Installation Guide

4
Pre-Installation (continued)
EXPANSION AND SPACING CONSIDERATIONS
All decking materials, whether wood, composite, or metal, undergo
some degree of linear expansion with the change of weather and the
seasons. For best spacing results, keep boards out of direct sun during
storage and cutting processes and throughout installation, if possible.
To compensate for the effects of contraction and expansion, use short
boards (where possible) with splitter/divider boards between each
continuous run of boards.
Adequate board spacing of a minimum 3/16 in. (4.8 mm) between board
sides will provide proper drainage and assist with the removal of small
organic debris. Allow a minimum of 1/4 in. (6.4 mm)
spacing between boards and any permanent structure.
Spacing requirements must be met for full Fiberon warranty coverage.
End-to-side spacing recommendations are determined by the
temperature at 1/8 in. for temperatures below 70°F, or 1/16 in. for
temperatures above 70°F.
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, darker-colored decking should be kept at ambient temperature and shaded from direct sun prior to cutting and
immediate securing. To create less visible gapping, use lighter-colored boards in the eld of the deck with darker-colored boards as design borders.
END-TO-END-SPACING BY INSTALLATION TEMPERATURE
35° and Under 36° - 69° 70° - 89° 90° - 109° 110° and Up
Paramount
1/16 in. (1.6 mm) 1/32 in. (0.8 mm) 1/32 in. (0.8 mm) 0 in. (0 mm) 0 in. (0 mm)
Symmetry
1/4 in. (6.4 mm) 3/16 in. (4.8 mm) 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) 1/16 in. (1.6 mm) 1/32 in. (0.8 mm)
Horizon
Sanctuary
ProTect Advantage
Good Life
ArmorGuard
Veranda by Fiberon
NOTE: In areas where extreme temperature swings are prevalent, adding 2X blocking at butt joints is recommended. When using hidden
fasteners, add two surface fasteners into the deck at the joist location closest to the mid-point of each deck board to “pin” the board in place
and make thermal expansion and contraction go equally in both directions.
CREATING VARIOUS DECKING PATTERNS
Achieve different looks by laying the decking in the same or alternating directions. The graining pattern repeats approximately every 44
in. (1117.6 mm) along the board length. During the planning phase of any deck project, arrange decking before installation to achieve the
desired pattern and color effect. This is also important if different lengths/bundles of material are used, as different wood grain patterns
and color tones may need to be mixed to achieve the desired look. Horizon Decking has several different wood grain patterns to provide a
less repetitive and more natural wood appearance.
1/4 in.
(6.4 mm)
1 in.
(25.4 mm)
1-1/2 in.
(38.1 mm)
Joist
Wall
*
End gapping
*
Determined by
temperature
Side-to-side
spacing
3/16 in.
(4.8 mm)
Wood grain orientation during installation
Same direction Alternating direction