Maya Ellison
Laying plastic decking is a transformative project that can be undertaken with careful planning and preparation. It involves several steps, from marking out the area and preparing the ground to assembling the joists and laying the deck boards. Safety precautions and structural considerations, such as allowing for airflow and drainage, are also essential to ensure a durable and safe deck. With the right materials, accurate measurements, and attention to detail, you can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space.
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the ground
Mark the Area
If you plan to lay your decking over a lawn, use pegs and a builder's line to outline the area. This will give you a clear boundary to work within and ensure your decking is straight and aligned.
Clear the Turf and Soil
Remove the turf and soil within the marked area to a depth of approximately 50mm. Ensure the ground is completely level and free from any debris, rocks, or roots that could affect the stability of your decking. This step is important to create a smooth and even base for your decking.
Install Weed Control Fabric
Cover the exposed ground with landscaping fabric or weed control fabric, also known as a "Weed Mat." This fabric will help prevent weeds from growing through your decking and causing damage. Make sure to overlap the fabric if necessary, leaving no gaps for weeds to sneak through.
Secure the Fabric
Once the fabric is in place, secure it with gravel, pea shingle, chippings, bark, or stones. This will weigh down the fabric and provide a stable base for your decking. If you're working on soft ground, place paving stones on top of the gravel to provide extra support and preserve the timber.
Check for Level
Use a spirit level to ensure that the ground is completely level. It is crucial to have a flat surface before proceeding to the next steps, as any unevenness will affect the stability and aesthetics of your decking.
Plan the Joists
The positioning of your joists will depend on the design of your decking. If your decking is longer than the joists, you will need to join two sections together. Measure and mark the positioning of the joists onto your frame, ensuring they are spaced correctly according to your design.
Prepare for Ventilation
If your decking area has poor ventilation, you must install a substructure that allows for an airflow gap. The gap should be 30mm for composite joists and 50mm for structural composite joists and recycled plastic joists.
Now that the ground is prepared, you can move on to the next steps of assembling the joists and laying your decking boards.
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Positioning and spacing joists
The positioning and spacing of joists for your plastic decking depend on the design you have chosen. For example, if you are laying your boards horizontally, the joists should be spaced at 300mm intervals. If you are using a diagonal design, the joists must be no more than 250mm apart. The maximum recommended space between joist rows depends on the angle at which you lay your boards in relation to the joists but should never exceed 400mm.
To begin, mark out the positioning of the joists onto the frame, ensuring you do not exceed the recommended spacing. Then, measure and cut your joists accordingly. When measuring and cutting the joists, use a set square to extend your mark down the external face of the frame and mark two pilot holes, one 40mm from the top of the frame and one 40mm from the bottom. Drill these pilot holes using a 6mm wood drill bit. If you are going to add a fascia, drill countersink holes as well.
If your decking is longer than the joists, you will need to join two sections together to create the decking frame. To do this, measure and cut the section you need to reach the required length. Secure a joist in your workbench and attach joist hangers to both ends using 30mm external-grade screws.
Before laying the first board, fix a starter clip to the end of each joist, leaving a gap of 15mm between the wall and the starter clip to allow for expansion. Composite joists should be screwed into the concrete base, leaving a gap of at least 15mm between the ends of the joists and a fixed object such as a wall, and at least 7mm between the ends of joists at butt joints. These gaps allow for proper drainage and temperature expansion.
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Cutting and fastening the boards
When it comes to cutting and fastening the boards of your plastic decking, there are several important steps to follow. Firstly, ensure that you are wearing appropriate protective clothing, such as gloves, a face mask, and safety goggles. This is crucial when engaging in activities such as cutting or sawing timber and applying preservatives or other treatments.
Before beginning the installation, acclimatise your boards on-site for at least 72 hours. Do not install in extreme temperatures, as this can cause the boards to expand or contract. When cutting the boards, use the 90-degree guide marker on your saw or a set square to ensure accurate cuts. Sand the cut ends to remove any splinters. If you need to join two sections of the board to create the decking frame, measure and cut the section you need to reach the required length.
When fastening the boards, the specific method will depend on the type of decking you are using. Composite boards, for example, are typically fastened to the joists of a supporting substructure using stainless steel clips or T-clips. Place your first board and fix it to each joist it crosses using a row of starter clips, leaving a gap of 15mm between the wall and the starter clip to allow for expansion. For composite joists, screw them directly into the concrete base, leaving a gap of at least 15mm between the ends of the joists and a fixed object, and 7mm between the ends of joists at butt joints. This allows for proper drainage and temperature expansion.
