According to manufacturers, one of the most important advantages of composite decking is ease of installation. However, in practice it turns out that when working, including strictly according to instructions, one or another mistake is almost always made. And any flaws, as is known, ultimately lead to the appearance of defects and damage to the finishing material.
Composite floorboards are produced from a mixture of wood flour, polymers and pigments, intended for forming flooring on terraces, home areas, garden and park paths, around swimming pools, etc.
WPC is made on the basis of polyethylene, polypropylene or other PVC-forming components. Moreover, the higher the percentage of wood content, the better and more expensive the finished coating. IN merits material:
At the production stage, pigment is added to the mass, so the decking is produced already tinted. This greatly simplifies the choice of coating.
But we must take into account that any polymer-containing material laid outdoors turns yellow over time and loses color saturation when exposed to direct sunlight. This applies to both cheap products and premium products. The only difference is that WPC from a well-known manufacturer, due to the use of expensive raw materials, will last much longer in unchanged condition than its cheap counterparts from a local workshop.
In addition to this, in cons polymer decking board:
- The material is not resistant to damage, dents, or chips;
- Its own coefficient of change in geometric dimensions, which is why during installation it is necessary to use only original components (joists or lining timber made of WPC, brackets, etc.). For example, wooden slats cannot be used as supporting elements, since the expansion index of the materials is different and durable fixation will not work.
- The need to arrange a base of concrete, sand and gravel bedding and/or metal structures, organize drainage and much more. Because of this, laying WPC decking boards becomes significantly more complicated;
- High cost of material.
How to distinguish high-quality WPC from a fake? First of all, pay attention to the packaging. A serious manufacturer will provide full protection of products during transportation, so multi-layer cardboard and protective film are required. Each package contains an insert with a description of the product and instructions on how to pack it correctly.
The next criterion is the condition of the slats. They should be smooth, symmetrical, without waves or bends. The surface is evenly painted, smooth to the touch, without burrs or blisters. There should be no deformed areas, irregularities, color variations, or foreign inclusions.
When choosing, the seller is obliged to draw the buyer’s attention to the operational index of the product (analogous to the load classes of laminate, LVT tiles and linoleum). WPC is produced in three categories:
- Home— for domestic use (house areas, balconies, podiums, gazebos);
- Professional– commercial facilities (restaurants, hotels, decking around swimming pools, playgrounds, etc.);
- Expert– designed for areas characterized by heavy foot traffic (city parks, recreation areas, shopping and commercial facilities).
And lastly, when purchasing quality products, they are provided with certificates of compliance with Russian standards, fire safety and a sanitary and hygienic certificate. All documents must be valid and have several seals, including a blue one from the seller.
Tools and materials required for installation of WPC
To lay the decking board you will need:
- Construction materials for forming the base for laying: bulk materials (AGS, gravel, crushed stone, sand), concrete for pouring the foundation, concrete blocks, paving slabs, adjustable supports and other means for forming the base for laying;
- Geotextiles or roofing felt to prevent weed growth under the deck;
- Special pipes for drainage;
- A set of WPC logs, initial and final guides, fasteners, rubber “cushions” and other accessories;
- Drill;
- Circular saw or grinder;
- Hydraulic level;
- Screwdriver or screwdriver;
- Tape measure and pencil;
- Mallet.
Installation of WPC deck boards
The work does not begin with leveling the base. Experienced craftsmen recommend carefully preparing for work first. And the first thing should be a plan-project.
Therefore, the process of laying decking boards is as follows:
Drawing up a laying diagram
To accurately calculate the required number of terrace floorboards and components, as well as select the optimal solution, create a drawing. It’s better, of course, to use special programs that every dealer has, but you can draw a diagram to scale on paper yourself. After all, installation does not need to be carried out strictly perpendicular or parallel to walls and other enclosing structures. You can also do diagonal laying at an angle of 30° or more. An important point is to take into account the correct interval between lags in the calculations:
The distance between the lags also depends on the width of the board and its fullness. If the planks are solid, you can make an interval of 50 cm. Hollow ones with such a gap will spring and sag, so the maximum distance between the support beam is up to 40 cm, for floorboards up to 22 mm wide - no more than 30 cm.
Choice is important installation method:
Preparing the base
The base must be clean, strong, dry, level and frost-resistant. You cannot simply lay the planks on the ground or asphalt. There should be a gap under the flooring for air circulation, as well as drainage of melt or rainwater.
