Composite decking may be either grooved with I-beam shaped edges or ungrooved with flush edges. Whichever type you are using, it is important to know how they should be properly installed.
Installing Ungrooved Composite Boards
Follow these basic instructions when installing ungrooved composite decking boards:
Step 1
Starting at the edge of the deck frame, lay the composite beams down, making sure they are flush with the frame. Next, pre-drill holes beginning at 2 inches from the end of the board and 1 inch away from the outer edges. Each board will receive two screws. Drill the screws into the holes perpendicular to the boards.
Step 2
Slip the next composite board into place, making sure it is exactly parallel to the first board. If you so choose, you can use a spacer that ensures the boards are all installed 1/4 apart. Drill the holes and screws again as in step 1.
Step 3
Trim the final board on the deck frame if necessary. If not, perform steps 1 and 2.
Installing Grooved Composite Boards
The process for installing grooved composite boards will be similar but somewhat different from the installation of ungrooved options. You will drill into universal fasteners instead of boards. Follow these general steps:
Step 1
Lay the first grooved board at the end of your deck frame in a corner spot.
Step 2
Keep the board from moving (you can weight it down if necessary). Insert the fastener/spacer into the grooved location of the board. Also, stagger the boards to have their ends land in different spots.
Step 3
Slide in the next board, ensuring it is parallel to the first one. Sliding is important here so that the spacer fits in the board groove. This will give you two boards with a spacer between the boards.
Step 4
Pre-drill the spot for a screw that you will then drill into the hole of the spacer. This must be done down the length of the fastener. After you have installed the initial spacer, repeat the process, laying down boards and spacers until completed.
Step 5
If necessary, trim the final board. Then lay it out and drill in the spacer. An additional option is to use matching fascia board to cap off the composite board ends.
Make sure you have enough of the spacers and fasteners you need and follow the manufacturer’s instructions when you install them.
