Diy decking

Thanks to innovative technologies, today we can create an analogue of natural materials. The quality of these materials is so good that they can even replace them. For example, natural wood has long been used to decorate cottages and cottages, terraces, shipbuilding and for arranging poolside areas. But thanks to modern technology, there is material that is not inferior to him. This is a composite decking.

This modern building material is made of wood-polymer composite, which includes shredded wood and purified polymer. Decking has properties of wood and plastic. Moreover, it is not necessary to open it with varnish, paint or other means. Therefore, if you want to use this material for your terrace, then we suggest that you familiarize yourself with information on how the decking is done with your own hands.

What does a composite board consist of?

The properties of such a board are unique, as is its composition. Consider three features:

1. The main component that is part of the deck board is wood flour. It is mined by grinding fine wood in flour. This wood component is carefully ground and dried. In quality material, 80% of the composition is wood flour.
2. The second important component is thermoplastic polymer composites. Thanks to them, the surface of the board acquires its main functionality.
3. To make the functions of the tree interact perfectly with the polymers, technical modifiers are added to the composition.

Unlike wood, such a board has several advantages: it is durable, does not lose its decorative effect, color and shape under the influence of various factors. This cannot be said about wood. Moisture, wood pests, fluctuations in decking temperatures are not terrible.

Main characteristics

The terrace board gains more and more popularity with consumers. And this is not surprising, because it has several advantages:

1. Flexibility. Due to the fact that the molecules of polymer composites have a physical bond, it can disappear when heated and appear when cooled. Therefore, when you install the board, it can take any form and bend. This allows you to use decking not only for the decoration of terraces, but also for walls, ceilings, sheathing steps, protrusions. Thanks to him, you can make curved decor elements.
2. Reliability. Modifiers in the composition make the material very durable and durable. A decking floor withstands a load of 1 ton per meter. And the cold and the heat it is not terrible, since it is not damaged when cold at -500 ° C and heat up to 700 ° C.
3. Persistence Since the polymers are resistant to mechanical damage, then chipping, scratching, stains from household chemicals absolutely will not.
4. Easy care. Constantly painting the surface is not necessary. It can be cleaned with detergents using microfiber or a damp sponge.
5. Moisture resistant. Thanks to this property, it is possible to use the material for finishing of pools, baths, moorings, etc.
6. Простота установки. Installation может произвести как новичок, так и эксперт. Это под силу каждому, ввиду того что специфические инструменты и материалы не понадобятся.
7. Perfect view. The range of colors, patterns and patterns is very large, so you can express your imagination by decorating your porch the way you see it, giving it an aesthetic look.

Among the shortcomings it can be noted only that such a board will be expensive. Usually average price for 1m² ranges from 2 to 4 thousand rubles. And this is 4-6 times more expensive than regular wooden floor. But durability, functionality and other advantages mentioned above, cover such a high price.

Start of work - preparation of the foundation

To install polymer decking, you need to perform preparatory work. The main prerequisite for comfortable installation work must be a solid foundation. It is important that it be perfectly smooth and even. Wooden bars, cement screed, slab or logs can serve as the base. If the grass is actively growing at the place where future decking will be, then the soil must be treated with herbicides and covered with a special material.

In order to prevent water from accumulating on the floor and under it, the base should be made with a small bias of 1.5–2%. The bars are installed parallel to the descent, so that the water flows from the surface to the place of its discharge.

For air circulation between the boards, gaps are made, and the space under the frame is empty.

Work Tools

To make the decking you do not need special tools. Everything you need is always at your fingertips. These are the tools that are used when working with ordinary wood:

• jigsaw or saw;
• drill or screwdriver;
• Bulgarian;
• building level and tape measure.

Screws and special clips will be used as consumables. Tools are simple and specialist skills when working with them are not needed. Now consider the technology of laying decking.

Installation

If the base (frame) is made correctly, the installation will not be difficult. The main thing is to do everything correctly and slowly, following the instructions:

1. It is recommended to install the material at air temperature not less than 5 ° C. Moreover, one day prior to the work, unpack the material and let it “breathe”.
2. We proceed to install. The first board must be laid from a fixed structure. It may be a wall. The board must be fixed with screws. Maintain an angle of 45 ° to the reference lag. The last plank is done on the same principle. Holes for screws better to do in advance.
3. The next step is to fix the boards to the support lags. This is done with the help of plastic or galvanized special clips. They allow you to create the same gap along the entire length. These clips can be bought in a specialty store. Some lags even have a special recess under the clips, where they are fastened with screws. Step by step, the straps are attached to the fulcrum.
4. When the installation is completed, the ends of the terrace boards that protrude beyond the edges must be cut off.

As you can see, everything is simple. This process is somewhat similar to the installation of the wall panel, only in this case, you need to leave gaps for ventilation.

How to avoid mistakes

Such work should take into account the mistakes that make those who have not read the instructions. In order not to spoil the material, consider these points:

1. Be sure to make gaps for ventilation between the lags, as this will prolong the life of the material. And the gaps between the boards will preserve their integrity with temperature changes.
2. Do not overtighten screws or other fasteners, they will contribute to decking deformation.
3. Properly arrange the water flow.
4. Make drainage holes. They contribute to the fact that water, snow and other precipitation will not remain on the surface.

In order not to spoil the board, composite lags should serve as a support. Wood does not have such a long service life as a polymer. A concrete screed as the base will ensure the reliability and durability of the structure. If you have questions on the topic, then ask them to our site specialist. Maybe you have a desire to give additional recommendations to our readers? In this case, write comments on the article.

Video

In these videos, you will be able to visually get acquainted with the features of the installation of decking: