How to Fit Composite Decking | Hillsborough Fencing

Composite decking is a sustainable, safe, and cost-effective alternative to natural timber. It’s decking season once more, and people are looking out their back doors and realising their gardens could use a tidy-up. So, if you are upgrading your garden or building a new deck from scratch, then this is the blog for you.

Composite Decking is an artificial product composed of recycled thermoplastics and wood fibres, meaning that whilst it retains the striking beauty of wood, it is protected against the elements. So, this blog will guide you through the step-by-step process of fitting composite decking in your garden.

Planning Your Composite Decking Installation

Do you know that proper planning ensures a smooth installation process and a long-lasting result? Let’s plan your composite decking installation below.

Measure Your Space
Choose the Right Decking Boards
Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

Composite decking boards
Decking frame materials
Spirit level
Power drill and screws
Spacers
Saw (preferably a circular saw)

Large decking next to sea

How to Fit Composite Decking in Your Garden?

Before starting the process, it is advisable to go through the process of installing a deck and upgrading your garden furniture. So, let’s understand the process to fit the same in your garden.

1. Build the Frame

After making your measurements and ensuring the ground is solid and even (having built any additional support structure for composite decking required), lay out your framework. Space your composite decking joists evenly apart – standard residential spacing is 16 inches, but a safe range is anywhere between 12 and 24 inches apart. The closer the spacing, the sturdier the frame. Also, consider the thickness of your joists; the thicker and stronger your joists, the more secure your decking.

2. Lay the First Board

Firstly, position your hidden starter clips at each end of your frame and at the top of the frame’s joists at regular intervals in between. You will be pushing your board into these clips, so ensure that where they sit is flush with the edge of your frame. Screw the starter clips into your frame. Now, push the first decking board so that the starter clips fit into its side groove. Ensure that the board is pushed until tightly secured.

Lastly, where the first board meets each of your frame’s joists, push the toothed side of a special clip into the exposed side groove (the other side from the hidden starter clips).

3. Lay the Rest of the Decking Boards

To lay each additional board, simply place its exposed side grooves against the special clips of the previous board, applying light force to ensure that it connects securely, then repeat – placing and screwing special clips into the other edge of the board, and then sliding the next board into position, and so on, until you’re left with just the final two boards of your decking to install.

4. Install the Final Two Boards

Knowing the width of the final two boards (including the gap between them), mark on the final joist where the edge of the last board will lie. Now, as you did when laying the first board, use your markings to screw your hidden starter clips at each end of your frame and the top of the frame’s joists at regular intervals in between.

Push the final board up against these hidden starter clips, clicking it into place. Further, secure the final board to the frame by screwing special clips into each joist and into the side groove of the final board (on the side facing the rest of your previously laid decking).

Finally, slide your last special clips along through the gap on the other side of your penultimate board, between the 2nd and 3rd last boards, and when you have positioned them in the center of each joint, screw these into place.

5. Fascia Finish

Last but not least, it’s time to cover up the remaining exposed frame with composite decking fascias, giving your decking that flush, sleek finish. To do so, simply cut the fascia pieces to size, and screw them onto the ends of the frame at regular joist intervals.

person drilling 2 bits of wood together to create a decking

What are the Benefits of Composite Decking?

The benefits of composite decking are important to know before moving forward,

1. Weather Resistance

Composite decking is engineered to withstand the effects of weathering and doesn’t warp after exposure to too much rain, so you can rest assured it will have a longer shelf life. Particularly helpful if you live somewhere that rains more often than usual.

2. Maintenance

When it comes to maintaining a deck, you need to make sure that you use a material designed with premium performance and looks in mind. This means that there’s no sanding or varnishing needed. The material is mould resistant, and it’s designed to achieve the most natural wood look on the market. It has all the benefits of standard timber, with some unique additions!

3. A Friend to the Environment

If you know you’re purchasing your timber from a verifiable company like Hillsborough Fencing, then you can rest assured that any decking you choose is going to be environmentally friendly.

4. Health and Safety

We have one of the safest products on the market, and it is fire resistant to Class B, strength load resistant, highly slip resistant and promises no splinters. This will give users a much more streamlined and problem-free experience, guaranteeing a stunning yet highly safe alternative to other products in the decking market.

Decking boards

Let’s Enhance Your Deck with Garden Furniture

Once your decking is installed, it’s time to finish it with the best quality garden furniture. Some of the best furniture for composite decking are,

Enjoy Your New Composite Decking

Installing complete decking is a fantastic way to enhance your garden, providing a stylish and durable outdoor space for relaxation and entertaining. Now, by following the above-mentioned guide, you can ensure a seamless installation and enjoy the benefits for years to come.

Are you looking for the best quality and stylish garden furniture? Explore Hillsborough Fencing now and create your dream outdoor space today.