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
1
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 placment 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. Fasteners for
metal that install at a 90 degree angle only are required.
When installing heavy loads on top of your decking project, a hot
tub, for example, it is important to also understand the requirements
of the manufacturer as they may have specic framing and support
requirements for their warranty coverage.
Note: Using joist tape can lengthen the life of the decking substructure.
Joist/Stringer spacing
Residential Commercial
Brand
Perpendicular Diagonal Stairs Perpendicular Diagonal Stairs
Paramount 16 in. 12 in. *16 in. 12 in. 8 in. *12 in.
Horizon 16 in. 12 in. 12 in. 12 in. 8 in. 9 in.
Sanctuary 16 in. 12 in. 12 in. 12 in. 8 in. 9 in.
ProTect
Advantage
16 in. 12 in. 11 in. 12 in. 8 in. 9 in.
Good Life 16 in. 12 in. 8 in. 12 in. 8 in. 8 in.
Docking 24 in. 12 in. 12 in. N/A N/A N/A
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 of 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.
• Do not install decking directly to a solid surface. Make sure there is
adequate and unobstructed air flow under the deck to prevent excessive
water absorption. Improve drainage or grade flat areas where standing
water may gather. Allow a minimum of 6 in. (15 cm) between the bottom of
the deck substructure/joists and the ground. The deck design must allow
unrestricted airflow under at least 50% of its perimeter to permit adequate
ventilation.
• 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. Contact the manufacturer of the
specific under-deck waterproofing system for installation instructions
to ensure required 6 in. (15 cm) of unobstructed net-free ventilation is
achieved for Fiberon decking. If already installed, seek methods to
achieve the ventilation requirement.
• 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. Be sure to always follow the ladder
manufacturer’s instructions and safety tips.
• Composite decking will retain heat when exposed to direct or reflective
sunlight. Exercise caution if walking barefoot as footwear may be required.
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 6 in. (15 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 to use 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.)