Composite Wood Decking Over a Concrete Patio from Futurewood

With the growing demand for outdoor entertaining areas, the requirements for concrete patios have become easier and more cost-efficient than ever. Instead of going for costly repairs or complete demolition of a old concrete patio, property owners can now opt to install wood composite decking over the concrete slab to gain better sustainability and aesthetic elegance for the whole structure. While wood decking has been, traditionally, the most favoured choice in decking installations in the last few decades, the introduction of alternative materials such as Futurewood's CleverDeck composite decking has provided a new and innovative solution. These composites are not only economical and proven to be highly durable, but also offers low maintenance and complete flexibility.

Futurewood's CleverDeck Composite Decking

When choosing composite decking products, it pays to pick a decking solution based on suitability as well as proven quality and added value. Boasting greater environmental sustainability, cost-efficiency, low maintenance, flexibility, and value for money Futurewood's CleverDeck composite decking provides one of the best solutions for concrete patio decking applications.

Best Practices, Essential Guidelines

Anyone with basic technical knowledge can install Futurewood's CleverDeck composite decking solution. Diligently follow the provided installation procedures to prevent re-installation, damage and unnecessary losses. Building a composite wood deck over the concrete patio also requires one to observe the following:

Determine the structural stability of the patio structure. Make sure that it can hold the weight of the decking materials before starting the project.
Make sure that the whole concrete slab has a flat surface. Level any spot to prevent water puddling.
Do not use the CleverDeck composite decking as a component of the foundation.
Properly construct the substructure or the sleeper system and level the joists. Secure them tightly on the concrete floor.
When setting up the sleeper system, provide an allowance of 60 millimetres from the floor to the bottom surface of the deck boards. This clearance not only provides a space for access beneath the structure but also serves as a drainage and ventilation space. Do not seal off both ends.
Do not forget the need for drainage. Add drainage holes if necessary. Provide an allowance of 3-4 millimetres fall per metre of a deck in the direction away from the structure to ensure proper water run-off.
Ensure correct spacing between the joists. As a general rule, the closer the joists, the better the deck.
Check for overhang over the width of the decking boards and correct if necessary.
Always consider the overall size of the whole structure and the required number of boards.
During installation, use a breaker board instead of randomly spaced butt joints spread across the board structure. Secure the boards using the board clip.
Do not exceed the breaker boards beyond 3 metres in length.
When setting up the boards, your starting point depends on whether you are using full boards or you have to cut the board to accommodate spaces against a wall.
Use the NewTech Starter/Finishing (S/F) clip to secure the starting board. Position the clip 3mm from the outer edge of the deck joists at 900mm intervals (every second beam). Start screwing the S/F clips to the joists. To secure the groove in the board edge with the clip, push the starting board in at least 30 degrees angle.
Follow through by setting the next board over the deck clips before screwing down the deck clips on your starting board to properly conceal both edges of the deck clip. Secure the last board in the same way that you did with the first board.
After installing the boards across the deck, start cutting or trimming the finishing board to make it aligned with the joists. Working on full-width boards may require you to ensure that joists are cantilevered and trimmed back to the full-width finishing board.

For more information Futurewood's CleverDeck composite decking products and their applications, visit http://www.futurewood.com.au/. For inquiries, you can call 1300 484 308 or email.