WPC structures are very different from ordinary wood in terms of strength and resistance to external environmental factors. The wood composite also does not rot and cannot be damaged by pests such as fungi, insects, etc., which makes caring for the material incredibly simple.
Installation of decking boards can be done even without the help of specialists, the main thing is that the necessary tools are available.
Preparation for installation and operating rules
Before proceeding with direct installation, it is recommended to place the wood-polymer composite for two days in the area where the repair will be carried out. This action is necessary so that the WPC is at the same temperature as its future environment. It is highly recommended not to carry out any installation work in winter, at temperatures below zero degrees.
In order for the material to be well ventilated and last many times longer, small indentations should be made between the coating and the base at a level of 2-3 centimeters.
Before installing decking boards in dirty areas where there is sand, grass, or soil, they need to be thoroughly cleaned. The base for the composite is best concrete, and the components are certified.
When installing a composite decking board, there is no special meaning to the sides, however, you can choose which one will be laid on top, smooth or grooved.
Arrangement of logs and surfaces for laying boards
Installation tools:
- Logs 40*27 mm
- Staples (initial and intermediate)
- Self-tapping screws
- End strips
- Stubs
- Corners
- Level
- Tape measure, pencil
- Screwdriver
- Drill
- Drill
Preparing the base
To maximize the life of a wood-polymer composite, good drainage is necessary. The concrete base for laying needs to be at least 10 centimeters thick. For trouble-free precipitation, it is advisable to make a slight slope (1-2 degrees will be enough) parallel to the joists. After the concrete has dried, check to see if water is flowing. Otherwise, the liquid will begin to accumulate and create unnecessary trouble. If the base structure does not need to install logs along the drainage path, then leave small spaces between the logs (2-3 centimeters will be enough). Water will be discharged through it.
Let's watch the video, step-by-step work on laying decking boards:
When installing a wood-polymer composite on a roof, take a closer look at the waterproof layer. Fastener elements should have minimal contact with it. If the base has already been prepared and the drainage path has not been observed, cut channels 2 centimeters deep.
Installation of logs
Using anchor bolts, install the joists on the concrete base. The maximum distance between two logs is 40 centimeters. Maintain an expansion gap between the obstacle (wall, threshold, etc.) so that the material can expand during the warm season.
When installing logs in a diagonal position or at an indirect angle (1 degree of inclination is not taken into account), the distance between the pair must be reduced to 25 millimeters.
Please note: using logs or WPC as a supporting structure is prohibited!
Installation
The installation of decking boards is quite simple and obvious:
- The board is placed on the log
- The initial clip is placed on the joist using a self-tapping screw.
- The WPC is inserted into the groove of the clip.
Each subsequent decking is installed in the same way. If you reach a point where the length of the boards is less than 0.8 meters, it is recommended to ensure the stability of the structure by using at least three support logs. The edges should not extend beyond the joist level by more than 5 centimeters. The distance between the WPC and the barrier should not be less than 10 millimeters. Otherwise, when temperature changes occur, the material will expand, rest against the obstacle and become deformed.
Watch the video, installation of the board on the joists, detailed instructions:
If you plan to install decking boards for a large terrace, you have already purchased long boards, make sure that the ends of both sides rest on the joists and are well secured with clips. Don't forget about the gap between them.
Completion of installation
After the installation of the larch decking board is completed and all the elements are well fixed, it is worth taking care of the little things that will smooth out all the existing “jambs” and give the structure a more attractive look.
Watch the video, advice from the experts:
The first thing you should do is plugs. Installing end caps will give the structure a more harmonious look and close all the cracks at the edges.
If you find it unnecessary to buy special plugs, you can get by with a cheaper option - end strips. The planks can be easily matched to any color. The strips and plugs are secured using self-tapping screws.
Another option for hiding gaps after installing WPC deck boards is a composite corner. It is very similar in design to a plinth. But do not forget about compensation of gaps when installing them. When using elements of this type, you should leave a little more gap between the barrier and the end of the board.
After installing the plugs, remove shavings, dust and other elements, and wipe the surface of the coating with a slightly damp cloth.
Please note: improper assembly and operation of decking boards greatly reduces their service life. An ordinary board with proper care will last more than 25 years.
