How to Build a Deck: Composite Decking and Deck Railings
- Before You Begin You'll need a solid frame for any type of decking. ...
- Mounting the Railing Posts For composite decks, mount the posts to the inside of the joists. ...
- Installing the Decking Once all the posts are secured you can install the decking. ...
- Installing the Railings With the decking complete, it's time to assemble and install the railings. ...
- Working with Pressure-Treated Lumber Guidelines ...
- Next Steps ...
How do you picture frame composite decking?
A composite decking picture frame can be achieved by using either a NeoTimber deck board or the NeoTimber edge board. Below, we outline the steps and considerations you should take when picture framing your decking project with either one of these products.
How do you attach composite decking to timber?
Now your timber frame is complete you can lay your composite deck boards. If you have no overhang or you have a fixed deck, begin by fitting starter clips along the outer edge of the frame. Secure these clips with the screws and drill bit provided. For our decking we are working with an overhang.
How do you build a deck with posts?
If you choose to install wood decking, you can find step-by-step instructions in How to Build a Deck: Wood Decking and Railings. Follow all local building codes. For composite decks, mount the posts to the inside of the joists. Start by determining the number of posts you need and the post spacing.
What kind of frame do I need to build a deck?
You'll need a solid frame for any type of decking. This deck has a frame made of pressure-treated lumber. If you need help with framing and setting the posts, see How to Build a Deck: Post Holes and Framing. If you choose to install wood decking, you can find step-by-step instructions in How to Build a Deck: Wood Decking and Railings.
How far apart should joists be for composite decking?
16″Most composite decking materials, like Trex, AZEK, TimberTech and Fiberon composite decking, require minimum joist spacing for composite decking at 16″ on-center spacing for straight decking and 12″ on-center joist spacing for 45-degree angle diagonal decking.
How do you support composite decking?
One way to support the perimeter boards is to add an extra joist 5-1/2-in. away from the outside joist and then install a 2×6 on its side between the two joists. Hide composite ends by mitering joints around the deck perimeter. Add extra joists for support as needed.
Do they make composite deck joists?
Composite joists and deck can reduce floor-to-floor height, costs, construction timelines and required steel material.
Does a composite deck have a wood frame?
Joists for composite decks Framing for a composite deck isn't the same as a wooden deck. The plastic materials in composite decking require strict support to avoid bowing or warping when heated by the sun. The required joist span is 16-inches on centre, or 12-inches on centre when running boards at a 45-degree angle.
What framing is needed for composite decking?
Trex Decking can be installed on one of three options green pressure-treated lumber, kdat lumber or steel framing.
What frame do you use for composite decking?
Metal. The most common metal used for composite decking framework these days is aluminium, which has a superb resistance to fire and is both long-lasting and easy to work with. Aluminium won't warp, sag or rot and will easily outlive the life of your decking boards.
Can you put composite decking on wooden joists?
Laying composite decking over wood In short, yes you can. You are more than capable of placing composite deck boards over existing wooden ones in order to save time and money from building an entirely new frame.
Do you leave a gap between composite deck boards?
Important points about gapping All deck boards must always be installed with a 6mm side-to-side gap. The Trex Hideaway Hidden Fasteners automatically measure the 6mm gap between grooved edge boards but you must still ensure the 6mm gap with the square edge boards.
Do composite decks need a slope?
If you have composite decking, which will not cup or one way or another, then a ⅛” slope is ideal and more than enough to shed water. While you could keep a composite deck level, some water would stay and eventually evaporate. Either way, a composite deck requires little or no slope.
What is the best deck framing material?
The most popular deck framing material today is pressure treated lumber. Treated with water and chemicals, pressure treated lumber protects your lasting deck against rot and fungal decay. It's also a top choice for builders. It provides durability at a low cost.
Is it cheaper to build a deck with wood or Trex?
The lowest cost per square foot for a pressure treated pine deck sells for about half the price of composite, $25 versus $30 installation, respectively. Even high-end wood like cedar and redwood still come in under the price for the lowest composite decking.
