How to Install Composite Decking?
Composite decking is both stylish and easy to maintain. It can make your outdoor living space better and allow you to enjoy the outdoors to the fullest. If you know how to assemble composite decking, you can make your backyard look even better. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, it’s important to have a plan and a design for your deck.
Composite decking materials can make any deck look better and last longer. For any kind of deck, you need a sturdy frame. We can build deck frames using stress-treated lumber. If you want to build your own deck, let’s take a look at the most important things and the steps you need to take.
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Table of Contents
Things to Consider Before Building a Composite Decking
To make a composite deck, you must first lay a substructure made of pressure-treated lumber. Then, the composite decking boards are laid. The most important steps in laying a deck are:
- Prepare all the tools and supplies needed
- Putting the decking boards in place
- Securing the decking boards in place
- Installing the breaker boards
However, before learning how to install composite decking boards, every builder or contractor should consider some important things that will affect the entire plan. These include layout, materials, and how the deck will be maintained over time. Read on to learn more.
Controlling Deck Seams
Seams in the deck can make the deck look odd or like it wasn’t put together properly. Seams occur when you place deck planks over the substructure. If you don’t plan ahead, this can leave gaps or cause angles to be off.
You can keep deck seams in line with your original plan by using butt joints, laying deck boards diagonally, or using breaker boards.
Consider Temperature Variations
The style and requirements of the deck-building process can be affected by the weather and where you live. When the weather gets hot, wood expands, causing the deck to bend or even swell, weakening its structure. Likewise, cold places can cause wood to shrink or even crack.
Composite decking boards that mix recycled plastic and wood fibers can be used in all kinds of weather. And these decks require less maintenance over time.
Tools & Materials Checklist
Before you start building your decking project, you need to have the tools and materials ready. Below are the tools you will need to install composite decking.
- Bar clamps
- Chalk line
- Circular saw
- Drill
- Drill bits and tips
- Hidden Fastener Tool
- Jigsaw
- Tape measure
- Rubber mallet
- Sawhorse
- Speed square
- Miter saw
- Pencil
- Composite deck fasteners
- Composite decking
Construction of Deck Frames
A strong and durable deck frame is essential for a deck. When constructing the frame, the supporting posts need to be secured first.
Step 1: Calculate the Number of Posts Required
First, figure out how many posts are needed and how far apart they are spaced. There should be posts at the side of the house, at the edges, and at the top of the stairs. Find the difference in length between the two corner posts and divide by the maximum distance between the posts. Round to the nearest whole number and remove 1.
15 feet divided by 5 feet equals 3, 3 – 1 = 2, which means there are two posts in the middle. Be sure the distance between the columns is the same. If one post is lined up on a joist, you can move it slightly.
Note that most building codes allow no more than 6 feet between posts.
Step 2: Cutting the Columns
Cut the framing columns to the proper length. Cut the columns to the proper length for your plans and for the regulations in your area. The bottom edges of the columns should line up with the bottom edges of the side and end beams.
Step 3: Reinforcement with Bracing
Place the supports for the columns on the end joists. These joists have deck anchors on them to make the framing stronger.
Along the end joists, add additional support with deck screws between the deck joists and the end joists. This will help you install the anchors. Using the same lumber as the joists, cut them into brackets. Local codes may dictate how struts can be added in a certain way.
Step 4: Place Struts Along the End Joists
Begin installing the struts along the end joists. Secure the column in place with screws, making sure the column is straight and extends all the way to the bottom of the joist. Clamps can be used to hold the post in place when securing the post to the deck.
Step 5: Marking the Middle of the Joist and Drilling the Bolt Holes
Mark the location of the joists in the middle of the post, approximately 2 inches from the top and bottom. Next, the holes need to be pre-drilled in the column. Drill two bolt holes at the end joist and post marks.
Step 6: Insert Carriage Bolts and Secure Anchors
Insert the carriage bolt into the hole at the top of the strut, then place the anchor bolt and tighten it. Then secure the anchor to the strut with a screw. Secure the carriage bolt at the bottom of the strut in the same way.
After this, an anchor can be added to the back of the strut for extra strength. Note that there should be two carriage bolts per pillar, but you only need one anchor.
Step 7: Continue Adding Anchors, Supports, and Columns
Continue to add support columns around the corner posts. For the posts on the sides, they should be held in place with braces and anchors. Again, cut the supports from the same boards as the joists.
Then secure the rim joists in place. Secure the same supports behind the posts of the rim joists with screws and angle brackets. Then secure the posts in place with carriage bolts.
