Slotted Decking Installation Guide

ManualsBrandsDeckorators ManualsComposite Deck BoardsTropics 8.08-ft Hana Brown Composite Deck Board

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

Board-End to Board-End Gapping Requirements

Depending on local building code requirements, refer to ESR-1573 or CCMC 13378-

R for joist spacing and stair tread support options. Contact product support at 877-

463-8379 for information on commercial applications.

(A) Sample End Tag

fig. 1

SLOTTED DECKING INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

USING HIDDEN FASTENERS

Tools and Items Needed

• Drill/power screwdriver

• 1/8" drill bit

• Circular saw with

carbide-tip blade

• Assorted fasteners (see

instructions)

• Tape measure

• Carpenter’s pencil

• Safety glasses/goggles

Notice to installers

• 305 stainless steel,

black head screws

• DO NOT use cordless

Joist Span

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. For best results, follow these simple

installation instructions, paying close attention to gapping, spacing and fastener

requirements.

1X6-16' GR.

Side gapping: 1/4”. End-to-end spacing: Allow a minimum of

1/16” gap between board ends for every 11° C of difference

between installation temperature and the hottest temperature

expected (figure 1). For any decking where two boards meet

end-to-end over a joist, add additional blocking (figure 2). Allow

1/4” distance between all decking material and any permanent

structure or post. After all of the decking has been attached,

snap a chalk line (white or yellow chalk recommended) flush with

or up to 1-1/2” out from the deck framing and trim with a circular

saw. All wood and composite decking products require proper

ventilation and drainage to ensure their longevity. When using a

minimum 2x6 joist standing on edge and the suggested 1/4” side

gap, there should be a 2” clear space between the bottom edge

of the joists and grade in order to allow for proper ventilation.

Adequate drainage is also needed to prevent water from pooling

under the deck.

End-to-End Spacing

impact drivers

• Set drill speed to

1500-1750 RPM

• Max torque not to

exceed 23 inch pounds

• Pre-drill knots or dense

hardwood

Fasteners

Fasteners should fit into the slot on each side of the deck board to eliminate

pre-drilling and provide a timeless, fastener-free deck surface. The deck boards

require traditional fasteners on the outside and inside edges of the deck.

Begin by fastening the outside edge of the first board to the rim at every joist.

For this, we recommend using 2-1/2” corrosion-resistant, composite wood

deck screws. These screws help minimize the common “mushroom” effect

that sometimes occurs when using standard fasteners. It can also reduce the

amount of pre-drilling and countersinking.

If using ordinary coarse-thread deck screws, always pre-drill a pilot hole and

countersink prior to driving screws. Screws should be driven flush with the

surface. Do not over-tighten. Use one fastener per board at every joist. For any

decking where two boards meet end-to-end over a joist, add additional blocking.

Always pre-drill a pilot hole when fastening within 1-1/2” of board ends, whether

using composite or wood screws. Do not over-tighten screws at board ends.

On the other side of the board, place a hidden fastener into the slot and center on

the joist (figure 3). Install a #7, 1-5/8” stainless steel screw at a 90° angle through

the fastener and drive flush. Do not over-tighten. The fastener wings must remain

level with the joist for the next board to fit correctly (figure 4). Install one fastener

at each joist location. Slide the next board into place so the wings on the previous

fasteners fit into the slot on the side of the board. Make sure the side gap between

the boards is 1/4”.

Install one fastener at each joist location along the length of the board. For

installations where deck boards are butted end-to-end at the joist, we recommend

Pre-drill and countersink all deck screws, regardless of type,

that are within 1-1/2" of the end of the deck board.

Note: Always follow best workmanship practices. Including,

and not limited to, square cutting both board ends prior to

installation.

fig. 2

If desired, the board profile

may be concealed with fascia.

joist

deck boards

rim joist

fascia

screw

fig. 3

Summary of content (2 pages)

PAGE 1
SLOTTED DECKING INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS USING HIDDEN FASTENERS Tools and Items Needed • Drill/power screwdriver • 1/8" drill bit • Circular saw with carbide-tip blade • Assorted fasteners (see instructions) • Tape measure • Carpenter’s pencil • Safety glasses/goggles Notice to installers • 305 stainless steel, black head screws • DO NOT use cordless impact drivers • Set drill speed to 1500-1750 RPM • Max torque not to exceed 23 inch pounds • Pre-drill knots or dense hardwood 1X6-16' GR.
PAGE 2
adding an 8” block and using a hidden fastener clip at the end of each board (figures 7 and 8). Be sure to gap the boards as previously described. Repeat the process for each board until the outside edge of the final board is fastened with screws. Use fascia to conceal the board profile and inhibit board movement over time. If no fascia is being used, the entire perimeter of the deck should be fastened to the rim joist with screws. Use two fasteners at the end of each board.