Installation Guide
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.
1. Joist location plays an important role in the safety of the
deck itself but may also affect the ease, method and
price of your railing system.
2. Before starting, read the instructions of both the decking
and railing systems planned for the project.
3. Dark colors will absorb more heat than lighter colors
and as such, will experience greater ranges in
expansion/contraction.
4. Thoroughly reading all instructions rst will make for
more protable projects. Failure to do so may result in
more difcult installation and may void warranty.
Joist Spacing
Joists used in deck frame construction should be 2"x 8" (5
cm x 20 cm) or larger (Figure 3).
When installing deck boards perpendicular to the joists in
residential applications, spacing is 16" (41 cm) on center
(Figure 1). For Professional Docking use 24" (61 cm) on
center joist spacing, commericial application should be
12"(30cm). When the decking is to be laid diagonally (do not
exceed 45˚), reduce the on center joist spacing by 4" (10
cm) (Figure 2).
Stair Stringer Spacing
For stair treads, follow local approved building codes. For
straight bottom decking stair stringers/joists spacing should
be 12" (30 cm) on center; for scallop bottom decking stair
stringers/joists spacing should be 9" (23 cm) on center.
Allow 1/8" (3 mm) space between stair treads and risers.
Leave 3/16" (5 mm) space between stair treads. For special
situations, or when in doubt, consult your local building
inspection department.
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.
When installing
blocking for more
intricate decking
patterns, remember that solid blocking (blocking laid on the
at) will inhibit water ow and result in buildup of organic
materials over time, which will make cleaning more difcult.
For best results when blocking is required, it should be
installed ladder style (Figure 3).
Board Spacing
All decking materials, whether wood, composite or metal,
undergo some degree of linear expansion with the changes
of weather and the season. To compensate for the effects
of contraction and expansion, the following installation
standards must be maintained:
Note: Special consideration should be taken when working
with dark colors as they will experience larger temperature
swings during normal use. To help control end-to-end
spacing, dark color decking should be kept at ambient
temperature and shaded from direct sun prior to cutting and
immediate securing.
For installation on runs of 40' (12 m) or more using hidden
fasteners, install a 90˚ divider board every 40' (12 m), or
secure with face screws into all joists every 16" (41 cm) on
center.
Gapping:
• Side board spacing 3/16" (5 mm); between board and
any permanent structure or post 1/4" (6 mm) (Figure 4)
• Between board ends: at temperatures up to 30°F
Stringers or Joists
Blocking
Side-To-Side Spacing
End Gapping
Figure 4
Joists
16" o.c. (41 cm) 12" o.c. (31 cm)
JoistsDeck Boards Deck Boards
Residential Joist Spacing
Figure 2Figure 1
Figure 5
Figure 3
Horizon
®
, Pro-Tect
®
, Classic, Professional and Sanctuary
®
Decking Installation Instructions
7
For the most up-to-date instructions, visit berondecking.com.