Hollow decking products will leave open ends that aren’t attractive and can collect dirt, leaves, etc. Then set the band boards directly on the piers, which is the outer frame of the deck. Prolongs its structural integrity by resisting mold, mildew, and rot. Installing a decking tile patio - Greenfingers . Set the plank onto the deck, and use a putty knife to slip it under any existing metal flashing. Check your joists frequently with a tight string line. Innovative technology, meet sustainable outdoor living. The lower a deck is to the ground, .....>> install composite deck low to the ground. Trex at Ground Level by: Deck Guy I would be cautious when installing Trex at ground level. Next, screw a hidden fastener clip into the groove on top of each joist. See our Legal Disclaimer page for all legal notices. Then, slide the groove of the next board into the clips and tighten with a rubber mallet. Real projects. Looking for More Installation Guidance? Spark your creativity and start your personalized design plan. Don’t worry — the buildup and generation of static electricity … Outline the size and shape of your decking. The lower a deck is to the ground, the less air flow there is to dry it out when it gets wet. To install composite decking with a hidden fastening system, start at the house by face-screwing the first board. 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. Insert the next board, at an angle. The resulting raised bump isn’t very attractive. It is very important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing composite decking material. 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. 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. install trex on the ground. Yes, you can build a ground-level decking with composite boards. One way is to use preformed deck blocks. Can prevent costly repairs and replacements of rotted sleepers. Leveling the joists is very important to keep the butt joints at the same height. Work with one of our registered contractors for a build that transforms your outdoor living space. No Lag Head Screws. 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. Explore deck design, lock in your budget, and learn about the right product for you. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Thermal expansion is always something to be aware of when dealing with plastics. These blocks are dug in to the desired depth right into the ground without any need for a concrete base in most circumstances. Don’t Be Shocked by Static Electricity. These cookies do not store any personal information. Some composite decking materials are designed to be installed with hidden fasteners. You'll trim the decking before installing the parting boards. It’s time to Go Against the Grain®. Composite decking tends to grow and shrink across the length of the boards as it heats and cools. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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. 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. How to Install a Ground Level Deck | eHow. 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. It is always best to try to avoid seams on your deck surface. In this case, we will be using a rail sleeve and base trim that will cover the gaps. 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. 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. Cut the plank to length with a circular saw or power miter saw. Can You Install New Decking Over Old Deck Boards. Make sure to leave at least an 1/8" gap for thermal expansion. 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. Notice the blocking on the sides to support the border. 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. 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. This could lead to a potential for mould or mildew with the Trex board. 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. Before you learn how to install composite decking over concrete, you need to prepare the patio. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Two places our pros … Increase your outdoor living and entertaining space by building your own ground level deck. Use the proper saw and blade. How to Install a Decking Tile Patio ... enough to be laid on grass or over uneven ground. Hammer a peg at each corner and run a builder’s line between each peg. Top fix your first board using a composite deck screw. Insert a hidden fastener into the groove of the deck board and fasten it into the appropriate structure. 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. Partner with a TimberTech-registered contractor for expertise and insight into building your perfect outdoor living space. The good news is TimberTech® composite decking can be installed over concrete. Different decking lines will also require pre-drilling before applying fasteners. Real inspiring. This technique is used to control the seam and make it appear to be a part of the design. Can composite decking be installed on the ground? Lastly, a flat, level area is the best place for a free-standing ground-level deck. Make sure to gap the boards appropriately for proper ventilation, checking the manufacturer’s recommendations for … 3. Get a closer look at TimberTech products by visiting a local retailer or dealer. Real people. Why? Composite Decking Installation Tips Take a look at these tips for installing your composite decking: The spacing of the joists needs to be correct. 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? A gauge screw makes an ideal spacer or use off-cuts of wood. While composite lumber cannot be used for structural deck supports, it is an appropriate choice for deck boards, rails and posts. Protect Joists From Rot. This is the final step for how to install composite decking over concrete. And shape of your decking boards perpendicular to the joist, making sure they ’ re well-secured and fasten into... A composite deck screw and width to allow for effective ventilation retailer or dealer the board... With hidden fasteners creates a clean-look and low-maintenance finish an additional 6 '' picture frame pattern perimeter to the. Ways to improve a patio like genuine wood, it 's splinter-free and deck screws sink in easily and.... And step-by-step tutorial on how to install composite deck low to the ground without any need a! Issue with how the decking area using pegs and a string line ensure... 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