Composite decking has become an increasingly popular building material in recent years. It is widely used across a range of settings, from private residential patios and garden decks to office buildings and tourist destinations. EVODEK composite decking is a premium-quality product with a service life of 25 to 30 years, making it the preferred choice for many medium to high-end commercial projects.
Proper installation is essential to the long-term performance of composite decking. A well-installed deck not only lets you enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest, but also reduces the need for frequent maintenance. In this article, we walk you through how to install composite decking with clips using a professional installation method.
1. Prepare the Installation Tools
Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools. EVODEK composite decking is easy to work with and install, making it a great choice for DIY home improvement projects. Standard construction tools are all you need:
- Carpenter's square
- Chalk line
- Circular saw
- Cordless drill
- Jigsaw
- Miter saw
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
- Tape measure
If you prefer a faster and more precise result, hiring a professional decking contractor is always an option.
2. Prepare the Composite Decking Accessories
In addition to the composite decking boards themselves, EVODEK offers a full range of accessories, providing customers with a one-stop shopping experience for a seamless installation:
- Joists
- Nailer Clips
- Composite Deck Clips
- Colored Screws
- Hidden Fasteners
3. Composite Deck Installation Instructions
3.1 Installing the Joists
The first step in any deck installation is understanding the infrastructure and planning the layout of your composite decking. Begin by measuring the length and width of the installation area and creating a plan for how the boards will be arranged. You may also choose to frame the deck with beams, depending on your preference.
Check your local decking regulations and building codes to determine the correct joist spacing for your area. In most cases, joists are spaced 16 inches apart. For added structural strength, you can reduce the spacing to 12 inches on center.
Use exterior screws to insert a block every four to six feet between each joist. This prevents the joists from shifting, warping, or twisting over time. Before placing the blocks, attach a flat 2x4 rim joist across the top to ensure all joists are flush with one another.
3.2 Installing the Starting Board
The starting board is the most important plank in the installation, as it sets the alignment for all subsequent boards. Depending on your deck design, the first plank may start at the house or at the outer joists.
Secure the first plank using starting clips or surface screws before continuing with the remaining boards. Keep in mind that the final plank may need to be trimmed to fit, and it may look better positioned against the house rather than mounted at the edge.
3.3 Installing the Deck Clips
Insert a deck clip into the groove along the inside edge of the starting plank at each joist. Continue installing deck clips into the grooves of each subsequent plank as you work your way across the deck.
3.4 Laying the Deck Boards
Slide the next plank into the clip and hold it firmly in place while pressing down on the clip. If available, use a plank locking tool to help seat the plank securely.
Use a power drill (not an impact driver) to fasten all of the clips between the two boards. Repeat this process for each subsequent plank.
3.5 Allowing for Expansion and Contraction
Composite decking expands and contracts in response to significant temperature changes. When joining the ends of two boards, always leave a small gap to allow for heat expansion and prevent the boards from buckling under compression.
Position two joists on either side of each butt joint and secure them with four clips (two per board). Stagger the butt joints from row to row to ensure they are not aligned too closely.
3.6 Cutting Around Posts
To fit a deck plank around a support post, place the plank next to the post and mark the notch. Set a square against the edge of the post and draw lines on both sides. Then, using spacers or deck clips, mark the depth of the notch.
Position a square at the end of the plank closest to the post and slide it in to draw a center line between the two side lines. Use a jigsaw to cut the notch. Cut the notch slightly larger than needed to allow for movement and thermal expansion.
3.7 Finishing the Decking
Once all the composite decking boards are in place, snap a chalk line across the ends of the boards and trim them to your desired length.
As you lay each board, check at regular intervals to confirm they remain parallel to the starting plank throughout the installation.
4. Installing Composite Deck Edge Trim
EVODEK offers a variety of edge trim options to give your deck a clean, finished appearance. L-shaped edge trim is the most commonly used solution, as it seals both the deck edge and the joists, ensuring a structurally sound and uniform finish.
When installing corner guards, always pre-drill the holes before fastening them in place. Pre-drilling protects the boards from damage and prevents cracking that can occur from direct fastening without a pilot hole.
5. Summary
EVODEK has been a leading name in the composite decking industry for over 20 years. Our primary goal is to provide customers with high-quality products and outstanding service. We are committed to supporting our engineering clients and distributors while growing alongside them for the long term.
