Forestboard Installation Guide
Pre-Installation Storage
Storage
Ensure a suitable area is available to store your decking before installation.
Composite decking should be allowed to acclimatise, for a minimum of 24 hours, prior to installation. Boards should be stored in a clean environment on batons, spaced no more than 500mm apart, to ensure boards are fully supported and not subject to unnecessary stress.
If storing outdoors for an extended period of time, it is advisable they be covered, kept dry and protected from debris.
Handling
When moving boards, avoid dragging or sliding as this can cause scratching. When carrying, hold board in the middle and on its edge to provide best support.
Safety
As with all construction projects, it is important to work safely and to take suitable safety precautions, including wearing protective clothing, gloves, safety goggles and a dust mask.
Tools
Standard woodworking tools are generally suitable for use with composite materials. If using a circular saw, a high quality 60T+ timber cutting blade is recommended to achieve the cleanest cut.
Installation Guide
Preparation
Before commencing, ensure all installation guidelines have been read and understood, paying particular attention to clips and their application. If you have any queries, contact your supplier for advice.
Subframe construction
Construct the sub frame using treated C16 grade timber joists. They should be a minimum of 100x47mm, and built to a gradient of 1-100 (1%) which runs away from any adjoining building. Joist centres should never exceed a spacing of 350mm. A minimum 10mm gap should be left between the sub frame and all surrounding structures and surfaces. The location of joists should be carefully considered to ensure edge boards, post mounts and board joints are properly supported.
Please ensure your subframe has been designed, and constructed, to withstand the stresses and weights associated with its intended use.
A strip of DPC on top of each joist is recommended to protect, and extend, the life of the treated timber.
Clips & Fixings
Our innovative board designs, and comprehensive range of clips, mean no direct screwing is required. Prior to installation, please familiarise yourself with each clip and its intended purpose.
*Do not screw, or nail, through composite boards. Use only the approved clip systems provided.
Starter Clip
Starter Clip – To start, and finish, each side of your deck (1 per joist)
PE Clip
The standard clip used to secure decking boards (11 per board)
Anti Movement Clip
These clips are fixed on the joist closest to centre of the decking board. Its purpose is to grip the board, forcing equal expansion either side, aiding gap consistency.
Edge Board Fixing
Used to secure the grooved side of the edge boards when they are running perpendicular to the decking boards. These fixings simply attach to standard PE Clips used in the specific locations detailed later in this guide.
Fitting Guide
Using one clip per joist, place starter clips along the length of the sub frame, and secure with screw. Place the first board, and push home.
With the exception of the joist nearest the centre of the board, place one PE clip per joist into the side groove of the first board, and partially screw until clip holds.
On the central joist position, place one anti-movement clip, with teeth directed into side groove, and partially screw until held.
Slide the second decking board into position and tighten screw, being careful not to over tighten. Following steps 2 & 3, continue this process with all subsequent boards until only two boards remain.
Important: Where board ends meet, they must be supported by double joists, and secured with a clip on each joist and board end. An adequate gap must be left, to allow for natural expansion and contraction of the composite boards. Please follow the guidance in the expansion gap table.
Starter clips can be used to secure the final board. Leaving the second from last board space vacant, fit starter clips along the length of the joist, and slide the final board into place.
The second from last board should be placed into the remaining space. From the side, clips are slipped, in required order, along the grooved channel, and secured at the correct joist positions.
If Edge Boards have been fitted first, simply raise the last two boards slightly to enable clips to be slipped into position.
Edging Options
Fascia Board
Edging Trim
Once the decking boards have been fitted, fascia boards can be attached, to the side of the subframe, to create a clean finish. Line the top of the fascia board with the top of the decking, to cover the grooved channel or visible chambers.
Fascia Boards can be attached with a quality, high grab, MS Polymer adhesive. It may be useful to use two colour coded screws, at the top and bottom of the fascia board, in a central position, to hold the board in place until adhesive cures. If doing so, pre drill an oversized pilot hole to prevent splitting. Remember to leave suitable expansion gaps where ends meet at corner joints. Fascia boards can be mitred or overlapped.
Edging trim should also be fitted with a MS Polymer adhesive. It’s advisable to rub the smooth, underside, of trim with sandpaper to improve the adhesive key. Remember to leave suitable expansion gaps where ends meet.
Edge Board
Subframe Preparations
If using Edge Boards to frame your deck, they can be installed first, prior to fitting the main decking boards. Edge Boards are secured with the use of Edge Board / Starter Clips which lock into a specially positioned opening on the underside of the board.
Where Edge Boards are running in a perpendicular direction to the decking boards, additional joists will be required to support clip placement. This can be achieved using double joists (as shown) , or by placing noggins, at 350mm centres, and below the mitred joints.
The method for installing parallel or perpendicular edge boards will differ, and advice is outlined here.
Fascia board can now be fixed to the subframe prior to Edge Board placement.
Parallel Edge Board
Edge Board Fixing
Locate the opening on the underside of the Edge board and place over the Edge Board clip, sliding the board forward to lock into position. Use PE Clips on the grooved side, and continue to lay the decking boards using earlier guidance.
Perpendicular Edge Board
If installing Edge Boards in a perpendicular direction, place and slide the Edge Board into position, allowing suitable expansion gaps at the mitred joint.
(Used in perpendicular installations)
As the PE Clips run in the opposite direction to the Edge Board, Edge Board Fixing will be required. The Edge Board fixings are designed to secure the groove side of the Edge Board. They are placed over the PE Clips, which occupy the position at the end of the decking boards, directly behind the perpendicular Edge Board. We advise placement on every other deck board.
Step 1 – Place the Edge Board fixing over the end PE clip and engage into the groove (allowing a 1-2mm expansion gap) of the perpendicular Edge Board. Tighten screw fully.
Step 2 – Place a screw in the second hole of the fixing cover, that bridges the expansion gap, and tighten screw fully.
Finally, check all clips are in the correct position and screws have been tightened fully, being careful not to over-tighten.
Aftercare:
Cleaning:
Composite decking is inherently low maintenance, but as with any external product it will require some light periodic cleaning. We recommend the use of Composite Deck Company Composite Deck Cleaner.
Mind the gaps:
Dirt and debris can build up in gaps over time, retaining moisture and providing a breeding ground for mould and mildew. The gaps between your deck boards should be cleaned regularly.
Precautions:
- To avoid scratching your composite deck, plastic feet, cover guards and mats are recommended under furniture, pots etc.
- Act quickly to clean up any spills, or debris, that could cause stains. Wash the area down and rinse thoroughly.
- Avoid using corrosive, or strong, chemical treatments.
- Precautions should be taken if using BBQs, fire pits or patio heaters, as excessive heat sources can cause burn damage.
- We recommend regular movement of pots, furniture etc to avoid inconsistent weathering.
- Care should taken to avoid rust from metal objects staining your composite decking.
Product pictured – Forestboard Ebony.