Everyone is shifting towards composite decking instead of traditional wooden ones because of the notable pros the former comes with. It ensures optimal durability, an ever-lasting lustrous appearance, resistance to damage, minimal maintenance, and more. If you are tempted by the endless benefits of using composite decking, we have got you covered!
In this comprehensive guide, we have explained everything from its key applications and benefits to the detailed installation process. Owing to this guide, you can ensure convenient installation without leaving any loopholes. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s delve in to begin the journey of exploration!
What’s Special about Composite Decking?
Made with the amalgamation of plastic, wood, and multiple binding ingredients and others, these decking boards are revolutionizing the floor decking experience. With them, we can skip the need to repeatedly invest in replacing that worn-out wooden decking or get professional assistance to give it that much-needed maintenance dose over a few years.
Long story short, composite decking is a budget-friendly, ultra-durable, water and temperature-resistant alternative to wood decking. You can rely on them for making anything from flooring to planters, pet houses, benches, and even bins. Their use is more diverse than you think it to be!
Key Applications of Composite Decking
Before hopping onto the step-by-step guide for installing composite decking, why not first have a look at its key application (Link here to one article “Where to use the Composite Decking?”)
Flooring – It has been widely used as a composite decking material for offices, outdoor spaces, backyard pools, and hot tub decks. Not only is it resistant to damage due to water, but it can also withstand temperature extremes. These are also environment-friendly and available in more color options. Meaning now you can customize your flooring the way you want with your desired composite decking colors, texture, and even appearance.
Porches and Treehouses – Planning to make a treehouse for your kid? Composite decking boards can be your best buddies to accomplish the plan. Rely on them and give your kids an ever-lasting memorable place to cherish, as composite decking is never going to wear out, at least for the upcoming thirty years. Yup. You read it right!
Boxes and Bins – You can use composite decking boards to make boxes and bins for placing in your backyard. Those matching accessories will take the aesthetics of your backyard space to another level, offering you calming vibes.
Benches – Having a bench is never a bad idea. Whether you have scrap composite decking in your garage or just have a creativity boost, intriguing you to craft something useful, just make a bench! These will surely look great in your backyard.
Other notable applications include making multiple useful things like bird feeders, shelves, storage boxes, and more.
Is It Easy to Install Composite Decking?
Wondering if it is easy to follow the guide on how to install composite decking? Hear us shouting YES! Composite decking is much easier to install than other options. These are undoubtedly heavier, yet their other pros overlook this factor. Composite decking boards easily fit into the timber frame. All you need to do is secure them using screws and fasteners.
Owing to the heavy size of these boards, you will have to request someone for help when lifting, cutting, and moving the boards. Also, don’t forget to wear protective clothing, like safety goggles, face masks, gloves, etc. In short, this installation process has no rocket science if you stick to the basic safety requirements.
Pre-Installation Considerations
This section covers a very important step that needs to be performed during pre-installation, i.e., deciding about building the frame. Here you need to consider certain factors. If you want to install composite decking on a smooth and solid surface, you can build your decking frame right on the surface. However, if you have to work with a soft, uneven, or rough surface, you will have to make a network of posts first and then layer it up with a frame.
Tip: Besides opting for a heavier timber frame, you should go with decking frames.
Additionally, before we begin, ensure you have the following equipment by your side:
- Screwdriver
- Power drill
- Tape measure
- Level
- Hand saw
Let’s now hop onto the guide!
Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide on How to Install Composite Decking
Wait is over, guys! We will now delve into the comprehensive guide on how to install composite decking. Note this guide is independent of the composite decking material.
Step 1: Set up Your Base Frame
Once you have analyzed the texture and decided the type of frame you need, this step will become clearer. Make your measurements, and set up your frameworks when evenly spacing your composite decking joints. The closer you place the decking, the sturdier the frame you will build. Normally, the spacing is kept at 16 inches for residential flooring, but to be on the safe side, you can opt for any between 12 and 24 inches.
How can we skip the joint thickness? Consider it too, and for the secure decking, make your thicker and stronger.
Step 2: Secure Your Frame
Follow up with securing your frame by using your screwdriver. If you place the frame on top of some solid surface, the frame’s weight would be enough to secure the frame to the ground. But if you are dealing with a smooth surface, you will need to secure the frame to the ground by fastening it with the post network.
Tip: As we know, composite decking expands and contracts as temperature changes from season to season, so ensure to leave room for expansion. It must be around a 10mm gap right where the joist ends meet.
Step 3: Place Your First Board on the Frame
Spot and position those hiding starter clips. You will find them evenly spaced at the top of the frame and each end. Make sure the area where these clips sit is flushed with the frame edges. This will help when pushing boards into these clips. Once done, grab your first decking board and fit it into the side groove of the starter clips by pushing and firmly securing it.
Finally, grasp a special clip and push its toothed sides into the exposed grooves right where your board meets with the frame joists. Use a screwdriver to fasten the clips to the frame and board. When doing so, ensure to place the screw holes in line with the centers of joists, using only one screw per board at butt joints.
Step 4: Set up the Rest of the Decking Boards
Now, place the next decking boards one by one with their exposed sides facing the special clips fastened into the previous board. You will need to apply a bit of force to make secure connections. Now repeat the process until you are left with only two decking boards.
Step 5: Place the Last Two Boards
Here is how the installation of these boards is different from the rest:
- Grab a measuring scale or tape to measure the width of these boards, including the potential gaps in between. Take a marker to identify where the edges of the last board will lie on the joist.
- Proceed with the same procedure as you did for the first board, i.e., fastening your starter clips at multiple locations on the top of the frame and each end. Ensure to maintain regular intervals.
- Place the final board into its place by pushing it against these starter clips.
- Once done, screw special clips to secure the board in its place. This time, your special clips will screw into the side groove of the final board and each joist it’s facing.
- Now, jump in with all the efforts to push your final board at an angle against the exposed special clips of the second last board. A clicking sound will guarantee your success.
- One last step is to slide in your very last special clips, position them in the joists’ centers between the second and third last boards, and fasten them into place.
Step 6: It’s time to wrap up!
Lastly, give your decking a lustrous and sleek finish by covering the remaining exposed frame with fascias. Measure and cut the fascia pieces, placing them onto the frame at regular joist intervals and screwing them. Voila! You are done with installing the composite decking boards!
Wrapping It Up!
That was all about how to install composite decking boards. We have tried to make things much easier for you with our step-by-step guide. Besides this, we have also shed light on the key information about this flooring option, from what you should know about it to the potential applications and more. You will surely find this info worth reading! Stay tuned for more!
If you are curious to learn more about these decking options, read more articles in EVODEK blog section. We have covered every aspect for you with our ultimate guides!
Related reading: What is Composite Decking Made of
