Laying WPC decking boards with your own hands. Technology for installing deck boards with your own hands Laying deck boards WPC technology

Here we provide approximate prices for the main types of work when installing decking boards. They are approximate, calculated at the lower price limit and may vary depending on the category of complexity of a particular object. You can find out the exact cost after our specialist comes to take measurements.

* When concluding a contract, the cost of a specialist’s visit is included in the cost of installation work. Preliminary visit of a specialist to the site for measurements and consultation 2,000 rubles. The price is given for objects located up to 100 km from the Moscow Ring Road.

Our latest objects

CP "Angelovo-Residence"

Square 22 sq.m.
Board: Flordeck wenge color

Terrace installation
Installation of metal frame

Making a box for an air conditioner
Installation of lamps

Square 87 sq.m.
Board: WPC-DECK color cream

Decking by the pond
Installation of a metal frame on an existing base

Decorating the ends with a WPC corner

Square 25 sq.m.
Board: PREMIER color chocolate

Patio installation
Installation of metal frame

Decorating the ends with a WPC corner
Installation of decorative fencing

Square 35 sq.m.
Board: massive larch

Terrace made of classic larch decking boards
Installation of a frame made of pine timber
Treatment of the frame with a fire-retardant composition
Laying larch decking boards
Applying tinting oil

Square 65 sq.m.
Board: SW Salix (S) dark brown

Installation of decking on an open balcony
A multi-level frame was installed on the tiles
Laying decking
Installation of lamps

Moscow Chapaevsky lane.

Square 93 sq.m.
Board: K-DECK color chocolate

Laying WPC decking on an open balcony
Manufactured metal frame on supports
Laying deck boards
Making a podium

Square: 72 m2
Duration of work: 7 days

Adjustable supports were placed on the existing base by the pool and under the terrace, a metal frame was assembled, and a deck was installed. Additionally, a frame for the steps was made, and steps made of WPC were installed.

Square: 37 m2
Duration of work: 6 days

The existing wooden frame was strengthened, decking boards were installed, and decorative fencing was installed. WPC steps are installed on a cast concrete base.

Cafe near the shopping center "Morozko"

Square: 45 m2
Duration of work: 10 days

On the territory adjacent to the MOROZKO supermarket, a collapsible metal panel frame was installed on adjustable supports with a ramp, a WPC covering was laid, and a decorative fence was installed.

Construction technologies

Highly qualified personnel allows us to use various technologies for the construction of foundations, load-bearing pillars, rafter systems and frames for decking from deck boards for the objects being built.

Work examples

Stages, terms and warranty obligations

The timing of work at the site takes into account its remoteness, readiness of the territory, availability and readiness of related work, weather conditions affecting the progress of construction. As an example, we will give the stages of work and terms of construction of a rectangular terrace on screw piles with an area of ​​100 sq.m.

Guarantee for all types of work

The Country-POL company assumes the following warranty obligations:

If there are any complaints about the quality of the materials used in the installation of the flooring, we ourselves resolve the issues of replacing them with the manufacturing companies.

Materials for making floorings

Country-FLOOR offers its customers various options for raw materials for installing flooring. You can choose the material that is most suitable for you in accordance with your own aesthetic preferences and budget:

• Natural wood from exotic wood species (merbau, ipe, cumaru, etc.)
• Larch (varieties “Prima” and “Extra”)
• Heat-treated wood (pine, ash)
• WPC decking and fencing.

How to take advantage of our offer?

The company has developed a certain procedure that takes into account the logic of construction work, convenient and understandable to customers: measurements - selection of materials - drawing up an estimate - 3D visualization of the project - contract and payment - delivery of materials to the site - installation.

Measuring - selection of materials

The head of the installation teams goes to the site, gets acquainted with the features, takes the necessary measurements, and gives comprehensive advice.

Calculation of materials and estimates of work are provided within one to three days after measurement. You will receive a complete and detailed calculation on paper.

At the customer's request, a design project with drawings, layout of materials and structural elements can be prepared.

The final approval of the scope of work, list of materials, final cost of the object and installation time is carried out. The corresponding contract is signed. Payment for the installation of the object is carried out in stages, the final payment is made after the delivery of the object and the signing of the acceptance certificate.

In accordance with the contractual deadlines, materials are delivered to the site. Delivery to the Russian Federation is carried out by a transport company in agreement with the customer.

