PLASTIC LUMBER YARD®
Voice: 610.277.3900 Fax: 610.277.3970 E-mail: info@plasticlumberyard.com
1.
Structural Ability
Foreverdeckâ is not recommended for structural use, therefore the
substructure must be constructed of pressure treated lumber, or some other
structural grade material. If you desire
to use Foreverdeckâ for structural use please contact one of our
technical people at our main office for detailed directions.
2.
Joist Spacing
Due to its increased flexibility (as compared to
wood), Foreverdeckâ requires more support than a traditional deck. Please use the following chart to determine
the joist spacing.
|
Foreverdeckâ Thickness |
Recommended Joist
Spacing |
|
1” (3/4 board) |
12” |
|
1-1/2” (2 x board) |
16” |
Foreverdeckâ expands and contracts along its length. A 10’ length will expand and contract up to
3/8”. Due to this fact, Foreverdeckâ should
be run along the shortest length of the deck with the joists running the long
direction. Example: an 8’ x 16’ deck
should use 8’ Foreverdeckâ over joists running the 16’ length. These joists are normally divided into 2 – 8’
x 8’ sections with a header between them.
Also, lighter colors do not heat up as much in sunlight and are
therefore preferable when installing a deck in a very sunny location.
4. Fastening
To withstand the expansion and contraction as well
as to maintain a long lasting, beautiful looking deck, stainless steel deck
screws should be used, preferably #10 x 2 ½" or 3” long, square drive stainless
steel deck screws. Each deck board
should be fastened with at least 2 screws per joist. (non tongue & groove) Screws must be pre-drilled and should be
counter-sunk. Also, coating the screws
with a lubricant, such as a silicone caulk, or soap will ease
installation. All screws should be a
minimum of ¾” from the edge or end of the board.
5. Butt Joints
When butting Foreverdeckâ against any wall, fixed surface or other boards (if
necessary), they should be securely fastened to the nailer or double joist with
a gap allowing for expansion. The size
of gap should be determined based on weather conditions at the time of
installation – the closer the temperature is to the usual high temperature for
the year, the smaller the gap. (See
chart below). The deck should be designed to minimize the butt joints. However, in the event that joints are
required, a double joist underneath the butt joint should be used. Boards should be securely fastened with a row
of screws on each side of the joint 1” from end of the board. Always keep deck boards out 3/8” from
permanent structure.
Temperature at time of installation
|
Gap between butt ends
|
|
Equal or
Greater then 90o F |
1/16 or less |
|
70o F |
1/8 |
|
50o F |
1/4 |
|
Less than 30o
F |
3/8 |
|
|
|
6. Rip Cutting
Two cuts must be taken in the event that a board
must be ripped down. This is due to the
difference in tension between the outer “skin” of the board and board’s
center. For example, if a 4” board is
needed, ¾” should be ripped off of both sides of a 5-1/2” board.
Should there be any questions regarding these
instructions, please contact your sales representative for more details.
*Failure to follow these instructions will void all warranties.