Installation Guide

Before You Begin
Please read the following guidelines before attempting to build the deck.
For best results, follow these tips, paying close attention to gapping,
spacing and fastener requirements. Color variation is a distinct feature
of Style Selections composite decking and is not covered by warranty.
Each board has a unique appearance and should be arranged according to
the end user’s preference. Prior to construction, check with your local
regulatory agency for special code requirements in your area.
Tools Required
• Cordless drill driver • Carpenter’s square
• Circular saw • Tape measure
• White or yellow removable chalk • Safety glasses
• Chalk line
Joist Span
• 16 in on-center joist spacing for installation perpendicular to the joist.
• 12 in on-center joist spacing for installation diagonal to the joist.
• 8 in on-center joist spacing for stair tread spanning three stringers.
Side Gapping
• 1/4 in between boards.
End-to-End Spacing
• Allow a minimum of 1/16 in gap between
board ends for every 20°F of difference
between installation temperature and
the hottest temperature expected
(see Figure 1).
• Additional blocking may be needed for
support (see Figure 2).
• Allow 1/4 in between all decking material and any permanent
structure or post.
Ventilation
• Allow 2 in clear space between the bottom edge of the decking
understructure and the surface underneath the deck.
• Adequate drainage is also needed to prevent water from pooling
under the deck.
Choosing a Fastener
Hidden Fastener Systems
For appearance and ease of installation, a hidden fastener that fits
into the .160 in slot on each side of the deck board is recommended.
This minimizes pre-drilling and provides a fastener-free deck surface.
Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for installing decking using a hidden
fastener system.
Traditional Fasteners
• For traditional face screw fasteners, 2-1/2 in corrosion-resistant,
composite deck screws are recommended. These screws help
minimize the common “mushroom” effect that sometimes occurs
when using standard fasteners. They can also reduce the amount of
pre-drilling and countersinking.
• Pre-drill and countersink all deck screws that are within 1-1/2 in
of the end of the deck board.
• Screws should be driven ush with the deck surface using a drill driver.
• Do not overtighten.
• For any decking where two boards meet end-to-end over a joist, add
additional blocking.
• Apply these same principles when installing stair treads.
Installing Boards
• Deck boards are intended to be installed embossed side up.
• Install from the outside edge of the deck and work toward the
house or structure.
• The ends of the boards must fall on a joist. Always add blocking at
end joints (see Figure 2).
• Always install traditional fasteners perpendicular to board surface
and drive ush. Do not overtighten or splitting and mushrooming
may occur.
Trimming Ends
After all of the decking has been secured, snap a chalk line ush with or
up to 1-1/2 in out from the deck framing, and trim with a circular saw.
Fascia
• Fasten the fascia from one end to the other or from the center out
to each end. Never fasten the fascia from both ends to the center.
• Pre-drill and attach fascia to the rim joist using three screws evenly
spaced vertically. Repeat every 16 in on-center.
• Leave 1/8 in space between the fascia ends where two pieces meet
or wherever a piece meets a solid surface (i.e., a corner or a building
wall) to allow for expansion of the material.
Installation Guidelines
Board End to Board End Gapping Requirements (in inches)
Warmest annual temperature °F expected in region
°F 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
20 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 3/16 3/16 1/4 1/4 5/16 5/16
30 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 3/16 3/16 1/4 1/4 5/16
40 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 3/16 3/16 1/4 1/4
50 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 3/16 3/16 1/4
60 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 3/16 3/16
70 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 3/16
80 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8
90 1/8 1/8 1/8 1/8
100 1/8 1/8 1/8
110 1/8 1/8
120 1/8
Temperature °F on day of installation
Figure 1
Figure 2