Installation

Installation of decking is carried out in accordance with the terms specified in the contract. During the entire term of the contract, prices for work and materials do not change.

At all stages of work at the site, the head of the installation teams carries out technical supervision. At the customer's request, he is provided with photo and video reports of the progress of work. Upon completion of the project, the remaining unused material is transported to the contractor's warehouse, recalculation is made and the cost of unused materials is returned to the customer. The property is offered for rent in a clean condition. In accordance with the contract, the guarantee for installation of the facility is valid for 1 year.

CountryPOL

Order WPC decking
from the manufacturer at an affordable price

Recently, wood-polymer composite flooring, which has increased strength and resistance to various external factors, has become especially popular. The article will discuss how to choose a WPC decking board and install it.

WPC decking board

This material is extremely popular when laying outdoors, since what is most important is its high resistance to biological influences.

The material does not rot and resists the formation of fungus and mold. Insects and rodents do not find a home under such a covering.

All this makes it easier to care for WPC flooring and also extends its service life. Installing WPC deck boards is very simple. Quite often they make a porch from a terrace board with their own hands. You can do all the work yourself if you have certain tools.

Preparing to start work

Before installing a WPC decking board, it is necessary to adapt the coating to the climate conditions in which it is planned to use the decking. To do this, the printed boards should lie next to the area to be finished.

In order for the covering to be well ventilated, it is necessary to make a recess in the gap between the base and the flooring. It must be positioned at a height of 2-3 centimeters.

The area on which the WPC decking board is laid must be cleared of various debris, weeds, excess soil and sand. It is best to make a concrete screed as the base for such a flooring, and install it exclusively from high-quality materials.

It makes no difference which side of the board will be the main (top). The owner has every right, depending on his task, to choose in favor of a corrugated or smooth surface.

During the installation process, the worker will need:

• support logs for the frame measuring 4x2.7 centimeters;
• directly WPC boards;
• mounting brackets;
• fasteners: screws, self-tapping screws, dowels;
• decorative strips to hide the ends of the boards;
• plugs;
• metal corners for combining lags in length;
• laser or liquid construction level;
• electric saw;
• measuring device and pencil;
• an electric drill, drills of various sizes and other tools from a repairman’s kit.

Preparing the base for installation

The durability of the flooring directly depends on the quality of the drainage system. It is very important to create a concrete screed in such a way that water drains naturally. To do this, a slight slope is created in the direction of the logs towards the drainage pit or sewer.

You can check the quality of the drain immediately after pouring the screed and make adjustments if liquid accumulates on the surface. If the logs, according to the design, do not reach the drain, you can make a small gap between them (2-3 centimeters), into which the water will be drained.

If WPC deck boards are installed on the roof of a building, it is necessary to carefully treat the water-repellent layer. The fasteners must be in contact with it, and if there is no equipped drain, it can be cut directly into the covering. In this case, 2 cm channels will be used as a drain.

Installation of logs

To strengthen the beams on a concrete base, it is necessary to use anchors or dowels. Between adjacent logs it is necessary to maintain an interval of 40 centimeters.

It is also very important to maintain a gap from various obstacles (walls, fences, pipelines, etc.) so that the coating does not deform, expanding as the air temperature rises. When installing joists diagonally or in a non-standard position, it is recommended to reduce the distance between the beams in order to increase the stability and strength of the structure.

It is important to remember that logs only support and level the flooring, but in no case should they be used as a load-bearing support.

Laying wood-polymer composite

If a WPC deck board was chosen for installation, the installation instructions are as follows:

• plastic terrace boards are laid on logs;
• the first clip is secured using a self-tapping screw;
• a board must be inserted into the groove of this mount.

All boards are subsequently secured in the same way. If the length of the board in a certain place becomes less than 80 centimeters, you should increase the strength of the flooring and install 2-3 support beams in this place.

The boards should not protrude beyond the edge of the joist by more than 5 centimeters (more details: " "). For the aesthetics of the coating, so that it can be presented to guests or published in photos, as well as for the safety of its operation, it is recommended to cut the boards to the same level.

The distance from the flooring to the nearest ceiling must be at least 1 centimeter. If this parameter is not observed, the board may expand, causing it to rest against a fence or wall and begin to deform.

Before laying WPC decking boards on a large area, you need to make sure that long products have high-quality support in the form of logs. Otherwise, if the installation technology has been violated, various defects may occur during operation.

