From Brian,
Message: I will be replacing the decking for a clients 16×16 deck in the next week (weather permitting here in the midwest). They want me to install ChoiceDek
I have read all your information concerning ChoiceeDek-Lowes. I have a couple of questions concerning their installation requirements. I called ChoiceDek and they advise to follow all requirements to in-order to validate the warranty. Without out concern about the warranty
Can I:
- Use 3/16″ between planks rather than 1/4″. Will the 1/16″ difference cause a problem with the composite expanding.
- Use #8×2 1/2″ Headcote stainless steel screws rather than #7×2 1/4″ stainless steel
- Use 2 screws and each end of plank and 1 screw on each joist, alternating from one side to the other (zig zag) rather than 2 screws on each joist.
Thank you for taking time to answer these question and getting back to me as soon as you can.
Advertisement
I am always one to follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines. In my younger days, I didn’t always follow that advice, but over the years, one finds that whether it be a tool, lumber or some other product, that these guys usually know what there talking about. In order to sell a good product and keep it on the market, their research and development guys, spend a lot of time and money on trial and error, along with customer and builder complaints and ideas, to find out what works and what doesn’t.
*Note: BTW, I notice you say you will be installing this on a “Clients” deck, so take it you are a contractor or handyman type. As regards the warranty…What you will find, is that one tiny, little, itty bitty deviation from the manufacturer’s installation guide will void the warranty. As a homeowner or client, I would want to make sure that if I spend my hard earned money on a product, I sure as heck would want the warranty. With that said, here are some thoughts on your questions.
1. 3/16″ vs 1/4″ gapping:
My son-a contractor is the composite guy, as I retired before this stuff got popular. They mostly use Trex around here, but he has also used something called Evergreen.
The purpose of gapping decking is to prevent swelling and buckling of the product in extreme weather conditions, which we have where we live. As I recall, Trex reccommends 1/4″ gaps between boards and 1/8″ between ends. One could imagine, that if we made the board gaps 3/16″ and end gaps, 1/16″ that we would most likley run into trouble.
Since composites are a mixture of wood fibers and plastic, they act similar to wood decking
in expansion and contraction. Although I don’t think they contain the moisture content of wood decking. they do expand and contract. As a side note, I have seen wood decking swell up to a 1/2″! One wouldn’t think a measly 1/16″ of an inch would make much difference, but I would not chance it.
2.#8x2x1/2″ Headcote SS Screws vs #7×21/4″ SS.
ChoiceDek recommends the #7×21/4″ trimhead deck screw. The reason they do this is for appearance. You sink the screwhead into the deck 1/4″, then fold over the fluff to hide the screw, or use their hidden screw fastener which is more expensive.
The Hardcoat #8 screw has a larger diameter and will displace more material when screwed into the wood. If you leave it flush, then you have to remove the displacement material, unless you countersink the head. Number two, even though the screws are colored, you will see them. The problem with the additional length is that SS is soft, and John says they strip out a lot. In a word people or clients these days are more concerned with appearance.
My advice would be to install a sample of both in the proposed decking and show it to the homeowner first. As a contractor, if the homeowner makes the choice, then the onus is on them. If after the installation they don’t like it, youv’e covered your ass.
3. Two in the end, alternating in the middle:
Wood decks in California reccomend this style, but it goes with the weather. Here in Idaho
with the hot and cold weather, we need two everywhere, to keep the decking from buckling and pulling up. I have also seen this advice on some composite decking. Like I said, I have no idea where your located, but I would go with the manufacturer on this one.
ChoiceDek reccomendation on this is similar to Trex. 1/4″ board gaps and 1/8″ on board ends unless
installed in freezing weather than increase end gaps to 1/4″. They also reccomend two nails at board
ends and at all joists.I would not deviate from this at all.
To wrap this up, it sounds as if your wanting to save a buck here and there and save some time on installation, which is all well and good. But beleive me when I tell you, that more often than not, all you do is dig yourself a hole, spend twice what you were trying to save and in the end, lose a customer. There is an old saying in this business. “Do it right the first time, or don’t do it at all.”
At any rate, I hope the above information helps you out in some way. Good luck on your project, and when complete send us picuture and I will post it on the site.
Posted by Vinman | May 17, 2011, 8:57 PM