DURA DECK Type 146 Installation Guide

Material Composition

 

Dura Deck is produced by extruding a unique composition of reclaimed wood, high density polyethylene and a number of engineered stabilisers such as UV inhibitors and mould preventers. This creates our unique products, which can be used internally or more commonly outdoors. Dura Deck provides outstanding weatherproof performance and endurance even in extreme weather conditions.

 

The combination of high strength and beautiful wood appearance is created as a result of achieving the optimal ratio of wood fibre to plastic resin combined with exacting temperature and speed control during the manufacturing process.

 

Dura Deck has been put subjected to rigorous testing both in the laboratory and in practical outdoor exposure tests in 3 continents. The testing has taken place since 2007 and has been carried out in tropical conditions across a wide range of extreme temperatures and humidities. These tests have provided outstanding results and allow us to supply a product which performs in all weather conditions retaining optimum strength whilst looking like real timber but with all of the benefits of being an engineered material.

 

Installation & Fixing Guide lines

 

Our product has been designed for its simplicity and ease of installation however to ensure long term performance we recommend that a professional trade person carries out the installation in accordance with our guidelines. This is more likely to ensure a high quality, professional finish. Most installers will find this process very similar to the installation of a real wood deck. However, there may are a few key areas where care must be taken with specific aspects.

 

Please remember that the installation method recommended by Dura Composites may not cover every installation scenario that you may encounter. That is why a professional should be used in order to adapt the methodology for specific situations. Each installation is unique in its performance requirements, and therefore the installation is the sole responsibility of the installer. Dura Composites recommends that all designs be reviewed by a licensed architect, engineer or local building official before installation. Make sure your plans meet local building codes before you begin the installation.

 

Safety First

 

• Keep children away from the work area until the job has been completed and tools have been stored safely.
• Refer to operators manuals for all power tools safety guides
• When handling WPC timber always wear gloves and eye protection and work in a well ventilated area.
• Do not burn WPC off-cuts. Dispose of them safely as refuse.
• Wear goggles when pressure washing or scrubbing.

 

Note – Dura Deck is NOT intended for use as columns, support posts, beams, joist stringers or other primary load-bearing members. Dura Deck must be supported by a code-compliant substructure. While Dura Deck products are great for deck re-planking (removing old deck surface planks and installing Dura Deck on code-compliant substructure), Dura Deck planks CANNOT be installed on top of existing deck planks.

 

Fixings

 

All Dura Deck products should be fixed or secured using appropriate quality products suited to the job. The raw material and the type of coating used to protect these from corrosion is vital. This is why Dura Composites recommend the use of stainless steel fixings. Our price list give details of our warranty approved screws, please ask for details. We do not recommend deck clips or the use of pneumatic nail guns.

 

Site Preparation

 

The site must be free draining or of a gradient of 1 in 40 to allow water "run off". If the area you have chosen is grass you can either remove the turf or cover it with a weed barrier, as long as its edges are tucked deep into the soil using an edging spade. If your deck is to be at ground level then the removal of 100mm of soil is recommended. Replace the topsoil with 100mm of compacted gravel or hardcore. This provides a very solid but free draining site on to which you can build the sub-frame. On any over site it is essential that you lay a weed barrier . It is advisable to cover the top of the weed barrier with a light stopping layer of pea shingle. You could use strategically positioned patio slabs instead of compacted gravel or hardcore, but we do not recommended this as they tend to settle causing problems with your deck later.

 

Sub Frame

 

• The sub frame can be Timber, GRP or Steel whichever method is preferred
• The maximum span between supporting joists depend on the specific Dura Deck product
• You should refer to the Load & Deflection Data Table below to determine the maximum span

 

Most decks (other than ground level) use a post and beam construction. The support posts
(normally placed at no more than 1800mm) centers sit in or on concrete footings, the later
using a metal connector / shoe. Please refer to the Load & Deflection Data Table below to select appropriate spacing’s for joists depending on the type of Dura Deck used.

 

 

Style of Deck

 

It is essential to plan your deck in advance and this is best done on paper. You cannot simply make up a bearer frame of any size and then expect the deck boards to fit with the required gaps between them without having to reduce the width of boards to fit.

 

Carefully decide on the location and the use of your deck. Decide on whether you want a sunny or shaded location and importantly whether privacy is a requirement. Decks in permanent shade could be affected by damp and consequent algae growth.