Finishing the installation process

Once the installation of WPC decking is completed, it is necessary to carry out final steps that will eliminate any imperfections created during the installation process.

This is the only way to obtain a beautiful coating that you won’t be ashamed to publish in a photo on a social network or present to guests. No one will doubt the quality of the work performed.

It is worth noting the following elements that will help improve the appearance of the flooring:

• plugs that allow you to close the cracks at the end of the flooring;
• it is more practical and cheaper to use decorative strips that cover the entire edged part of the boards;
• a more expensive option is composite corners, which are almost identical in appearance to flooring boards. However, the design of this element is such that it requires a certain space. It can be compensated by increasing the gap between the flooring and the nearest obstacle;

Naturally, it is necessary to select plugs depending on the thickness of the WPC decking board, but most often these are standard sizes. Upon completion of work, it is necessary to clean the coating from construction waste, dust, debris, etc.

It is important to remember that any mistake during the installation process can result in negative consequences during operation. The biggest mistakes result in a reduction in the service life of the flooring, which according to the standard should last more than 25 years.

Helpful information

When using a decking board, certain nuances may arise:

• Some time after laying the flooring (3-4 months), the shade of the boards may fade. This is a natural process that you should not be afraid of. In the future, the coating will retain its structure and will still be as attractive;
• This coating does not require special care, since its resistance to various factors is very high. You can use any chemicals and cleaning devices. However, it is necessary to calculate your strength, since mechanical damage can be caused to any coating;
• You should not be afraid of open contact of the flooring with the human body, since it is impossible to drive a splinter or prick yourself. The production technology is such that the wood is ground into flour.

Advantages and disadvantages of WPC

From all of the above, we can highlight and supplement the list of advantages of wood-polymer composite as a material for organizing flooring:

• resistance to various mechanical damage and chemical formations from household chemicals, food waste or natural factors;
• high strength under impact or static load;
• long service life (up to 25 years) subject to optimal conditions. In particular, the temperature regime for such flooring should be from -50 to +70 degrees Celsius;
• regardless of the width of the WPC decking board, its flexibility remains extremely high and allows installation even in hard-to-reach places: stairs, corners, ledges, etc.;
• caring for the coating is very simple, since no additional painting or use of special substances is required;
• After reading the installation instructions, you can understand that laying deck boards with your own hands is very simple, and any owner can carry out the work independently;
• The external coating is very beautiful and on the construction market you can find dozens of different textures and colors of WPC decking boards.

There is only one drawback: when purchasing WPC decking boards, the dimensions do not matter, because the cost of the coating will still be very high. The price difference when compared to conventional wood is between 300 and 500 percent.

Bottom line

Based on the foregoing, we can conclude that laying this coating can be carried out by any person who has enough strength to hold the tool and perform actions in a certain sequence.

It is important not to deviate from the installation rules and then the resulting coating will serve for a long time and reliably. If difficulties arise, you can always contact specialists who will significantly reduce the cost and time of installation.

Installation of a terrace board is carried out in several stages: designing a terrace, calculating the material, preparing the base, installing mounting joists, attaching the decking, finishing. It is recommended to order an inexpensive turnkey installation of deck boards from the professionals of the Polov salon, however, on simple objects of a small area, installation by hand is allowed according to the instructions and recommendations described below.

Preparing the base for the decking frame

Types of foundation

The terrace decking is laid on a prepared base, which is designed together with the main building or completed later. A clean, level and solid foundation is the key to the longevity of the terrace. The most practical types of bases for decking:

• Strip foundation made of monolithic concrete, reinforced concrete concrete or brick. The strip base is installed around the perimeter (width from 58 cm), as well as under the partitions (width from 38 cm), if they are provided for in the project.
• Monolithic or brick columnar foundation. Posts (at least 58x58 cm) are installed in the corners, as well as throughout the entire area of ​​the terrace in increments of no more than 2 m. Intermediate posts are at least 38x38 cm.
• Screw or cast-in-place pile foundation. A foundation on piles with timber or channel strapping can be installed on any soil, however, the softer the soil, the deeper the piles need to be installed. The supports are poured with concrete and reinforced if high loads on the terrace are expected.

For dry, non-heaving soil, a shallow foundation is sufficient. For frozen soil, the foundation must lie below the freezing level.

Drainage system

Regardless of the foundation chosen, it is necessary to arrange drainage to avoid flooding of the foundation and protect the soil from swelling. A slope of 1-1.5% is made from the building along the length of the flooring; water should flow freely and not accumulate.

