How to Install Composite Decking Boards?
Composite decking boards resemble natural wood in appearance but, unlike traditional boards, they are easy to maintain, durable, and do not require impregnation.
They are composed of 60% wood flour and 30% high-density polyethylene. They are protected from fading by pigments and UV filters. They are moisture-resistant, do not swell, and do not deform, making them perfect for outdoor use, such as on terraces or facades.
What is needed to install a WPC terrace?
- Composite joists measuring 30 x 50 mm
- Decking boards and masking strips (straight and angled)
- Mounting clips
- Adjustable terrace supports for the joist or concrete blocks
- Leveling discs – to compensate for substrate slopes of 1-3%
- Appropriate tools
How to build a WPC terrace?
Fix the joists
Place the joists on the concrete base at intervals of 35 cm and attach them to the ground using expansion bolts. Leave a one-centimeter gap between the joists and the wall. If the terrace needs to be raised or the ground leveled, it is worth placing the terrace on supports where the joists (necessarily measuring 30 x 50 mm) are placed.
- Fixing the joist to the support (photo by Mario Budowlaniec)
Start with starter clips
Attach the starter clip to the edge of the joist, then slide the decking board into this clip so that it fits snugly. Insert mounting clips into the special slots, which will connect the boards but remain invisible. Only the clips are screwed to the joists.
Next, drill the joist with a metal drill bit with a diameter of 3 mm to about half the depth of the joist. Loosely screw in the clip using the supplied screws – but do not fully tighten the screw yet. Push the board to the screwed-in mounting clip and then fully tighten it.
- Starting clip screwed to joist (photo by Mario Budowlaniec)
How to lay the boards?
The composite boards offered by our company should be laid, keeping the appropriate spacing between boards and walls.
Cut the end board of the decking too wide lengthways. Remember to keep the edges of the chamber – they are the ones holding the decking board to the clip or batten.
Important: Ensure there is a one-centimeter expansion gap between the boards to allow for natural movement and prevent buckling.
- Mounting clip screwed to joist (photo by Mario Budowlaniec)
Fastening masking strips
The process of laying composite boards ends with the attachment of masking strips. They allow you to hide the mounts and finish aesthetically. The masking strips are mounted on the joists at the edges of the terrace. The top edge of the strip must be level with the boards. Leave a gap under the profile for water to flow out.
- Cover strip finishing – curved decking made of WPC Premium Redwood board (photo by Liderwood’s customer)
Laying composite boards may seem complicated. However, in practice, it is very simple and quick. Thanks to theLiderwood boards, you will enjoy a beautiful terrace for years.
We wish you a successful implementation.
Watch Mario Budowlaniec’s video with instructions on how to install a terrace with our composite boards:
