Installation, Care and Maintenance Customer Service: 800-951-5117 | www.ChoiceDek.
Installation Instructions Easy step-by-step instructions for decking, railing and stairs. As with any building project, use proper eye and ear protection and follow local building codes. ChoiceDek® FoundationsTM composite decking is for decking and accessories only. It is not to be used as structural material. General Cleaning & Maintenance Instructions In an outdoor environment, periodic cleaning will help keep your deck looking new. As with any flooring surface, periodic cleaning is recommended.
COMPONENTS Decking Systems 1 in. × 5.5 in. Trim Board *Available in Beach House Gray Only. *Available in Beach House Gray Only. LENGTH: 8 ft.*, 12 ft., 16 ft. & 20 ft. ACTUAL DIMENSIONS: 1 in. × 5.4 in. LENGTH: 8 ft.* & 12 ft. ACTUAL DIMENSIONS: .67 in. × 11.25 in. Railing Systems Our railing systems and accessories are designed to naturally complement your ChoiceDek® deck or porch. Post LENGTH: 51 in. ACTUAL DIMENSIONS: 4.265 in. x 4.265 in. Post Collar ACTUAL DIMENSIONS: 6.1 in. × 1.5 in. × 6.
INSTALLATION Tools Fasteners All you’ll need is a hammer, screw gun, circular saw (carbide-tipped blade with fewer than 20 teeth is recommended), level, tape measure, rasp and blue chalk line. We recommend #7, 2¼-inch stainless steel trim head screws for the decking and railing. If you do not want the screw heads to show on the deck boards use the following technique: TIPS Manufacturer recommends blue chalk since other colored chalk may temporarily stain the deck.
POST & DECKING INSTALLATION TIPS 1. Double or sister joists at butt joints to ensure plenty of room for fasteners. Layout and install joists at either 16-inch on-center (OC) when decking will be installed perpendicular to the joists, or 12-inch (OC) when deck boards will be installed diagonally or at an angle to the joists. Joists must be level. Pre-drill using a 7/64-inch bit when too close to the edge to prevent splitting. Drive screw at a slight angle into joist.
3. Install ChoiceDek Decking using 2¼-inch, #7 stainless steel trim head screws, two screws per board per joist recommended. Screws should be a minimum of ½-inch from the board end to prevent potential splitting of the board. 1/8" Gap 1/4" Gap A. Allow ¼-inch side-to-side spacing between deck boards. Allow ⅛-inch (or greater) end-to-end spacing between end of boards (butt joints). If installing in freezing weather, leave ¼-inch (butt joints). B. Cut deck boards to fit around posts.
RAILING INSTALLATION Railing Orientation: To use the railing, measure and cut the first 2x4 flush to the inside length between the posts. The speed rails allow the baluster to face either toward or away from the deck depending on which way the consumer prefers the rail system to be installed. 5. Cut two support blocks to the height you want the toe sweep (no less than 2-inches nor greater than 4-inches. Refer to your building code).
7. 8. Place finishing 2x4 over the top rail in a flat position (with 4-inch side against 2-inch side of top rail). Outside edges of both 2x4’s should be flush. Secure finishing 2x4 to top rail using one 2¼-inch #7 stainless steel trim head screw on each end and three additional screws evenly spaced across the top of the finishing 2x4. Screws should be centered into top rail with a minimum ¾-inch from the edge of the flat 2x4.
10. 11. Additionally for a finished look, install trim boards over the rim joists. Position flush with the top of the decking. Attach post caps to top of post. Attach post caps to top of post TIPS tIpS Quality outdoor adhesive can be used for caps. Quality outdoor adhesive can be used for caps. A. Attach fourlook, 2¼-inch stainless trim head screws. Additionally, for ausing finished install#7 trim boards steel over the rim screw through the end or side of the decking and three joists.
45-Degree Railing 12. Determine the angle of the top 2x4 rail. A. Lay the top 2x4 rail centered on top of the two posts and mark angle (see railing orientation) and cut. B. Mark and cut the bottom 2x4 rail the same way except that the orientation of the board is edge wise. The thin edge down. A. Place bottom rail on blocks that are cut to the toe sweep height desired (no less than 2-inches nor greater than 4-inches) – 4-inch leg lying on blocks. B.
Stair Railing 15. Be sure posts measure no more than 72-inches from outside at the angle of the stairway when using as a stair rail. Guard rail sections are sold in 72-inch lengths and must be trimmed to fit between the posts. Allow for decrease in length from angle cuts. 72 " x Ma im um 16. C. Cut and install trim board on stringers if desired. Use procedures in step #11. Rise r ard Bo B. Install post collars if desired. Boar d Trim Kick Str ing e A.
17. Lay a top and bottom 2x4 rail along the edges of the steps and up next to the post. A. Position both 2x4 rails for marking by lying on the steps. B. Mark the rails on the inside faces of the two upright posts. C. Cut each rail along this mark (line). 72" 18. Position bottom rail ½-inch above edges of steps (check local code) support on blocks cut from scrap material. 19. Cut ends of two balusters at the same angle as the top and bottom 2x4 rails and use them as the post balusters. 20.