Decking frame

To enhance the load-bearing capacity of the terrace, a frame is assembled:

• Metal carcass. Welded steel frame of the required shape or metal beams with anti-corrosion treatment. Ideal for curved structures.
• Wooden frame. For lightweight structures, it is allowed to use a wooden frame made of timber with protective treatment.

Adjustable feet

To install decking boards, especially those made of wood-polymer composite, adjustable supports are also used, which make it possible to raise the structure to the required height, as well as build a perfectly flat surface by adjusting each element separately. Adjustable supports are indispensable for laying decking on relief terrain and on exploited roofs, as well as as temporary flooring.

A solid foundation has been prepared, the piping has been completed, the drainage has been arranged correctly, the area has been cleared of construction debris - you can proceed to the next stage of laying the decking board: installation of mounting joists.

Laying installation joists

The first thing to consider is installation joists are not a supporting structure, they are necessary for smooth and neat installation of the decking board, as well as for creating a ventilated space between the decking and the foundation.

Types of lags for decking

• Glued laminated timber from larch and other hardwoods.

✔ Our catalog contains all types of mounting joists for laying deck boards.

The ideal choice is mounting joists made of a material identical to that from which the decking board is made.

Installation technology

The supports are fastened to the base using anchor bolts or dowels with the mounting recess facing upward. The logs are laid parallel in increments of 40-60 cm, depending on the thickness of the decking: 20 and 27 mm, respectively. It is allowed to reduce the installation pitch to 20 cm if the design loads exceed 350 kg/log.

The logs are installed, the next step is installation of decking boards.

Laying terrace decking

Hidden installation

The decking is installed perpendicular to the mounting joists. Instructions for laying decking boards on special clamps:

1. Installation begins from any fixed structure, for example, from a wall.
2. The initial clip is attached with a self-tapping screw, taking into account the compensation gap between the decking and the wall from 20 to 30 mm.
3. The first board is inserted into the groove.
4. A row clip is installed.
5. The second board is fixed into the groove with a mallet.
6. In the same way, the flooring is assembled completely.

The catalog of our online store presents high-quality ones made of stainless steel or plastic.

The terrace decking board is allowed to protrude beyond the edge of the joist by no more than 5 cm. When laying a long terrace, the boards are joined at their ends on the mounting joist and secured with clips.

Hidden installation is a universal method suitable for installing all types of decking boards:

Outdoor installation

The deck boards are laid using self-tapping screws with anti-corrosion treatment. The flooring is assembled using a seam or seamless method, the holes are drilled in advance. The screw heads are visible on the surface, but in some cases it looks stylish. The open installation method is suitable for laying wooden decking with a straight profile.

The flooring is assembled, the last step is deck board finishing.

Decking finishing

After laying the decking boards is completed, all sections are decorated with end elements made of WPC or aluminum. Universal corners, strips, special plugs to match the size of the end and the color of the polymer board, as well as F-shaped profiles are used. The end elements are attached with self-tapping screws or glue.

End elements not only give the terrace a finished look, but also protect the decking from moisture, temperature changes, UV radiation and damage.

• Before installing the decking board, it must undergo acclimatization on the site for 2-3 days.
• The ideal air temperature for work is at least 5ºC.
• Ventilation is required between the flooring and the soil - a gap of at least 25 mm.
• When installing on the roof, you must make sure that the screws do not deform the waterproofing.
• Compensation gaps are necessary for linear expansion of the boards: at least 20 mm from walls and other adjacent structures.
• Holes for self-tapping screws are pre-drilled with a drill of a smaller diameter at 3 quarters of the length.
• At the junction of the ends, it is recommended to lay 2 mounting logs at a distance of 3-5 mm from each other.
• To fix the decking evenly, a mallet is used to prevent damage to the board.

How to care for the decking to extend the life of the decking is in a separate article.

Video - installation of a WPC terrace on a screw foundation

Video - installation of polymer terrace boards

Advertising brochures claim that even a beginner in the construction business can cope with laying decking. But in reality, installing decking boards is not such a simple matter, because you need to take into account many nuances, from the characteristics of the products used to the current climatic conditions.

Deck board or decking is a weather-resistant deck covering made from planks. It is used for exterior and interior decoration of floors, less often walls and even ceilings. The scope of application is wide - balconies and loggias in apartments, local areas, podiums around swimming pools, piers, piers, water parks, etc.

