How to Lay Composite Decking – Step-By-Step Guide
Decks are more than just a practical addition to any home, and they are also an excellent way to increase your property’s value.
Because decks are made from recycled wood and plastic, it is non-toxic, long-lasting, and water resistant.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for information on how to lay composite decking.
How to Lay Composite Decking – Undeniable Advantages of Composite Decking
Combining wood and plastic results in the highest-quality decking product that is both functional and long-lasting.
Compared to wood, waterproof composite holds up much better to the elements, requiring little more than regular cleaning to stay in good shape.
Splinters on a wood deck are a concern, and regular maintenance is necessary to prevent them.
As with any outdoor installation, termites and elemental damages must be considered; however, with composite decking, you need not have to worry about that.
Composite decking is designed to combat the main issues that timbers are prone to. In other words, you can “achieve a beautiful timber look without the hassle of timber.”
How to Lay Composite Decking – Your DIY Guide to Installation
A deck installation project can be broken down into five simple steps. These are examples of planning, measuring, framing, securing, and laying.
Design and Planning
The first step in installing any deck is determining how much material is required, where the deck will be installed, and gathering all necessary tools and materials.
A darker composite material will retain heat and become hotter; if you like to walk barefoot or if your deck is in direct sunlight, a lighter color or combination of colors will make the deck more enjoyable.
Measure and Pour
Measure the area where the deck will be installed and start laying a solid foundation. Dig the holes for the deck footings with a post-hole hole digger. Pour in the concrete and let it dry for at least 24 hours.
Frame Your Deck
Lay out your framework after taking your measurements and ensuring the ground is solid and even (having built any additional composite decking support structure required).
Your composite decking joists should be evenly spaced apart – Most of our composite decking requires 400mm joist spacing, the only product requires 200mm joist spacing is the “unique“ product
The tighter the spacing, the more robust the frame. Consider joist thickness; the thicker and more powerful your joists, the more secure your decking.
Secure
Then, screw the joists together to secure your frame. If you’re laying on top of your patio or cement, then the weight of the finished structure is enough to hold the framing in place.
Otherwise, screw the frame to the ground using your post/pedestal network (cemented into the earth if necessary).
IMPORTANT NOTE: Leave a 10 mm gap where joist ends meet cross beams to allow for expansion, and oversize bolt holes by 3mm if using composite lumber for the same reason.
When installing a post network in the ground, ensure your posts are securely cemented at least 500 mm below the surface.
Lay down the deck boards
First, place your hidden starter clips at each end of your frame and regular intervals along the top of the frame’s joists.
Because you’ll be pushing your board into these clips, ensure the place is flush with the edge of your frame. Then, insert the starter clips into the frame.
Insert the starter clips into the side groove of the first decking board. Push the board until it is securely fastened.
Finally, insert the toothed side of a particular clip into the exposed groove where the first board meets each of your frame’s joists (another side from the hidden starter clips).
Cover the remaining exposed frame with composite fascias to give your decking a flush, sleek finish.
Composite decking is a rot-resistant, anti-slip, and long-lasting alternative to natural wood.
To accomplish this, cut the fascia pieces to size and screw them to the ends of the frame at regular joist intervals.
Conclusion
It is not necessary to seal or paint composite decking, and it is designed to last up to 25 years with no need for the costly and time-consuming annual maintenance that natural wood decking requires.
Follow the tips in this blog to learn how to lay composite decking from start to finish. Then, it will only take a few days to install a composite deck.
Are you ready to select your decking? Check out our composite decking in Perth right now.