In most cases, decking boards are painted with high-quality pigments. Due to the use of lingin, like any natural product, they will slightly lose color in 3-4 months, but will remain the same original and textured. After this time, the color will remain and will no longer succumb to fading over the years.
Find components from one manufacturer
Decking boards made of wood-polymer composite, after installation by a professional, resist bad weather, sun, precipitation, and insects very well. No special care is required for this equipment.
The rough side of the material is not able to drive a rolling pin or anything else into the leg. Wood from the building material is used as flour, and the textures of the wood are created artificially.
Advantages
- Persistence. WPC tolerates scratches, chips, household chemicals, stains, precipitation, warm and cold air, water, etc. well.
- Strength. A floor made of this material can withstand a weight of one ton per square meter. Such a strong structure was achieved by modifying the composition of the material.
- Durability. The minimum guaranteed lifespan is 25 years, taking into account temperature conditions within the range of -50+70 degrees.
- Flexibility. During installation, the wood-polymer composite can easily take the desired position. To cover stairs, ledges, corners, etc.
- Care. There is no need to paint the material or clean them with special means. They can be easily cleaned with a slightly damp sponge or microfiber.
- Simplicity. Easy installation that even a person who has never held a construction tool can handle.
- Appearance. A huge palette of colors and textures will satisfy gourmets with a broad design outlook.
And among the huge number of advantages, there is at least a small disadvantage. In this case, the disadvantage is the high cost of the finishing material. If you compare decking and regular wood, the difference in price can be 3-5 times.
Rules of care
The composite board should not be flooded for more than 4 days in a row.
When washing serious stains that cannot be wiped off with a regular floor rag, use cleaning products without bleach. Brushes can only be used with soft bristles. Strictly avoid using spatulas and metal, as there is a chance of damaging the surface and ruining the appearance.
Small irregularities or scratches can be smoothed out with fine-grained sandpaper.
Conclusion
Any person who knows how to hold a tool can handle the installation of decking boards, but it is necessary to maintain clearances and take into account the placement of additional devices. Don't forget to hide the gaps after installation. Cladding the walls of the site is perfect for those who miss nature near them and always want to be in an atmosphere that creates relaxation and tranquility.
An excellent type of outdoor flooring is decking. It differs from alternative options in ease of use, good anti-slip properties and excellent appearance. We’ll talk about the types, advantages of using and rules for installing parquet boards further.
Terrace board - characteristics and advantages
A decking board is a finishing material used for laying outdoors, preferably on a terrace. Another name for decking boards is “decking,” although it is more often called garden parquet.
For the manufacture of decking boards, a wood-polymer composite is used, which helps preserve its appearance for a long time.
If we compare a terrace board with an ordinary floorboard, then the requirements for the first are much higher, since a terrace is a place located in an open space, and the impact of external factors on its finishing is much higher. The first requirement is the mechanical and chemical stability of the boards, since the terrace is constantly exposed to moisture, sun, temperature changes or rough shoes.
The construction of the supporting structure of the terrace occurs at the time of construction of the terrace itself, therefore the lag-type ceiling has a long length, which directly depends on the installed boards. The most common version of the decking board is its thickness of 5 cm. To relieve stress on the inside of the decking board, several compensation grooves are placed on its inner side, and on the outer side there is a small number of grooves, the depth of which reaches two millimeters. Thanks to this, the surface will not be too slippery and will remain durable for a long time.
When installing decking boards, it is necessary to leave small gaps, so laying them using the tenon method is impossible.
The decking board is made from the same materials as flooring, only if it is made from pine, it must be pre-treated with special means that will protect the surface from external influences. It is preferable to choose species in the form of oak, larch, cedar or sequoia.
Particularly popular is decking board, which is based on a wood-polymer composite, characterized by improved performance characteristics and durability - up to fifty years.
Terrace board photo:
Among the main advantages of using decking boards are:
- presentable appearance;
- pleasant sensations while walking barefoot on the surface;
- almost complete absence of slipping during precipitation;
- the surface of the material is not able to get very hot even on a hot sunny day;
- environmentally friendly material (if wooden decking boards are used).
There are two types of decking boards:
- wooden;
- wood-composite.