The base for the flooring can be varied. Including:
- Concrete screed with a thickness of 8 cm or asphalt with a mandatory slope of 1 cm per linear meter (or 1 - 1.5°) from static buildings or structures. Potholes, pits, and loose areas are not allowed. If the base is already ready and there is no slope, you can cut grooves 3 cm wide and up to 1.5 cm deep in the concrete at an angle.
- Sand-gravel or crushed stone-sand “pillow”, which is formed by vibrating soil, followed by backfilling of bulk materials and their compaction. The total base layer is 8-10 cm. Geotextiles or roofing felt can be laid on top of the prepared base to prevent weed germination. Then, with a gap of 40-60 cm, support beams or concrete slabs, metal profiles with an anti-corrosion coating, and paving slabs measuring at least 20x20x3 cm are laid. It is on this basis that the frame will be installed in the future.
The formation of surface drainage when installing decking on the ground is a prerequisite. To do this, you need to dig a drainage channel from the site in the ground, line it with geotextiles, lay special pipes with holes along the entire length, cover it with crushed stone and sand, and cover it with soil.
Special adjustable rigid PVC supports that have been designed for installation of decking on asphalt, concrete and other hard surfaces.
Adjustable supports for WPC frame.
Formation of the supporting frame
Two days before the start of work, the WPC must be brought to the site and folded horizontally. Recommended installation temperature is from +5 to +30 °C.
Unfold the kit, which includes:
The frame made of logs is laid with a minimum gap of 10 mm from vertical enclosing structures (walls, sidewalks, columns, etc.). The beams are laid out on the surface at pre-calculated intervals, holes are drilled in each in increments of 50-100 cm, then the hardware is screwed in. Some manufacturers recommend fixing the backing beam with metal mounting tape or steel corners.
Laying boards
Please note that decking is characterized by unidirectionality. That is, during installation, it is necessary to ensure that the lamellas lie in the same direction in order to avoid some “striping” of the flooring. Some manufacturers draw arrows on the ends of the floorboards for this purpose.
Laying begins from a wall or other fixed structure. The starting element (clip, corner) is fixed to the joist using self-tapping screws. The first board is installed in it and lightly tapped with a rubber mallet. The next mounting component (bracket or terminal) is secured with hardware on the other side of the initial strip, then the second lamella is attached and tacked. Remember that the floorboards must be secured to each support point on the underlayment.
The edge of the decking should not protrude beyond the frame by more than 5 cm. If necessary, the ends are trimmed with a circular saw. And the recommended temperature compensation intervals between the slats are shown in the diagram below.
If the decking is installed in a heated room, then it is possible to install the lamellas end-to-end. Corner connections can be made in two ways: diagonally with trimming and by attaching.
Corner connection of WPC boards.
After installing the last board, a final profile or corner is mounted to it, and the ends of the boards are decorated with caps.
The final touch is to wash the surface of the deck with water to remove dust and sawdust. The terrace is ready for full use.
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Installation of decking boards is a rather complex and painstaking process that requires following installation technology. All work must be carried out in accordance with the recommendations and instructions of specialists. In this article we will look at the advantages of using decking boards with installation and installation features.
- Advantages of decking boards
- Basic technologies for laying decking boards
- Base for laying boards
Advantages of decking boards
Decking boards have their own advantages and parameters that distinguish them from conventional wood materials. So, the main advantages are:
1.Production technology. Terrace boards are manufactured using modern processing methods, which allows us to achieve high quality products.
2. Natural materials. A decking board made of wood will always differ from low-quality products in its structure and cost.
3.Addition to the garden exterior. Natural wood will always look good with decorative evergreens, which are elements of terrace design.
5.Long service life. A decking board made of wood-polymer material with proper care can last for many years. To do this, you will need to coat the base with paints and varnishes every year.
The principle of working with decking boards
Each manufacturer offers separate instructions for installing decking boards. Thus, the laying technology will correspond to the manufacturing principles, which will facilitate proper operation. It is recommended to leave all work to specialists in this field.
To install decking boards, you will need special logs, which are prepared or purchased in advance. Their approximate thickness should be about 40 mm. Since the material will be laid outdoors, the harvested wood must have a high level of resistance to high humidity. This figure should be no more than 25%. At the same time, it is not recommended to place installation logs directly on the surface of the ground.
