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Installing Composite Decking
Sam Lutz • Jun 05, 2016
Composite decking is a plastic and wood hybrid material that has the look and feel of real wood, but the durability and water-resistance of plastic. Composite decking is longer-lasting and easier to maintain than actual timber, which makes it the rising star of decking material. For understandable reasons, many homeowners with all-wood decks are now turning to composite decking for their deck repairs and upgrades. If you’re a homeowner currently seeking to replace your old wooden deck with composite decking material, you’re not alone. The following tutorial will help you install composite decking over your old wooden deck frame.
Materials Needed
- Screwdriver
- Awl
- Measuring Tape
- Carpenter Square
- Composite Deck Planks
- Matching Composite Deck Screws
- Drill with Bits
- Circular Saw
- Dust Mask
- Jigsaw
- Spacers
- Two Sawhorses
- Composite Deck Sealer
- Paint Rollers
- Paintbrushes
Composite Decking Installation Process
Many manufacturers have special installation tools and screws (like you see in this how-to installation video), so it’s important to read the manufacturer’s instructions before doing anything. Once you have all the materials and have taken a look at the instructions, you can get started with the installation process.
- Check the old wooden frame for rotten or damaged wood. Rotten wood will be soft enough to push a screwdriver or an awl into the surface of the wood without much trouble. Damaged wood can have a variety of problems, from mold to pests. Look for discolorations, holes, saw dust, gashes and other evidence of problems. Replace any old damaged wood as necessary, then move on to the next step.
- Measure the length of the deck and determine the necessary length of the decking planks. Once you know how long the planks need to be, measure the planks and mark them at the appropriate sizes.
- Use a circular saw to cut the planks to the appropriate lengths. Wear a dust mask to avoid breathing in small slivers of composite decking material.
- Lay down the first composite decking board along the joist. Be sure to lay the decking board so that it’s parallel with the joist on the ground. Use the carpenter’s square to ensure that the planks and joists line up properly.
- Screw the board to the joist with composite deck screws made by the manufacturer. Each board should be screwed into each joist with two screws. Keep the screws about an inch from the edge of each board, and about 1/2 of an inch from the ends of the boards. Inserting screws too close to the edge of the decking can cause it to crack. If you must insert screws very close to the edge of the deck material, drill pilot holes into the decking to prevent the formation of cracks. Note: You may need to cut out notches in the deck planks to make room for the posts in the deck frame. Measure the planks ahead of time and use a jigsaw to create the notches.
- Insert spacers along the edge of the plank you just screwed onto the deck. Spacers will help you keep the planks evenly separated.
- Repeat steps 5 and 6 until the deck is completely covered with planks.
- Seal your composite decking. Sealing your composite decking will help protect your decking from mildew and stains, and will make your decking material even easier to clean. To seal your composite decking, use a paint roller to coat the decking material in sealer formulated for composite deck material. Use paint brushes to paint the edges and corners of your deck. Allow the sealer to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then apply a second coat if the manufacturer’s instructions say to do so.
Stop in at Ace Paint and Unfinished Furniture
If you’re going to be installing composite decking in your yard this summer, stop in at Ace Paint and Unfinished Furniture for composite decking sealer, paint rollers and other paint accessories
that you’ll need for your project. We proudly carry long-lasting, durable Daich brand composite deck coatings. Stop in at one of our stores to pick up your materials today!
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