Ultimate DIY Guide for Composite Decking

Premium composite decking gives Australian homeowners a cost-effective, visually appealing, and low-maintenance outdoor option. Whether for patios, balconies, pool areas, garden walkways, boardwalks, or rooftop decks, composite decking can transform your space and increase your return on investment.

Entrusting your installation project to highly experienced Australian decking suppliers often leads to excellent long-term results. However, if you prefer a hands-on approach, a DIY project can also achieve a favourable outcome.

If you’re embarking on this endeavour but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help. This ultimate DIY composite decking guide provides valuable guidance and insights, enabling you to complete a seamless installation and enjoy a stunning outdoor living area.

What Are the Advantages of DIY Composite Decking?

Although a DIY composite decking project can be challenging, the rewards can be fulfilling. Its advantages include:

Sense of accomplishment: Completing the project yourself brings a sense of satisfaction and enhances your confidence in doing other DIY home projects.
Full customisation: A DIY composite decking project offers homeowners full autonomy; they can choose colours, patterns, and accessories to complement their home’s aesthetics.
Labour cost savings: Installing composite decking yourself eliminates labour costs and enables you to save money. Hiring professional installers may strain your wallet.
Long-term value: Although composite decking’s upfront costs can be substantial, it doesn’t require frequent staining, sealing, and painting like conventional timber decking. Thus, it becomes a cost-effective option that also improves long-term property value.

Does DIY Composite Decking Have Any Drawbacks?

Despite its benefits, DIY composite decking can pose challenges. It’s important to recognise these drawbacks before deciding which path is right for your project.

These drawbacks include:

Specialised tools and equipment: Since composite materials behave differently from conventional timber, they require specialised hidden fasteners, impact drills, torque-controlled drivers, circular saws, and rubber mallets, among others. Composite decks also require adequate joist spacing to preserve structural integrity and prevent sagging.
Time-consuming: While a small deck can take up to four days to complete, a larger, more complex deck can take up to two weeks. This project timeline may take longer if you’re doing it yourself.
Potential for costly mistakes: Improper cutting or joist and board spacing can lead to costly repairs or reinstallation, potentially negating DIY labour cost savings.
Visual appeal: Inexperienced homeowners may find achieving clean finishes and proper alignment challenging, possibly compromising the decking’s long-term visual appeal.
Warranty concerns: Manufacturers often require specific assembly steps and parts to keep the warranty valid. Otherwise, homeowners may be responsible for any future repairs or replacements.

DIY Steps in Installing Composite Decking

If you’re determined to complete your DIY composite decking project, secure the necessary tools and equipment and take the necessary precautions to help you succeed. The steps for installing composite decking include:

1) Determine if installing composite decking on your own is practical

Determining your suitability to install composite decking on your own, is the critical first step in a DIY installation. Whether it’s a brand-new structure, substructure refurbishment, or decking extension, ask yourself if you can complete each feature within a reasonable time.

Can you handle tools and equipment, including mitre saws, circular saws, hidden fasteners, impact drivers, and rubber mallets? If you lack confidence in handling these tools, you may be prompted to ask an experienced friend for help.

If your deck is over 1 metre above the ground, you often need a permit in Australia. Check with your local council for the requirements.

2) Select the appropriate DIY materials

Ezy Decking has a comprehensive range of complete decking materials available, including:

Each decking type has its own pros and cons. If you need help deciding the best composite boards for your DIY project, contact the team at Ezy Decking.

3) Design your composite decking

Considering these factors will facilitate a smooth composite decking installation:

Deck height and shape: These factors significantly affect the time and effort you will invest in your project. We recommend assembling a low-to-mid-level deck to avoid complex railing or stair installation.

Consider a simple, elegant, square- or rectangular-shaped deck that’s easy to assemble and provides unmatched visual appeal.

Deck height and shape:

These factors significantly affect the time and effort you will invest in your project. We recommend assembling a low-to-mid-level deck to avoid complex railing or stair installation.

Consider a simple, elegant, square- or rectangular-shaped deck that’s easy to assemble and provides unmatched visual appeal.

Decking configuration

Install the composite decking boards edge-to-edge to facilitate easier fastening of the interior components. Straight-laid deck boards’ lack of complicated substructure framing makes them ideal for first-time DIY homeowners.

If you prefer other composite decking patterns, seek the assistance of a reputable, experienced contractor.

End-cut concealment

Consult a trusted decking supplier on the appropriate fasteners for the joist’s exterior. For a simpler installation, conceal the ends with a fascia board raised to the decking’s level. Consider a picture frame border for a clean, elegant finish.

Colour selection

Choose mid-to-dark, warm, or modern hues, which help hide imperfections. Colours like deep brown, charcoal, grey, sandstone, or natural wood also show less dirt and dust. This will make the decking process cleaner and easier.

4) Understand composite decking assembly best practices

Composite decking and conventional timber decking best practices are similar except for the following:

Substructure framing

Typical composite decking joist spacing is 400 mm on centre. Reducing it to 300 mm provides a more rigid feel similar to that of traditional timber decking.

We recommend spacing boards between joists by 100 mm to 150 mm to prevent sagging, ensure proper drainage and airflow, and maintain long-term visual appeal.

Deck board spacing

3 to 5 mm is the typical spacing for residential composite decking boards, helping prevent long-term buckling or warping. However, wider gaps may be more appropriate for hotter climates to accommodate board expansion.

Leave a slightly large gap at the board ends to allow length expansion. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to accomplish the best long-term results.

5) Analyse railing alternatives

A durable, aesthetically pleasing railing complements your composite decking perfectly, enhancing long-term property value and curb appeal.

If your decking is below 1 metre off the ground, it usually won’t require a railing. On the other hand, Australian residential code compliance and safety standards require a railing for decks that are more than 1 metre high.

Check your local building codes if this guideline applies to your situation.

6) Consider deck lighting

Composite deck lighting is a cost-effective measure that improves safety, extends usability, creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, enhances home security, and highlights decking features.

It’s important to note that lighting may need to be installed before you prepare your decking surface. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines to achieve the best results. Whether you prefer temporary string lights or permanent lights, consider LED lighting that’s low-energy, long-lasting, and low-maintenance.

Conclusion

DIY composite decking installation can be an exciting endeavour and allows you to achieve a sense of satisfaction, save on labour costs, receive long-term value, and customise your outdoor living space.

On the flip side, DIY composite decking’s drawbacks include an increased likelihood of costly mistakes, long project timelines, specialised tools, warranty concerns, and compromised visual appeal. Considering these disadvantages and following the recommended steps ensures a simpler, more satisfying composite decking installation.

Take that all-important step with us. Ezy Decking is a trusted supplier of premium Sydney composite decking boards, providing homeowners with a high return on investment and 100% customer satisfaction.

Ezy Decking provides premium quality composite decking boards with 10 year structural warranty to Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney & Northern NSW. Contact us today for a free quote.