Your composite decking will expand and contract less as a result of temperature changes if the temperature at the time of installation is lower than the highest temperature that may be experienced in your region. The boards should generally be spaced slightly apart/ Because of this, the boards will be able to naturally expand and contract, and water and dirt will be able to naturally exit the area.

A minimum space of 5 millimetres (mm) between composite boards (side to side) will be allowed when using Super Deck concealed attach clips. This will help keep adequate drainage and ventilation in place while also helping to remove tiny organic waste.

If all of the following requirements are satisfied, building Super Deck on top of an existing substructure is feasible: The current building must be in excellent shape and be able to be used without any problems, such as damage or degradation;

The required distance between the joists should be left; The bottom of the deck must have enough ventilation on all sides and be free of any airflow obstructions.

The hollow end of deck boards may be concealed with Super Deck’s solid fascia board, which comes in exactly matched hues. This adds the finishing touches to your deck.

The term “grooves” refers to carved channels that run the length of the board and are present on both sides of the deck board. These slots allow deck fasteners to be concealed from view and used to join the boards. Solid edges on ungrooved boards are secured in place by nails hammered through the top of the board.

Five main steps will help you install your composite decking safely and efficiently.

1. Design the Decking Area

These first steps are crucial for ensuring you get the best outcomes for your project. It’s essential that you determine where exactly you want to lay the composite deck boards,  how much composite decking boards material is needed, and think about all the tools you would need.

In these early stages, thinking about the long term implications that may come from your choice of materials requires some forethought. For example, a darker composite material will likely retain more heat and be hotter underfoot than a lighter colour.

If you’re like the average Aussie and go barefoot in your yard, choosing a lighter colour or mixture of colours will make the deck more usable year-round.

2. Measurement

The next stage requires you to measure the deck’s location and begin creating a solid foundation. We recommend using a post hole digger to make the holes needed for the footings. Once the concrete is poured, allow it to cure for 24 hours or longer if possible.

3. Framing

While you await the concrete to cure, begin installing the ledger board to secure the deck to the house. Once the concrete is ready, attach the post anchors and the stirrups to the deck footings.

Next, connect the posts or bearers directly to the stirrups. Frame your deck out, and depending on the size of your deck, add concrete footings.

To continue the project, the following steps will enable you to get everything plum and ready to complete your deck:

• Install joist hangers at desired intervals on the ledger board and end beam, approximately every 15.24 cm.
• Cut the joist boards to fit.
• Install them by seating the boards into the hangers and securing them with nails.
• Ensure you’re checking the level often and adjusting as necessary.

4. Secure Everything in Place

Throughout the whole project, you should check that everything is level and you’re using consistent sizes for your subframes. We recommend using a chalk line to find the high spots to grind down.

This is the time to seal any joints or areas that may be at risk of gaining a large amount of moisture. Using joist protection such as GTape over the top edge of the joists can protect the deck from long term issues. We recommend choosing a dark tape colour to avoid drawing attention away from your completed project.

5. Lay your Composite Decking Boards

Once your foundation is stable and ready to go, it’s time to lay your composite boards.

When composite decking is in direct sunlight, it could be a little hot on bare feet. However, some composite decking boards have been designed to be cooler underfoot, even when directly in the sun.

Most people use their deck more often during the summer months, but to enjoy it to its fullest, it needs to be at the right temperature underfoot. Part of a Melbourne summer is spending long days outdoors, barefoot and spending time with our loved ones and friends, likely by the barbie.

So warmer climates can get the most out of composite decking boards year-round, composite decks are designed and manufactured to absorb less heat and, in turn, be more user-friendly during the warmer months.

In most cases, composite decking boards aren’t prone to being slippery. The materials they’re made from are relatively solid underfoot, so slips and falls are less likely than boards that are made from plastic.

Compared to a fully wooden deck, it may feel slightly slippery underfoot when it’s wet; however, you’re unlikely to have any issues. There are some circumstances that could make a deck slipper, no matter what type of material it’s made from; this is usually the combination of water and ice.