There are several variations of composite decking styles that our customers create with their boards. We are here to help you create that perfect location for your garden furniture to rest on, so that you can kick back and enjoy the contemporary look that composite decking has to offer. One of the vital aspects to install that perfect deck comes down to your clip system. You will be glad to hear we have a guide for you and what those small but mighty clips can do for your decking!
The composite decking fixings we supply:
CONCEALED STARTER CLIPS
Our starter clips offer a pristine finish to the installation of your decking boards. With the clips being completely out of sight, this crucial accessory creates the secure fixings of the composite decking board to the joist. 4 starter clips per square meter are needed for composite decking. For example, if you have 10 square meters, you would need a total of 40 starter clips. To use these clips, you would need to insert the concealed starter fastener to the joist that sits underneath your decking boards. The first starter clip is fixed at the side corner which is centred in line with the pre-lined joist directing widthways. This starter clip should be aligned with the exterior edges and then must be screwed into place securely. Make sure you pre-drill into any composite material. You must place a starter clip every 250mm along the entire length of 1 side.
The decking board would then be placed onto your subframe and towards the initial row of starter clips. You would then need to firmly push the board so that it is positioned correctly into the grooves of the clips, checking that it is in the correct place.
CONCEALED T FASTENER CLIPS
We supply both a 6mm concealed T fastener clip as well as a 3mm T fastener clip. The industry standard for T fastener clips is a 6mm clip. 24 clips are required per square meter, so for 10 square meters of decking, you would need a total of 240 T fastener clips.
To use concealed T fastener clips, slide the T clip into the groove. Then, screw it into the pre-drilled center line of your joist. Make sure that you do not tighten these yet as you would need to position all your other boards first. Place a concealed T fastener clip every 250mm apart along the board (a process you will need to repeat).
Allow for a 6mm expansion gap when installing wooden composite decking. Use a T fastener for gap control and remove it later when the board is securely fastened to the joist. Insert the second row of composite boards into the fitted T fastener clips. Secure them in place with a new row of T fastener clips. Do not completely tighten the L brackets until all boards have been inserted. Then, return to your first row of T fastener clips, tighten them along the board, and repeat until all clips have been tightened.
L BRACKET CLIPS
An L bracket clip can be used to secure your joists and allow for expansion.
You would need to begin by creating a frame of your subframe joists around the area to be decked. Ensure a 15mm space from any building around the area before beginning to secure the frame. Drill and use L brackets already fastened by an expansion anchor to secure the frame. Follow this by fastening into the joist by making sure that you always pre-drill and use industry standard stainless-steel screws (which we supply!), without over-tightening the brackets. Keep repeating this step at 1 metre spaces along your frame and once this is all secure, you can then insert your joists. For butt-joints, insert an extra joist 20mm apart and use an L bracket to secure this to your main frame. And if you choose it, you can secure your joist end to the ground with these L brackets too!
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