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Installation Instructions
Installation of a ground level deck with a timber frame:
IMPORTANT. The most important point with installing any composite decking is that sufficient gaps are left at each end of the boards. From cold (0oC) to hot (40oC) the expansion gap needed is 1mm per metre each side plus 1mm for hollow boards and 1.2mm per metre at each plus 1mm with solid boards. A minimum gap of 5mm is required to any adjacent material such as walls, pool copings, post cut outs and any other structures. If this gap is not left boards will expand into whatever is next to them like walls and if no room to expand is allowed the boards will crack. If boards crack due to this, it IS NOT an issue with the boards, this is an install error, Please allow correct expansion gaps!!! Breaker Board layout will help reduce gap size needed.
All screws directly screwed through composite boards need a pilot hole so as to leave a small amount of room for expansion around the screws, if this is not done, it will again result in cracking of boards and will not be covered by our warranty.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need:
– Composite decking boards
– Treated timber for the frame (joists)
– Hidden plastic clips
– Starter clips
– Breaker board clips (for changing direction)
– Nosing boards (optional)
– Fascia boards (optional)
– Deck screws
– Measuring tape
– Level
– Circular saw
– Drill
– Sawhorses
– Safety gear (gloves, safety glasses)
Step 1: Prepare Your Space
– Choose the location for your deck and ensure it’s level.
– Mark the perimeter of the deck with string or spray paint.
– Clear the area of any vegetation, rocks, or debris.
Step 2: Build the Timber Frame (Joists)
– Depending on your decking material:
– For budget boards, ensure the joists are spaced with a maximum center of 350mm.
– For hollow boards, maintain a maximum center spacing of 400mm, allowing for 1mm per lineal meter for expansion gaps.
– For solid boards, the joists should have a maximum center spacing of 450mm, allowing for 1.2mm per lineal meter for expansion gaps.
– Measure and cut treated timber joists to the desired size for your deck.
– Space the joists according to the guidelines for your chosen decking material.
– Ensure the frame is level and square.
– Attach the joists to the support posts or ledger board using deck screws.
Step 3: Install Starter Clips
– Place starter clips at the beginning and end of each row of decking boards.
– These clips will hold the first and last boards securely.
Step 4: Lay the Decking Boards
– Start at one end and lay the first composite decking board against the starter clips.
– Ensure there is a sufficient gap at each end for expansion as specified by your decking material.
– Secure it in place by using hidden plastic clips on each joist.
– Continue this process for each subsequent board, ensuring they’re tightly butted together and maintaining the required expansion gaps.
Step 5: Use Breaker Board Clips
– When changing the direction of the decking (e.g., at corners or for design reasons), use breaker board clips.
– These clips will secure the boards at the change of direction and help reduce expansion gaps.
Step 6: Install Nosing or Fascia Boards (Optional)
– If you want a finished edge to your deck, you can either use nosing boards (overhanging the perimeter) or fascia boards (covering the sides).
– Secure these boards with screws or clips, depending on your preference.
Step 7: Check for Level and Square
– Regularly check that your deck remains level and square as you progress.
– Make adjustments as needed.
Step 8: Finish the Edges
– If you used nosing boards, trim them to match the deck’s perimeter.
– If you used fascia boards, ensure they are flush with the decking.
Step 9: Final Inspections
– Inspect your deck for any loose boards or clips.
– Ensure all boards are securely fastened and expansion gaps are maintained.
Step 10: Enjoy Your Deck
– Once everything is in place and secure, your low-level composite deck is ready to be enjoyed!
Remember to follow safety precautions throughout the construction process, and consult our guidelines for requirements of use for each material, especially concerning expansion gaps and the use of breaker boards.
Securing the Frame Over Concrete or Tiled Surfaces with Adjustable Pedestals:
1. Prepare the Surface:
– Clean the concrete or tiled surface thoroughly to ensure it’s clean and level.
2. Select Adjustable Pedestals:
– Choose adjustable pedestals designed for decking applications.
– These pedestals typically have a mechanism that allows for height adjustment, ensuring a level deck.
3. Place the Pedestals:
– Position adjustable pedestals at regular intervals along the area where the frame will be placed (this will be based on the span of ghe size of timber in use.
– Ensure the pedestals are level and securely positioned.
4. Install Joist Bearers:
– Place treated timber joist bearers on top of the adjustable pedestals.
– Adjust the height of the pedestals as needed to ensure the bearers are level.
5. Secure Joist Bearers:
– Secure the joist bearers to the adjustable pedestals using appropriate sized treated screws.
– Make sure the bearers are securely attached to provide a stable base.
6. Attach Joists:
– Position your treated timber joists on top of the bearers.
– Secure the joists to the bearers using appropriate fasteners.
7. Check for Level:
– Use a level to verify that the frame is level and square.
– Make any necessary adjustments to the adjustable pedestals to achieve a level base.
Securing the Frame Over Dirt-Type Ground with Galvanized Stirrups and Bearers:
1. Prepare the Ground:
– Clear the area of vegetation, rocks, and debris.
– Dig post holes at each corner and at regular intervals along the frame’s perimeter.
2. Choose Galvanized Stirrups:
– Select galvanized stirrups designed for outdoor use and decking applications.
3. Position Stirrups:
– Place galvanized stirrups into the post holes.
– Ensure the stirrups are level and securely positioned.
– Fill with appropriate quantity of concrete or postmix.
4. Insert Bearers:
– Insert treated timber bearers into the galvanized stirrups.
– Adjust the height of the bearers to achieve a level frame.
5. Secure Bearers:
– Secure the bearers to the galvanized stirrups using appropriate fasteners.
6. Attach Joists:
– Position your treated timber joists on top of the bearers.
– Secure the joists to the bearers using suitable fasteners.
7. Level and Brace:
– Check that the frame is level and square.
– Brace the frame as needed to maintain stability.
8. Optional Concrete Footings:
– If additional stability is desired, consider pouring concrete footings around each galvanized stirrup.
– This further secures the frame to the ground.
9. Inspect and Adjust:
– Regularly inspect the frame to ensure it remains level and secure.
– Make any necessary adjustments to maintain stability.
By following these specific instructions for adjustable pedestals over concrete or tiles and galvanized stirrups and bearers over dirt-type ground, you can create a stable and level foundation for your composite deck.