Does composite decking need more support?
Composite decking is different to timber, in that it requires significantly more support. Five joists will not cut it. You will need to either upgrade the existing subframe with additional joists, replace with new timber joists or install an entirely composite based subframe.
What do you put under a composite deck?
However, you will need a good base for the composite decking. Many use concrete flooring and concrete slabs for an even and stable base. Some also use adjustable pedestals. Using pressure-treated wood or composites will make a strong and durable frame.
Can I put composite decking directly on ground?
Decking boards must NEVER be laid directly on the ground but instead should be fixed to joists of a suitable sub-frame. In most cases we recommend installing your Alpha Composite Decking on a solid concrete base using plastic composite joists.
Can you put composite decking on wooden joists?
Laying composite decking over wood In short, yes you can. You are more than capable of placing composite deck boards over existing wooden ones in order to save time and money from building an entirely new frame.
How to support perimeter boards?
One way to support the perimeter boards is to add an extra joist 5-1/2-in. away from the outside joist and then install a 2x6 on its side between the two joists.
Why put butyl tape on joists?
Lay butyl tape over the joist tops to help prevent rot.
What happens if a joist is higher than another?
If some of your joists are higher than others, you might end up with a wavy surface.
Where is deterioration on decking?
Two places our pros often see deterioration are along the top edge, where the decking traps moisture, and between two joists sandwiched together.
Why are horse fences white?
Do you know why horse fences are usually white? It’s because dark ones are harder for horses to see. The same principle applies to deck railings and people.
What is the trickiest part of a deck?
Stair railings are one of the trickiest parts of any deck project.
Is Trex decking the same color as PVC?
Many PVC and Trex composite decking products are not the same color all the way through, so you’ll want to cover the ends.
What are the components of a deck frame?
In a simple deck frame, there are four main components. These include the ledger board, deck posts, center beam and support joists. Here is some information about installing the ledger and deck posts:
What Tools Will I Need to Use?
In addition to materials, you’ll need a variety of tools for the project. A standard collection of woodworking tools works well, but tools with a carbide tip are especially suited for composite deck building.
What to do with a deck?
Perhaps the second-greatest satisfaction of building your deck — besides the fact that you built it yourself — is customizing it to fit your home. Add composite railings, patio furniture, decorative plants, string lights, outdoor speakers, outdoor rugs, benches and more to make the space inviting and beautiful. Your DIY deck should feel like an extension of your home. Use decorations and furniture to transform it into a place where you can gather and enjoy the company of friends and family.
Can you put fascia boards around the edge of a deck?
Depending on the layout of your deck, you may want to install a fascia board around the outer edge. Fascia acts as a border around the outside of a deck that can hide parts of the deck underbelly. Some composite decking products even feature fascia boards that perfectly match your deck boards. Here are a few things to keep in mind when installing fascia:
Do composite deck boards need hidden fastening?
With a functional frame ready to go, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the fastening system for your material before you can start adding your deck boards. Depending on the composite boards you purchased, your decking may use a hidden or non-hidden fastening system: Hidden fastening systems include:
Can you put gravel under a composite deck?
Once you’ve completed the concrete footings, you are almost ready to begin assembling your composite deck frame. There is one optional step you may want to complete depending on the ground beneath your deck and local codes. If your deck plan includes space between the ground and decking, you may experience weed growth. To prevent this growth and aid water drainage, consider adding weed barrier fabric and gravel on the ground under your deck area.
Where to install a starter clip?
Install a Starter Clip on the outside edge of your joist framework and fix to the opening on the underside of the edge board, securely fastening into place. Once your edge board is securely positioned, install a FastClip to the exposed grooved-edge on the inside of the edge board, ready for laying all subsequent deck boards. Where boards meet at corners of the picture frame, a 45-degree mitered edge should be made and an expansion gap of 4mm must be observed.
What edge boards are needed for a picture frame?
NeoTimber edge boards that form the picture frame of your project must be laid before installing the main run of decking. This allows the picture frame to be correctly fixed on all sides.