Depending on the parameters of the composite decking board, the approximate distance between the logs is determined. If the thickness of the object is 2 cm, then the distance between the supports should be 4.6 m. When increasing the parameters by 2 mm, the width of the installation should be greater each time by 0.7-1 m. To fasten the logs, it is recommended to use special metal plates, which forms robust and reliable design.
Basic technologies for laying decking boards
There are two ways to lay deck boards. The first is traditional and imitates the installation of a regular floor board. In this case, it is recommended to use self-tapping screws for fastening rather than nails, which will protect the material from corrosion.
The second method of installing decking boards, which is called closed, gives the folded structure an original look. This technology is more difficult to install and requires significant practical skills. For such work, it is important to attach square-shaped brackets with a stainless steel base to the joists. In order to properly attach the boards, you will need to form grooves on the sides 25 cm wide. Thus, the two elements will be connected at a tight joint. You will also need to think about leaving gaps that will allow air to circulate under the structure.
Requirements for installation technologies
Before starting installation work, it is necessary to prepare the board for a certain climate regime. The installation process becomes much easier if the board was previously in an environment of the same temperature. There must be a small gap between the joints, 5 mm wide.
For a long service life of larch decking boards, it is recommended to cover the material with special protective agents. In this case, it is recommended to read the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the solutions used. Not all types of decking require coating with protective agents, but natural wood boards must be treated.
Area of use of decking boards
As a rule, deck boards are intended for open spaces. In accordance with this, manufacturers are trying as much as possible to adapt the material to the outdoor environment. Technologies require increased properties and characteristics of boards to different temperature changes and high humidity levels.
The scope of application is not limited by any rules, since the appearance of the decking will suit any landscape. With its use, you can create different areas for relaxation in the garden, decorate the area near a pond or path, and design beautiful terraces.
The process of laying decking boards. Necessary equipment for work
Before considering the question: how to attach a terrace board, you should pay attention to the list of necessary devices used in the work. So, an approximate list of tools and materials for installation:
1. An electric hand saw will be needed to cut the boards evenly, and during the work, normal woodworking skills will be required.
2.A screwdriver or drill will allow you to create different holes in the boards necessary for fastening the parts.
3.Also, important tools include an angle grinder, a tape measure and a building level.
Important! When drilling holes in a polymer decking board, you should choose a drill bit with a smaller diameter than for self-tapping screws. The specific choice of tool and material may be limited by the place of application and the climatic region of residence.
Base for laying boards
The terrace must be placed on a solid and stable foundation. The best option is to form a cement screed, which should be treated with hydrosol. Another option is to fasten metal or wooden beams. The main thing is that the entire base is thoroughly treated with protective and antiseptic agents.
Before you start attaching the decking board, it is worth removing and installing a separate drain for water. It is important to prevent the accumulation of liquid on the surface of the terrace, which can lead to deformation of the board. To do this, the structure must be laid with a slight slope.
Features of fastening joists for the terrace frame
Terrace boards from different manufacturers and types must be mounted on joists. According to the standard, they are fixed perpendicular to them, the distance between which should be no more than 40 cm. In some areas, the width of the gaps should be reduced to 25 cm. The distance between the joists along the joint is approximately 10 mm, and from the wall, drainpipes or fences up to 2 cm.
The logs are located parallel to the rainwater drain, which will provide the correct drainage system. If such work cannot be carried out due to technical parameters, it is worth considering a different scheme. Thus, the logs for fastening the terrace boards rest on plastic support elements. It is also important to leave a gap between them relative to the parallel of the water drainage. When installed on a concrete base, the interval between the joists should be about 40 cm. If the terrace has a larger perimeter and significant loads on the base, then the gap between the joists should be made smaller.
The main thing with this technology of laying terrace boards is to ensure good ventilation of the entire covering, for which the logs can be mounted on plastic or metal supports. Large logs should be used in places where boards are fixed. In this case, the side parts should be placed on the base of the supporting elements.
The logs are attached to the base using various fasteners, however, it is worth considering the length and parameters of the mounting board. There are other options for laying the foundation, which differ in the parameters of the terrace, the characteristics of the coating and the construction scheme of the structure.
All work must be carried out in accordance with the instructional materials. So, during the installation process you should adhere to these rules and recommendations.
1. It is important to provide a high-quality air ventilation system under the covering, which will avoid evaporation and destruction of the wood.
2. The base structure should not rely directly on the ground cover, there should be a free distance between the ground and the joists.
