Asked by: Tonisha Padez
hobbies and interests woodworking

Can you nail composite decking?

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You can screw or nail composite decking boards just like wood ones. Three-inch decking screws are the best fastener choice; they sink a secure distance into the joists and won't back out like nails. There's little danger of splitting the boards when driving them, so you don't need to pre-drill.


In this regard, how do you fasten composite decking?

To install composite decking with a hidden fastening system, start at the house by face-screwing the first board. Next, screw a hidden fastener clip into the groove on top of each joist. Then, slide the groove of the next board into the clips and tighten with a rubber mallet.

Similarly, should composite decking be spaced? One of the most critical steps for properly securing composite decking in place is to make sure you have at least a 1/8-inch gap between the decking boards. Extra spacing is also important between board ends and a wall when decking runs perpendicular to the wall.

Likewise, people ask, what nails should be used for decking?

The best nails for decking are stainless steel nails as they offer the greatest resistance to rust with minimum discoloration to woods such as cedar. However, stainless steel nails are considerably more expensive than other nails.

Can you install composite decking over plywood?

Installing Composite Boards After removing the old decking boards, check joists for level before installing new composite boards. If the decking is warped, the joists may also be, and you may have to replace a joist or two. You can also attach composite decking boards to the joists with 3-inch deck screws.

Related Question Answers

Ansar Beltzer

Professional

How long does composite deck last?

25 to 30 years

Ofelia Brushaber

Explainer

Which is better PVC or composite decking?

Aesthetics: Capped composite decking has a more wood-like appearance whereas PVC decking, due to its all-plastic construction, has an enhanced wood look. Heat Dissipation: With enhanced UV protection, capped PVC decking offers slightly better heat dissipation than capped composite.

Abdalla Goycoolea

Explainer

Does composite decking get hot?

Trex decking does not typically get hotter than pressure-treated wood, although on a hot day with a blazing sun, nearly any surface will get uncomfortably hot. Lighter colored boards tend to be slightly cooler than darker composite boards.

Zinaida Ayachi

Explainer

Can you screw down composite decking?

Screwing the Boards
You can screw or nail composite decking boards just like wood ones. Three-inch decking screws are the best fastener choice; they sink a secure distance into the joists and won't back out like nails. There's little danger of splitting the boards when driving them, so you don't need to pre-drill.

Edesia Dubrowski

Pundit

Can I build a deck directly on the ground?

Building an 8-by-10-Foot Floating Deck
Floating decks can be set directly on the ground or, preferably, a bed of gravel. But it's best to support the deck on concrete blocks. This keeps the wood off the ground and away from moisture so the wood stays drier and lasts longer.

Joanie Guhling

Pundit

Does composite decking expand?

Spacing is a requirement when laying composite decking, and here is why and how to go about it. Composite decking undergoes thermal expansion due to its composition. High temperatures cause the material to expand along its length and width.

Ardella Koolen

Pundit

Is it better to nail or screw a deck?

Screws are a "superior" fastener over a nail (they have far superior tensile strength)—especially if you're talking about screwing down decking. Using your deck example—you should use nails to attach the joists to the deck framing but use screws to fasten down the decking itself.

Maruxa Botifoll

Pundit

What size nails should I use for framing?

Nail size is more important than you might think when framing interior walls. Nails that are too long or fat are difficult to drive and can split wood, while short or thin nails just don't do the job. The best nails for framing are 3 1/2 inches long. These are called 16-d, or "16-penny," nails.

Badar Find

Teacher

Should you pre drill deck screws?

Pre-Drilling Holes: The main benefit of pre-drilling holes for deck screws, or any screws, is simply preventing the wood from splitting. Often this is the only way to prevent splitting when driving screws (or nails) close to the end of a board.

Lyazid Melanda

Teacher

Are screws better than nails for framing?

2. Nails are often preferred for structural joining, including framing walls, because they are more flexible under pressure, whereas screws can snap. Nails are also called upon when securing plywood sheathing for exterior walls, installing hardwood floors, and attaching siding and roofing.

Sukhbir Tholema

Teacher

How many nails should be on a deck board?

The basic rule of thumb here is 350 screws for every 100 square feet of deck surface for standard 6” wide boards (5.5” actual width) and 16” spaced joists. If you aren't using these standard sizes, use an online deck calculator to determine how many you'll need.

Iudistira Kovaleva

Teacher

Can you use composite deck screws on pressure treated wood?

Not really. For wood decks (pressure treated and cedar) it depends on whether or not you choose to screw or nail the decking down. The head of these screws are coated to match the most popular tones of composite – including grey, sand, red and dark brown.

Salek Bilyarsky

Reviewer

What length deck boards should I use?

Length: When possible, buy decking that can run the full length of your deck. All lumberyards and home centers carry 16-ft. deck boards, but many also stock or can order 20- and 24-ft. boards, though they may cost more.

Seydi Rulle

Reviewer

Do I have to use joist hangers on a deck?

You don't need joist hangers if you're not attaching to a structure and hanging joists off a ledger or if you don't have a flush beam. Deck screws have very little shear strength - they should NEVER be used to connect joists in any way shape or form.

Winnie Hangg

Reviewer

What is the joist spacing for composite decking?

Most composite decking materials, like Trex composite decking, require minimum joist spacing for composite decking at 16" on center spacing for straight decking and 12" on center joist spacing for 45-degree angle diagonal decking.

Rares Tyl

Reviewer

Do you need special saw blade to cut composite decking?

Choose a blade with a medium tooth count for the most cutting options. These "middle of the road" blades produce smooth cuts in composite while not bogging down on long cuts, or becoming dull too fast. For fast cutting, select a blade with fewer teeth; choose a high count when precision matters most.

Wiktoria Vitores

Supporter

Does composite decking warp?

Your composite deck may not warp, but it can sag and buckle. Most sagging is caused by improper spacing between the joists when it is installed. Composite decking is fade resistant, but it may fade over time in strong sunlight. Composite decking will get lighter in color tone as it fades.

Rosie Hovestadt

Supporter

What is the gap between Trex boards?

Secure with screws from bottom through blocks and into stair treads. NOTE: Maximum spacing of deck boards using Hideaway system is 450 mm on center. Fasteners provide 6 mm gap when installed correctly.

Benabdellah Valiev

Supporter

What is the best composite decking?

TimberTech (AZEK)
TimberTech AZEK products are high-quality, premium lines, perhaps the best (and most expensive) of all the composite decking manufacturers, with a limited warranty of 50 years. Additional product lines include TimberTech Pro (with 30-year warranties) and TimberTech Edge (25-year warranties).

Co-Authored By:

EveryThingWhat Staff Editor

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28th February, 2020

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