The advantages of the second option over the first include:
- resistance to the appearance of mold or mildew;
- resistance to various kinds of diseases and insects;
- lack of sensitivity to temperature changes or exposure to sunlight;
- no swelling or drying out;
- preservation of shape and color for a long time;
- there is no need for constant seasonal care;
- does not require painting or coating with special products;
- there are no defects such as knots, resin pockets or cracks;
- there is no risk of getting a splinter;
- it is possible to install the covering without leaving gaps, so grass will not grow through the cracks and the boards will not be deformed;
- resistant to chemicals, abrasive detergents, alcohol, etc.;
- Possible combination with heated floors.
Main types of decking boards
In relation to the material from which the decking board is made, it is divided into:
- wooden;
- thermally processed;
- composite.
The first option involves using natural wood to make the board. Larch decking boards are a fairly popular type of this finishing material. This type of wood has the properties of moisture resistance, density, anti-slip, resistance to fungus and mold. In addition, when larch gets wet, it becomes stone.
When arranging the terrace flooring, you should continue finishing in the same style as the entire house. Try to match the color of the house's trim with the terrace. Larch is characterized by a light tone. But one of its advantages is the possibility of tinting. The construction market offers a large number of mixtures that can be used to paint decking boards.
Thermally treated deck boards have slightly different properties compared to ordinary wood. The process of their production involves heating wood to more than 190 degrees Celsius. With the help of steam, the characteristics of wood are changed. Thus, it is possible to obtain a material that is highly environmentally friendly and does not contain harmful components.
Heat-treated wood differs from standard wood in that it is more resistant to moisture, has good thermal insulation properties, and is resistant to rot, mold and mildew. In addition, the wood texture of the tree becomes clearer and more pronounced. Therefore, its color and pattern are pleasant to the touch.
Wood-polymer decking board is an artificial material that is produced using a combination of various fillers, fiberglass, sawdust, shavings, wood flour and resins.
To fill organic mineral fillers, a binder material in the form of polyethylene, polypropylene or polyvinyl chloride is used. It is possible to use grain starches and paper production waste. This type of decking board is painted during its production. In the process of combining all the components, dyes are added to the thick mixture, which determine the color of the future polymer decking board.
Before proceeding with the actual installation of the decking board, you should determine the location of its installation. It depends on the hardness of the material; if it is not indicated in the instructions or technical specifications, ask the seller about this criterion.
For example, for a balcony, loggia or in a place with low traffic, medium-density terrace boards are laid. In addition, near the pool, where people mostly walk barefoot, this type of board is also used.
Please note that its moisture resistance depends on the density of the board, since boards that are too dense are practically unable to absorb moisture and have low evaporation. When laying loose boards in places with high operational load, it will deform over time.
In places where there are a large number of people, it is necessary to install high-density decking boards. These include areas near gazebos, houses or terraces.
Work on laying decking boards is divided into several stages. The first step is to prepare a solid base, for the arrangement of which the top layer of soil is removed and a sand and gravel cushion is laid, which is well compacted.
Do not lay deck boards directly on the base of the soil. It is possible to use paving slabs as the main element for installing a terrace board. In this case, a base of joists is laid on the surface of the tile, fixed with a screwdriver and dowels. The average interval between the logs is 35 cm; if the terrace boards are laid longitudinally, then at least 45 cm. The logs serve as support for the logs. Please note that 2 cm should be occupied by a technological gap in the form of gutters or curbs. Installing adjustable logs is appropriate when the terrain is uneven and has defects.
The total length of the installation site should be characterized by a slope of one to one and a half percent of the total area. In this way, it will be possible to ensure the drainage of water during rains or downpours.
After completing the preparatory work, the boards are directly installed. To install them, special hidden fasteners are used, in the form of brackets. Stainless steel is used for manufacturing, and fixation occurs using self-tapping screws. It is this type of fastener that helps leave the required gap of 0.5-0.7 cm.
Please note that the thickness of the decking board significantly affects the distance of laying the logs. With a board thickness of 1.9-2 cm, the distance is 400 mm; if the thickness is more than 25 mm, then the interval between laying the logs is 600 mm.
When cutting deck boards, the raw end parts are coated with a high-quality wax emulsion.
