Installation Guide

3 FIBERONDECKING.COM
Pre-Installation
IMPORTANT: Follow local applicable building codes. Careful planning of the nished deck layout will result in more pleasing nished
projects. Failure to follow installation guidelines could void the warranty.
IMPORTANT: Thoroughly read all instructions for both decking and railing systems planned for the project prior to installations.
Failure to do so may result in more difcult installations and may void the warranty.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN THIS INSTALLATION
ACCLIMATION AND STORAGE
Before installation, material should be stored on a at surface, supported every 24 in. (609.6 mm), and in the shade or covered if original
packaging is removed.
AIR FLOW AND DRAINAGE
Make sure there is adequate and unobstructed air ow under 50% of the deck perimeter to allow for cross-ventilation. This is not only
to promote dryness, but also to negate heat buildup beneath the deck. Allow a minimum of 1.5 in. (38.1 mm) between the bottom of the
joists and the ground or existing surface. Water must be able to ow away from under the deck. Improve drainage or grade at 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. (38.1 mm), installed level, in the direction of water runoff and directly to a solid sub-
structure. Create adequate cross-ventilation for the deck by widening side-to-side spacing between boards to 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) with a
maximum of 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) gap. The deck design must allow for a minimum of 1.5 in. (38.1 mm) of unrestricted air ow under the deck
at the open joist ends for cross-ventilation and drainage.
Under-deck waterproong systems, properly installed, can provide additional living or storage space. Improper installations are those that
restrict air ow and result in buildup of heat and/or humidity, which can result in unwanted consequences. Follow all previous airow and
drainage requirements.
DETERMINING JOIST LOCATION
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 14 for information about planning
post placement for rail installations. Joists used in deck frame
construction should be 2 in. x 8 in. (50.8 mm x 203.2 mm) or larger.
NOTE: For decks using metal joists, specialized surface fasteners are required. Do not use Phantom or ArmorGuard Hidden Fasteners.
Fasteners for metal that install at a
90˚ angle are required.
JOIST/STRINGER SPACING
Residential Commercial
Perpendicular Diagonal
(up to 45˚ angle)
Stairs Perpendicular Diagonal
(up to 45˚ angle)
Stairs
Paramount
*16 in. (406.4 mm) 12 in. (304.8 mm)
**24 in. (609.6 mm)
12 in. (304.8 mm) 8 in. (203.2 mm)
**24 in. (304.8 mm)
Symmetry
9 in. (228.6 mm) 9 in. (228.6 mm)
Horizon
Sanctuary
8 in. (203.2 mm) 8 in. (203.2 mm)
ProTect Advantage
Good Life
7 in. (177.8 mm) 7 in. (177.8 mm)ArmorGuard
Veranda by Fiberon
*Paramount Decking is approved for use over joists spaced 16 in. on center. However, Fiberon recommends spacing the joists at 12 in. on center to increase stability and reduce the flexing of the deck boards.
**When installing Paramount Decking, secure stair treads over and in contact with a treated pine 2 in. x 6 in., installed flat, not on edge, as under support, and secured with Simpson A23 approved connectors
and 10d x 1-1/2 in. hot galvanized nails.
Joists
16 in. o.c. (406.4 mm) 12 in. o.c. (304.8 mm)
Deck
Boards