3.When laying boards, it is worth considering their ability to expand and contract under the influence of low and high temperatures, both along the length and width of the material.
The process of installing decking boards
All installation work should be carried out under certain conditions, taking into account the fact that installation takes place outdoors. At the same time, it is not recommended to lay the decking board when the temperature drops below +5 degrees Celsius. After purchasing the material, you need to unpack it and keep it in the open air for about a day so that the wood and polymer acclimatize.
Sequential process of installing decking boards:
1. The order of installation work should begin from the wall or other solid structures that do not move. The first and last boards for the terrace must be attached using a self-tapping screw at an angle of 45 degrees. They must be fixed to the WPC log as a support.
Considering the fact that the support has a strong structure, it is important to drill holes in advance with a drill, and then screw in the screws. At the same time, each deck board, a photo with instructions for which shows the need to attach elements to all supports. Gaps of 2 cm should be left between the extreme parts of the boards.
2.The next step is to attach the boards to the joists using special clips made of plastic or zinc. Thus, it will be possible to create even gaps between the laying of boards with a distance of 5 mm. The clips have special holes that make them easy to attach using self-tapping screws. It is important to securely tighten the elements using a screwdriver. All boards must be fixed to each supporting element.
3. All decking boards with a thickness of 2 cm or more should be laid with gaps at the end of 0.8 cm. To achieve even installation, it is recommended to use special wedges 8 mm wide. The joints of each element have their own form of fixation. On large terraces it is recommended to use the staggered laying technology. It consists of shifting each row relative to the previous one by half the length of the board.
4.When installing, try to leave protrusions of the board along the edges. After all the work, the protrusions can be easily trimmed using an electric saw. This way you will get smoother deck edges.
Final work: finishing the coating
After the edges of the decking boards have been trimmed, they should be treated to create a decorative look. It is possible to close the side elements by using special strips made of wood and polymer. To attach them, it is necessary to create holes in the joists and end board to which the planks will be attached. All cut edges can be covered with various available materials, for example, corners for plinths and so on. It is important to secure all the parts firmly, since in an open space it will be easier to catch them.
Also, in the installation, small holes with a diameter of 1.5 cm should be formed in the end parts for water drainage. After all work, the terrace must be washed off with water to remove all the dust formed during the work.
Mistakes that builders make during installation
During work, various mistakes and errors may be made that will lead to a negative result. For example, builders should consider the following errors:
- failure to comply with the dimensions of the gap, which is intended for draining rainwater and creating ventilation ducts;
- logs are attached without maintaining the required distance between them;
- installation of decking with changed parameters of gaps with compensation sections;
- the board is placed close to the wall or other base;
- there are no drainage holes at the edges of the board for organizational water drainage;
- The clips on the joists are fastened too tightly.
Landscaping of the local area - open terraces, gazebos, areas near swimming pools - is carried out with terrace boards. The material has won the favor of home craftsmen not only for its qualities, but also for its ease of installation. How to install a terrace board - video and detailed instructions in this article -
Landscaping of the local area - open terraces, gazebos, areas near swimming pools - is carried out with terrace boards. The material has won the favor of home craftsmen not only for its qualities, but also for its ease of installation. How to install decking boards - video and detailed instructions in this article.
Why choose decking boards
The facing material for the local area deserves attention according to all criteria. The advantages are obvious:
The advantages of facing material do not end there. In addition to the above, the technology for installing decking boards is available for an independent process, which saves up to 40% of the budget for repair work.
Places for installation
Do-it-yourself installation of decking boards is carried out in various areas. Namely:
In the latter option, it is possible to lay the board close to the other elements. Thus, grass and other weeds will not grow through it and litter is eliminated.
detailed instructions
Before laying the terrace boards with your own hands - a video to help - it is important to divide the work into several stages. Preparation of the soil and base for laying the flooring material will take the longest. If you do not pay due attention to the preliminary work, the durability of the board and its operation are insignificant. Let's look at each:
Tools and auxiliary materials
For a high-quality result, in addition to the decking board, you will need the following:
- Crushed stone and sand - to prepare the base.
- Potting mixture.
- Pillars or bricks for installing a columnar foundation.
- Geotextiles.
- Logs are wooden beams from 50 mm in cross-section.
- Brackets for attaching the base.
- Drill and screwdriver. Accordingly, the fasteners.
- Corners, plugs, end finishing materials.
- Measuring instruments.
