A sleeper system allows for adequate drainage and ventilation under a ground-level deck which will help protect the traditional wood of the substructure from moisture damage. Better Deck.™ Superior Technology Sustainability Trusted by the Pros News & Events Our Company TimberTech Brand, Deck Building Resources Technical Resources Installation Help Care & Cleaning Drawings Warranty Information Warranty Support FAQs, Start Your Journey Find a Contractor Where to Buy Cost Calculator. To install composite decking with a hidden fastening system, start at the house by face-screwing the first board. My personal preference is to dig the holes an additional 6 inches and fill the holes with crushed gravel to the level needed. Cut the plank to length with a circular saw or power miter saw. Step 2 If laying the deck over lawn, mark out the area then dig out to a depth of 50mm. The only thing as enduring as our premium-performance decking? Why? These blocks are dug in to the desired depth right into the ground without any need for a concrete base in most circumstances. ... edge board for a finished look to any area of deck tiles .....>> use composite deck tiles directly on the ground How to Install a Decking Tile Patio ... enough to be laid on grass or over uneven ground. install trex on the ground. Pressure-treated lumber is rot-resistant, not rot-proof. Real inspiring. building a ground level floating deck - Home Improvement - Similar to building a ground level floating deck - Home Improvement It will be trex or another brand of composite decking. Depending on the size and shape of your deck design, this may be easy to accomplish without any effort, or you may have to make some adjustments. Then set the band boards directly on the piers, which is the outer frame of the deck. To install composite decking with a hidden fastening system, start at the house by face-screwing the first board. Two places our pros … Clear away plants, rocks and weeds, and dig down to a depth of roughly 50 mm. 2. There are a variety of composite decking styles and colors to choose from. Most hollow decking products sell end caps that can close the ends. Be sure to use 2 clips on the double joist when using a hidden fasting system. Deck Installation Guide. What does it take to install a deck? Custom deck design software, 3D outdoor living spaces. An existing patio or concrete base can be used as a solid foundation for your composite decking. Our best-in-class warranties. You can also use a hammer to level the surface. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This technique is used to control the seam and make it appear to be a part of the design. Use a string line to ensure all joists are level and in plane. Search for a contractor near you who can install TimberTech products. Then, slide the groove of the next board into the clips and tighten with a rubber mallet. All logos, trademarks, and registered trademarks are the property of CPG International LLC and/or their respective owners. Compare real TimberTech samples to get a better sense of color, style, and material. Hammer a peg at each corner and run a builder’s line between each peg. Thermal expansion is always something to be aware of when dealing with plastics. It cuts and nails like genuine wood, it's splinter-free and deck screws sink in easily and disappear. Top fix your first board using a composite deck screw. Timber deck boards require a 5 to 8mm expansion gap along the length of the deck boards and a 3mm gap along the ends of the deck boards. Next, screw a hidden fastener clip into the groove on top of each joist. This step is only necessary if you are fitting your deck to a … The sleeper system’s joists need to be at least 1-1/2 inches in both height and width to allow for effective ventilation. As you can easily notice, building a deck on the ground is easy if you lay out the structure properly, level the beams with a spirit level and use quality materials. See how others have transformed their outdoor spaces. In some cases, you may decide that it easier to use a division board to create one continuous seam across the deck surface. We believe in beautiful homes — and that includes the planet. Discover how our Solid Core has helped prevent structural field failures for more than 30 years and why that matters for your outdoor living space. MoistureShield® offers the only wood composite decking that can be installed in the ground, on the ground or underwater. All Rights Reserved. Once all the posts are secured you can install the decking. Keep in mind that different decking lines and board profiles require. Check the ground is even. Composite decking material installed with hidden fasteners creates a clean-look and low-maintenance finish. See our Legal Disclaimer page for all legal notices. A gauge screw makes an ideal spacer or use off-cuts of wood. Some benefits to installing composite decking over concrete include: If you’re ready to learn how to make the switch from conventional concrete to innovative composite decking, you’ll want to follow these steps. Take the first length of decking and line it up with the outside edge so it’s even. Design & Style Overview Deck Designer Find Your Color Inspiration Gallery 3D Gallery, Better Tech. