Replacing Old Timber Decking with Composite Decking Material

If you have a worn out or rotting deck, or if you're just wanting to free yourself from the hassle of maintaining your timber deck and contributing to environmental damage, it's about time to consider switching to composite wood decking.

CleverDeck composite decking is made from 100% recycled wood plastic composite. It is resistant to termites/white ants, with no knot holes or splinters, no cupping or warping and no splitting or twisting, and the best part is: it's fully finished and ready to install.

First thing's first, get rid of your old deck. Make sure that your space is thoroughly free from scraps, nails, screws, and other remains from your previous deck installation. Once you have a blank space to work with, you're ready to build your new deck.

An important thing to remember is to make sure the construction of the substructure is done carefully, ensuring the joints are level, straight and square, as CleverDeck will follow the level of orientation of the joists.

Leave an allowance of 3-4mm fall per metre of decking board in the direction away from the structure so water can run off and reduce the likelihood of creating puddles that can cause water staining when boards are new.

If the boards across the deck are not at a 90-degree angle to the joists, they need closer joist spacing. Take note: the closer the joists to each other, the better the deck.

Feel free to start from the inner or outer edge of the deck and remember that you may need to trim the decking boards to line up with the joists. It is not recommended trying to pre-determine the width of the last board because it might be too long or too short once everything is laid out.

The standard NewTech deck clips provide a 5.5mm gap between each board. A requirement of 300mm clearance should be observed between the boards and the surface beneath the deck. Sealing off of deck ends is discouraged because the airflow should be unobstructed and any water should be able to drain away freely.

Keep in mind that failure to correctly install your CleverDeck composite decking may void your warranty.

The first board positioned on your deck is referred to as the starting board. It will naturally be placed with one "free" edge against the side of a wall or at the outside edge of the deck.

We recommend that you use the NewTech Starter/Finishing (S/F) clip to fasten the starting board and should be positioned 3mm from the outer edge of the deck joists at 900mm intervals (ever 2nd joist).

Screw the Starter and Finishing clips to the joists then push the first board into the clip at a slight angle in order for the groove in the board edge to engage fully with the clip. A right angle bracket under the deck fixed to the joist and then screwed up through the bracket into the underside of the board can also be used in place of a Starter and Finishing clip if you have adequate access under the deck.

If you wish to hide the S/F clip or the groove on the edge of the board, you will need to use a right angle bracket to fix this board and the groove can be removed by simply sawing it off. Place your next (second) deck board over the deck clips before screwing them down so that both edges of the deck clip do not show.

The application of the finishing board is the same as the starting board. The width of the board can be reduced by sawing so that it remains supported across its width by the joists and fascia board. Use a router or biscuit cutter for trimming grooves into the board edge to allow S/F clips to be used on this cut board edge.

The preferred method of installation of the standard 5.4 metre-long CleverDeck composite decking boards is to use a breaker board instead of having many randomly spaced butt joints spread across the deck. You may need to allow for the inclusion of one or more breaker boards in the design of your deck depending on your overall deck size/shape. The breaker's instalment can enhance your deck regarding character and appearance, and allow you to make use of potential off-cuts. Additional joists will be needed in your sub floor construction to support the breaker boards wherever they are being used.

Fasten your breaker boards with the breaker board clip. These are positioned at the end of the deck boards where they meet the edge of the breaker board. A breaker board clip should be used instead of a regular deck board clip at every 2nd joist on both sides of the breaker board.

It is highly recommended to make use of the NewTech deck clips & screws since they are specifically designed for fixing CleverDeck boards. Not only do they fasten the boards, but the NewTech deck clip System also provides the professional and clean appearance of a concealed fix, while saving time and money.

Once every board of CleverDeck is laid down and fixed into place, you're ready to enjoy your new deck - hassle-free!

Futurewood products are formulated to withstand harsh weather conditions. They are fully finished ready to use. Big range available for all of your client's outdoor requirements - decking, cladding, fencing, screening etc.

It's a no-brainer that you replace your existing deck with CleverDeck composite wood decking. For an even more detailed instruction, head over to www.futurewood.com.au.