The wood plastic composite is an environment-friendly material that is a safe alternative to different types of woods. WPC is efficient for both indoor and outdoor flooring. Plus, the installation of WPC decking is simple and can be done with ordinary woodworking tools. Read the guide to learn a hassle-free procedure to install your WPC decking.
Storage
Store WPC decking in a well-ventilated roofed place and in their original packaging. If the installation is not possible immediately, WPC decking must be stored on a flat surface. Never put them on an uneven surface or a surface that isn’t flat.
Build a supporting substructure
Generally, two types of foundations are used for the installation of WPC decking.
- Completely flat or slightly sloped concrete ground
- Concrete point laid on the ground
However, it is essential to check the local building codes for any particular requirements or restrictions.
Before starting the installation, make sure the ground level is flat, stable, and smooth. Remove all weeds to ensure a level base for installation. Moreover, it is suggested to place the root-stop fabric under the structure to prevent weed growth. Use a 10 cm thick concrete base with a little slope; a slope of 2% will offer adequate water drainage.
Laying the joists
Keep a maximum of 400mm distance between the centers of two joists. Also, ensure that there are double joists (double keels) wherever two WPC decks meet. The deck boards might fall off and be shrunk from the joist where two WPC deck boards end to share one joist.
Put the joist on the concrete stand or fix them with joist fitters using expansion screws. Normally, 2-3 fitters are required for a 1m long joist, which means there will be one fitter after every 30-40 cm. After this, check the joist level, and if it is not smooth, adjust the level by filling the gaps between joists and ground.
Fixing the boards and joists
With starting clips
Predrill the hole on the joist and then fix the starting clips into it. Keep the board end and the joist at least 10mm from any obstacles, i.e. walls, to allow for expansion of the WPC decking and also for assuring good ventilation and drainage.
Without starting clips, but screw from the side
Firstly, predrill a hole for the screw through the groove on the board and into the joist; Secondly, fasten a screw into the hole.
Without starting clips, but screw from the top
Predrill a hole for the screw through the deck and into the joist from the top of the deck. After this, tighten the screw into the hole.
After the first WPC deck is fixed, fit the remaining deck in the same manner.
Finishing WPC Decking
Once you have fastened the WPC decking, the next step is to finish the WPC decking by skirting and trimming the corners. After this, cover the unfinished ends of boards and supporting joists. Sometimes, the application site is not suitable for covering; here the edges can be left without cover.
Furthermore, L-shaped corner covers are also available for an elegant finish. Just predrill the holes and fix the covers with screws. These coverings are also present in crosscut shape to meet all the corners of decking.
The expansion rate of WPC decking is about 0.3% to 0.5%, depending upon the length of the deck and climate conditions in different places. There should be a gap (at least 1mm) between the two WPC decks based on the expansion rate.
The gap can be calculated using the following formula:
^L = ¶ × (T max – T) × L
^L: Gap required for Length of Board
¶: Coefficient of Linear Expansion(0.04mm/m*C°)
Tmax: Max. Temp. in your region(C°)
T: Installation Temp. (C°)
L: Length of Board
Important Tips
- Minor colour and surface differences may exist because of differences in surface treatment and raw materials. However, it ensures your WPC decking will have a natural outlook.
- It is recommended to place the terrace sections on the installation site for about three days before installation to acclimatize them.
- The method of installation is so critical to the life of WPC decking; inappropriate installation can cause some damages to the decking, which may affect its overall durability.
- Inspect the WPC decking before installation and report any damages and defects to the vendor before installation.
- Do not install the WPC decking during winters.
- Always practice safety measures while installing WPC decking; wear protective clothes, dust masks, safety goggles, and gloves.
Conclusion
That’s all about WPC decking installation; we hope that it will be helpful in your installation.
