Installation Guide
EOVATIONS INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS, CONTINUED
Stair installation
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5 Meadowcraft Parkway, Selma, AL 36701 800.332.5724 8529_8/18
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•   Stairs must be constructed according to national and local building 
codes. Generally, building codes require 3' minimum wide treads and 
11" minimum tread depth.
•  9" maximum center-to-center spacing of stringers is required.
•   Stair treads should be fastened over a minimum of 5 stringers to 
meet code requirements.
•  1/2" maximum tread overhang over stringers.
•   1/8" minimum gap between stair-tread boards. Local building codes 
may require the gap to be increased to 1/4" - 3/8" in order to maintain 
the minimum tread depth.
Like most composites, Deckorators Decking will have color variations 
from piece to piece. This is due to naturally occurring variations in  
polymers. Purchasing all required decking material at one time is 
recommended, as manufacturing runs can produce slightly different 
colors. Do not install if color variation is not acceptable.
Mold and mildew can be a nuisance on any exterior building surface, 
regardless of the material. If the conditions are right, they will grow on 
wood, plastic, concrete, metal and other surfaces. Mold formation is 
most prevalent in consistently wet, shaded areas. Spores from the nat-
ural environment are carried by the wind and commonly land on decks 
surfaces. It is important to note that the appearance of mold/ 
mildew is a function of nature, not necessarily a deficiency with any  
of the material on which it grows.
Periodic washing with soap/mild detergent and water will help remove 
surface dirt. This will also help prevent the buildup of pollen, debris and 
spores that can cause and accelerate mold/mildew growth. 
Caution: A pressure washer should not be used to “blast” mold/mildew 
or soils from a deck surface. The abrasive nature of the water stream can 
potentially cause damage by driving the spores deeper into the material, 
which may create a more challenging problem to remedy. A pressure 
washer with a fan-tipped nozzle should be used only to lightly wet or 
rinse wood or composite deck surfaces.
There are many deck wash and exterior cleaning products available at 
retail. It is important to make sure you use a cleaner specifically intended 
for your application. After selecting a product, be certain to read,  
Stringer 
Stair tread
Eotek2.pdf
9" max. 
36" min.
5 stringers
required 
11" min.
depth
1/8" min. 
gap 
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THE DIAGRAMS AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS BROCHURE ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AND ARE NOT MEANT TO REPLACE A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL. ANY CONSTRUCTION OR 
USE OF THE PRODUCT MUST BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL LOCAL ZONING AND/OR BUILDING CODES. THE CONSUMER ASSUMES ALL RISKS AND LIABILITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE 
CONSTRUCTION OR USE OF THIS PRODUCT. THE CONSUMER OR CONTRACTOR SHOULD TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT, 
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WEARING THE APPROPRIATE SAFETY EQUIPMENT. UNIVERSAL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC., MAKES NO WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, 
AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
Color variation
Mold and mildew growth
Cleaning
Mold inhibitors
understand and follow all instructions supplied by the manufacturer. 
Some cleaning products and inhibitors may be more effective than  
others, depending on the environmental conditions your deck is 
subjected to. Additionally, it is always a good idea to test the cleaner  
in a small, inconspicuous area prior to applying it to the entire deck  
(www.deckorators.com).
As with deck washes, there are several mold-inhibitor products available 
from paint stores, hardware stores, online outlets and home centers to 
help prevent long-term mold/mildew growth. For any product selected, 
be certain to read, understand and follow all instructions provided by the 
manufacturer. Depending upon the environmental factors affecting your 
deck, some preventive cleaning products may be more effective than 
others. It may be necessary to try more than one product. For ongoing 
preventive maintenance, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Note: Deckorators is not suitable for structural use. It should not be 
used for primary load-bearing members such as posts, joists, beams or 
stringers. The same commonsense precautions should be taken when 
handling Deckorators as with wood or other building materials. Dust 
masks and eye protection devices are recommended to avoid possible 
irritation from sawdust and chips. Gloves will help protect hands.  
Hands should be washed after construction work.



