Decking Design and Installation for CleverDeck from Futurewood

Lay Out your Decking Design with Precision

Correct installation is essential when installing wood-composite decking and this will help establish a design that meets your client's overall decking requirements. Composite wood materials have distinct characteristics that are different to timber, so they require a different approach in regards to the installation process. Futurewood's step-by-step guide covers the proper handling and fixing of the CleverDeck composite wood decking system.

Here are some key points to remember when installing CleverDeck wood-plastic-composite decking that should be thoroughly read and understood by contractors, tradesmen and builders:

Handling
Rough handling of composite deck boards can leave visible scratch marks. CleverDeck, the composite wood decking system from Futurewood is pre-finished so it should be handled carefully to avoid damaging the boards and should not be used as a temporary support structure for ladders or scaffolding during the building process. Boards should be stored lying flat and dry and off the ground.

Safety and Tools
Safety is the utmost priority in any building project. Use the correct tools and personal protective equipment. Futurewood CleverDeck can be worked with normal wood-working tools, all cutting tools should be sharp and of good quality to ensure clean cuts. CleverDeck is a dense and therefore heavy material so care must be observed when the deck boards are lifted and carried.

Foundation, Substructure and Coverage
CleverDeck requires a solid and stable sub-structure. As composite decking is not structural it should not be used as part of the sub-structure.

Make sure that the joists that are part of the substructure allow sufficient fall across the deck to avoid water pooling. Also the joists need to be even as the decking boards will conform to the position of the joists. As the boards expand and contract correct gapping from walls or other penetrations needs to be observed and butt joins are not recommended. Boards fixed across the deck at angles other than 90 degrees to the joists need closer joist spacing. Joists should have a 450 mm maximum joist spacing, but as a rule of thumb, the closer the joists, the better the support provided.

Good ventilation is a requirement for any deck, therefore a minimum gap of 300 mm is recommended between the decking boards and the ground beneath them. The underdeck area should be dry and cleared of vegetation. CleverDeck composite wood decking should never be attached directly to any watertight flooring system or directly to a solid surface like concrete however if there is good fall and drainage on a solid surface in most cases the decking can be fixed to battens that are secured to the concrete/solid surface.

Colour and Orientation
There is no need to paint, seal or lacquer CleverDeck as it is pre-coloured with the colour running right through the material. The cellulose fibre of the deck will lighten slightly during the first 8-12 weeks after installation which is called weathering. After this initial weathering there will be very little colour change over the years (the Saltbush colour is the exception to this rule as it is made to lighten similar to driftwood).

Gapping
CleverDeck is made of cellulose materials and 35% plastic so while it looks a lot like timber it needs to be installed differently. Butt joins are not recommended as the boards expand and contract in length with changes of temperature. For large decks the use of "breaker boards" running at 90 degrees to the deck boards allows you to build in an expansion gap and improve the look of the deck as well as minimise wastage caused by cutting boards. Refer to the "installation guide" for further details on the gapping requirements.

Fastening
CleverDeck's NewTech Deck Clip System is specially designed for CleverDeck boards. The clips provide for a quick and easy concealed fix that enhances the look of the decking and the overall design. The use of NewTech clips and screws saves both time and money on the installation process.

The objective of the fixing guideline is to eliminate the problems associated with incorrect installation of the decking boards. Following the installation guideline helps in making the end client happy and satisfied with their newly installed CleverDeck.

Futurewood is at the forefront of providing timber alternative products that include decking, cladding, fencing, screening and garden edging. The composite wood is designed to look similar to natural timber but with minimal maintenance and easy installation.

For a more detailed installation guide and quick fix, visit Futurewood today.