Decking is made from two materials:

Array larch, pine, ash, teak, as well as exotic species such as massaranduba, iroko, azobe, etc. The surface of the flooring can be smooth (planken) or corrugated (corduroy). The dimensions of the planks are not unified, they vary in thickness from 20 to 30 mm, width from 10 to 20 cm, length from 1.5 to 4 m. Before installation, it is recommended to treat with antiseptic and protective compounds: oil, wax, enamel for outdoor use or for floors with a high level of resistance to abrasion and water.

Solid wood terrace board.

When purchasing a solid wood decking board, ask the seller to check the moisture content of the wood with a hygrometer. For classic breeds, this figure should not exceed 12%, and for exotic breeds - 16%. A terrace made from insufficiently dried decking will not last even a year - the planks will begin to bend and twist.

Table 1. Advantages and disadvantages of decking boards made of larch and ash

WPC or wood-polymer composite, which is a mixture of wood flour (at least 30%), pigments, fillers and polymer thermoplastic binders (polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.). Solid and hollow decking is produced in the form of elongated planks or a prefabricated structure like panel parquet - garden WPC parquet. The products are produced in two classes of wear resistance - household for home use (local areas, gazebos, balconies, piers, pedestals around swimming pools) and commercial for water parks, summer cafes, urban recreation areas, shopping and commercial areas, etc. The color palette is limited, no more than 40 shades. Each manufacturer has its own size range: length up to 6 m, width no more than 16 cm, thickness up to 28 mm.

WPC decking board.

When purchasing WPC, pay attention to the planks, which should be even along the entire length, without distortions, waves, or bends. High-quality material is characterized by a uniform structure on the cut, and the smooth or corrugated surface does not have burrs, foreign inclusions, dents, or chips.

table 2. Advantages and disadvantages of WPC decking boards

Separately, we note that WPC decking boards must be installed taking into account a whole list of mandatory rules developed by manufacturers. In particular:

Please note that in case of non-compliance or deliberate violation of technology, the plant has the right to refuse to consider your claim regarding product quality, as well as to refuse to fulfill warranty obligations for its products.

Composite decking board

To install decking you will need the following set of materials, tools and components:

WPC installation is carried out in 5 stages:

Development of a project plan

Even if the object has the simplest possible shape or small area, do not be lazy to order from the seller or draw a detailed layout diagram to scale yourself. This is necessary in order to correctly calculate the number of components, taking into account the following parameters:

It is also necessary to choose a method for fixing the decking board. If you want to get an even coating, you will need an original set of clamps or staples with hardware. However, despite the manufacturer's direct prohibition, some installers choose the cheaper open installation method. That is, holes are drilled in the boards for dowel-nails or self-tapping screws are screwed in. Undoubtedly, the coating will be fixed reliably, but due to temperature changes, rigidly fixed boards may “lead” over time.

Preparing the base

According to the manufacturers' requirements, the base floor must be dry, durable, free from traces of bitumen, glue, soot, and soot. And also flat (with a slight slope for water drainage) and frost-resistant.

The best option is to lay the decking board on a concrete base with a smooth, defect-free surface. When laying it outdoors, it is recommended to drill small drainage channels up to 30 mm wide and no more than 15 mm deep to drain liquid. Joists can be laid on concrete either with or without supporting elements.

Installation of logs on a concrete base with a slope.

When working on the ground, you should first lay a drainage system with appropriate protection against weed germination (geotextiles, roofing felt, rubemast), then compact the soil and form a compacted sand-gravel or crushed stone “cushion” up to 10 cm thick. Supporting structures can be laid on the base prepared in this way. elements - paving slabs, blocks, galvanized or painted steel profiles, adjustable PVC supports, etc. Only after this can a frame under the decking board be mounted on top of the finished base.

Frame assembly

The supporting “skeleton” is assembled from WPC logs or aluminum profiles with a gap from vertical enclosing structures (walls, columns) of at least 8 mm. When using metal components, it is necessary to lay strips of rubber or other insulating material between dissimilar elements.

Installation of logs on the ground with sprinkling.

The logs must first be laid out on the surface, the distance between them must be checked, then holes must be drilled in each beam every 50-100 cm and secured to the base with hardware, metal corners or mounting perforated tape.