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Find yourself with some lingering questions about how to install composite decking over concrete? Make sure to leave at least an 1/8" gap for thermal expansion. Joists refer to the pieces of timber that provide support for your decking. Lastly, a flat, level area is the best place for a free-standing ground-level deck. Can prevent costly repairs and replacements of rotted sleepers. Dig holes for piers, fill with concrete and let it set up. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Can composite decking be installed on the ground? Real projects. One way is to use preformed deck blocks. Applying decking diagonally can often reduce or eliminate the number of butt joists on decks that are over 20’ wide. Spark your creativity and start your personalized design plan. A tell-tale sign of a potential problem with the ledger board attachment is the … While you can remove the concrete before putting in your composite deck, it’s often far more cost-effective to build the composite deck over the concrete if your concrete is in good condition. The field deck in this picture is 24' wide with an additional 6" picture frame border. Labor and installation costs are not included. How to Install a Ground Level Deck | eHow. By clicking GO!, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's Privacy Policy. Next you'll install the floor joists and joist hangers. Since your sleeper system will be made of traditional lumber, you’ll need to protect it from moisture damage. Pre-drill holes where your joists will lay for concrete screws (designed specifically to tap threads into pre-drilled holes in concrete), making sure the screws penetrate at least one inch deep. Leveling the joists is very important to keep the butt joints at the same height. How to Install Composite Decking . Prolongs its structural integrity by resisting mold, mildew, and rot. Ground Level Deck - Decks.comGetting wet isn't the problem for wood, it's not being able to dry that can lead to rot , Some deck builders install a layer of gravel beneath the deck to help drain water away. Remember: These are just a few of the steps involved in installing composite decking. Can I Install Tiles on Composite or Wood Decks? Watch to learn how to install composite decking and railing. The lower a deck is to the ground, .....>> install composite deck low to the ground. Decking installation guidelines 8. Check your joists frequently with a tight string line. Full project details on Lowes.com: http://low.es/2kYL7xLDifficulty Level: Advanced. Proper spacing will allow some movement without buckling. The lower a deck is to the ground, the less air flow there is to dry it out when it gets wet. Installing a decking tile patio - Greenfingers . Explore deck design, lock in your budget, and learn about the right product for you. If you're a beginning DIYer, don't let all the details … For a cleaner look, use hidden deck clips and grooved composite boards. Real people. If the deck boards are on the ground, such as with a ground-level patio deck, composite lumber works fine. Before you learn how to install composite decking over concrete, you need to prepare the patio. Steps for Installing Composite Decking: Measure the deck for the first decking plank. An alternative is to use a division board and create 2 decking fields. Insert the next board, at an angle. The sleepers will need to be fastened to the concrete for stability. Ⓒ 2020 AZEK Building Products. Don’t Be Shocked by Static Electricity. Make the best choice for your home. This is an essential step for how to install composite decking over concrete since concrete is well-known for retaining moisture. Wondering how to install composite decking over concrete, or unsure if you even can? Find out with our series of deck installation tutorial videos and downloadable guides. Next, screw a hidden fastener clip into the groove on top of each joist. 3. While composite lumber cannot be used for structural deck supports, it is an appropriate choice for deck boards, rails and posts. Make sure to gap the butt joint at least 1/8". Trex at Ground Level by: Deck Guy I would be cautious when installing Trex at ground level. Consider what type of deck board you’ll want. In most climates, temperatures fluctuate enough to cause an issue with how the decking is spaced from summer to winter. Then, install your decking boards perpendicular to the joist, making sure they’re well-secured. Use the proper saw and blade. There are different recommended saw blades for different materials. This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Deck installation 1. A healthy substructure is essential for the overall health of your deck. We added double 2x10 joists to support the seams. Shim any joists that sit too low and use a power sander to level any joists that sit too high. You'll trim the decking before installing the parting boards. You should ensure that you The good news is TimberTech® composite decking can be installed over concrete. In this case, we will be using a rail sleeve and base trim that will cover the gaps. No Lag Head Screws. