Of all the decking materials in the market, composite decking is the most sought-after decking material. It is now widely used in homes and gardens compared to wood and PVC decking. Composite decking is beautiful, highly durable, weatherproof, long-lasting, and easy to maintain. Before we go further, what is this composite decking we are talking about? This article will shed more light on composite decking and its use for outdoor flooring.
What is Composite Decking
Composite decking or wood-plastic decking is an outdoor flooring material. It is different from wood since it is not an all-natural flooring material like wood. Composite decking is made from a mixture of wood fibres and recycled plastic. These two materials are mixed with a bonding agent and processed to become composite decking in the industry. Wood-plastic decking comes with a lot of advantages. Apart from being durable, wood-plastic decking has a beautiful surface. It has a texture and appearance like that of natural wood, and it also comes in different colours like brown, grey, red, black and more.
How Composite Decking is Used For Outdoor Flooring
Homeowners can use composite decking as flooring for their outdoor space. You can create a decking area with composite in your backyard, front yard or garden. The following steps show how to use composite decking for your outdoor flooring.
Step One: Gather the Material Needed
The first step in using wood-plastic decking for outdoor flooring is getting the material you will need ready. You need to have purchased your decking boards, planks to build the joist and fasteners for attaching the decking to the joist. Besides the decking and fasteners needed, if you install the composite decking yourself, you need to have all the tools needed.
If you want to install your decking, you will need tools like a manual or electric drill, saw tape, pencil, pegs, and string. You will also need a shovel and digger to level the decking area you want to install. Apart from that, you will need gravel and weed control spray or fabric.
Step Two: Prepare the Area
Clear the area by removing stones, bottles, sticks and weeds. If the spot is uneven, ensure it is levelled before starting your decking project. You can use the shovel to level the area by adding more soil. If the spot is higher than normal, use the digger to dig out the soil and shovel to level the area.
Then mark the decking area with pegs. You can connect the string to the peg to ensure that the area is even. After doing that, apply the weed control spray or fabric on the area and add gravel.
Step Three: Install the Post
To install the post, dig holes in the decking area and place the wood for the foundation or post inside the hole. Cover the hole with sand or add concrete for a stronger grip.
Ensure you use the best wood type for your decking foundation. Hardwoods and treated wood are good options as they last longer when compared to untreated wood.
Step Four: Build the Joist
The joist is a wooden structure on which you will install the wood-plastic decking. It also serves as the foundation for composite decking boards. The horizontal beams on which you will lay the decking boards. The joist should be spaced properly between 12 OC and 16 OC. It should also be of equal heights to prevent a part from being higher than the other. The joist should be properly constructed with treated planks to curb early damages.
Step Five: Install the Composite Decking
Install the decking on the joist. Wood-plastic decking required spacing during installation. So, while installing the composite, do not forget to leave spaces between the deckings. Start installing the boards by attaching them with screws and clips. Although the fastener to use for your decking will depend on the type of composite decking you purchase. Keep laying the decking until you have covered the whole area.
Step Six: Finish the Decking Ends
It is the final step in composite decking installation for outdoor flooring. There are several options you can explore in finishing the decking ends. To the decking, you can attach the fascia board, end caps, end strip, vinyl nosing, or picture frame.
Conclusion
This write-up explains composite decking and how you can use it for outdoor flooring. Read this write-up to learn more about composite decking.
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