Some Issues With Composite Decking!

We also recommend using joist tape or a wood protectant to help shield cut ends from moisture damage. Joist tape is aself-adhesive tape made of rubberized asphaltthat you place on cut joist ends to help protect it from water and reduce sound transmission.

Instead of pilot holes, some manufacturers suggest drilling a starter hole about 1/8 inch deep into the material. Select a bit size that is the same diameter as the screw’s inner core and take care not to go too deep into the material. Composite decking can be fastened to treated wood joists with screws or with hidden fasteners. Using composite deck screws is critical because they are specially designed to help hold the material in place. Though common wood screws might seem like they would work as well, they tend to “mushroom,” or bore out the holes rather than set into the material. Composite deck screws are designed so that they do not push the material out and will create a much more uniform and tight fit. Some composites look like real wood—at least from a distance.

Hire A Deck Builder

Joists are attached to the installed ledger board using a joist hanger, or hanger bracket, and run the entire distance of the deck out from the house. The deck joist material that you choose to work with will depend greatly on your region's weather and lumber availability. The wide majority of decks and deck frames built in the United States feature pressure-treated lumber as the deck framing material. The hangers will keep your joists secure and stable once you install your decking — plus, they make it attaching your joist boards a breeze. If you’re laying composite decking on top of your frame, you need at least1 1/2″ of support at every joist.

The PVC trim had to be torn off completely and replaced. Extra spacing is also important between board ends and where boards meet a wall when decking runs perpendicular to the wall. Where board ends meet a wall, leave a healthy 1/2-inch gap to ensure the material can expand and contract without coming into contact with the wall. This will increase the longevity of the deck and also prevent bowing during the hottest part of the day. One of the most critical steps for properly securing composite decking in place is to make sure you have a 1/4-inch to 3/16-inch gap between the decking boards (don’t exceed 1/2 inch).

Check Deck Joist Spacing

If you have ever looked up at a deck from underneath, you’ve seen joists, which are dimensional lumber, (often 2×8’s or 2×10’s). They are set upright for strength, usually fastened to the house at one end, and sitting on top of a central support beam near the other end. Joists support the decking boards, which are fastened onto the joists from above. Joists are typically spaced out evenly for stability, ease of board installation and a clean look.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the purpose of decking joists, as well as frequently asked questions about joist installation. We’ll also share step-by-step instructions to make installing your deck joists a quick, simple process.

How To Lay Decking Joists For Composite Decking

• This contact area should be limited only to the top of the joists, leaving most of the decking exposed on both sides.
• If placed on top of other decking, there will be little drying potential beneath the new decking and more rapid decay of both the new and old can be expected.
• These days, installing a composite deck is a lot like working with wood -- some even claim it’s easier due to the clip system.
• For manufactured products, installations over old decking or solid surfaces are prohibited and will likely void the warranty.
• While this might have been true when composite decking first hit the market, it’s not an accurate representation of the materials on today’s market.

When I installed the new boards, they revealed 1/2 inch of unpainted siding along the bottom of the three walls surrounding the deck. To hide this I needed to add trim, and settled on a kind of makeshift base moulding for the deck. Here, I should interject that the homeowner decided to keep the existing wood handrail system , with the intention to stain the wood to match the color of the deck.

How To Fasten Composites Down

Another reason to mix materials is to reduce maintenance needs. Things like wood handrails and wood decking boards need regular maintenance and finishing to prevent splinters.

At the other end of the spectrum are your temperate hardwoods, which are naturally strong, as measured by Modulus of Rupture. So based on these factors here’s a table to determine your proper decking board sizes. Most composite and PVC decking manufacturers will list clearly the deck joist requirements within their installation instructions. This helps DIY decking installation go much more smoothly! Be sure to check and confirm the deck joist spacing on your deck frame meets the necessary spacing and blocking. Before laying and installing decking joists, check the weather forecast.

When it comes to performance, replacing wood deck boards with composite decking is a no-brainer. TimberTech offers industry-leading warranties — including a Lifetime Limited Product Warranty for our TimberTech AZEK capped polymer decking collections. There are a number of related benefits that come with replacing wood deck boards with composite decking. Your installation process will vary by decking line and the fasteners you use. In all cases, double check your joist and deck board spacing before application.

Times have changed, and now composite decking materials are far more affordable. Combined with the bug-fixes and the aesthetic tweaks, composite decking is ready to serve as actual competition for traditional wood decks. Expert advice on how to install and work with TREX and other composite decking materials, how to cut and fasten TREX, and framing for composite decking. Joists are structural elements that make up the entire framework of the deck.

Apply Joist Tape To The Top Surface Of Each Joist

When building your deck and railing, it is recommended that pressure treated wood be used as the framing and floor joists. This wood is protected against the elements and insects and will provide a solid support for your decking material.