Do double joists run perpendicular to the main run of decking?
It is important to note that consideration of this design feature must be taken when forming your subframe, as it is important to install double joists in areas of the project where boards will run perpendicular to the main run of decking .
How thick is a Zek fascia board?
Installing TimberTech AZEK fascia boards, each of which is ½” thick, will leave a slight (¼”) overhang of the picture frame border.
How far can border board hang?
Border board can be flush to the wood rim if no rim joist is used, or can hang over up to ¾” if TimberTech AZEK fascia is installed.
How to cut azek deck?
Measure and cut your deck boards to length using a power miter saw or sliding compound power miter saw, depending on board width . Measure twice and cut once. Review additional info on how to cut TimberTech AZEK decking.
How much do picture frame border boards overhang?
Achieve a clean finished look by allowing the picture frame border boards to overhang the outside wood rim joist by ¾”.
When a deck board runs the same direction as the joists, what is the purpose of the additional blocking?
When a deck board runs the same direction as the joists, additional blocking / joists must be installed to your existing substructure to adequately support and fasten the deck board.
What size block to use for mitered corners?
Use 2" x 6" flat blocking to support the mitered corner.
Is TimberTech deck cleaner toxic?
Keep surface buildup at bay with TimberTech ® DeckCleaner™ featuring our effective, non-toxic and bleach-free formula. Makes cleaning a breeze for small spots or entire deck surfaces.
What is composite decking?
Composite decking is made from a mix of wood fibres, plastics and bonding agents. The resulting boards last longer than traditional timber decking, and they are very low maintenance.
Is composite decking easy to install?
Composite decking is relatively easy to install if you have planned your layout accurately and have a solid timber frame as a base. The deck boards fit to the frame using specific fasteners and screws.
What is a noggins?
Noggins are short pieces of timber that fit between internal joists and provide stability and rigidity to the decking frame. The width of each one is fixed by the width between joists.
How to secure a joist in a workbench?
Secure a joist in your workbench and attach joist hangers to both ends using 30mm external grade screws.
How to secure a noggin?
Drill pilot holes before securing the noggin with 100mm external timber drive screws. Once all the noggins are in place, check that your frame is level, and all your fixings are secure.
How to add fascia board?
If you are adding a fascia board, start by measuring and marking 40mm in from each end of the board, then use a chalk line to connect the marks. Using the chalk line as a guide, mark at 300mm intervals down the length of the board.
Where is the hidden fastener clip on a deck?
With the first board in position, slide the hidden fastener clip into place so it sits within the groove of the deck board, and directly in the centre of the joist beneath. These fasteners are used to secure the deck boards and ensure a consistent 6mm expansion gap.
1. Cobble Together a Layout Frame
Most DIY construction or home improvement books recommend plotting deck footings using chalk lines, batter boards, and string. Instead, save time and get a more comprehensive overview by laying out a rough outline of the deck using lumber.
2. Check the End Grain on All 4x4 or 6x6 Boards
When buying 4x4 or 6x6 deck framing lumber, don't just check them for straightness; also look at the ends of the boards. Try to avoid any lumber that includes the center of the tree, especially if anywhere near the center of the 4x4 or 6x6 deck plank.
3. Skip the Lag Screws - Go For Construction Screws
While construction screws may look weak in comparison to the commonplace lag screws, they're actually much stronger and better designed than tradiational lags. Also, you'll save tons of installation time since you won't have to spend five minutes working on each lag screw in with a ratchet.
4. Square Your Deck Frame
As the ideas and materials for your deck begin to come to life, it will give you a great idea of how and where you'd like to attach the structure. It is usually best to start against the house as the ledger board offers a stable, stationary surface that you can pull measurements from and fasten the deck joists to.
5. Install a Diagonal Brace to Prevent Deck Swaying
A diagonal sway brace should be mounted to prevent racking on all decks featuring horizontal decking. A metal T-shaped brace installed diagonally across the top of the joists or a diagonal deck board installed across the bottom of the deck frame will minimize deck movement in high-winds and will provide extra security and support for years to come.
