Installation Guide

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The most recent installation instructions can be found on our website. Please visit berondecking.com or call Consumer and Technical Support at 800-573-8841.
Decking installation instructions
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Joists
16 in. o.c. (41 cm)
Deck Boards
12 in. o.c. (31 cm)
Joists Deck Boards
Perpendicular decking boards
Diagonal decking boards
Joist location is important for the safety of the deck and will affect the
layout, cost, and ease of installation for the railing system. If railing will
be installed, determine rail post placement prior to joist construction.
See page 9 for information about planning post placement for rail
installations. Joists used in deck frame construction should be 2 in. x
8 in. (5 cm x 20 cm) or larger.
Note: For decks using metal joists, specialized surface fasteners are
required. Do not use Phantom Hidden Fasteners. Only fasteners
for metal that install at a 90 degree angle are required.
When installing heavy loads on top of your decking project
(for example, a hot tub) it is important to also understand the
requirements of the manufacturer as they may have specic framing
and support requirements for their warranty coverage.
Joist/Stringer spacing
Residential Commercial
Brand
Perpendicular Diagonal Stairs Perpendicular Diagonal Stairs
Paramount 16 in. 12 in. *24 in. 12 in. 8 in. *12 in.
Horizon 16 in. 12 in. 9 in. 12 in. 8 in. 9 in.
Sanctuary 16 in. 12 in. 9 in. 12 in. 8 in. 9 in.
ProTect
Advantage
16 in. 12 in. 8 in. 12 in. 8 in. 8 in.
Good Life 16 in. 12 in. 7 in. 12 in. 8 in. 7 in.
Relax 16 in. 12 in. 9 in. 12 in. 8 in. 9 in.
Note: *When installing Paramount decking, secure stair treads
over and in contact with a treated pine 2x6, installed at, not on
edge, as under support, and secured with Simpson A23 approved
connectors and 10d x 1-1/2 in. hot galvanized nails.
Getting started
Follow local approved building codes. Careful planning of the nished
deck layout will result in better looking nished projects. Failure to
follow installation guidelines could void warranty.
• Before starting, material should be stored on a flat surface, supported
every 24 in. (61 cm) and covered if original packaging is removed.
• Read the instructions for both the decking and railing systems planned
for the project. Thoroughly reading all instructions first will make for more
profitable projects. Failure to do so may result in more difficult installation
and may void warranty.
• This decking is for deck surface use only, not structural application.
• Make sure there is adequate and unobstructed air flow under 50% of the
deck. Allow a minimum of 1.5 in (4 cm) between bottom of joist and the
ground. Water must be able to flow away from under the deck. Improve
drainage or grade flat areas where standing water may gather. Do not
install decking directly to an existing or solid surface.
• Sleeper installation: Minimum joist height is 1.5 in, installed level, in
direction of water runoff and directly to a solid sub-structure. Create
adequate ventilation for the deck by widening side-to-side spacing
between boards to ¼ in. with a maximum of 3/8 in. gap. The deck design
must allow unrestricted air flow under the deck at the open joist ends for
ventilation and drainage.
• Under-deck waterproofing systems, properly installed, can provide
additional living or storage space. Improper installations are those that
restrict air flow and result in buildup of heat and/or humidity, which can
result in unwanted consequences.
• When using a ladder on composite decking, it is mandatory to lay down a
sheet of plywood over the deck surface to disperse the load of the ladder’s
feet to nearby underlying joists. Drill fasteners downward through the top
of the plywood sheet to keep it from slipping. Position fasteners so they
adequately protrude and rest firmly in the gaps between the deck boards
and into the joists. This will avoid leaving holes in your decking once
the plywood sheet is removed. Always follow the ladder manufacturer’s
instructions and safety tips.
• Exercise caution if walking barefoot. Fire and unusual sources of heat and
heat buildup can potentially damage Fiberon decking surfaces. Examples
would include fire, reflected light from different types of glass (ex. low-e
glass), fire features, and under-deck waterproofing installations that do
not provide the 1.5 in. (4 cm) of unobstructed net free ventilation.
• Dry or windy environments may create a temporary condition of static
electricity, which will vary depending on climate and site conditions. In
the case of excessive static buildup on an installed PVC or capped PE
deck, Fiberon recommends the following procedure: 1. Remove loose
debris from the deck surface. 2. Dilute ACL Staticide® Concentrate 1 part
to 39 parts water (1:39). 3. Spray or mop entire surface of the deck. Allow
to air dry. Do not attempt to wipe the surface dry as wiping will reduce
the effectiveness of the anti-static coating (*Although very safe in diluted
form, ACL Staticide® Concentrate is considered a hazardous chemical
non-diluted. DO NOT use ACL Staticide® Concentrate non-diluted.)
Note: Using joist tape can lengthen the life of the decking substructure.