Installation Guide

Warmest annual temperature °F expected in region
°F 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
20 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 3/16 3/16 1/4 1/4 5/16 5/16
30 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 3/16 3/16 1/4 1/4 5/16
40 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 3/16 3/16 1/4 1/4
50 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 3/16 3/16 1/4
60 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 3/16 3/16
70 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 3/16
80 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8
90 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8
100 1/8 1/8 1/8
110 1/8 1/8
120 1/8
Temperature °F on day of installation
Board-End to Board-End Gapping Requirements
16" on-center for residential perpendicular applications. Residential parquet
patterns and diagonal or herringbone designs all require joist spacing
12" on-center. Contact Deckorators product support at 800-332-5724
for commercial applications. Use 1/4" for side gapping.
(A) End Tag
fig. 1
SOLID DECKING INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Tools and Items Needed
• Drill/power screwdriver
• 1/8" drill bit
• Circular saw with
carbide-tip blade
• 2½" composite wood
deck screws
• Tape measure
• Carpenter’s pencil
• Safety glasses/goggles
Notice to installers
• DO NOT use cordless
impact drivers
Joist Span
Each board has a unique appearance and should be arranged according to the end
user’s preference. Prior to construction, check with your local regulatory agency
for special code requirements in your area. For best results, follow these simple
installation instructions, paying close attention to gapping, spacing and fastener
requirements.
1X6-16' GR. DKR.
Allow a minimum of 1/16" gap between board ends for every
20°F of difference between installation temperature and
the hottest temperature expected (fig. 1). Additional blocking
may be needed for support (fig. 2). Allow 1/4" distance
between all decking material and any permanent structure
or post. After all decking has been attached, snap a chalk
line (white or yellow chalk recommended) flush with or up to
1-1/2" out from the deck framing and trim with a circular saw.
Deckorators decking, like all wood and composite decking
products, requires proper ventilation and drainage in order to
ensure its longevity. When using a minimum 2x6 joist standing
on edge, with the suggested 1/4" side gap, there should be a 2"
clear space between the bottom edge of the joists and grade to
allow for proper ventilation. Adequate drainage is also needed
to prevent water from pooling under the deck.
End-to-End Spacing
• Set drill speed to
1500-1750 RPM
• Max torque not to
exceed 23 inch pounds
• Pre-drill knots
or dense hardwood
Fasteners
For a list of recommended and compatible fasteners please visit
www.Deckorators.com/FastenerInfo. Recommended fasteners are those
which are recommended by the manufacturer of Deckorators Decking.
Compatible fasteners are those which have been tested and recommended
for use with Deckorators Decking by the fastener manufacturer. The use of a
non-recommended fastener will not void the Deckorators Decking Warranty;
however if a decking failure is caused by
the use of a non-recommended fastener, any corresponding warranty claim
will be denied.
For ease of installation, we recommend using 2-1/2" corrosion-resistant,
composite wood deck screws. These screws help minimize the common
“mushroom” effect that sometimes occurs when using standard fasteners.
They can also reduce the amount of pre-drilling and countersinking. If using
ordinary coarse thread deck screws, always pre-drill a pilot hole and countersink
prior to driving screws.
Pre-drill and countersink all deck screws, regardless of type,
that are within 1-1/2" of the end of the deck board.
fig. 2
Note: Always follow best workmanship practices.
Including, and not limited to, square cutting both board
ends prior to installation. Cutting all ends of boards prior
to installation recommended.