RoboGames 2016, the twelfth annual all-events world championship, will be held in Pleasanton, CA on Apr 8-10, 2016

Compete at RoboGames!

Last year, over 1000 builders from around the world brought over 800 robots to San Mateo, in the 11th annual international event. This year, we expect even more robots and engineers to compete. Be one! With 80 different events, there's a competition for everyone - combat, androids, sumo, soccer, Lego, art, micromouse, BEAM, or Tetsujin! More than half the events are autonomous. Even if you just come to watch, you'll be overwhelmed with the diversity.

Advances in color-treated lumber provide new options

Homeowners want new building products that provide more value with less maintenance and are environmentally friendly. With the advent of an environmentally preferred treating product—micronized copper azole (MCA)—many consider treated lumber the most cost-effective, eco-friendly and easy-to-install decking option. (Plus, it doesn't get that greenish hue that occurs with many older treating products.) And now there's something even better: a newly formulated, color-treated lumber that is on the verge of becoming mainstream, providing a unique, low-cost option for pros and DIYers.


ProWood Dura Color® pressure-treated lumber helps fill the gaps between everyday treated wood decking, cedar and redwood decking, and high-end synthetic decking. It's not a topical stain that fades away; it's a colorant that's driven deep into the wood fibers, creating beauty that's guaranteed to stand up to the elements for years. The Dura Color treating process provides a rich cedar-tone or redwood-tone appearance that doesn't fade to gray, unlike cedar and redwood.

Keep your fixtures; upgrade your bulbs

For decades, halogen lights reigned supreme in low-voltage outdoor lighting systems, but LEDs have all but replaced them because they cost less to operate and last much longer. But you don't have to tear out all your old halogen fixtures to enjoy the benefits of LEDs—retrofit bulbs are available. Just be sure to replace each halogen bulb with equivalent wattage and the same base type.

Cable rails

Installing upscale cable rails on a new deck used to be a DIY challenge. It wasn't easy to collect all the cable, sheaths, thimbles, turn-buckles and whatnot and then cobble together your own system onto wooden 4x4 posts. Now you can buy high-quality components in kit form that not only look fantastic new but also stay looking that way for years—all the parts are made from stainless steel and aluminum.

Practically indestructible decking

Like other fiber cement products like siding and trim, PlyCem's CemDeck decking boards are fireproof and impervious to rot and insects. Composed largely of Portland cement and cellulose from recycled cardboard, they're also highly resistant to weather, impact and mold.

CemDeck deck boards are 12 ft. long and currently available in cedar-grained brown. There are two types of planks for two types of fastening options: a slotted edge version to receive hidden fasteners and a rounded edge for exposed deck screws.

Power where it’s needed

Nobody plans for an electrical outlet when designing and building a deck. After all, there’s usually one on the wall right next to the door. But what if you want to plug something in near the outer edge of the deck? You could run an extension cord and hope nobody trips over it, or you could check out this new product.

A waterproof outdoor kitchen

If you use your deck or patio like a kitchen, why not furnish it Like one? Trex has a new line of outdoor storage to help you do just that. There are base cabinets with built-in coolers, garbage cans and hampers. Or store your blankets and seat cushions in large, under-bench cabinets. There are a couple dozen different configurations to choose from.