To prevent the board from cracking, holes for fasteners are made in advance. The decking board is attached to the surface in two ways:
- open;
- hidden.
The second option is less common, as it appeared recently and requires special skills to carry it out. Although it has a significant advantage over the open installation method. This is a higher attractiveness of appearance. In addition, boards attached in this way are more firmly and securely fastened.
Do-it-yourself deck board installation
Before starting installation work, you should check the evenness, cleanliness and dryness of the surface on which it is installed. The best option is a platform made of concrete with a slight slope.
The installation of logs is carried out in accordance with the water flow. When installing the decking, it is immediately laid on the joists, choosing the order of the boards. When installing a decking board in a place where there is constant exposure to moisture, an expansion gap should be provided, otherwise it will not be needed.
Tip: Before you begin assembling the entire structure, it is recommended to allow the board to acclimatize to the conditions in which it will be installed. To do this, leave the material at the installation site for two days so that it gets used to the humidity and air temperature.
Make sure there is a ventilation gap under the decking space. Its size reaches three centimeters, thus achieving free space that will reduce the risk of fungus or mold on the boards.
During temperature changes, the board shrinks or increases in size, so a small compensation gap is necessary.
To install decking boards, use:
- lags;
- terrace board;
- initial staples;
- intermediate brackets;
- screws, self-tapping screws;
- plugs;
- end finishing materials;
- corners;
- electric drill;
- a set of drills;
- screwdriver;
- measuring tape;
- pencil;
- saw;
- level.
In order for the decking board to serve its owners for a long time, care should be taken to have good drainage laid under it. The best option is a concrete base with a thickness of at least 10 cm. Before installation, you should make sure that water does not linger on the base, but flows freely along it.
If the logs are installed perpendicular to the drain, then a gap must be installed between them to ensure unobstructed drainage.
If the terrace board is mounted on the roof, then you should make sure that there is a waterproof layer that elements in the form of fasteners cannot destroy. When laying deck boards on a flat surface, the grooves are cut at a certain angle.
Installation of decking boards - instructions for carrying out
The logs are laid on a concrete base and fastened to it with anchor bolts, the maximum step size is 400 mm. Between the logs and the wall there must be a compensation gap of 10-20 mm. If vertical installation of the decking board is assumed, then the distance between the logs is 2.5 cm. The maximum laying step is 400 mm; when installing the decking board in places with increased operational loads, this value is reduced to 250 mm.
Using self-tapping screws, mounting clips are attached to the joists. A terrace board is installed into the groove base of the clip. If the terrace board is installed on a surface with a length of more than 800 mm, then the number of logs on which it is installed increases to three pieces. The end part of the board should not extend beyond the lag by more than 50 mm. The distance between the wall and the end section of the board is 10-20 mm.
When arranging a terrace using long boards, both ends must rest securely on the surface of the joists and be fixed to them using clips.
Corner joints are processed in two ways:
- with the help of end caps - making the appearance of the board harmonious;
- using end strips - secured with self-tapping screws and made in accordance with a specific color of the coating.
In addition, it is possible to use a composite corner, similar to a plinth.
At the end of all work on installing the decking board, take care to remove dust and shavings from its surface. To clean the surface, use a regular detergent intended for use on floors. And remember that by doing all the work correctly, the decking board will function for a long time.
Terrace board (decking) made of wood-polymer composite is a beautiful and durable floor covering for terraces, gazebos, porches, pool areas, paths in the garden. It is unpretentious in care and operation. The service life of a decking board can reach half a century or more. But for this it is important to follow all the rules and nuances of installation.
Basic rules for laying decking boards
- The surface on which the decking is laid must be flat, hard and durable (for example, screed, beams, concrete slabs).
- Do not: lay logs directly into the ground. And, of course, they should not be constantly in the water.
- Drainage or drainage must be provided under the decking.
- The flooring must have a slope in the direction of drainage of at least 1%, that is, 1 cm per linear meter.
- Free air circulation must be ensured under the flooring to remove moisture. This will help prevent mold and mildew from forming.
- The screws used to install the decking must be resistant to corrosion.
- At the end of installation, the coating must be thoroughly rinsed twice with high pressure water.
