should you pre drill composite decking

There are a couple of big benefits to predrilling your deck boards before you start to send screws home, including (not limited to):

• You can sink the screw a little deeper, getting it beneath the surface of the board so that you don’t get caught on it when walking around barefoot
• Get a cleaner finished look when you predrill
• Don’t have to worry about weakening the structural integrity of your deck boards with cracks and splits, including those you wouldn’t be able to see under the surface

Full Answer

Do composite deck screws need to be drilled?

In the past, no matter what type of deck board you were installing, the answer to this question would indefinitely be yes. However, with advancements in fastener technology, pre-drilling in most composite and capstock deck boards is no longer necessary. Composite deck screws have been consistently used by the industry for about 10 years now.

Do I need to drill holes in wood before installing decking?

Although it’s not a requirement, it is good practice to pre-drill holes across both the underframe and the planks which he intends to install there, before sinking screws into the wood and securing the boards into place for good. The benefit of using screws is that it’s a relatively easy process that works with both timber and composite products.

What to do before laying composite decking?

You have to check your composite deck boards before laying them on your deck. See if there are any cracks, warps, or any other issues. You have to take proper care of your deck and crews after installation. Clean your deck with appropriate cleaner and tools so that nothing gets damaged. Also Read: Differences Between Vinyl Siding Nails And Screws.

How do you drill holes in composite decking?

You should lay your composite boards down starting from the edge of your decking frame. Make sure it’s flush with the frame, then pre-drill holes starting at 2 inches from the end of the board and 1 inch from the outer edges – you’ll have two rows of screws in each board. Then, drill the actual screws into the pre-drilled holes.

What companies are compatible with composite deck boards?

What company makes composite deck screws?

Who makes composite deck fasteners?

Do you need to pre drill a deck?

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Can you just screw composite decking?

Strictly speaking, yes you can, but you shouldn't. As well as voiding your composite decking warranty, screwing boards in place will cause you all kinds of problems in the long run, which you will need to return to and rectify, so it's best to get it right first time.

Can I drill into composite decking?

Composite decking such as Trex can be cut, drilled, and fastened just like traditional wood, but there are a few tricks you should know to make your project easier, and provide a more professional finish. It is important to recognize that composite decking expands and contracts with heat and cold.

Should I pre-drill holes for deck nails?

A: Yes, creating what are called “pilot holes” will help prevent your wood boards—solid or MDF—from splitting or cracking when you drive a nail or screw through them.

Do I pre-drill Trex?

ONLY pre-drill through the TREX itself. The screw won't seat in the board properly. Instead of sitting down flush with the board, it will stop at the top of the board and just spin.

What are the problems with composite decking?

Composite decking has a high rate of expansion and contraction due to temperature swings. It actually moves greater distances and more unexpectedly than traditional wood. When the boards expand and contract, they may split, delaminate, and peel. The movement can cause your decking to shrink, warp, twist, and bend.

Does composite decking expand and contract?

As temperatures fluctuate, composite deck boards will naturally experience thermal expansion and contraction. That's why the board ends should never be installed tight against one another.

Is Pre-drilling necessary?

When you drive screws into wood without drilling pilot holes, you're essentially pushing wood out of the way to make room for the screw. That displaced wood puts more pressure on the wood surrounding the screw, which can lead to splitting and cracking, weakening the wood over time.

How do you fasten composite deck boards?

1:102:285 Quick Tips for Installing Composite Decking by Jon Peters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd that will provide enough room for a clip at the edge of each board it also provides. MoreMoreAnd that will provide enough room for a clip at the edge of each board it also provides. More support for the edge of the board. So just a few quick tips.

Should I drill a hole before screw?

Drilling a pilot hole before using a screw or nail to join parts together makes the process easier and prevents the wood from splitting.

Do you leave a gap between composite deck boards?

The gaps between your boards will be between 1/8 and 1/4 inches in most cases. Composite decking can have smaller gaps because it does not expand as much as wood. Anything larger than a 1/4 inch gap could lead to safety issues.

Should composite deck screws be flush?

All recommended screws are designed to be installed flush with decking surface.

Can you screw down grooved composite decking?

You can screw or nail composite decking boards just like wood ones. Three-inch decking screws are the best fastener choice; they sink a secure distance into the joists and won't back out like nails. There's little danger of splitting the boards when driving them, so you don't need to pre-drill.

How do you screw into Trex decking?

Use the Trex Hidden Fastener Tool for Quicker Fastener InstallationStep 1: Place Clip In Tool. Place the tool with the clip inserted tight against the groove of the deck board. ... Step 2: Install One Fastener at Each Joist. ... Step 3: Slide Boards Into Place. ... Step 4: Tighten Fastener.

