WPC Decking Installation Guide

Follow our Composite Decking Installation Guide to ensure your project goes smoothly.

Installing and securing your Composite Decking correctly is essential to ensuring that your decking stays sturdy and safe as a great addition to your garden for many years to come.

Familiarising yourself with the installation process ahead of time will save you time and help to avoid any costly mistakes.

Whether you’re taking on the WPC Decking installation yourself or have a professional doing the job for you, we advise having a basic understanding of the process so that you know what to expect.

Before You Start

Plan the layout for your decking before you begin to ensure you get the best look for your decking project. If you are unsure of any aspect of the project, be sure to reach out to a professional landscaper who can assess and advise on the specific needs of your space.

Ground preparation

Proper installation requires a flat and sturdy surface. Never install on an uneven surface. Installation requires the ground treatment to be levelled, and the surface of the concrete base layer should be hard, level, clean, dry, and free of floating soil, sand, and cracks. The protruding gravel should be cut flat, the recessed part should be filled. The water content of the ground should be measured.

Joists

Source enough decking joists to cover the area. These can be timber, WPC or any other suitable material for your space.

How To Install WPC Decking

Step 1.

Measure the overall distance. Lay the joist 10m from the wall and keep a 30mm spacing between the two joists widthways

If the decking board isn’t long enough and needs trimming, use two joists for each decking board at the juncture.

The spacing between the two joists should be 340mm.

Step 2.

In order to prevent the impact drill from causing cracks on the joist, use an 8mm twist drill to punch holes in the joist.

Then use an impact drill to punch holes in the ground, ensuring the hole depth of at least 60mm.

The first hole should be punched at 50mm from the end of the joist. Subsequent holes should be punched at intervals of 500mm.

Step 3.

Insert plastic expansion tubes into the punched holes. Use an electric drill to secure the joist firmly to the ground with screws.

Step 4.

Lay all remaining joists in turn. Follow the diagram for trimming if the decking board falls short in length. Two joists are needed for each deck at the juncture.

Steps 5.

Place the starter clips at the centre of the end of the joist.

Punch holes with a twist drill and then secure the clips to the joist using screws.

Step 6.

Push the first piece of decking board firmly into the starter clips, achieving the desired effect as shown on the right.

Step 7.

Snap intermediate clips into decking grooves.

Use a twist drill to punch holes in the joist through the holes in the clips.

Secure clips to the joist with screws using an electric drill. Do not tighten them at this time.

To manage thermal expansion impacts, use a fixing clip for each decking board, adjusting clip positions as needed.

Step 8.

Insert the second piece of decking board into the intermediate clips, then tighten the screws on the clips.

Step 9.

Install the decking boards and intermediate clips in turn, achieving the desired effect as shown on the right.

Step 10.

Trim any excess from the last piece of decking board using a circular saw.

Step 11.

Drive screws into the last piece of decking board to secure it to the joists.

Cut the connecting ends of the two end covers at a 45° angle for a seamless join.

Step 12.

Secure the end covers to the decking board by driving screws at 500mm intervals.

Your decking is now successfully installed!

General Cleaning for Composite Decking

Regular cleaning is essential to keeping your composite decking boards looking their best. This guide will help you effectively clean your composite and remove various types of marks.

Unlike regular wood, composite products will not allow any stains to be absorbed into the surface, meaning that they are nice and easy to clean.

How To Clean Decking:

1. Rinse with Water: Use a regular garden hose to rinse off any loose dirt and debris from the surface of your composite decking.

2. Mild Soap Solution: Mix warm water with a mild soap or detergent. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the decking material.

3. Soft Brush or Cloth: Gently scrub the the deck with a soft-bristled brush or a cloth, working in the direction of the grain to avoid scratching the surface.

4. Rinse Again: Rinse the soap solution thoroughly with a garden hose.

5. Repeat: Do this every few months, or as needed.

Tannin Stains

Tannin can seep from composite decking over time and may leave some watermarks. This is simply a normal process for composite materials and can be removed with the above method, using warm, soapy water and a soft brush or cloth.

Maintenance Tips for Composite Decking

1. Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your composite decking for any signs of damage or stubborn stains.

2. Prompt Cleaning: Address stains and marks as soon as you notice them to prevent long-term damage.

3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals & Bleaches: Stick to mild detergents and specially formulated cleaners for composite materials. If you do decide to use a chemical cleaner, always test the cleaner on an off-cut, sample or an inconspicuous area to check the results and any impact it may have on your composite decking before applying it to the whole area

4. Protective Measures: During harsh weather conditions, take preventive measures like using a plastic shovel for snow removal and avoiding the build-up of debris.

5. Snow & Ice: Avoid using any hard, metal scrapers or shovels on your composite products to prevent any surface scratches.

6. Avoid Pressure Washing: Harsh jets of water can damage composite decking, and bringing the nozzle close to the boards will cause the surface to peel.

7. Avoid Mats: Laying mats on your decking can trap moisture and aid the growth of mould on the underside of the mat, as well as preventing proper drainage and causing abrasions when moved.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your composite decking boards remain clean and in excellent condition for years to come. Regular maintenance not only preserves the appearance of your decking but also extends its lifespan.

Our Composite Decking Range

We stock a range of Composite Decking and the accessories you’ll need to complete the installation successfully! Browse our range HERE!

This information is intended as a guide to the best practices for installing the products that we stock, and we always advise speaking with a professional who can assess the specific needs of your project before you begin.

If you have any further questions, we would be happy to help. Contact us via email at [email protected] or call on 01206 700 599.