Installation and Specifications of WPC decking

WPC Composite decking needs to be transported flat – it can’t be tied on an angle, for example on a Ute. Also needs to be on edge, (the narrow edge horizontal and the flat edge vertical).

Hybrideck should be stored flat, on edge, off the ground and under shelter away from direct sunlight. The boards require nine to ten supports along the length of the board.

The decking expands and contracts lengthways due to the temperature changes during the day. BEFORE CUTTING, the temperature of each board should be assessed. Hot boards will shrink as they cool and cool boards will expand as they heat up. The boards should be laid out in the area they will be installed and allowed to acclimatize. If installing during the heat of the day the boards can be cooled with water from a graden hose to avoid movement after installation - there is no need to leave expansion gaps.

To reduce the effects of movement of long boards over 4m angle screw into the joist athe the center of each board. THE PREFERRED METHOD OF INSTALLATION is:

1. A picture frame design to encase the boards
2. A breaker board at right angles to the deck boards instead of staggered joins
3. Angle screw into the joist at the center of each board to allow even expansion at both ends of the board. 

Lay the boards at the same orientation as they are removed from the pack. If a board is turned and laid in the opposite direction from the others there may be a texture or colour change which becomes apparent after the weathering process.

Usual safety precautions used when working with wood should be applied when working with HYBRIDECK.

HYBRIDECK can be drilled, sawn, fastened and routed with normal wood working tools. For Hollow boards only- Counter sinking of any screws or nails is NOT recommended.

HYBRIDECK requires joists at 400 and the deck should have a fall of 3mm per meter of decking aong the long edge. For timber joists we reccomend kiln dried, uniform height and thickness MSG8 joists. Ground Clearance - over damp ground with little ventilation 300mm is required. However it can be used over sealed substrates such as concrete or a waterproof membrane with as little as 50mm ground clearance.

Overhang on the ends or sides of the deck should be no more than 50mm.

Please note lengths are 4850mm however up to 5mm variation can occur, please dock to uniform length on site.

Using HYBRIDECK concealed fixings ensures the required 5mm space between boards.

If using the preferred design of picture frame and or breaker boards, extra joist dwangs will be required.

If your deck is situated on a second story and will be exposed to strong winds, applying wind break cloth over the joists, before installing the deck can reduce the effects of any wind noise later. For Hollow only - If attaching balustrading through the decking into the substructure, we suggest use of our solid profile under the balustrading.

If working parallel to the building leave a 5mm gap between the building and the first board. Attach edge fixings every 400mm and install the first board. Continue to fix the boards using the concealed fixing plug and screw on each joist. For ease of installation, don't over tighten the fixing screw as this can make the next board difficult to slide into place. You can tighten the screw later if required. Any screws or nails should be located no less than 25mm from the edge or end of the board.

When using nails or screws on the deck boards or base boards, predrill first and using large head nails. Leave the head slightly proud rather than countersunk. This allows the decking to expand and contract under the head.

When fixing base boards try to do so when it has been in the sun and expanded to its maximum. Fixings should be every 300mm to keep the base board stable.

Recommended for large decks of 8 to 10 metres or more. These boards run at a 90 degree angle to the deck boards and need to be attached with edge fixings or screwed to the extra joists below.

For use on smaller decks staggered butt joins can be secured with an angle screw into the joist, through the fixing channel in the middle of each board to allow the decking to expand and contract equally at each end of the board and keep joins stable.

For Hollow boards only- End caps are available to finish square cut ends of hollow boards. Secure with wood glue. If using end caps or if there is no fall on the deck holes should be drilled on the underside of the board. The holes should be 5mm in diameter and should be drilled along the length of the board alternating hollow cavities at spaces of 150mm. This allows adequate drainage of any moisture.

(See the video above for clarification)