Can you attach wood to composite decking?

Can you mix composite decking with wood in the construction of a deck? The answer is a resounding yes. Homeowners are increasingly choosing to do so for a variety of reasons.

Can you nail into Trex decking?

You can screw or nail composite decking boards just like wood ones. Three-inch decking screws are the best fastener choice; they sink a secure distance into the joists and won't back out like nails.

How do you drill screws into decking?

0:211:15How To Fasten Pressure Treated Decking - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAbout one inch away from the edge of the board screws can be installed with a standard drill orMoreAbout one inch away from the edge of the board screws can be installed with a standard drill or impact driver or with a collated deck driver that will speed up installation.

Chart with drill bit sizes for pre-drilling | Ana White

If your bits aren't marked with sizes, here's how to select a bit: Hold the screw to the light or a white background, with the bit you plan to use in front of it. You should see screw threads sticking out past the bit, but the bit should hide the rest of the screw. When you find the right size bit, store it with the box of screws so you know which one it is.

What is the Proper Way to Pre-Drill Wood Screws?

To drill pilot holes correctly, follow the necessary steps listed below:

How Deep Should Deck Screws Go?

Deck screws should be placed at least 1” away from the edge of the board. If you install the screws too close the edge, you increase your chances of splitting the wood.

Should You Countersink Deck Screws?

Typically, when you drive a screw into wood, you stop as soon as the screw head hits the surface.

How Many Screws Do I Need for a 6-Inch Deck Board?

On average, you need about 350 screws for every 100sqft of the deck surface. This is based on 6” wide boards and 16” spaced joists.

What are the Best Deck Screws?

The best deck screws are corrosion-resistant and able to withstand the elements. Look for stainless steel or galvanized (or zinc coated) decking screws, if possible.

Why do you drill holes in deck boards?

To sum things up, the main reason for drilling pilot holes in deck boards is to prevent the wood from cracking or splitting. Pre-drilling holes is often the only way to successfully drive screws into the ends of deck boards without wrecking the wood. Pilot holes also stop crews from stripping or breaking off, which is a major hassle.

How long should a deck screw be?

Most deck screws, on average, are 8-gauge with a minimum length of 2 ½” needed to securely attach decking boards to the joists. Most professionals opt for slightly longer screws (around 3”) for extra holding power and the guard against the upward pressure of shrinking and/or warping boards.

What is a sleeper system for a concrete deck?

A sleeper system is a substructure comprised of joints that sit between a solid surface, such as concrete, and the actual deck. Sleeper systems promote air circulation and water drainage — which in turn protects capped composite or capped polymer deck boards from excessive moisture — and prevent buildup of snow, sleet, or ice.

What is metamerism in wood?

If you’re a veteran DIYer, you’re probably familiar with the experience of metamerism. The phenomenon happens when two colored samples — both the same product and hue — appear the same shade under one light source, but then appear to be two different shades under another. The experience may tempt you to think you see undue color variation in your TimberTech boards, especially if you’re installing the boards at different angles.

What does fastening deck boards do?

Fastening the deck boards according to the full Installation Guidelines will assist in minimizing expansion and contraction.

What is fascia on a deck?

Fascia is made up of the boards that run along the perimeter of the deck. Not only does fascia finish your deck with a sleek, seamless look, but it’s also a useful tool when hiding the ends of your composite boards.

Does capped composite decking contract?

Unlike wood, whose size fluctuates with moisture changes, both capped composite and capped polymer decking, as well as rim joist covers, will expand and contract with changes in temperature. The expansion and contraction may result in slight gaps, likely noticed at the ends of boards or in splice joints. Expansion and contraction will be most significant in areas of extreme temperature change.

What are the two ways to go when it comes to fasteners?

There’s essentially two ways to go when it comes to fasteners: hidden and color-matched. Here’s the low-down on each one.

Can Azek windows be kept from heat?

During installation, however, this property means that AZEK products should be kept away from excessive heat sources — think fire or sunlight reflected from energy-efficient window products, like Low-emissivity (Low-E) windows. Low-E glass can cause unusual heat build-up and elevated surface temperatures, which may contribute to melting, sagging, warping, discoloration, or increased weathering.

Why do builders like composite decking?

Builders like composites because they are relatively easy to install–the materials are very consistent in size and quality, come in lengths up to 20 feet long, and are not prone to warping and cracking. Composite decking won’t rot or splinter (an extra bonus for bare feet).

How much space between decking boards?

Between end-to-end boards, allow a 3/16-inch space.

What percentage of plastic bags are recycled?

More than 70 percent of recycled plastic bags (over 1.5 billion of them!) are converted into composite decking, fencing, and similar outdoor materials by the U.S.’s largest manufacturer of these materials, Trex Company. Brasilia.

