A Full Guide to Installing Deckorators Composite Decking

Deckorators® Composite Decking

Deckorators® composite decking is a durable, low-maintenance and visually appealing product, making it a popular choice for outdoor living areas. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step installation process for Deckorators® composite decking, to ensure a long-lasting end product.

Prepare Your Space for Deckorators® Decking Installation

Before diving into the installation process, preparation is essential. Here’s how to get your space ready for Deckorators composite decking:

Tools and Materials:

These are the list of tools and materials you’ll require.

• Deckorators® Composite Decking Boards Note: Depending on your deck design, ensure you have solid edge boards as well as grooved edge boards for use where the edges are visible
• 65mm reverse-thread composite screw in stainless steel
• Equator® Hidden Fasteners
• Drill/ power screwdriver
• 3.2mm drill bit
• Circular saw with carbide-tip blade
• Tape measure
• Carpenter’s pencil
• And safety glasses

Check the Timber Substrate:

Ensure timber joists are level and adequately spaced to support the decking. This includes:

• 400mm centres for standard and picture frame decking in residential situations
• 300mm centres for diagonal decking in residential construction
• 300mm centres for all commercial applications.

This is your opportunity to install weed barriers and joist protection, such as Protectadeck Joist Protection, if required.

Note: Deckorators® composite decking is not recommended for steel subframes.

Step-by-Step Installation Process for Deckorators® Composite Decking

Below are steps 1-4 of the installation process:

Step 1: Lay the First Decking Board

• You can start the decking from a perimeter or outside edge of the platform, or from the centre of the deck and work your way out to the end boards. The design of your deck will determine whether you will have a perimeter board or a fascia board to finish the boards against
• These composite decking boards are either face-fixed or fixed with Equator® Hidden Fasteners for a nail-free appearance. Note: Solid-edged boards must be face fixed.
• Face fixed boards are installed with colour-matched composite decking screws, 25mm from the sides and ends of the boards
• When installing Deckorators® Composite decking with the preferred method, Equator® Hidden Fasteners, use minimum 60mm decking screws with a black screw head. These should be installed at every joist. Adjust the driver to a low or medium setting to avoid over-tightening the screws.

Read the manufacturer’s recommendations for the full fixing requirements.

Step 2: Continue Installing Decking Boards

• Once you are happy with the location of the first board, add decking boards row by row
• Maintain consistent spacing between boards using spacers or hidden fasteners.

Step 3: Cut and Trim Boards

• Use a circular saw to trim any excess decking board length as needed
• Note: To reduce burning (the rough edge) on the face of the board, it is recommended to flip the board over prior to cutting.

Step 4: Finish Off Ends

• For installations where decking boards are butted end-to-end at the joist, we recommend using a timber block and Equator hidden fastener clip at the end of each board. Use a fascia board to conceal the board profile and stop movement over time. If no fascia is being used, the entire perimeter of the deck should be fastened to the rim joist with two screws at the end of each board.

Recommendations:

We recommend pinning interior boards at the centre to ensure that they do not move over time.

Maintenance Tips for Long-lasting Deckorators® Composite Decks

Maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your Deckorators® composite deck. To ensure your composite decking continues to look new, follow these simple maintenance steps:

• Regularly sweep the deck to prevent mould and mildew growth
• Clean spills immediately to prevent staining
• Inspect the deck for any loose fasteners or damaged boards and repair.

Why Choose Deckorators® Composite Decking?

These composite decking boards are highly durable, delivering one of the industry’s best strength-to-weight ratios. They are also incredibly tough, yet lightweight which makes them easy to work with on site. Need more information? Contact the team at Bowens for more details on Deckorators® composite decking. Alternatively, shop our extensive range of composite decking products online or in-store today.

For more information on how to maintenance composite decking effectively, read our blog ‘How to Clean and Maintain Your Composite Decking.’