Laying deck boards

Installation of polymer decking must be done in one direction, which will eliminate the peculiar “striation” of the assembled coating. In this case, the ends of the lamellas should not protrude beyond the frame by more than 50 mm.

Work starts from the wall, column or from the far edge. Starting clips, corners or a guide are secured to the frame beam with self-tapping screws. Next, mount the first board, tamp it down a little and fix it on the other side with a suitable mounting element - a bracket, clamp or terminal. The next plank is placed, tapped and also secured on the opposite edge.

Fixing WPC planks using hidden fasteners.

If you use garden WPC parquet, then everything is much simpler - the set is assembled like a puzzle. See the video below for more details.

Finishing of the coating

After the finishing board is installed, you need to attach a finishing profile, corner or guide to it. It is recommended to close the ends of hollow boards with special decorative caps.

After finishing work, the surface must be thoroughly washed using mild detergents to remove dust, dirt, and sawdust. WPC terrace flooring is ready for use.

In addition to terraces, polymer decking is often used to decorate the porch. The staircase is lined with a standard composite board or with special elements - steps with an integrated bumper side. The latter are produced in solid or hollow form, up to 35 cm wide, no more than 2.4 cm thick and up to 4 m long.

There is no separate method for installing steps from decking boards. The fixation principle is the same:

1. preparation of a rigid base made of concrete or metal,
2. installation of support logs on dowel-nails in increments of 30-40 cm,
3. attaching the corners from the inside to the WPC step and fixing it to the beams,
4. forming a frame for the riser and attaching a vertical composite board to the stairs,
5. decorating the ends with plugs or corner profiles.

If you plan to use a standard WPC board to finish the stairs, then it should be installed in the same way as on a flat flooring - with the formation of a frame and intermediate fasteners - clamps, staples, etc.

What is known about the characteristics of composite boards?

1. Materials, tools for installation
2. Recommendations for preparation
3. Installation steps
4. Common mistakes in the process

One of the best materials that can be used for finishing terraces is WPC board. It is a composite, namely a combination of wood flour with a polymer, which allows it to be comparable in appearance and performance characteristics to wood, and in some ways even superior. Laying WPC decking boards with your own hands with details.

What is good about composite material?

The appearance of products is determined by the content of wood flour in their composition, and due to polymers they are provided with functionality. Wood-polymer composite is in many ways superior to natural wood or PVC. One of the most important features is that the slats do not lose their original color or shape, and their appearance is rated as resistant to external factors, such as atmospheric conditions. The material is also not attractive to various types of bugs that like wood, and to rodents. Durability is a characteristic feature of the products, but this is not the entire list of their positive properties.

Other advantages include:

• flexibility - WPC products can bend into different shapes depending on conditions. When heated, the physical connection between the constituent elements is broken, and when the material cools, it is restored. This characteristic allows the boards to be used for covering stair steps, reliefs, and, of course, for constructing flooring;
• strength - the lamellas can easily withstand a load of 1000 kg per 1 m2, all this thanks to the presence of modifying additives in the composition. The positive properties are not lost even when the air temperature decreases/increases between minus 50 and plus 70 degrees Celsius;
• resistance to various types of damage and staining.

Over many years of practice in using the material, it was possible to conclude that it is easy to install and maintain, and is resistant to moisture. And most importantly, the products are offered in various colors, which allows you to easily implement any design idea by choosing the best option.

As for the shortcomings, it was not without them. To be more precise, decking has only one, and this is its cost. It is at a high level; if we compare it with ordinary wooden boards, then WPC is 4-6 times more expensive.

Laying WPC decking boards: what will be needed for installation?

The key to successful installation of WPC decking is proper preparation. Supplies you will need , in the selection process, pay attention to the ratio of components; the performance properties depend on this parameter. For use in our country, taking into account the climate, it is recommended that the ratio of wood and polymer in the material composition is approximately 50% to 50%.

Always take boards with a reserve, because some may turn out to be defective or damaged during installation. You can quickly repair and, if necessary, replace the element.

The work cannot be done without composite logs; they are used to construct sheathing. These can be used for home installation, where the loads on the flooring are not expected to be very high. These elements are assessed as resistant to negative external factors and are quite durable for private use.

Joists can be used from various materials, but the deck structure will last much longer if it is constructed from elements of similar composition. The reason for this is the different thermal expansion rates of wood and composite.