Work on preparing the base should be done at a slight slope so that the accumulated rain moisture under the floor has a free drainage, without becoming a breeding ground for mold and fungal spores.
Fastening method
It is important to choose the method of fastening the decking board in advance - the video explains this in detail. There are two of them - open and closed. 
The first is simple - the boards are attached directly to the joists and the fixation remains visible. The second has obvious advantages - the fasteners are not visible, the area of the terrace board remains uniform. But this requires skill in the work.
Preparing the base
Before laying WPC boards, it is important to prepare the receiving area. It should be smooth. Since plots of land do not correspond to this, the algorithm of work is as follows:
When it becomes possible to walk on concrete, the foundation pillars are coated with bitumen mastic to prevent moisture from getting on the wooden logs. After this, a frame frame is constructed from timber. 
Laying lags
Fixing the deck board
The installation of the WPC terrace board with your own hands begins with fixing the first element at a distance of 1.5 cm from the wall. Then, according to the chosen method, the remaining elements are attached. The general rule is that a wooden board is fixed with the required technological gap of 7 mm in order to avoid deformation of the entire canvas due to the characteristics of the natural material. Plastic or a combination with it is fixed close to each other as desired. 
Final works
After laying the deck board according to the instructions, install the end parts and, for greater reliability, cover the board with a protective compound. Thus, it will receive even greater reliability and, accordingly, long operation. It is not forbidden to paint the floor surface in the chosen color - this is true for wooden boards. 
Conclusion
The technology for laying decking boards made of plastic or wood is not complicated. It is mandatory to complete the preliminary steps to prepare the soil before laying. The service life of wood or composite decking depends on the meticulous execution of the work.
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Agree, in order to give a finished look to the terrace, you need to decorate it not only with decorative, but also with reliable materials. We are talking about floor coverings; a beautiful appearance must be combined with strength and durability.
Types of decking boards
First of all, it is worth noting that decking boards are actively used to decorate street terraces, embankments, garden paths, areas near restaurants/cafes, and so on. The scope of application is very wide, because it is an environmentally friendly product, accessible to everyone, easy to install, easy to operate and maintain.
Nowadays, a decking board (decking) is not just a piece of wood, but a composite material coated with special layers. Previously, boards were made exclusively from expensive but durable wood species (oak, larch, beech, elm, apple, hornbeam).
At the moment, unique technologies have been developed that make it possible to mix polymers with wood and cellulose. The result is a fairly strong and reliable material. Let's consider the types:
* Made from natural wood. To make a board from durable wood, it must grow for at least a hundred years. Of course, the board surfaces are unique and inimitable. But imagine how many trees it would take to destroy?
If you equip a small terrace near a country house, you can use natural wood, for example, larch decking board. But, if you have to lay a large terrace, you will need a lot of material.
* Made from thermowood. Wood material is processed using a special technology that improves its quality and technical properties. For example, you can take soft types of wood (ash, pine or spruce) and carry out thermal modification.
At the end, the boards will acquire such abilities as strength, hygroscopicity, elasticity and high wear resistance. In addition, the surface acquires an even, rich shade. It is simply impossible to distinguish them from expensive types of wood, and the price will be several times lower.
* Made of composite. WPC decking board(wood-polymer composite) is a unique combination of wood and plastic. The material consists of 60% natural wood components, and the remaining 40% are various polymer components, additives and dyes.
The appearance of the board is absolutely preserved, even the aroma of the wood used. It is polymer additives that enhance the quality characteristics. Professional installation of WPC boards will provide reliable coverage almost forever.
It is resistant to moisture, frost, mechanical damage, does not lose color and shine, and is not afraid of fungus and mold. Care consists of regular washing with soapy water and hot water.
Polymer decking board has the following advantages:
— high degree of environmental friendliness (no formaldehyde or lead compounds);
— minimum service life from 25 to 30 years;
— the surface, although shiny, is not slippery;
— the board will not need to be additionally treated with chemicals;
— capable of withstanding a temperature range of -60...+80 C;
— the color does not fade, does not lose texture;
— putrefactive bacteria do not multiply;
— easy to work, easy to cut, saw and drill;
— installation is simple and easy;
- large assortment range, pleasant aroma, pleasant to the touch.
As for the scope of application, there are simply no restrictions for decking boards. Decking is used not only for terraces, it is used when equipping attics, balcony openings, verandas and winter gardens.
