Interested in deck construction but not sure where to start? Have the composite decking materials, building permits, tools, etc. and hesitant about how to begin? Portico Decking and Railing, a premier composite deck manufacturer, can help. We commit to providing both novice and experienced “weekend warriors” with the high quality composite decking materials and the deck construction tips they need to build a beautiful deck that retains its strength for years to come. Listed below are a few construction tips to consider when building a deck from Portico™ composite decking materials.
Installing Composite Deck Boards
- Always nail a thinner piece to a thicker piece.
- Drive nails at a slight angle toward each other for superior strength.
- When toenailing, stagger opposing nails so they pass each other.
- Nails and other hardware should be hot-dipped, zinc-coated (galvanized), or have undergone another form of material protection in order to resist rust.
- Use ring- or spiral-shank nails for additional strength.
- Place nails no closer to the edge of the board than about half of the board’s thickness and no closer to the end than the thickness of the board. Pre-drill holes when nailing close to the edge.
- Use 16 diameter nails on nominal two-inch decking. Use two at each joint with 2x4s laid flat; use three for 2x6s laid flat.
Cutting Composite Deck Boards and Joists
- After the composite deck boards are all nailed down, cut them all to the final dimension and resquare ends.
- With lag screws, use flat washer under head.
- Use washers under nut and head of machine bolts and just under nut of carriage bolts.
- Bevel the tops of upright structures and joist ends to a 30 to 45 degree angle to minimize surface moisture.
As the design is finalized and the construction gets underway, its time to think about enhancing the deck with railings, lighting, privacy screens, built-in seating, and other details that make an ordinary deck extraordinary. By following these deck construction tips you end up with a safe deck that serves as a foundation with which you can add and adjust as necessary. Keep in mind that deck building can be extremely challenging for some and can take months to complete. So don’t get discouraged during deck construction. Rely on these tips and others to get the job done right.
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