 

Be aware that very large decks and raised decks may require planning permission. Raised Decks should not be built with the deck level more than 600mm above ground level without specialist advice. When installing posts or leveling take special care not to damaged underground pipes or drainage and do not obstruct manhole covers or other services.

 

Basic Deck-Board Layouts

 

 

 

Dura Deck Pedestrian Load Span Chart plus Load & Deflection Data (Europe)

 

 

Dura Deck Pedestrian Load Span Chart plus Load & Deflection Data (Middle East)

 

Please note that it will be necessary to reduce the joist span if the loading exceed those stated above. Always contact Dura Composites if you are unsure.

 

Gapping - Allowing for Expansion (and Contraction)

 

Dura Deck planks will expand and contract with changes in temperature. Expansion and contraction are most significant where extreme temperature changes occur. Fastening the deck planks according to the gapping requirements noted in the table below accommodates for this movement.

 

Changes in length are most significant during the installation process, and should be accounted for if working in extreme temperatures. A good example would be if cutting your planks during a hot afternoon, letting them sit outside overnight in the cool air and then installing them the next morning. Chances are, you will notice a certain amount of contraction. The best way to minimize this problem is to fasten your planks as soon after cutting as possible.

 

Gapping Requirements

 

• Allow 5mm minimum gap where the planking meets any adjoining structure or post
• Follow these butt joint gapping guidelines for all Dura Deck planks

 

 

NB the temperature range is defined as the change in temperature from original installation e.g. if the install temperature is 20oC and max temp (in the sun) reaches +60oC (and the min temp reaches -20oC) then there is a +40oC range. There is a also a 40oC range for contraction but this is of less concern unless there is a minimum gap requirement.

 

Example of Butt Joint Gapping for UK Install (@ 1.5mm / metre)

 

 

Dura Deck fixing clips have been designed to accommodate any board width change that may occur.

 

Laying the Deck

 

Once you have decided on the substructure layout/deck plan & are happy that all the levels and steps are carefully worked out, the decking process can begin. The installation process and use of fixings for Dura Deck products is similar throughout the range. Key things to remember are to stagger your joints, leave enough clearance for expansion (as table), always support the end of a plank on a bearer, if mitering planks make sure there is sufficient support running underneath.

 

Deck Laying Process

 

 

Cutting Tool Options

 

Chop Saw

 

(Any wood cutting blade can be used, although Fine Teeth are highly recommended)

 

• Used for simple straight cuts
• Ideal for cutting obtuse and acute angles
• Perfect for cutting mitres
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jigsaw (Any Bosch wood blades can be used)

 

• Used for simple straight cuts, radius edges and for intricate shapes
• Useful for notching out sections
• A proficient Jigsaw operator is capable of absolute precision

 

 

 

 

 

Circular Saw (Any Wood Cutting Blade Can be used, recommended fine Teeth for professional finish)

 

• For cuts that exceed 1 metre and provides a perfect straight line cut
• Usually quicker than using a jigsaw but limited to cuts in one direction at a time
• Can be sourced from Dewalt, Bosch or Hilti etc
  A proficient Circular Saw operator is capable of absolute precision

 

Standard Fixing Tool Options

 

Drills

 

• Used for creating clearance holes using appropriate sized drill bit depending on the size of the fixing (clearance hole should be big enough for the fixing to pass through the object it is fixing)
• Used for screwing fixings through clearance holes to firmly secure object
• Drill can also be used with attachments such as Hex (Allen) key tool or a socket to the correct diameter of the fixing to enable rapid tightening of the fixings
• There are a number of power tool manufacturers such as Dewalt, Bosch or Hilti
• We regularly use battery powered tools on installations in the UK where extra mobility is required, this may be a suitable option for environments out of range of a power supply or for speed
• It is essential to keep a large stock of the appropriate blades to suit each power tool

 

 

• It is possible to choose from a number of international power tool manufacturers such as Dewalt, Bosch or Hilti
• These suppliers tend to have excellent warranty and customer support facilities
• We regularly use battery powered tools on installations in the UK where extra mobility is required, this may be a suitable option for marina environment out of range of a power supply or for speed
• It is essential to keep a large stock of the appropriate blades to suit each power tool