Tools and materials that will be required for laying decking boards:
- terrace board;
- support beams;
- initial and intermediate staples (clasps);
- screws;
- end strips;
- plugs;
- corners;
- level;
- saw;
- tape measure and pencil;
- screwdriver;
- drill.
How to lay deck boards?
It is better to lay decking boards in dry weather, when the air temperature is above zero. It is advisable to first unpack the boards themselves and let them lie in the air for a day or two in the place where they will be laid.
Each board must be secured to special supports - logs. This can be done in one of two ways:
- perpendicular (boards are laid perpendicular to the joists);
- diagonally (boards are installed diagonally to the joists).
The process itself is simple, but has a number of nuances that need to be taken into account. Let's look at each stage of installation in detail.
Stage 1. Preparing the base for installation
The following can be used as a base for laying decking boards:
- solid, level concrete screed with a pre-laid rubber cushion;
- concrete slabs or support beams;
- adjustable screw supports;
- metal or wooden frame with a profile section of 100x100 mm and a distance between frame profiles of no more than 500 mm (if the logs are made of WPC).
Stage 2. Laying lags
The logs are installed at a distance of no more than 400 mm from each other. When laying diagonally, the distance should be reduced to 300-350 mm.
It is important to maintain a compensation gap between the joists and the wall or any other obstacles - at least 10 mm. Otherwise, the boards may become deformed due to thermal expansion.
The logs must be aligned with each other and be in the same plane horizontally.
Stage 3. Installation of decking boards
Laying the board itself is done as follows.
- Using self-tapping screws, the clamps are attached to the joists. Moreover, the first clamp is screwed onto the edge of the joist.
- The decking board is laid in such a way that it fits into the clamp.
- The second clamp is installed on the opposite side. The installed board is secured.
- In the same way, clamps are installed on all joists.
Advice: Clasps must be installed on all joists. Otherwise, the decking board may sag.
- The remaining boards are installed in the same way.
Advice: The clamps must fit into the grooves of the decking board. This ensures a strong fastening, as well as the necessary gap between the boards.
- After installing all the boards, their ends are leveled and hidden with decorative caps.
- After completing the work, you need to thoroughly wash the surface of the decking board with running water.
Technology for laying decking boards: typical mistakes
In most cases, problems with decking that arise during operation are associated with errors made during its installation. Here are some of them.
- The distances between the logs are not maintained.
- The fasteners are overtightened.
- There is no or improperly arranged water drainage.
- The boards were laid without compensating gaps.
- Drainage is incorrect or lacking.
If you have not figured out how to properly lay a WPC deck board, or are not sure that you can handle this work yourself, order professional installation of the coating by specialized installation teams. Thus, certified Alta-Profile specialists have been trained by our experts and will perform all work in compliance with technological standards and manufacturer’s recommendations. Quality is guaranteed by Alta-Profile.
Operation of decking boards
The lifespan of decking primarily depends on the quality of installation. And secondly, it depends on how it is used.
In conclusion, here are some tips that will help extend the life of the decking board to 50 years or more.
- Do not allow the terrace to be flooded for more than 4 days.
- Do not use metal sponges, scrapers or spatulas for cleaning. It's better to use a regular cotton or microfiber cloth.
- Remove any defects (for example, a cigarette mark) using sandpaper.
- For washing, use running water or non-abrasive, non-acid detergents.
And a stylish and solid coating will decorate your terrace, walkway, or porch for many decades!
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 terrace boards.
Laying terrace decking
Hidden installation
The decking is installed perpendicular to the mounting joists. Instructions for laying decking boards on special clamps:
- Installation begins from any fixed structure, for example, from a wall.
- 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.
- The first board is inserted into the groove.
- A row clip is installed.
- The second board is fixed into the groove with a mallet.
- Similarly, 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 5ºС.
- 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 the 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
Today, manufacturers offer a wide range of materials used to cover garden paths. One of them is decking board, which appeared on the market relatively recently, but immediately occupied its niche. In this article we will talk about paths made from decking boards. Let's talk about the material itself, what it is, its structure and characteristics. We will definitely introduce you step by step to the technology of laying the boards.
What is a terrace board
From the name itself it becomes clear that this material is used to form floors on open terraces. But this did not stop the owners of country houses, architects and landscape designers. The material actually turned out to be so durable, wear-resistant and reliable that it began to be used almost everywhere where it was possible. Namely: covering for garden paths, courtyards, areas near swimming pools, moorings on lakes and rivers, and so on.
