INSTALLING COMPOSITE DECKING
At New Wave Flooring, we provide a wide range of composite decking
options. We also provide a guide to assist with the installation of your
composite decking. Please find below:
Distance between Joists
Preparation is the key to any successful composite decking installation.
You need to create a solid platform for the decking boards to be
attached to using the clips and screws provided. To do this, you will need
to dig holes for the stumps, attach the bearers to the stumps and then
attach joists to these bearers to have a solid base for the composite
decking boards to be connected to. Please refer to the chart below for
the joist spacing requirement of each panel:
Size of board Joist spacing requirement
138mm by 20mm by 5400mm solid……………… 400mm
138mm by 23mm by 5400mm hollow…………… 400mm
140mm by 20mm by 5400mm solid……………… 400mm
120mm by 20mm by 5400mm hollow…………… 200mm
HANDLING
Compared with timber decking, composite decking has a higher specific
density and is heavier. Please be careful when transporting and handling
composite decking. When storing and stacking composite decking prior
to installation, be sure to place on a flat surface.
TOOLS
Standard carpentry tools will be required, such as; power saw, string
chalk lines, level, screwdriver, hammer, drill, post hole digging tools etc..
PREPARING THE FOUNDATION
A solid foundation for the successful installation of any of our composite
decking boards is vital. Using a string line (or other devices), mark out
the desired positions for the holes for the stumps, dig the holes and set
the stumps in a concrete footing in preparation for the bearers to be
attached. It may be appropriate to allow 24 hours for the concrete
footings to cure.
JOISTS
Once you have constructed the subfloor bearers you need to attach
joists, ensuring the distance between the joists adheres to the guide
above depending upon which type of composite decking board you have
chosen. Screws or fixings used in the installation should be of zinc,
stainless steel or galvanized variety to ensure they do not rust.
Please note; composite decking is not suitable to use as structural
components for any buildings. Do not fix composite decking directly on
any solid surface or water-tight system, such as concrete, rooftop or
balcony, etc.
Recommended design/patterns
Not Recommended patterns
Expansion and shrinkage of boards
Table 1 Gap requirement for a full length of 5.4m
Ambient Temperature
In degrees
0 10 20 30 40
Gap requirement
In mm
9mm 7mm 5mm 3mm 0mm
You must leave enough gap when installing composite decking boards to
allow for thermal expansion and contraction. This is necessary not only
when laying the boards end to end but also between the boards. End-to-
end, width-to-width and end-to-width. Gapping is necessary to allow for
drainage and the slight thermal expansion and contraction of composite
decking boards.5 Allowing for Thermal Expansion (Gapping)
Width-to-Width: The general width-to-width gapping is 2-5mm.the clip
size determines the gapping in-between decking by clip.
End-to-Width: The general end-to-width gap is determined by a
number of factors, the length of the composite decking boards being
installed adjacent to a longitudinal composite decking board, the
temperature at installation, the co-efficient of
End-to-End: The general end-to-end gap is determined by a number of
factors, the length of the composite decking boards being installed, the
temperature at installation, the co-efficient of thermal
expansion/contraction, the highest temperature expected during the
year and whether the boards are exposed to full sun and/or shade.
Depending upon the factors mentioned below, the expansion could be
as much as 10mm at either end of the decking board.
HOW TO INSTALL COMPOSITE DECKING
How to install bullnose board.
You will receive the bullnose clips for securing the bullnose board. A few
things you need to know about bullnose board.
• We recommend you install the bullnose board first, not the last
board.
• Due to the special design and structure of bullnose board, the
board won’t stay straight once it is unpacked from the pallet,
however, it will stay straight once it is fixed on the joist with clips.
Steps of bullnose board installation.
Step1
Secure the starting clips,
30mm distance to the edge if you don’t want any hangover
If you’re going to put an upright facial board, you need to move closer to
the edge, and the distance depends on the thickness of the facial board
you will use.
Step2
Fix the starting clips on the joist approx. 800mm to 1m apart, and make
sure they are straight. You don’t have to put the starting clips on every
joist.
Step3
Push the bullnose board down and forward to lock it in
Step4
Secure the other side by using the normal decking clips.
If you can also cut half the black clip off which allows you slide the clips
in-between the decking groove and wall
Note: For plastic clips, screw only halfway down. DO NOT fully tighten.
Using the clips and screws provided, attach to the joists as per the above
diagram, then slide the second board into place, making sure all clips fit
into the groove.
Repeat the process for the remaining boards until you reach the final
board where the procedure used on the first installed board is repeated
(ie; predrilled pilot holes on an angle into the grooved edge of the
decking board.
Tips: you don’t have to make the screws super tight; the board will
move length way when the temperature is up and down. The screws
might be pulled out if it was screwed down too tight
Install screws through pilot holes to secure.
Tips: If you are installing a metal frame, pre-drill pilot holes on the
metal frame and secure with screws to achieve a neat finish
WWW.NEWWAVEFLOORING.COM.AU 18 LITHIC WAY, WANGARA, WA
6065
08 6406 1488