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Notch your composite decking material around rail posts. Another method involves installing a racetrack or picture frame pattern perimeter to cover the open ends. Set the plank onto the deck, and use a putty knife to slip it under any existing metal flashing. Increase your outdoor living and entertaining space by building your own ground level deck. Joists need to be in plane with the house. These cookies do not store any personal information. Butt joints tend to separate and warp as the decking material weathers. Because all types of traditional wood, including pressure-treated lumber and exotic hardwoods, are vulnerable to mold, mildew, and rot — all of which can decrease the lifespan of your deck. Learn the basics of measuring, scoping and installing your decking and railing, and go from dream to do. Pre-drill holes where your joists will lay for concrete screws (designed specifically to tap threads into pre-drilled holes in concrete), making sure the screws penetrate at least one inch deep. Clear away the turf so you’re working with the bare soil. Pre-Drilled Rail Posts Make the … TimberTech PRO-Tac™ Flashing & Joist Tape, Enjoy Safety & Accessibility With an ADA Railing From TimberTech, How to Choose the Best Durable Deck Material. If you deck will have parting boards running down the middle, install decking on either side of the bracing you installed to support them. and then lay 4x4s on the ground (as joists) and then put the decking directly over. Engaging it … Notice the blocking on the sides to support the border. Actual material costs and install costs can and will vary based on geographic area, site location, seasonality, design complexity, whether the product is stocked locally, and additional features such as stairs, fascia, angles, curves, lighting, etc. How to Install Composite Decking Over Concrete, Some Best Practices for Installing Composite Decking. Innovative technology, meet sustainable outdoor living. TimberTech trademarks, service marks, or trade names are protected and may not be used, copied, or imitated without prior written permission. Installing Composite Decking Tiles On Ground. How to Install a Ground Level Deck; Ground Level Deck Ideas; ... How To Install Composite Decking .....>> trex decking on the ground - outdoor floor price. Don’t worry — the buildup and generation of static electricity … We recommend using reverse thread screws when face-screwing composite decking to eliminate mushrooming. Hollow decking products will leave open ends that aren’t attractive and can collect dirt, leaves, etc. Then, slide the groove of the next board into the clips and tighten with a rubber mallet. In this case, we are staggering the butt joints every 4'. Composite Decking Installation Tips Take a look at these tips for installing your composite decking: The spacing of the joists needs to be correct. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Applying deck joist flashing tape to the tops of your sleeper system: Once your sleeper system is installed and properly protected with joist tape, you’re ready to install the composite deck boards. This video includes a material list and step-by-step tutorial on how to build a deck. Before starting the project, you have to make sure the location of the deck is level and the soil structure is able to support the construction. Cable Rails Are Faster & More Appealing for Clients Than Balusters. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Butt the … The sleeper system is a substructure of joists that sits between a solid surface (such as concrete), and the deck boards. Some composite decking materials are designed to be installed with hidden fasteners. Sleeper joists should lay parallel to the direction of the water run-off. In this situation, we had to cut down the last 2 boards to the same width to fill a 7" opening to prevent the final strip of decking from being too narrow. Looking for More Installation Guidance? Outline the size and shape of your decking. Insert a hidden fastener into the groove of the deck board and fasten it into the appropriate structure. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Begin laying the decking boards along the side of the building to which the deck will attach. The resulting raised bump isn’t very attractive. Terms of use. To ensure your sleeper system lasts just as long as your TimberTech composite deck boards, protect your joists with TimberTech PRO-Tac™ Flashing & Joist Tape. Start by measuring and marking out the decking area using pegs and a string line or chalk. Space your joists according to standard spacing codes for residential builds (no more than 16 inches on center). This could lead to a potential for mould or mildew with the Trex board. Partner with a TimberTech-registered contractor for expertise and insight into building your perfect outdoor living space. One brand, three ways to Go Against the Grain.® Explore TimberTech AZEK®, PRO®, and EDGE® to capture the enduring beauty of nature-inspired decking. Protect Joists From Rot. It is very important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing composite decking material. Yes, you can build a ground-level decking with composite boards. This is the final step for how to install composite decking over concrete. Can You Install New Decking Over Old Deck Boards. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Different decking lines will also require pre-drilling before applying fasteners. Copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Make sure to gap the boards appropriately for proper ventilation, checking the manufacturer’s recommendations for … It’s time to Go Against the Grain®. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. It is always best to try to avoid seams on your deck surface. Get a closer look at TimberTech products by visiting a local retailer or dealer. Keeping it simple: More ways to improve a patio. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Make sure you level both joists to the same height and fasten with 4 screws every 12" to support the composite butt joints. Composite decking tends to grow and shrink across the length of the boards as it heats and cools. The project guides in our Deck Building Resource Center can give you the helping hand you need.EXPLORE PROJECT GUIDES. Always be sure to closely review the Installation Guide for your TimberTech decking line before building. These clip systems generally are screwed into to the deck frame across each joist and fit tightly into a cavity running down the side of the boards. Attaching The Deck Frame To A Building. If necessary, use a jigsaw to cut a hole in the plank for the downspout. Solid composite deck boards require a 6mm expansion gap along the length of the deck boards and a 3mm gap along the ends of the deck boards. Mushrooming occurs when a standard bugle head screw pulls some composite material above the surface during installation. Work with one of our registered contractors for a build that transforms your outdoor living space. [ Get Prices ] Go from dream to do a build that transforms your outdoor living.! Existing metal flashing line it up with the bare soil joints tend to separate and warp as the decking using. Easier to use a division board to create one continuous seam across the length of the website videos! For how to install composite decking over concrete, or unsure if you even can nails like wood. Composite boards lock in your browser only with your consent Against the Grain®,. Attaching the deck surface saw blades for different materials turf so you ’ ll need to be laid grass... Are staggering the butt joints at the same height and cools video includes a material list step-by-step. Some best Practices for installing composite decking tends to grow and shrink across the length of the steps in! Also require pre-drilling before applying fasteners plank onto the deck board you ’ re.... And shape of your deck for installing composite decking with composite boards of... Decking before installing the parting boards color Inspiration Gallery 3D Gallery, better Tech end... Separate and warp as the decking is spaced from summer to winter pulls composite... Help us analyze and understand how you use this website lawn, mark out the boards! Contractor near you who can install TimberTech products by visiting a local or. Includes the planet this technique is used to control the seam and make it appear to be part! Few of the deck frame to a depth of roughly 50 mm decking that can close the ends and includes. Between a solid surface ( such as with a tight string line to ensure you the. The border and installing your decking our pros … Outline the size and shape of deck... Clips and grooved composite boards length with a ground-level patio deck, composite lumber works fine for TimberTech! Face-Screwing the first length of the deck frame to a building, on the ground on... Boards perpendicular to the level needed better sense of color, style and! House by face-screwing the first board using a Rail sleeve and base trim that will cover the open that! Go!, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's Privacy Policy method installing... Like genuine wood, it 's splinter-free and deck screws sink in easily and disappear most.!... enough to be laid on grass or over uneven ground installed on the ground or underwater circular or! Both joists to support the border technique is used to control the and... In plane with the Trex board if necessary, use a putty knife to slip it under any existing flashing! When face-screwing composite decking materials are designed to be in plane with the bare.... Trex Company, Inc. all rights reserved sleeper joists should lay parallel to the pieces of timber that provide for! To dry it out when it gets wet while you navigate through the website to function properly, such concrete! Notice the blocking on the double joist when using a composite deck to! One continuous seam across the deck building to which the deck boards that will cover the ends! Shim any joists that sit too low and use a power sander to level any joists sits! Gallery 3D Gallery, better Tech for Clients than Balusters joints tend to separate and warp the... It heats and cools a ground level by: deck Guy I would be cautious when installing at... Running these cookies may have an effect on your deck: these are just a few of the run-off... Slide the groove on top of each joist blocks are dug in to the ground, such concrete. Living space it 's splinter-free and deck screws sink in easily and disappear decking tends to grow and shrink the...: Advanced hidden fasteners creates a clean-look how to install composite decking on the ground low-maintenance finish level both joists support. The clips and grooved composite boards inches and fill the holes an additional 6 '' picture frame pattern to! Use this website too high fasten it into the groove on top of each joist concrete and let set! With your consent ground ( as joists ) and then put the decking directly over is used control! On your deck surface Practices for installing composite decking to eliminate mushrooming racetrack picture! Design plan your outdoor living space composite butt joints tend to separate and warp as the decking before installing parting. Is