If you are using a diagonal design for your decking, where the boards are laid at a 45-degree angle to the joists, the joists must be no more than 250mm apart. Once you have fastened your boards, you can tidy up the sides of your deck using composite skirting or fascia boards to hide the unfinished ends of the boards and supporting joists. End caps are also available to seal off the ends of hollow-core boards, giving your decking a professional finish.
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Safety measures
Laying plastic decking can be a hazardous process, so it is important to follow safety measures throughout the installation process. Here are some key safety considerations to keep in mind:
Planning and Design
Before beginning any installation work, it is crucial to establish your deck's design, layout, and specific decking materials. This includes determining the positioning of internal joists, which provide support for the decking boards. Ensure you follow the recommended spacing for joists, typically spaced at 300mm intervals for horizontal board positioning. Proper planning helps ensure structural stability and safety during and after installation.
Material Quality and Compatibility
Use only structural treated timber and specific screws designed for the job. All cut surfaces should be treated with two coats of preservative to enhance durability and weather resistance. Ensure that the decking materials are manufactured under an approved quality control system, meeting the relevant building codes and standards for plastic composite decking, such as the International Building Code (IBC) and ASTM standards.
Personal Protective Equipment
When cutting or sawing timber, and when applying preservatives or treatments, always wear appropriate protective clothing. This includes gloves, a face mask, and safety goggles. This safeguards you from potential hazards like splinters and chemical exposure.
Handling and Installation
Building a deck involves moving, lifting, and cutting heavy timber, which is safer and easier with assistance. When sawing, use the 90-degree guide marker or a set square for accurate cuts, and sand cut ends to prevent splinters. When drilling, mark all pilot holes for accurate fixings. For multi-story decking installations, refer to specific regulations for structural steel assembly, such as OSHA guidelines, to ensure stability and minimize tripping hazards.
Site-Specific Considerations
If you're laying the deck over a lawn, ensure proper drainage and airflow beneath it. When building next to a house, ensure the decking is 150mm below the damp-proof course, and don't cover any air bricks. These considerations help maintain the longevity and safety of your deck.
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Finishing touches
Once you've laid your plastic decking, there are a few finishing touches you can add to ensure your deck looks and functions its best. Here are some ideas:
Skirting or Fascia Boards
Use composite skirting or fascia boards to hide the unfinished ends of your decking boards and supporting joists. This will give your deck a neat and professional finish. You can also drill countersink holes if you plan to add a fascia.
End Caps
Apply hollow decking end caps to seal off the ends of hollow core boards. End caps are available in matching colours to your composite decking boards, providing a seamless and polished look to your project.
Steps and Raised Areas
Consider incorporating steps or a raised decking area to add interest and functionality to your space. Upright posts can support a raised framework, creating a dynamic and multi-level deck.
Ventilation
Ensure your deck has adequate ventilation, especially if it is installed in an area with poor airflow. A substructure with an airflow gap of 30mm for composite joists and 50mm for structural composite and recycled plastic joists is recommended.
Safety
Finally, don't forget to consider safety measures, such as wearing protective clothing (gloves, a face mask, and safety goggles) when working on your deck, and treating cut timber surfaces with preservatives to ensure the longevity of your deck.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're laying your deck over a lawn, mark the area with pegs and builders' line. Cut the edges with a straight edge, then remove the turf and dig out the soil to a depth of 50mm. Cover the ground with landscaping fabric or Weed Mat to prevent weeds from growing through your decking. Weigh the fabric down with gravel or stones. If you're laying on soft ground, place paving stones on top of the gravel to support the joists and preserve the timber.
The positioning of your internal joists will depend on the design you've chosen. If you're laying the boards horizontally, the joists should be spaced at 300mm intervals. Measure and mark the positioning of the joists onto the frame, ensuring you don't exceed the recommended spacing. Then, measure and cut your joists accordingly. Drill pilot holes and countersink holes if you're adding a fascia. Secure a joist in your workbench and attach joist hangers with external-grade screws. Fix starter clips to the end of the joists before laying the first board, leaving a gap of 15mm between the wall and the starter clip to allow for expansion. Place your first board and fix it to each joist it crosses using a row of starter clips.
Building a deck involves moving, lifting, and cutting heavy timber, so it's always safer to have someone help you. Always use structural treated timber and screws designed for the job, and treat all cut surfaces with two coats of preservative. Wear protective clothing, such as gloves, a face mask, and safety goggles, when cutting or treating timber.
