identifier	Channel / evidence	ICC-ES ESR-0000 (ASTM D7032)
Flame Spread Index / ASTM E84 Class flame_spread_index_astm_e84_class	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	Class B (FSI 70)
AWPA Use Category & Preservative Retention awpa_use_category_preservative_retention	Text	Channel / evidence	UC3B, MCA 0.06 pcf (treated wood)
CITES Appendix II Status cites_appendix_ii_status	Controlled list	Channel / evidence	Not listed (composite)

Normalize supplier values

The same value arrives in many spellings. Map each raw string to one governed value, and keep the raw text beside it so a reviewer can see what the supplier actually wrote.

Often missing from supplier files

These fields are commonly absent from price lists and basic feeds, even though the information usually exists in a datasheet, label or installation manual. Treat an empty value as a request for evidence, not as permission to fill it from a similar model.

• Maximum Joist Spacing by Layout (perpendicular, diagonal, stairs)
• Cap Coverage (3-sided vs 4-sided)
• Hidden Fastener Groove Compatibility
• Code Report Number (ICC-ES ESR / Intertek CCRR)
• WUI Fire Test or Listing Reference

Questions the record must answer

Buyers and counter-sales reps choosing decking ask questions like these. Each one needs a specific field, sourced for the exact variant.

• Can these boards run diagonally on joists at 16 inches on center?
• Do they take the hidden clips we already stock, or need a dedicated fastener?
• Is the board capped on all four sides, or is the bottom left exposed?
• What is the actual thickness, so it sits flush with the existing deck?

From supplier file to record

1. Resolve identity first. Link the supplier SKU, manufacturer part number and packaging identifiers without merging distinct variants or pack sizes.
2. Extract with the source attached. Pull values from rows, tables and datasheets, keeping the raw text, unit and page or row reference.
3. Map to your classification. Assign the ETIM, ECLASS, UNSPSC or internal class your company licenses, and keep the supplier's original terms.
4. Review, sync and watch. Hold conflicts and safety-related values for a category expert, write approved values to ERP or PIM, and recheck when the supplier sends a new file.

For the full method, see how to build a category attribute template and the category catalog gap audit.

FAQ