The reason for the appearance of the terrace board was the fragility of the floor base of open verandas and terraces, which were built from ordinary wooden boards, even additionally processed. Under the influence of natural loads, the wood quickly failed. Therefore, the developers had to look for a material that could withstand all the above-mentioned loads throughout its operation. And such material was invented. This is a composite based on sawdust and polymer.
The wood-polymer composite copes well not only with sunlight, precipitation, temperature changes and humidity, but also easily withstands quite serious mechanical loads. Therefore, garden paths made of WPC last for decades.
Now about the distinctive features of the decking board.
Usually the terrace structure is built in complex with supporting elements. And here the thickness of the floor base plays an important role. The larger it is, the greater the distance between the load-bearing beams or joists, which reduces the cost of the structure as a whole. Therefore, WPC decking boards are produced with a thickness of 50 mm. That is, the most optimal size.
Since this material is used outdoors, between its elements during installation a gap is left so that water can pass through it. Therefore, in the design of the board you will not find a tongue-and-groove connection. It only has grooves used for hidden fastening.
The boards are made on both sides longitudinal grooves 1-2 mm deep. On the front side they perform anti-slip functions. On the reverse side, they help relieve stress that appears due to changes in humidity and temperature. But there are models with a flat front side.
And one moment. This material was invented in America, and that is where it is called decking. The same name is used in Europe. It didn’t take root in Russia, but terrace board turned out to be a name close to Russians.
Grade of decking boards
Today, manufacturers offer several types of WPC material. They differ from each other in the proportions of the components introduced. It should be noted that wood flour or sawdust can be used as wood filler. If the first one is used and its volume of WPC is more than 45%, then such material cannot be classified as “moisture resistant”. Flour absorbs moisture, causing the boards to begin to swell. But there is such a variety on the market. It is cheap and best used indoors. Some designers use this type of decking boards for finishing walls and ceilings.
A composite containing sawdust is an ideal modification. It is durable, with high wear resistance characteristics. These are the boards that are used on open terraces, platforms and alleys.
Either polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene is added as a polymer. The first substance gives the boards higher technical characteristics, but the finished product also costs more. The second one is easier to produce. In terms of technical and operational qualities, it is worse than the first, but almost half the price.
Solid element made of WPC Source foamin.ru
There is one more criterion that must be taken into account when choosing a decking board for paths on the site. Is it a solid board or a hollow one. The first is more expensive, but with high strength characteristics and load-bearing capacity. It is not needed for paths in the garden. Here the second option is excellent at coping with the responsibilities.
Based on the installation method, this material is divided into suture and seamless. In the first case, metal or plastic clamps are used for fastening, in the second - self-tapping screws with a semicircular head.
When choosing WPC boards, you need to additionally pay attention to the number of ribs and wall thickness. The larger these two parameters, the stronger the product.
Wooden decking boards
It should be noted that the category of “terrace boards” includes material made from wood. Such boards are also called deck boards. They undergo special processing, so they have sufficient strength, wear resistance and moisture resistance. But it should be noted that paths made from composite boards belong to the “set and forget” category. That is, during long-term operation they will not need to be processed, repaired, replaced, and so on. This will not work with wooden boards. Every year such flooring will have to be treated with antiseptics, fire retardants, wax or other protective agent.
On our website you can get acquainted with the most . In the filters you can set the desired direction, the presence of gas, water, electricity and other communications.
True, there are wood species in the group of deck boards that feel good outdoors. Here are just three of these varieties:
Larch. A larch board that has been treated with an antiseptic does not rot or warp; it hardens when exposed to water, becoming even stronger. Over time, this tree does not lose its color and texture, is inert to salts and alkalis, and easily tolerates mechanical loads.
Exotic breeds: kempes, iroku, membau. Beautiful structure, resists water well, does not rot or warp over time.
Today on the market there are also traditional wood species, from which decking boards are made. These are ash, birch, walnut, cedar, which are subjected to temperature heating up to 100-240C. Experts call this material thermowood. After undergoing heating operations, the wood becomes strong, moisture-resistant and wear-resistant. Its color changes accordingly.