You also cannot do without fastening elements; clamps are used for these purposes, and if it is necessary to ensure a minimum gap, you should use metal clips; they are made of stainless steel. If the size of the gap is not important for you, it is better to give preference to plastic fasteners, as this will improve the underfloor ventilation of open-type terraces. The fasteners are fixed using stainless steel self-tapping screws. The elements that are used at the stage of decorative finishing are end strips and finishing corners.

As for working tools, everyone will probably have what they need for the job. For example, to rip boards, you will need an electric saw. You also cannot do without a drill, screwdriver, level, , carpenter's hammer with a rubber head. To make the tool convenient to use, make sure you have an extension cord.

Laying WPC decking boards: preparing for installation correctly

Installation of decking boards

Experienced specialists recommend that before starting work, make sure that the surface on which you plan to lay the material is even. The best option is transverse boards that are in contact with the decking elements along the entire length. It is not recommended to allow the surface of products to come into contact with construction waste. If you do not have the slightest experience in such work, it is better to entrust it to professionals.

Particularly important is the adaptation, preparation and inspection of decking. He needs to be allowed to adapt to the environment, which happens within 1-2 days. To do this, the material is pre-delivered to the installation site. Installation work is carried out by at least two people; the air temperature should not be below 0 degrees Celsius. Remember that terrace products cannot be the only supports or the basis for balconies/staircases.

We must not forget about the need

Laying WPC decking boards ensures complete ventilation for complete drying of the space under the decking. In the products of all manufacturers there are slight differences in color of elements. This is due to the presence of wood components in the composition.

To make the finished coating look good, try to use boards from the same batch. It is a natural process for the color characteristics to change during the first weeks. This occurs under the influence of moisture and ultraviolet radiation, and the changes disappear over time.

As you can see in the photo of laying WPC decking boards, expansion gaps are always striking, namely the longitudinal seams. They are made so that water quickly drains from the surface and is also convenient to care for. The same can be said about the fact that slight thermal contraction/expansion is ensured under conditions of temperature fluctuations.

You can use one of two installation methods: seamed and seamless. To form seams you will need stainless steel clamps/plastic clips. The closed method is relevant if the surface finishing is carried out indoors. The appearance of the finished flooring will be more attractive, and clogging of the internal space will be avoided.

Installation of WPC decking boards: main steps

1. The first step is to install a structure made of logs; their recommended length is 3 m, and the interval is 28-40 cm. At the ends you need to make a small gap within 20 mm. Please note that the joists themselves are not a supporting structure; they must be installed on a solid foundation. Their grooved side should be on the bottom, and the groove on top; this part ensures the central installation of the screw and clips. From walls and fences you need to leave a free space of at least 10 mm. And between the lags themselves the gap is at least 20 mm. Rigid fixation is not required in this case.
2. Next we move on to the actual assembly of the terrace. To fasten screws, you must first make holes for them; a drill is used with a diameter smaller than the fastening element itself. The most dense, uniform fixation is ensured using a mallet; it taps the entire length. At the junctions of elements, it is better to use support logs in two rows so that each end has its own support. At the end of the row, where it is impossible to fix the product with a clip, a self-tapping screw is screwed in and a nail is driven in from the side of the profile. You need to retreat 2-3 mm from the edge. At the end of the described process, edging is done using special corners; these can also be end strips installed around the perimeter. It is better to use self-tapping screws for fastening.

The main mistakes that should not be made

The cost of laying WPC decking boards cannot be called low, so if you decide to save money and do everything yourself, you must learn some rules so as not to spoil the expensive material and avoid the need to quickly replace the decking.

1. If the surface is not prepared correctly, the ideal level of coverage may not be maintained. Over time, unevenness may appear, and over time they will become more noticeable.
2. The use of wooden joists is not recommended, even if your goal is to save money. If you neglect this rule, then in a year or two you will have to spend money on dismantling the covering, purchasing composite products, and replacing deformed elements of the terrace.
3. A serious mistake is also failure to observe the distance between the base elements recommended by experts. By pushing them far apart from each other, you increase the load on the finishing coating, which inevitably leads to sagging and deformation.
4. You also need to be able to properly fix the fasteners. The fact is that if it is not tightened, then over time the fastening will weaken, which will lead to loosening. Too strong a fixation is also not a positive thing, because the point load increases, and as a result, cracks may appear during the installation phase or during operation.

Always try to follow the installation technology, and your terrace will turn out not only beautiful, but also durable.