Should I install composite decking myself?

Wooden decks require a lot of post-maintenance to keep them in good condition. You need to maintain your wood deck on a regular basis and then paint or seal the surface of the deck. This will keep your deck in good condition. Even with regular maintenance, wood decks can rot or crack very easily, making your backyard deck look very shabby. So this traditional wood may not be the best material for building a deck. And since traditional wood looks a bit outdated, you can now choose a new construction material, composite decking. Which is more durable than wood decking, requires less maintenance, and lasts longer. It is easy and convenient to install. Installing composite decking is a bold idea, but it will save you more time and money. You won’t need to do much maintenance on the deck. In fact, you may only need a hose and cleaner to do the cleaning and maintenance. If you are sure you choose to use composite decking materials as your building material, you may want to ask, should I install composite decking myself? You can certainly choose to install composite decking yourself.

Install composite deck yourself

Due to the different characteristics of composite decks and wood decking. It is installed completely differently than wood decking. And the expansion and shrinkage rates are different from wood. When installing composite decking yourself, you must take these differences into account. And make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. You can also save more on labor costs if you choose to install composite decking yourself. If you choose to have a professional installer build it, you can expect to spend half the cost on labor. And the larger the deck the higher the cost of installation. Composite deck is more expensive to purchase due to their durability and less maintenance. However, installing it yourself can save you even more money. If you are on a budget or very interested in doing it yourself, you can try to do the installation yourself. But before you install it yourself. You should ask the manufacturer for the installation instructions for the deck you are buying. To make sure you don’t make any mistakes during the installation process. Proper installation will make your deck more durable. And avoid more hazards during the installation process.

Before building a composite deck board, you need to do some preparation work. This includes a sturdy deck frame and all the necessary tools and materials. In addition to some materials and tools, you may also need to apply for a building permit. To find out if you need a permit before you plan to build. Contact your local governing body and development department to verify. Make sure you have prepared these steps below.

Determine the size of the deck

The size of the composite decking is the basis for the function and appearance of the project. So please determine your space requirements. First, you will need to select an area with a relatively flat floor to plan your installation. Again think about how you want to use your deck space and make sure that being able to have an adequate amount of space is your main task.

The average deck size is between 300-400 sq. ft. If you only need room for a table, then you can choose a composite deck of about 144 sq. ft. If you want a large enough composite decking space, you can install a larger deck. Divide the square footage of the deck by the deck area and then add 10% of the wasted area to determine the size of composite decks you need to purchase.

Make sure you have a strong enough deck frame

If you want to install composite decking boards, you need a sturdy frame with a maximum joist span of 16 inches. If you don’t already have a frame installed, follow the fabricator’s guide on how to build a structural deck. Please follow local building codes during installation.

If you have framed, check the underside of the frame for rotted, cracked load-bearing joists and posts. Make sure your joists are level. Do this preparation for better deck installation.

Synthetic railing and handrails

You will need to purchase some composite rails and handrails to match your composite decking board. Many composite decking comes with materials such as rails and handrails and a hidden fastener system. It separates the deck for drainage and is easy to remove when necessary.

Prepare the tools

After you have prepared all the decking and railing, you will need to take the final step. Prepare some of the tools that will be used for the installation. Tools such as a drill, hand saw, hammer, utility knife, tape measure, and pencil.

How to install composite decking boards

Secure the starter clips

Begin marking the location of the first decking piece. For each foot of decking material, you will need 0.75 starter clips. With this in mind, you will need to know the following when securing the starter clips to the joists:

• Start on the side of the frame that is against the house. If you plan to install the composite deck on top of a floating deck. then you can choose either side to start on.
• Place the starter clip flush with the edge of the frame in the center of the joist and at the top. Use composite decking screws to secure the starter clips in the frame.

Installing the first composite decking boards

The first composite decking board is one of the most important parts of the installation process. This is because it defines the part of the deck to be installed. When installing the first decking board you need to make sure it is installed correctly.

• If you need to use plumbing, cut a hole in the first decking board so that the pipe can pass through smoothly.
• Push the composite decking boards into the starter clips and allow them to be tightly secured in the side slots of the deck. On the other side of the composite decking, push the starter clip pins into the exposed side slots.

• Screw the starter clip pins into the first deck through the center of the joist. Make sure your decking is installed straight and secure before proceeding to the next step.

Install the rest of the composite decking boards

Continue the installation in the same manner as the first decking board and connect the two decking boards. Use a handsaw to cut the composite decking board to length and secure the other starter clip. And push the deck into the connected starter clip so that it can be secured in the side channel. Your starter clips should separate your decking, leaving enough room for proper drainage. Be sure that each of your composite decking boards has enough room to accommodate expansion or contraction. Repeat these steps until the deck is installed.

Measure and cut your deck

It’s time to adjust your composite decks, taking care to protect yourself from injury during the adjustment process. You will need to draw a cut line on top of your boards and trim the deck to the proper length for your needs. Try to use a straight-edged piece as your saw guide when cutting.

Applying the finish

Many composite decks are not the same color throughout the deck, so you will need to cover both ends of the deck to make your composite deck flatter.

Conclusion

If you have good framing and experience with deck installation, you can save $1500-$2000 on composite decking installation. But the difference is that hiring a professional installer will save you more time. It makes your deck installation much smoother and faster. So you can choose the right way to install composite decking according to your budget and time schedule.