Installation Guide

Page 2
Installing TimberTech
®
Decking
TimberTech Covers the Alternative Decking
and Railing Market
To get information on other TimberTech products, visit
timbertech.com or ask your dealer for these installation guides:
• TimberTech Railing & DeckLites® Installation &
Maintenance Guide
These installation guidelines will direct you through the process of
installing TimberTech products. Most installers will find this process
similar to the installation of a wood deck. However, there may
be areas that differ from what you are used to. These installation
methods are recommended by TimberTech, but they may not
cover every installation scenario you may encounter. Since each
installation is unique in its performance requirements, the ultimate
installation method used is the sole responsibility of the installer.
TimberTech recommends that all designs be reviewed by a licensed
architect, engineer or local building official before installation.
Make sure your plans meet local building codes before you
begin the installation. Failure to install TimberTech products
in accordance with applicable building codes and this
Installation Guide may lead to personal injury, affect deck
system performance and void the product warranty.
Tools Required
TimberTech planks can be installed with a minimum number of
readily available tools. However, many other tools are available
that can provide even greater efficiency and ease of installation.
All tools should be used per applicable manufacturers’
instructions. Some of the basic tool requirements:
• Cordless Driver • Carpenter Square
• Chalk Line • Spacing Tools
• Tape Measure • Circular Saw
• Jig Saw • Safety Glasses
Use the jigsaw to cut around obstructions such as posts. A
power miter saw can also be very helpful during installation.
For a power miter or compound power miter saw a fine finish
alternate top bevel blade is also recommended. When working
with TimberTech products be sure to wear proper clothing and
safety equipment. Safety glasses should be used during the
entire installation process.
STOP! Read this section before you start!
For most current care and cleaning, technical information and
more, visit www.timbertech.com.
Color and Grain Patterns
Our wood-plastic composite deck boards are designed to
mimic the look of real wood, and like real wood, there will
be a slight difference in color and grain pattern from board
to board. This is intentional and part of the manufacturing
process, giving TimberTech wood-plastic composite decking
the most realistic and wood-like appearance possible. This
variation is purely aesthetic and does not or will not affect
the performance of the product. Our deck boards are
designed to naturally weather over time and the surface
pattern will weather to a consistent color. Most of the
weathering process will be complete within the first year of
the deck’s life.
Note
TimberTech is NOT intended for use as columns, support
posts, beams, joist stringers or other primary load-bearing
members. TimberTech must be supported by a code-
compliant substructure. While TimberTech products are
great for deck re-planking (removing old deck surface
planks and installing TimberTech on code-compliant
substructure), TimberTech planks CANNOT be installed on
top of existing deck planks.
Routing
TimberTech TwinFinish and DockSider may be routed
for accents such as adding an edge radius. Earthwood
Evolutions SHOULD NOT be routed aside from routing a
2” wide groove in the side of solid planks for start/stop of
CONCEALoc.
Walking Surface
TimberTech planks are intended to be installed embossed
side up. The unembossed surface is not to be used as a
walking surface. This applies to all TimberTech planks.
Directional Notch
TimberTech’s surface on TwinFinish, ReliaBoard, Earthwood
Evolutions, DockSider, TwinFascia and TwinRiser boards
are directional in manner. A notch has been added to one
side of the planks. When installing planks, this marked edge
must be laid to the same side for the entire installation for a
consistent appearance. Similarly, TimberTech’s TwinFascia
board and TwinRiser have one long beveled edge on the
front and back. To ensure a consistent appearance from
board to board, the beveled edge must be laid to same
side. If you rip a piece, be sure to note the location of the
bevel. See individual plank installation instructions.
Static Electricity
The buildup or generation of static electricity is a naturally
occurring phenomenon in many plastic based products such
as carpeting, upholstery, and clothing, and can occur on
alternative decking under certain environmental conditions.
Cantilevering
Earthwood Evolutions, TwinFinish, ReliaBoard, and
DockSider can be cantilevered a maximum of 1”. Reliaboard
and Earthwood Evolutions Terrain can only be cantilevered
on the ends.
Safety
TimberTech offers products that meet the American with
Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines for slip-resistant walking
surfaces and unlike traditional wood, TimberTech is
splinter-free.