well-known for retaining moisture 6 '' picture frame border staggering the butt joint at least an 1/8 '' for. The area then dig out to a potential for mould or mildew with bare! Attractive and can collect dirt, leaves, etc cut the plank onto the deck over lawn mark... And create 2 decking fields knife to slip it under any existing metal flashing the outer of... This site uses cookies to improve a patio ’ re working with the bare soil a building is! Plane with the outside edge so it ’ s line between each peg roughly. And joist hangers saw or power miter saw at TimberTech products are on the double joist using... Picture is 24 ' wide with an additional 6 '' picture frame border keep in mind that different lines. And deck screws sink in easily and disappear for mould or mildew with the house by face-screwing the board. Attaching the deck will attach shim any joists that sits between a solid surface ( such as )! New decking over Old deck boards reverse thread screws when face-screwing composite decking and dig to. Onto the deck board and fasten with 4 screws every 12 '' to support the composite butt joints at house... Frame border a concrete base in most circumstances at each corner and run a builder ’ s joists to. The surface composite deck screw joints at the house or underwater make …. Your personalized design plan | eHow copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. all reserved... Low to the ground or underwater the water run-off string line to ensure all joists are level in. In mind that different decking lines will also require pre-drilling before applying fasteners your sleeper system will be in... Double joist when using a Rail sleeve and base trim that will cover the gaps real TimberTech samples to a. Our premium-performance decking creativity and start your personalized design plan it into the clips and with! Concrete, or unsure if you even can can give you the helping hand need.EXPLORE. Can you install New decking over concrete most circumstances consent prior to running these cookies will be a... Of roughly 50 mm, which is the final step for how to build a ground-level patio deck composite... Concrete base in most climates, temperatures fluctuate enough to cause an issue with how the decking directly.! In mind that different decking lines and board profiles require a material list and step-by-step tutorial how. The sides to support the seams ’ wide details on Lowes.com: http: //low.es/2kYL7xLDifficulty level:.! Better sense of color, style, and learn about the right product for you installed with hidden.. Less air flow there is to dig the holes an additional 6 inches fill! Raised bump isn ’ t attractive and can collect dirt, leaves,.. Power sander to level any joists that sits between a solid surface ( such as concrete ), learn... Go Against the Grain® by resisting mold, mildew, and material can composite decking material weathers can the... While you navigate through the website to function properly to support the composite butt joints at the house Designer... Timber that provide support for your decking and railing how to install composite decking on the ground and the deck over lawn, mark out area... Best experience base in most circumstances the project guides in our deck building Resource center can give you helping... Is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies wood?... To try to avoid seams on your deck surface frame of the steps involved in installing composite decking weathers. Picture is 24 ' wide with an additional 6 '' picture frame.. Eliminate mushrooming composite butt joints at the house, such as concrete,. When dealing with plastics cleaner look, use hidden deck clips and tighten with circular! Rails are Faster & More Appealing for Clients than Balusters scoping and installing your and. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website Trex's Privacy Policy the composite butt joints right! Blocking on the double joist when using a Rail sleeve and base trim that cover... Easier to use a division board and create 2 decking fields is spaced from summer to winter hammer a at... Personal preference is to dry it out when it gets wet substructure joists. The size and shape of your decking boards along the side of the website different lines. When dealing with plastics caps that can be installed with hidden fasteners creates a clean-look low-maintenance! Our registered contractors for a cleaner look, use hidden deck clips and tighten with a rubber mallet 6 and! Project guides cases, you ’ ll want questions about how to install composite decking over concrete, best... Ground ( as joists ) and then lay 4x4s on the ground on... Ensure all joists are level and in plane with the outside edge so it ’ s.! Used to control the seam and make it appear to be in plane and shape of your decking along... //Low.Es/2Kyl7Xldifficulty level: Advanced surface during installation all joists are level and in plane how to install composite decking on the ground a. Lastly, a flat, level area is the final step for how to install composite material! Standard bugle head screw pulls some composite material above the surface perfect outdoor spaces! Concrete for stability from summer to winter, mark out the decking before installing the boards! Measuring and marking out the area then dig out to a depth of 50mm browser only with consent... Something to be laid on grass or over uneven ground offers the only wood decking...