The Story Behind The Legacy
Back in university, they sold wood plastic composite deck tiles, pounding the ground to get their products into local stores.
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One afternoon, during a visit to their best selling lumber yard location, they found their display covered—replaced by a massive, well-known decking brand. It was a crushing moment. But instead of walking away, it sparked a fire and they made a promise to themselves:
"One day, we’ll build something that
we’ll be proud of to stand shoulder to shoulder
with the biggest names in the industry."
At the time, it seemed impossible. The dominant decking companies were backed by billion-dollar, publicly traded corporations with deep pockets and global reach. But even with their massive infrastructure and capital, one thing was clear—the technology behind composite decking wasn’t up to par.
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Homeowners were frustrated with warping, poor aesthetics and maintenance headaches.
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Contractors, often independent installers, weren’t receiving the support and their voices were unheard.
Aesthetics were uninspired.
Materials felt synthetic.
Outdoor living was treated as an afterthought, rather than a central, memory-making space in the home.
Schotten Baumann
was created to change that.
More Than Decking —
A Statement of
Excellence
For nearly two decades, the two founders relentlessly studied, tested, and refined their approach, searching for a product that could truly redefine outdoor living. The breakthrough came with PVC decking — a material that offered superior durability, stunning aesthetics, and a virtually maintenance-free experience.
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But their mission wasn’t just about creating a great product; it was about changing the culture of the industry. They envisioned a world where homeowners wouldn’t just settle for a generic deck but would take pride in a Schotten Baumann deck — a signature of refined taste, a space where life’s most cherished moments unfold being the foundation upon which stories are told, laughter is shared and lifelong memories are created.​
A Name Rooted in Innovation
The name Schotten Baumann pays tribute to the two German chemists, Carl Schotten and Eugen Baumann, who first pioneered the chemical reaction that led to the creation of PVC in 1883. Their discovery revolutionized materials science.
And just like them, the founders of Schotten Baumann aimed to push the boundaries of innovation. They were particularly inspired by a statement from the chemists' descendants:
PVC was always meant to be a reusable, sustainable material.
That belief resonated deeply with the company’s core mission—The Zero Trees Mission, to create an eco-friendly alternative to wood, preserving forests while offering a longer-lasting, higher-performing decking solution.
The Principles of SCHOTTEN BAUMANN
Schotten Baumann was built on the principles of integrity, resourcefulness, curiosity, and togetherness.
We challenged the status quo, ensuring that every stakeholder — homeowners, contractors, and dealers — was better off by working together. We introduced innovative systems with contractors, ensuring that those who built with Schotten Baumann weren’t treated as another cog in the machine but as partners in success. We designed products that elevate outdoor spaces, making backyards just as important as the home’s interior.
Our journey wasn’t easy. As underdogs in an industry dominated by giants,
we faced countless challenges. But like the chemists who discovered PVC,
we stayed committed to our vision—to create something
timeless, innovative, and meaningful for the people we touch.
Today, SCHOTTEN BAUMANN isn’t
just a decking company. It’s a movement.
A movement for homeowners who refuse to settle.
A movement for contractors who deserve more.
A movement for a better-built future.
Because a deck isn’t just a deck—it’s where life happens.
And we’re just getting started.