It has become very popular to decorate the pool with thermomod, paths in the garden, and children's playgrounds. Sometimes decking is used for finishing facades of buildings. To purchase reliable and high-quality material, you need to contact only a trusted manufacturer. Yes, the price may be more expensive, but the guarantee of quality will definitely justify itself.
How to calculate how many boards you need?
Before lay deck boards with your own hands, you need to make the correct measurements, calculations and purchases. The calculation consists of two stages:
Stage 1. To know exactly how many boards will be needed, we take measurements of the future area. We multiply the width by the length and get the required area in square meters. Now let’s look at how much a square meter of the selected board from the manufacturer costs.
Each company indicates how many boards will be needed per 1 square meter. m. From these indicators you can calculate how many pieces of boards you will get. To determine the estimate, we multiply the required area by the price per 1 square meter of board from the manufacturer.
Stage 2. This stage implies the quantity of components. To create a terrace you will need components such as profiles, joists, clips, screws, corners, fasteners, and plugs.
It is best to purchase logs from WPC or aluminum. The number of joists can be calculated using the required area and the spacing between them. The average will be as follows: for 1 sq. m terrace will require a 3-meter log. A specialist will help you with accurate calculations during the purchase.
Fastening components such as clips (made of aluminum or plastic) will require from 22 to 25 pieces per 1 sq. m. The total quantity can be calculated by multiplying 25 pcs. for the total area of the terrace. Starting fasteners, which are used along the edges, will need 4-5 pieces per linear meter.
It’s better to buy more self-tapping screws; they will never be superfluous. They are packed in 500 pieces in one standard box. Particular attention should be paid to the final part of the terrace - these are the corners.
They play an important role as they are designed to cover the hollow space of each board. This in turn prevents the entry of moisture, dirt, insects and the development of mold and.
It is clear that the corners are installed along the perimeter of the proposed terrace, their release form is 3 meters. External points are covered with plugs or special profiles.
If difficulties arise with calculations, it is best to trust a specialist. It is difficult to independently calculate the number of boards, for example, for steps, a hill or the walls of a terrace. A competent approach will help organize correct installation of decking boards and don't overpay.
How to lay a decking board?
* Direct type of laying, that is, the boards are laid parallel to the edges of the terrace. The most economical option, the boards do not need to be trimmed much, and there will be a minimum of waste. A standard board is 3-4 meters long.
* Diagonal type of laying, the boards are laid at an angle of 45. This method of laying allows you to visually expand the space, but a lot of material will be required, and the boards will have to be cut (about 20%).
* Herringbone type of installation, that is, parquet. In fact, the decking is made in such a way that the question will not arise: “ Whichlay deck board side? That is, this is a universal material, there are no clear differences between top and bottom. A quarter of the material may be spent on trimming.
* A triangular type of installation is when the boards lie straight in the central part and diverge at an angle on the sides, resembling a herringbone. In this case, waste will account for a quarter of the purchased material.
It is clear that the more complex the desired pattern, the more decking will be required, and the trimming will be significant. It is difficult to accurately calculate the amount of decking boards on your own. Managers in any theme store will help with this, both online and in person.
Deck boards have already been put into production and will be considered universal. Suitable for decorating both private and industrial sites. It is a WPC decking board covered with several polymer layers. Specially selected resins allow decking to be used for a very long time.
Price of decking boards
Yes, the construction market offers a wide range of flooring. But not every material can boast of excellent quality. The most popular manufacturing brands: domestic (Terrapol, Alta-Step, Dekra) and foreign (LG Woozen, Twinson, Bruggan, Legro, Grinder, Lerazzo Classic, Terranson.
Prices for decking boards will be as follows:
* Decking made of natural wood (larch) costs from 900 rubles per sq. m. m and above;
* WPC decking costs 2 thousand rubles per sq. m. m and above;
* Thermal wood decking costs from 1,500 to 4 thousand rubles.
Consisting of fairly fine wood chips and purified polymer.
Thanks to this composition, the decking board has all the positive properties of not only wood, but also plastic. In appearance, this material resembles a solid board consisting of real wood.
Before starting work, it is important to know the main characteristics of this material, as well as familiarize yourself with the basic rules for installing decking boards with your own hands.
The very first purpose of a decking board is exterior decoration. But over time, this material became more advanced, and today it has become possible to use it for interior decoration.
The main scope of application of decking boards:
- Sports facilities, dance and concert venues. The use of the material for these purposes is due to its resistance to wear.
