Composite decking boards are a modern material that’s becoming increasingly popular. Made from a blend of wood flour and PVC, these panels are extremely durable, aesthetically pleasing, comfortable to the touch, and require no maintenance. Another big advantage? They’re super easy to install, even on a concrete patio floor. So, how do you go about laying them? This guide will walk you through each stage of the process.
Preparing the Surface
The first step in installing composite decking is getting the surface ready, which needs to be smooth, level, and stable.
“If you’re laying the boards on an impermeable surface, it’s important to make sure there’s a proper slope to let rainwater drain away,” says a representative from Liderwood. “The slope should be at least 1 cm per 2 meters. For installations on soil or grass, you need to compact the surface with a mechanical compactor and lay geotextile fabric to prevent weeds. Sometimes, you might need to adjust the height of the terrace or level the ground using extra materials. A foundation of concrete blocks or adjustable decking supports under the joists can help spread the load evenly.”
Adjustable decking supports really simplify the installation and are a great choice because they’re strong and adjustable. You can read more about why they’re a good investment [here].
Installing the Joists
Once the surface is prepared, it’s time to install the system joists. These should be spaced no more than 25 cm apart for 21 mm thick boards, or 35 cm for 25 mm thick boards. Remember to leave a gap of 10-15 mm from walls or other elements. If you’re installing the boards on an impermeable surface, ensure the joists are positioned to allow proper water drainage.
The joists are attached to the surface or concrete blocks using expansion anchors, dowels, or screws. The recommended distance between fasteners is 60 cm, depending on the type of surface. And don’t forget to level everything properly!
- Installing the joist to the pedestal (photo: Mario Budowlaniec)
Mounting the Decking Boards
Now that the joists are in place, you can start installing the composite decking boards. Use special mounting clips that ensure a 4-5 mm gap between the boards, allowing water to drain. These clips are fastened to the joists with screws provided in the installation kit.
The boards should be laid perpendicular to the joists in an alternating, brick-like pattern, ideally following the slope of the surface. Make sure the ends of the boards rest on the joists. For boards that need to be joined lengthwise, leave a 10 mm expansion gap, and make sure each board is supported by its own joist.
Once the boards are in place, you can trim the edges with a mechanical saw or similar tool. Then, cover the edges with caps or flat or angled finishing trims. For added protection, use frost-resistant roofing silicone to secure the caps.
- Composite decking board Standard Dark Brown (photo: courtesy of Liderwood’s client)
A deck made from composite decking boards, like the Standard Dark Brown, is simple to install. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out – and good luck with your project!