When to stop decking work?

This can make cutting and securing more difficult. If the decking material begins to get warm to the touch as the day goes on, you may want to stop work and continue the project the next morning.

Can composite decking be fastened to treated wood?

This will increase the longevity of the deck and also prevent bowing during the hottest part of the day. Composite decking can be fastened to treated wood joists with screws or with hidden fasteners. Using composite deck screws is critical because they are specially designed to help hold the material in place.

Does composite decking rot?

Composite decking won’t rot or splinter (an extra bonus for bare feet). New styles also have fire prevention technology incorporated into the composite, which reduces the risk of house fire during cookouts and makes them less of a fire hazard where wild fires can be a threat.

What type of saw is best for straight cuts?

A power miter saw can provide very accurate, straight cuts, and a table saw with support extensions can make all types of cutting easier. Carbide tipped blades are suggested—the fewer teeth the better for smooth cuts. Don’t allow blades to get overly hot when cutting as this can cause cuts to be warped or wavy.

What is an ungrooved deck?

Ungrooved installation. Your composite decking boards are either ungrooved, meaning they have flush edges, or grooved, meaning they have I-beam shaped edges. Follow these instructions when installing ungrooved boards: Step 1. You should lay your composite boards down starting from the edge of your decking frame.

Is composite decking the same as real wood?

It’s also important to note that although composite decking looks like real wood, it doesn’t have the same tensile strength required as a support element for a property. It’s always a good idea to consult a professional regarding your deck plans to see how suitable composite decking is for what you have in mind.

Where to put grooved boards on deck?

As with ungrooved boards, you’ll want to start by laying your first grooved board at the very edge of your deck frame. It should be in a corner spot. Step 2. Making sure not to move the board (you might want to weigh it down), insert the spacer/fastener in the grooved part of the board.

Can you use fascia boards to cap off composite boards?

You can also use matching fascia boards to cap off the ends of your composite boards, but this is optional. Double check what kind of spacers and fasteners you have and make sure that you have enough. Whichever kind you have, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing the fasteners.

Do you need a power drill to build a deck?

Additionally, you’ll need a power drill and measuring tape. Make sure you have all the necessary pieces you need to securely attach your boards to your deck frame.

What is the most cost effective fastening device for decks?

In addition to this, screws are probably the most cost-effective fastening devices when it comes to decks.

How are underframes mounted?

Using this installation method, the underframe is fitted with clips and the planks are mounted over the top by attaching them to these clips.

What do you need to know when choosing a deck?

When choosing a deck for your home, the choices you make around its size, shape, height, and color, will determine the overall visual appeal of your deck as well as its spatial dimensions, which you will later put to good use when you’re kicking back on that sunchair or entertaining guests with a BBQ.

Why are screws placed at regular intervals?

Some people consider screws to be a bit of an eyesore, even when they’re placed at regular intervals to create a more refined, uniform look.

What is the most pleasant experience a homeowner in Melbourne can have?

One of the most pleasant experiences a homeowner in Melbourne can have is to relax in their backyard, taking in the sights and sounds of the outdoors from the comfort of a deck.

Do you need to drill holes for underframe?

Although it’s not a requirement, it is good practice to pre-drill holes across both the underframe and the planks which he intends to install there, before sinking screws into the wood and securing the boards into place for good.

Is composite decking faster than screws?

This method is also generally faster than using screws, however, the initial outlay might cost more when installing a composite deck for Melbourne households.

What companies are compatible with composite deck boards?

Those companies were Azek, TimberTech (now owned by Azek's parent company), Fiberon, Trex, and Evergrain. With very few exceptions, deck boards by all of the above mentioned companies are compatible with the composite deck fasteners.

What company makes composite deck screws?

The first company to experience market penetration with a composite deck fastener was a company called FastenMaster with its "Trapease" branded screws.

Who makes composite deck fasteners?

Today, the industry leader in composite deck fastener technology is a company called Starborn Industries with its newly designed Cap-Tor xd fasteners. The Cap-Tor xd screws are available in an epoxy coated steel version as well as a stainless steel version.

Do you need to pre drill a deck?

It is important to note that while composite screws eliminate the need to pre-drill the vast majority of the deck, pre-drilling is still required around the perimeter (within 1" of the end of the board) as well as on stair treads.

Do You Need to Pre-Drill Deck Boards?

Benefit of Pre-Drilling

• There are a couple of big benefits to predrilling your deck boardsbefore you start to send screws home, including (not limited to): 1. You can sink the screw a little deeper, getting it beneath the surface of the board so that you don’t get caught on it when walking around barefoot 2. Get a cleaner finished look when you predrill 3. Don’t have to w...

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How to Pre-Drill Faster

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