Some Issues With Composite Decking!

If you’re the owner of a pressure-treated wood deck and beginning to notice the unavoidable wear and tear that comes with traditional wood, you’re likely looking into alternatives. Replacing wood deck boards with composite decking is a surefire way to improve the overall aesthetic, performance, and long-term value of your deck. We’ve got the tips and best practices to get your project started right. Your deck can begin to fail prematurely if the framing is weak. Be sure to follow your composite decking manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully, and keep the following tips in mind. The smaller the spacing, the longer your joists can span.

After purchasing the material, store the composite decking flat and bundled, if possible, in the area where you will be cutting and installing it. The decking should be at the same temperature as the area where it will be installed. On the downside, composite decking is susceptible to stains and may fade over time. Quality products cost more than softwoods such as treated pine. But they last longer with far less maintenance, so this premium is offset by their durability. Though not meant for structural purposes, these products are plenty strong for decking, fencing, and railings.

Hire A Deck Builder

This is the most common decking board sold; based on standard 16” OC joist spacing and type of material, this may be the minimum allowable thickness. Trying to figure out the right decking board thickness for your new deck? Or even trying to determine joist spacing based on the type of decking you have chosen. Either way, this post should help you determine the optimal decking board dimensions for your project. Your deck will look professional as long as you prepare, do your research and use high-quality building materials, like composite decking from NewTechWood.

Making the choice to invest in replacing wood deck boards with composite decking is an important decision. That thoughtful choice should be met with thoughtful design options.

Check Deck Joist Spacing

Install joist hangers every 6 inches or so on your ledger board and your end beam . Build a joist jig out of your framing lumber so that your joist hangers are consistent . Always wear eye protection and follow proper safety precautions when working with power tools or pneumatic tools. Mark and cut your joists to run from the ledger board to the end beams. Seat the joists into the hangers and fasten with nails . Planning and designing a DIY deck frame for your home's outdoor space is surefire way to gain more confidence in your DIY carpentry skills as well crate a deck or porch you're proud to own.

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

• I am merely talking about some of the issues that have been noted with the material.
• The majority of composite deck board brands including Trex, TimberTech, and more require deck joists spacing to be at 16 inches O.C.
• So, keep in mind that some additional framing may be necessary if you decide to upgrade your existing pressure treated wood deck with a high-quality composite material.
• Deck joist spacing for composite decking remains largely the same as if working with treated lumber.
• Any small investment in additional framing material will be well worth the increased stability you’ll experience for the lifetime of the deck.

Some people even prefer the appearance of composite decks to traditional materials, since they resist much of the wear-and-tear wood falls victim to. Since its conception and promotion as the “decking material of the future”, composite decking has faced a fair share of scrutiny over the years. With time, myths have developed about composite decking, both good and bad. In order to get a clear picture, we have to go through these myths and discern fact from fiction. When considering composite decking, consider the climate where it's being installed.

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.

I used a drill/driver to fasten it down with composite decking screws in pilot holes, driven no closer than 1 inch from the edge of the deck board. When pre-drilling composite boards, you’ll notice that some shavings of composite material will probably pull out of the hole. I used those composite shavings to cover the countersunk heads of the deck screws—softly tap in the shavings with a hammer; it works like a wood plug. The owner of the deck selected Timbertech’s Earthwood brand of composite decking in a “Tropical Teak” color. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, the Timbertech boards required the deck joists to span a maximum of 18 inches, but the deck currently existed with joists on 24-inch centers. This meant I had to nail additional 2-by-8’s between the existing joists.

You do not need to worry about aging wood until it reaches the point that it is structurally unsound. The difference between expensive and more economy composites isn't a matter of quality, but of style, color, and texture. If you're wanting the most realistic look, complete with texture, be prepared to shop a little on the high side. It is the highest quality of composite decking that resembles real wood the most.

First, it allows for proper drainage and keeps the deck cleaner, safer, and less prone to moisture problems. Second, because composite decking expands in hot weather, the space ensures that extra stress won’t be placed on the fasteners. Even the most experienced carpenters have found that when the power saw’s blade heats up, it creates slight waves along the cut line. Whenever possible, try to avoid ripping composite decking and use full boards for your surface. If you do have to rip, put the rough, exposed cut side where flaws will be least noticeable.

Commonly used joist sizes are 2-by-6, 2-by-8 and 2-by-10. One essential part of installing a new deck is laying deck joists. There are several factors to consider when installing your joists, such as the size you need and how much space needs to be between each one.