- Finishing the facades of various buildings, manufacturing furniture intended for parks, designing fences for various purposes, because the material is quite durable and has a variety of colors and textures.
- Finishing of balconies, loggias, gazebos, decks and roofing structures, since the positive properties of the material include resistance to moisture and various atmospheric influences.
- Finishing of saunas, baths and pool areas. This application is due to low heat conductivity, fire resistance, and the presence of an anti-slip coating on the board.
- Decoration of rooms and areas for children's leisure, because the edges of the material have a rounded end and there are no flaws that could cause damage to the skin. It is also considered very important that it is environmentally friendly, since it does not emit harmful substances.
- Terrace boards have quite a wide range of applications because they have quite a lot of positive qualities.
Types of materials used, characteristics
When choosing a decking board, first of all, the consumer always pays attention to several basic parameters:
- Thickness
- Structure and corresponding appearance
- Profile type
- Main material
This is exactly how decking boards are classified based on these parameters.
Depending on the material used for manufacturing, decking boards are divided into two main groups:
- Composite
- Natural
There is also a classification based on the thickness of the board:
- 1.8 to 2.2 cm
- 2.5 to 3.5 cm
- 4.2 to 4.8 cm
Depending on the type of profile, terrace boards are divided into:
- Rectangular
- Beveled
The beveled board, which is called “Planken”, has an aesthetically beautiful appearance and a considerable number of positive benefits.
Planken is a cladding material that is used for both exterior and interior decoration.
The material is used for finishing gazebos, fences, and houses.
Finishing can also be partial.
There are various criteria based on which the material is classified.
This is very convenient because it makes it easier to distinguish between board brands.
Required Tools
Before you begin actual work, you need to prepare all the tools and building materials:
- Logs with parameters 40x27 mm
- Larch decking board
- Corners
- Primary and intermediate type staples
- Self-tapping screws for fastening material
- End strips
- Stubs
- Screwdriver
- Building level
- Tape measure for taking all measurements
- Pencil for marking
- Drill bits in various sizes
- Drill
The preparation of all of the listed elements is quite important, because this will greatly facilitate the immediate installation of the material.
Preparatory work
When installing larch decking boards with your own hands, it is important to know that it needs time to adapt to environmental conditions before starting work.
Therefore, the material must be freed from packaging and left outside for several days. Also during preparation, it is important to decide on the type of material installation.
There are two types of installation:
- Open
- Closed
If an open type of installation is used, the elements used for fastening will be noticeable. To do this, you need to prepare self-tapping screws, which are treated with a special coating to prevent corrosion.
Before you begin directly laying the material, it is important to make markings and make holes in accordance with it.
When using a closed type of styling, several others are used, which are called clips. This fixing material consists of metal plates, which are also treated with anti-corrosion agents.
The number of clips is calculated from this ratio: 20 clips are needed per 1 m2.
In the process of preparing for work, it is very important to calculate the total number of fasteners, and this primarily depends on the type of installation.
Preparing the base
A well-made and strong base is rightly considered the key to successful installation of decking boards.
The main materials that are used for the construction of the base:
- Cement screed treated with waterproofing bitumen material
- Wooden logs
- Metal beams
Also, any of the materials must undergo mandatory processing and be covered with a specially designed material that serves as protection against weeds.
It is equally important before starting to provide a system that will remove moisture that accumulates during the cold period. This will make it possible to prevent the ground from rising.
It is advisable to make the base at a certain slope in the direction of water drainage, because the accumulation of liquid under and above the material will lead to irreparable consequences.
Several types of material can be used for the base, which is selected in accordance with the climate and personal wishes.
Frame installation
Logs are used as the basis for the frame.
The boards are laid perpendicular to the joists, and it is worth monitoring the gap between the center axes of adjacent parts of the frame.
This gap must be at least 300 mm.
It is worth deviating from this rule in those places where the greatest load is expected.
Here the gap should be about 250 mm.
It is also important to remember that it is characterized by expansion and contraction under the influence of certain environmental factors.
Therefore, during installation it is worth leaving a small gap between the lags. A gap is also required in those places where the joists come into contact with walls, curbs, fences, and supports of various types. Here the distance should be at least 20 mm.
It is worth taking care of the independent removal of moisture. It is possible to provide a drain for liquid; for this, the lags should be laid in the same direction as the descent.
