Composite Decking Installation Guide
We've put together a guide for you to successfully build your own composite decking! Read on to find out more.
Equipment
- Your lovely new decking boards
- Joists (Wood or Composite)
- Joist Screws
- Starter Clips
- Hidden Fasteners
- End Caps
- Corner Trims
- T15 Screwdriver Bit
- Jigsaw or Circular Saw (Power Drill or Driver)
- Protective Goggles
If you are unsure on any of the bits required above, please get in touch with us and we'll be able to walk you through the bits you require. The majority of the required pieces of equipment can be found on our fixings page or our finishing touches page.
1
Starting from the edge of your subframe, space the joists 30 cm apart. Keep in mind to leave 20mm between joist butt joints and a minimum 10mm expansion gap between any wall or fencing that runs along your subframe.
2
Before laying the decking, secure your starter clips into each joist at the starting edge of your subframe. To prevent any cracking, we advise pre-drilling the holes.
3
Now you can begin to lay your decking. Slide the first decking board up to the starter fasteners on the opposite side and secure in place with our hidden fasteners.
4
Slide the next board onto the hidden fastener from the first board and secure into place using another set of fasteners on the opposite side of the board.
Repeat this step until your second-to-last board.
5
Add starter fasteners to the end of the joist where the final board will go. Don't forget to allow enough room for the second-to-last board before sliding the end board into place.
6
Add the second to last board into place, secure and align with the joist below by inserting hidden T-clip fasteners between the decking gap.
7
Screw the fasteners into place and your decking is now complete.
To create a seamless finish, why not add an end cap or an end cover to the edge of your boards. We have a variety of accessories available to help elevate the look of your decking.
Helpful Hints!
When cutting your composite decking boards we recommend using a jigsaw, as this will cut the boards quickly and neatly. Always remember to wear safety goggles.
When creating your subframe, ensure there is a slight slope of approximately 5mm per 1 metre to allow for water drainage.
Ensure your composite decking boards have had an appropriate time to acclimatise, extreme weather conditions can cause the boards to expand or contract. We would recommend 48-72 hours to acclimatise.
Our composite decking boards can weigh up to 10.08kg, it is important to take care when carrying and lifting the boards to avoid injury