Building with Composite Deck Materials

Building a deck using composite deck materials can be a great way to enhance your yard. Many people enjoy the convenience of a deck and even find that they spend more time enjoying their yard when they have a deck. Composite deck materials are generally long lasting and resistant to insects and weathering. These properties allow structures built with these deck materials to last a long time and provide years of relaxation. Composite decking also offers the aesthetic choices of both color and texture to allow for personal style preferences to be expressed in the design of the deck.
If you are thinking of building a deck using composite deck materials, you may want to learn a little more about these modern deck materials before beginning your project. One great source of information about composite deck materials is the manufacturer. Each manufacturer should be able to provide information about their deck materials to include installation recommendations and any warranty requirements. You may also find information on how to install composite deck materials in pattern guides designed for use with composites.
The method for building the frame may be different for composite deck materials than it would be for wood. For instance, the plans may call for additional joist to support the long boards that form the surface of the deck. Because composite deck materials are light weight they may require more joists placed at regular intervals to help prevent too much flexing or potentially sagging.
When building with wood materials it is generally recommended to create a small gap between each board to allow for expansion and contraction of the wood. Composite deck materials can also be gapped, but instead of having to measure or use spacers, you can create an appropriate gap between the boards by using fastener systems that support the board and create the gap at the same time. In most cases, composite deck materials require specific screws created for the specific use.
In addition to requiring an appropriate fastener system, use of composite deck materials can also necessitate different tools than might be used in building with wood deck materials. For example, some manufacturers of composite deck materials recommend carbide blades for cutting the boards. This applies to a circular saw used for cutting the boards to length and to a jigsaw which may be used to cut out segments of board to allow for a downspout, etc. Using a carbide blade can allow you to make a clean cut without damaging the composite. A tapping block and hammer are generally needed to set the boards in place in the fasteners. The tapping block helps to prevent damaging the deck materials by hitting the boards directly with the hammer. Additionally, you may need to be careful about the use of chalk to mark cutting lines, etc. as colored chalk can sometimes be difficult to remove from white or other light colored deck materials. With a little bit of planning and effort your composite deck can become a favorite outdoor spot.