Installing the Deck Boards
Once all the posts are secured in place, it is time to lay the deck boards. Use slotted composite decking boards and hidden fasteners, which will give the deck a neat appearance. If the deck has a divider in the center, lay decking boards on both sides of the supports for which they are being installed. Cut the boards before laying the divider boards.
Step 1: Secure the Starter Clips
When formally installing composite decking boards, you will first need to secure the start and stop of the first board. Starting on the side of the deck near the house, screw the starter clips in place every 16 inches, and flush with the rim joists.
Step 2: Laying the First Plank
After securing the starter clips, begin installing the first composite decking boards. Place the first board on the ground and slide the notches over the clip points.
Step 3: Secure the Clips in Place
Next, on each joist, place the prongs of the clamps all the way into the grooves of the boards and screw them in place.
Step 4: Continue Installing the Planks
Place the next plank so that the holes line up with the prongs. Then push the plank into place. Leave a few inches of space between the plank and the end joist. After that, trim it. Continue putting the planks in place.
Be careful when cutting composite decking boards around the posts using a jigsaw. The cuts can be slightly larger so that the boards fit better. Finally, you can cover the gap with a post skirt. It is important that you have someone to help you install the long decking boards.
Step 5: Putting on the Last Boards
The last deck board may not need to be a full degree. If needed, it can be cut along the length of the planks. If skirting is to be installed, an extra 1-1/4 inches of overhang will be needed. Put the planks in place and secure them with composite decking screws. After that, you can install the skirting over the cut edges.
If you don’t plan to install skirting, you can place the trim boards flush with the frame. You will need to rip the last piece of the decking board so that it is flush with the frame, and then use a router to cut a slot in the decking board. Place the start/stop clips into the slot and then screw them into the boards to hold them in place.
Step 6: Trimming the Deck Boards
A chalk line should be drawn along the end joists so that the deck planks are the right length. Cut along this line with a circular saw. If skirting is to be installed, allow for a 1-1/4 inch overhang.
Step 7: Cutting and Securing the Deck Boards
In the center of the deck, cut the boards to match the bulkheads. Then use composite decking screws to secure the bulkhead in place. Use the screws to set the drainage gap for the deck.
Installing the Railings
Now that the deck boards have been laid, it is time to put the deck railings in place.
Step 1: Putting on the Post Sleeves
Slide the post sleeves on. To make it the right height, cut it to the right length. Then use PVC glue or fasteners to secure the post sleeve in place. Follow the instructions on the package.
Step 2: Measure and Mark the Top and Bottom Rails
Find the distance between the posts and then mark the ends of each bottom rail with a 1/4″ mark. Make sure the space between the mark and the rail holes is even.
Then use the same method to measure and mark the top rail of the railing.
Step 3: Cutting the Railing and Securing the Presses
Next, cut the balusters to the appropriate length. Then, place a press in the center of the bottom of each bottom rail and secure it with PVC glue. Take care to allow the glue to dry thoroughly.
Step 4: Marking the Position of the Brackets
Slide the brackets and flanges on the bottom rails. Use the rail to mark the bracket on the post while holding it in place. Then, remove the rail.
While waiting, another press can be placed on the bottom rail near the post to keep it at the proper height.
Step 5: Drilling the Guide Holes
Place the bracket and flange on the column again and mark the position of the holes. Drill holes around the edges and secure them with screws. Do the same on the other post.
Step 6: Mounting the Bracket and End Rails
Slide the brackets back onto the rails again and secure the rails in place between the posts. Then place the top rail in place, using the end rails as guides. Mark the position of the bracket and install the flange as you would the lower rail.
Step 7: Fitting the Railings
With all railings installed, secure the top rail in place. Secure the post caps with PVC glue or fasteners. Finally, install the last few railings in place. Note that for fasteners and structural hardware, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Instructions for Using Pressure-treated Wood
- Use stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized screws and other tools labeled for pressure-treated wood.
- When fabricating, if the lumber is wet (it usually is when purchased from the store), it should be butted together tightly. Pressure-treated wood shrinks as it dries.
- Pre-drilling holes in the ends of the boards will prevent them from breaking when nailing or screwing.
- If the project requires it, use lumber that is accessible from the ground.
- In addition to the above precautions, safety measures need to be taken when handling these woods.
- Wear a dust mask to protect your eyes and face when working with or cutting wood.
- If you are using treated lumber, be sure to wash your hands.
- Dispose of sawdust and other waste in accordance with the regulations in your area.
- Pressure-treated lumber must not be burned.
- Do not use pressure-treated wood as mulch.
Summary
This guide covers the steps for installing composite decking and deck railings. You can follow these instructions to DIY install the decking yourself. Of course, you can also hire professional decking contractors who can install composite decking faster and correctly for you.
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