As they do not have a fibrous makeup like timber, failure to countersink will result in the boards mushrooming over screw heads. If a deck does not have adequate ground clearance or the boards are too close together, expansion outside of regular operating parameters may be seen, leading to issues with the deck and integrity of the fixings.Īs composite decking boards are much denser than timber, it is necessary to predrill and precountersink the boards if top fixing. Ground clearance is mainly to allow adequate airflow beneath and around the boards, which helps to cool the boards on warmer days. It is important to understand how composite decking boards behave to ensure your gaps aren’t too big or too small.Įnsuring ample ground clearance is often a prerequisite from composite decking manufacturers to ensure warranty guidelines are adhered to. Too often we see people gapping their boards on warm days, then come back the morning after installing their deck to find the gaps have opened up to be too large. When the temperature drops and the boards cool, the gaps between the boards will open up. Therefore, you should keep the gaps very small, or evenly butt the boards together. If you are installing on a hot day, the boards will likely have already expanded. Being aware of the temperature during installation and the estimated maximum temperature for the area is imperative. With composite decking, appropriate gapping the ends of boards is key to a successful installation. As the boards dry out, they shrink, which results in gaps opening, cracking and splintering. Regular timber has a 10-15% moisture content when first installed. Unlike timber, where you want to pull the boards in as tight together as possible, you need to leave some gaps when installing composite decking. For that reason, we recommend using the appropriate composite-cutting blade for your application.Ĭomposite boards can expand and contract along the length of the board with changes in temperature.
Using saw blades designed for timber might be fine for the first few cuts, but generally they will quickly go blunt before the job’s end. When cutting composite materials, use specific saw blades, such as those made by Diablo, that are specially designed to cut through tough composite boards. You wouldn’t use a hand saw to cut through steel, and similarly you need an appropriate blade for cutting composite boards.Ĭomposite boards are harder and denser than regular timber due to the plastic component. Like any DIY project, using the right tools for the job can make a difficult task easy, or an easy task difficult. The don’ts of composite decking installation The do’s of composite decking installation
So, to help you get the most out of your decking, we’ve pulled together a list of essential composite decking installation do’s and don’ts. Even the most experienced builders or carpenters can easily come unstuck if they are unfamiliar with how composite materials behave. However, before you go ahead with a decking installation project, there are a few things you should know about how composite decking materials differ from timber.Ĭomposite decking boards are made from a mixture of reclaimed timber and recycled plastic and therefore have different characteristics to timber decking materials. It looks great, is long-lasting and requires very little maintenance compared to timber. And foremost among these should be your choice of decking material.Ĭomposite decking is a great alternative to timber. If you are replacing an existing deck or building a new one, there are many factors to consider when laying your deck. Installing a new deck is an exciting and rewarding project.
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