Video description
In the video, a specialist talks about WPC decking boards and what you need to pay attention to when choosing:
Technology for constructing a path from a terrace board
So, let's move on to the question of how to make paths in the country from terrace boards. Let's start with the fact that this material is laid only on the frame. That's why it needs to be built in the first place. The easiest way to do this is:
At the site of the path construction indicate its shape and size(this mainly concerns the width). The optimal width is 80-100 cm.
Every 2 m along the length, on each side of the marking dig holes 20-30 cm deep. If the alley has a curved shape, then holes are dug in places of bend or turn, regardless of the step. The holes are dug in pairs, that is, in one place on each side of the path.
There fill up the sand, which is compacted until it stops. The main task is to create a sand layer flush with the ground layer.
In each prepared hole, filled with sand, place one paving slab made from concrete mortar. Tile dimensions: 30x30x3 cm. Paired tiles are installed at the same height level.
Now form support beams, on which the terrace boards will be laid. To do this, use a beam with a cross-section of 100x100 mm, which is pre-treated with an antiseptic composition.
Please note that the beams are joined together only on concrete slabs. The connection is made with metal perforated plates and self-tapping screws. The width of the plates is 10 cm. The number of screws to be screwed in is two in each support beam.
So, the frame is assembled. All that remains is to lay the WPC coating itself. For example, assembly will be carried out using a seam method. The first board is attached to the base on one side with two self-tapping screws in each load-bearing beam. Some manufacturers offer the so-called starting fastener, which is a small clamp. On the other hand, a double-sided clamp is attached to the beams with a self-tapping screw. One end of it is inserted into the groove of the board, then tightened with a self-tapping screw, but not completely. Place the second covering element next to it, and insert the second free end of the clamp into the groove. Now the mounting screw is screwed in until it stops. And in this way the whole path is assembled.
The last stage is to cover the ends of the laid WPC boards. To do this, use a special finishing strip, which must be purchased as a component. It simply fits onto the ends of the flooring. There is no need to secure it with anything.
Subtleties of assembling decking boards
There are several nuances on which the quality of the final result depends:
Perform wood-polymer boards beyond the support beams can only be at a distance of no more than 2 cm.
Screw screws into them without pre-drilling holes are not allowed. In this case, the hole is drilled with a drill, the diameter of which should be slightly larger than the diameter of the screw used, but less than the diameter of its head.
Manufacturers offer ready-made logs made of wood-polymer composite, which are many times better than wooden beams. But they are lightweight, so you will have to think about how to attach them to the ground or paving slabs. Although for garden paths it is optimal to install a heavy wooden beam that will stand securely in one place. Moreover, connected by boards.
When bending On a garden path, the boards are laid with a large gap precisely in places where there is a large rounding, thereby creating a bend in the structure.
Types of paths from terrace boards
Garden paths made from WPC decking boards are small but varied. Above in the article we discussed the ground version, when the path is laid almost on the ground. But sometimes there is a need to raise the structure to a certain height. For this purpose, other materials of larger sizes are used. For example, instead of paving slabs, you can use concrete blocks.
There is an option with the construction of metal structures, the supports of which are buried in the ground and concreted. Such structures are quite strong and reliable. It is in them that you can use wood-polymer logs, which are screwed to metal profiles with metal screws.
Very rarely, but concrete products are used. This refers to both supports and flooring. The photo below shows just such an option.
There is another type of decking, which is called garden parquet. Essentially, these are small-sized WPC lamellas that are assembled into one panel. The latter are simply laid on a leveled surface, fastened together with special fasteners, which are an integral part of the garden parquet itself. How to do this, see below.
Video description
The video shows how a path is made from garden parquet:
Beautiful garden paths from terrace boards: photos
The ability to repel water molecules allows the use of decking boards in places with high humidity Source www.astdeking.com.ua
Video description
See the video for some more examples of wooden garden paths:
Conclusion on the topic
So, we talked about decking board paths (installation and nuances). We looked at the types of this material and drew your attention to the selection criteria. In fact, composite material is a modern approach to increase the service life of the structure and structures in which it is used. Manufacturers assure that WPC will serve faithfully for up to 50 years. And this is regardless of operating conditions.