If such an arrangement is not possible, a drainage system will have to be constructed. In this case, the logs will need to be raised slightly and placed on special supports made of plastic.
These supports can be located at different angles relative to the decking board. The cost of the work will not change. It is important to remember that it is necessary to leave a gap between the joists perpendicular to the drainage slope.
In the event that the installation of the logs is carried out on a concrete base, it is necessary to maintain the interval between the supports, which should be about 400 mm, but no more.
A smaller distance is required when there is an increased load or when laying the board in a diagonal direction. In this case, the gap should be about 350 mm.
In order for air to circulate freely, logs are usually laid on special metal supports or ones intended for terraces. It is also necessary to ensure that the ends of the decking boards are on the frame.
To do this, it is worth placing one support beam at each end of the overall structure. This work will require all the care and attention, since it is very important that the entire frame is strong enough and reliable.
In those places where boards are fastened, it is worth laying wider elements. The material is fastened in the most convenient and acceptable way.
When installing the frame, it is imperative to comply with all rules and established parameters.
The process of laying decking boards
Direct installation of a larch deck board with your own hands is a fairly simple and unpretentious process. It is only important to adhere to the most basic rules:
- It is advisable to install the board at an ambient temperature of at least +5˚С. During the day, the material should be removed from the packaging and allowed to sit for some time (about a day).
- Laying decking boards should begin with those structures that are permanently immobile. These elements include walls. The first board is attached to the support beam using a self-tapping screw at an angle of 45˚. The finishing board is also fixed using the same method.
- Holes intended for self-tapping screws should be made in advance. Each lag that serves as a support should have no more than two terrace planks. When installing, it is important not to forget about the small gaps between the boards and the wall.
- This is followed by fixing the material to the prepared joists using special clips made of galvanized metal or plastic. With the help of such fasteners it is possible to create a perfectly even gap around the entire perimeter of the board. You can buy clips at any hardware store. The design of the log provides some recess for these fasteners, which can be fixed there using self-tapping screws. The gap between the end sides of the boards should be within 8 mm. In order to make the task easier and eliminate errors, you can use special wedges that will correspond to this parameter.
There are cases when a large area is covered with terrace boards. In this case, experts recommend using a special installation method called “runaway”. The meaning of this is that each next row should shift by a distance equal to half the board.
After completing the laying process, it is necessary to carefully strengthen the boards at the end and then level them using a saw.
In the process of installing decking boards, you should show all your care and experience, since the service life of the overall flooring depends on this.
The video shows instructions for installing WPC decking boards:
Final finishing work
After completing the installation of the larch deck board, you should pay attention to some little details that will give the entire structure a more aesthetic appearance and hide all existing imperfections from view.
Most often, special plugs are used for these purposes. With the help of such an element you can close all existing gaps on the extreme sides.
If you are unwilling or unable to purchase plugs, you can use a simpler one. For this purpose, end strips are suitable, which can be selected in accordance with any color scheme.
Fastening of both planks and plugs usually occurs using self-tapping screws.
After completing the entire scope of installation work, all construction debris must be removed. To completely remove all residues, use a slightly dampened cloth.
For finishing, you can use several options, the choice of which depends on the taste of a person or on his financial capabilities.
Basic operating rules
There is a certain amount, following which the material used can serve for quite a long time:
Do not allow moisture to accumulate on the material, nor should it be allowed to remain in water for several days.
When cleaning and cleaning, the use of metal brushes and other similar objects is prohibited.
When any defects first appear, it is necessary to process them with sandpaper in a timely manner.
To increase the service life of this material, it is worth using it correctly.
Use of material in landscape design
Terrace boards are quite popular in the field of design today.
The main purpose of its use is to create aesthetic and cozy beauty.
Also, this is a fairly practical material that, if used correctly, can last for several decades.
Basically, this type of board is used for finishing piers, areas near a house or a swimming pool, as well as in the form of original paths.
Using a terrace board you can fill it with any originality and some antiquity.
Most often, larch boards are used in this area, which not only has high strength, but also allows you to choose a different shade and color. This material will go well with green grass and just as well with white sand.
For the area near the pool, this is also a great option, since the material has the property of repelling water. Deck boards are often used in the construction of stairs.
It can have many different purposes, which largely depend on the imagination shown. Laying decking boards with your own hands is not a complicated process, but it does require attentiveness and perseverance. But the result exceeds all expectations, especially for those who want to be closer to nature.