We believe that smarter design creates better results. One of our best-kept secrets—though our builders know it well! —is our JEM Joint (Joint End Matched) system.
Unlike traditional boards, JEM Joints don’t need to rest on joists (or furring strips, in the case of cladding). This means you can use boards of virtually any length without worrying about waste or tricky installation details.
The result: less material wasted, lower labor costs, and faster installs.
Goodbye, Joist Requirements
Most decking brands require that every board end falls directly over a joist, which can create frustration, waste, and a lot of cutting. Thermory’s JEM Joint is machined to interlock the ends of boards the long way, making sure they fit together seamlessly and securely—even between joists.
This isn’t just convenient—it’s a sustainability win. Because mixed-length boards can be used without issue, every piece of wood has a place in any project. Nothing is wasted.
As Andy Rawls, owner of Fine Texas Woodcraft and Thermory customer, explains:
“JEM technology allows you to lock the boards together on the end, giving you a solid mechanical connection that spans joists. So, you don’t have to splice boards on joists – you can be in the middle of 16” centers and these boards still have plenty of strength. It’s an awesome technology that allows you to reduce waste, reduce the cost of installing the deck, and it just makes it so much easier to install and lay out because you can just GO!”
He adds, “This product creates a lot of talk. I’m fortunate to get to work with it!”
Tested Strength You Can Trust
We don’t just say our JEM Joints are strong—we’ve tested them. Thermal-treated decking samples were evaluated at the Natural Resources Research Institute using ASTM D1037-based procedures. The goal: simulate a 300-pound person standing directly on an unsupported joint.
The results?
JEM Joints consistently performed with minimal deflection, proving their reliability in real-world conditions. Even under heavy stress, they held up as strong as traditional full-length boards.
JEM in Decking and Cladding
JEM Joints aren’t just for decking—they’re also a cladding game-changer. By eliminating the need to line up board ends with furring strips, JEM makes installation more flexible and efficient. Installers can work faster, designers have more freedom, and sustainability goals get a boost thanks to reduced waste.
As Steve Butler, Thermory’s outside sales representative, puts it:
“I always talk about the hidden value that the JEM joint provides in decking and cladding. Compared to traditional materials which need to be back-cut to the joist in decking applications or trimmed to eliminate checking and square up the butt-joints in cladding, Thermory products with the JEM joint are 100% usable. The value is in the much smaller waste factor that must be ordered to complete the job. Specific to our ash and oak decking with the JEM joint, Thermory gives you the opportunity to have a furniture or cabinetry quality decking surface for your home. No other material offers that!”
The Designer’s Perspective
From a layout and design standpoint, JEM Joints are just as valuable. TJ Peca, our inside sales representative and in-house design specialist, shares:
“JEM Joints make layouts smoother, cut down on time, and give you the freedom to use every board length without worry. It cuts down greatly on waste and trips to the saw! It’s one of those innovations that makes the entire building process easier.”
Thermory’s JEM Joint system is more than just a technical feature—it represents our commitment to smarter, more sustainable solutions. By encouraging the use of mixed-length boards, we ensure that every cut of premium wood has a purpose.
For builders, that means less waste and lower costs. (Factor in as low as 3% waste!)
For homeowners, it means a stunning deck or cladding system that’s built to last.
Where can you find JEM?
Our Joint End Matched technology is available across a wide range of Thermory products, including:
- All Benchmark Ash decking and cladding
- All Benchmark Oak decking and cladding
- Benchmark Pine cladding (select profiles)
- Benchmark Clear Pine cladding (all profiles)
- Ignite cladding
- Kodiak Spruce cladding (select profiles)
With JEM, we’ve turned a simple connection point into one of Thermory’s most impactful innovations. Sometimes, the strongest features are the ones you don’t even see.
Browse our JEM collections.
Photo Credits: Andy Rawls.
